About two months ago a friend of mine sent me this image for the Nike iD Flyknit. At first, I told him it was most likely fake. We went through some lengthy discussion about why I thought so. Both of us agreed on some points and others not so much. Afterwards, I put some more thought into it and decided to do some digging because it all started to make sense and eventually, come together. If you think about it, Nike iD has been home to many Nike silhouettes we would have never seen years ago. Like key name basketball shoes Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, etc. Nike even released a few models on Nike iD before they hit retailers for consumers to buy. To my surprise, I even came across these Nike iD for toddlers while I was at the studio designing my Roshe Runs. Whats next? iD’s for dogs. Crazy right? Well, not so much. Why wouldn’t Nike put up their latest technology and popular shoe that’s doing very well for them. Just like The Roshe Run iD it makes sense for Nike to churn out this models because Nike iD has become a huge hub for fans, corporate iD parties, families and school sports teams. Every year it gets bigger and bigger. They also started an official Tumblr where you can submit your own Nike iD photos to display…

So the big question is if this image is real or fake. That’s something I can’t tell you, but the fonts do look legit and the racer is a Flyknit. Than again, many people out there can put this together easily in Photoshop. The one major doubt I have is why the racer? Why not the Flyknit Trainer + or One ? It’s odd to me that Nike would use the racer as the silhouette to iD, but we’ve seen odder things from Nike in the past. Like taking 3 years to put OG mesh as an option on the Air Max 90 iD. Anway, enough of my blabbering. Your here to find out if I have any solid enough about this being fact of fiction. Before I give that answer up, lets talk about what type of options you’ll get. As for the mid-sole I think there will only be a white and black option with being able to color the tubing between the Flyknit upper and mid-sole or maybe the tubing will be colorized when you pick one of the silhouettes upper. As for the upper, I have a feeling it’s going to be very similar to what the AM1 and AM90 HyperFusion iD’s were. Those builders were very limited in letting you create a color-way. You could only pick two parts of the upper to use if I recall correctly. This means that if it’s the same scenario for the Flyknit, you can expect it to look like what you see on store shelves. I doubt you’ll be able to use multiple hues on the upper. For example, something like a rainbow color-way. If anything, it’ ll let you use 3 colors max. 2 parts upper and 1 part swoosh.

I want to point out that the above is just an assumption of what I personally think the iD will consist off. Going by the technology and what color-ways we’ve seen so far, that’s what makes sense to me. Now lets get to the point about why I waited almost 2 months to write about this. If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I will not post anything unless I have solid info. So it’s safe to say that I do because here I am writing this blog post. Come summer (June 2013) you can expect to see the Nike iD Flyknit hit the builder. The price point from what I was told will be around $200-220 but that’s tentative because shit happens and things do change according to whatever Nike wants to do. So there you have it and you know where you heard it first. Who’s excited?

The info is pretty solid and I trust my sources because they’ve only let me down once and I hope this is not the second time, but please read below…

READ->*Nike has the right to change anything here. The news I’m provided comes with dates, but obviously it’s so early that Nike could change them. They do it all the time, so don’t be surprised if it does happen or if Nike decides to take away some options/shoes. Everything here could be subject to change.

The Nike iD that dawns the color-way I designed with NIke iD through a video chat has finally arrived. I’ll be out this weekend shooting them in the place where I got the inspiration from. This was a lot of fun to do and the colors will not be as obvious as you may think. For now, here’s the photo I posted on my Instagram…

After some unforeseen troubles with the Saucony collaboration, Footpatrol moves forward with their next calendar collab release for 2013. Working with Le Coq Sportif Eclat for a second time, TeamFB draws inspiration from the very popular desert, Macaron. They focused on three specific colors from the meringue-based confection to create the eye pleasing make-up you see above. Just like the premium and elegant Macaron, this edition of the Eclat is dressed in lush pigskin suede embodied by a perforated toe box top, tongue and side paneling. Smooth satin accompanies the pigskin for the ankle lining and you’ ll see hints of gold and black throughout the silhouette with some 3M placement on the shoe; Even the laces get laced with an accent. To top off the make-up a soft and comfy gum-out-sole completes this catchy color-way that makes the Eclat look absolutely stunning. This one will be a definite must have shoe release for 2013, and without a doubt, one of the better collaborations for 2013 in my book. Unfortunately, we only get one photo to tell the story for the inspiration, but honestly, this photo says it all. Well done Footpartol, well done. More info in the coming days as the launch of the shoe will be June 1st, 2013.

What do you think about them? On your feet or Not? by clicking on the STAR voting system above the post.

Photography By Angel Gonzalez/Vagrant Sneaker ©2013

After a month of waiting for my Nike Roshe Run iD’s, I can finally share 1 of 2 color-way designs I put together. Before I talk about the design inspiration, I have to say that the quality of the product is as good as I would have hoped it to be. Just good Ol’ Roshe in it’s pure form of mesh and foam. True Roshe Run fans wouldn’t want it it any other way. It’s one of the reasons this shoe is so popular and has spawned consumers everywhere. Right down to brothers, sisters and even mom and pops. To add more fuel to that fire, Nike came out with the Nike iD version of the shoe that has seen a lot of love from many fans. Including two orders from me…

This Roshe Run color-way design drew it’s inspiration from a pair of camouflage pants I own. By combining legion green with volt I was able to mimic what I saw in those pants. To make the shoe pop more in the back, I added a black toe. This would draw your attention to that volt pop more. Instead of using the white sail mid-sole which doesn’t look white but more of a slight off white, I chose to go with the neutral grey mid-sole to keep it cleaner. I felt the white sail midsole would have looked off because I didn’t like the way it looked against the black mesh. However, if I would’ ve gone with a full legion green upper instead of the black toe, the white sail would have been a nicer touch. I say this because they did have a sample at the Nike iD studio with legion green suede and and a white sail mid-sole that looked good combined. Maybe it’s something I will revisit if I decide to make a suede pair with this legion green hue because I really like the way it looks. It’s very different from the iguana hue which is a bit lighter then this. Also note that the volt in these photos look more yellow then the electric green hue and it’s a bit toned down on purpose from the actual color. In the flesh, its just as bright as you would expect volt to be. I added black laces to break up the legion green on the tongue lace tab to keep the black and green combo going ( My second choice of laces that came in were in the legion green). I also wanted to keep the volt on the swoosh only and the inside ankle liner. The idea is to make it seem as it’s protruding out because it’ s part of that inside color. The bases of an illusion you can say. As for keeping the back tab legion green, I wanted that area to be clean and not take away from the focus points of the volt. Instead, I kept it green as to give off the ‘illusion’ again of it coming out to the front tongue lace tab. I did try to make it volt, but it didn’t look right and threw off the design. As for the name, I came up with it on the spot at Nike iD (shrugs shoulders).

Overall, I’m more than happy with the turnout of this pair of Nike iD’s. My expectations on the quality is good so far when it comes to not being riddled with glue stains, having a crooked upper, bad stitching, having an off centered swoosh and tongue tag, and most importantly, shape. These are the ‘standards’ that I look for in my customs from all brands and I have to say that I couldn’t find anything wrong with them. But, we’ll have to see what the future holds with this pair when it comes to wearability. The one thing I will be paying very close attention to is the chipping of the mid-sole paint. This is something Nike has been knowing for in the last few years with new and retro models they’ve released. Nike iD not being an exception because some of my Nike AM1 iD’s from 2009 -2010 have been chipping in the mid-sole area. I wish they would just use better quality paint because Nike iD is not cheap and I would expect my investments to last and not crumble within a few months of purchase and only a few times of being out on the concrete.

For those still on the fence, I highly recommend this product. If you’re a fan of Roshe Run, than save some extra cash so you can design your own 1 of 1 color-way. Maybe none of the current palette colors don’t intrigue you now, but I’m sure Nike has some nice hues lined up including a slew of material options coming in the near future. Until then, keep the shoes on your feet. Enjoy the photos, the gif and I’ll have the second pair up very soon….

Click any image below to view in gallery

Click any image below to view in gallery

Solebox is back with their next collaboration for 2013 and it’s an interesting one to say the least. As part of the Reebok Classic Leather 30th anniversary Solebox was one of the few chosen to participate in the history making; We seen a few of these collabs throughout 2013 and so far they’ve all been real good. To add to that history, Solebox took the Reebok Classic and added their own touch of history. They designed the color-way of the shoe with their trademark color-blocking. For those in the dark that have no clue what I’m talking about, Solebox were the creators of the colored toe and dark upper design. A color blocking we see many brands and shoe customizers copy and use today. So what better way to make a statement and also take inspiration from a bird called the Sturnella Militaris to create a great looking shoe. One made from premium materials that include leather, suede, oiled nubuck and 3M reflective…

As you can see above, the simple color blocking really makes this shoe stand out with that pop of red and overlaying black. To add a nice separation in the back of the shoe, a touch of reflective material is added to break up the monotony. There’s really nothing more to say about this great looking make-up and color blocking that just doesn’t get old.. Again, Solebox comes through with another must have that many fans will be camping out for and hoping to get their hands on. Note that that there’re only 100 pairs that will be available at the Solebox retail store first on the 25th of MAY. After that, it will hopefully make it’s way online that day, but don’t hope so hard because it’s not confirmed. I would also expect these to show up at other retailers through out respectively. A classic shoe made-up classic again by Solebox. Good luck!

Photography By Angel Gonzalez/Vagrant Sneaker ©2013

A few days ago I posted a video from new brand Braggadocios and their first product release, the above ‘Homme’ cap. For those wanting a better view of the quality cap you can now see a bunch of photos in this post,  as well as being able to make a purchase of the hat at the newly launched site right now. Head over to braggadociousny.com now if interested in picking up 1 of only 40 limited ‘Homme’ snapbacks…

Click any image below to view in gallery

Coming from the streets of New York City, up and coming brand Braggadocios hits the menswear scene with their first product. A clean black snapback with the French word “HOMME” finely stitched in white raised 3D embroidery. But, what sets this hat apart from the pack is an interesting detail in the form of a zipper that resides in the back of the cap. It comes from the company LAMPO which supplies to other high fashion brands like Prada, Chanel, Gucci Celine, etc. For me, it’s something new and different that needs to be seen to understand…

Stay tuned for the release INFO…  

April 15th 2013 has forever been embedded in our heads as the day of the tragic Boston Marathon bombing. To pay tribute to the city and honor those caught in the chaotic event, Boston Magazine hired Mitch Feinberg to create the photograph above. Yes, those are the shoes in the heart shape that belonged to some of the people that ran the traditional yearly (117th) event when the bombing occurred. The magazine reached out to the runners and asked if they could donate their shoes to tell the story for the cover above and consequently, the back of the magazine. Receiving about 120 pairs in total, the project for this important photograph began…

You can read about how Mitch created both masterpieces at American Photo Mag. The interview reveals how he went about the creation process in such a short time and what he had to do to fill in the corners because he didn’t have enough shoes to fill the frame. You will also find out why he chose to put the Vibram toe shoes on the top center of the heart. Once you are done there, head over to Boston Magazine to read real accounts from some of the runners that experienced this haphazard event and see the shoes they wore to run in that day.

Jeannie Hannigan

23, Allston

What makes everything so heartbreaking is that it’s such a happy day. It’s like 26.2 miles of the best people-watching ever. There are hilarious signs, people cheering for you like you’re a rock star, music. There’s such a sense of community. I made it all the way to Kenmore Square and my friend Louie came to run the last mile with me. I could see it—I knew it was so close. Louie told me he’d just heard that two bombs went off. “Your sense of humor sucks,” I said. But he wasn’t joking. Louie and I walked together out of the Back Bay, and through the Fenway. Our friend Jamie always gives Louie crap for wearing long-sleeve shirts under short-sleeve shirts. I was freezing in a tank top and Louie was wearing, obviously, a short-sleeve shirt over a long-sleeve shirt. He literally gave me the shirt off his back—it saved my life a little bit

Like most that saw this event through TV and social media, I’m more than shocked to say the least. It’s scary to know that this country is silently at war 24/7 and that events like this can happen anywhere. Boston would have been the last place on anyones mind for something like this to occur. But it happened and now it’s a memory and emotion we all share. So, when you see a magazine put this together in such a short notice and even boot their AD sponsor from the back of the magazine to replace it with the second image, you know this was a moment that had to have an immediate commendation. My heart and prayers go out to all Bostonians. Stay strong and finish the race.

Andrea Hadfield

30, South Boston

I told all my friends and my family to go to the finish line, that’s the best place to go. There is just a roar of emotion. It’s the best feeling, it’s a charge. After the explosions, I was so upset not being able to reach anyone because I led all these people to—maybe—their death. It was the worst feeling. It was heartbreaking for everyone. In the days after, I have never felt so proud to be from Boston. Sometimes I freak out about street cleaning and car towing. And don’t get me started on the MBTA. But hearing that people ran to Mass General and to area hospitals to give blood after finishing the marathon—I think it’s amazing. I wish I had the presence of mind to do the same.

If you’ve been following the SDMR Podcast, then you have heard this episode already. For those that haven’t, you are in for a treat if you’re a fan of New Balance. In this episode of SDMR (Sneaker Design, Media, and Retail) you get to hear from your host Jacques Slade aka KUSTOO, with partners Brett Golliff, and Clyde Edwards talk about New Balance. It’s a great podcast with loads of information for old and new NB fans. Hear about NB’s beginnings, shoe models, trends, and current progress. It’s informative and will definitely teach you a lot about the Boston company. You can listen to the episode in its entirety at the site or subscribe to it on iTunes to listen to on the go. Nice job guys and thanks to Cylde for the shout out.

ENJOY!

SDMR Talks New Balance

Back in February, I announced that I was working on a photo campaign for New Balance. The project consists of 30 shoes from multiple collections for Fall 2013. I’m thrilled to announce that they are done and have been sent to New Balance for release. You can expect the photos to start popping up something in July from what I was last told. For those asking about the New Balance Excellent Makers video featuring yours truly, that should be out around the same time as the photos. I look forward to hearing feedback, negative and positive, on what you see and hope you enjoy the photos as much as you will enjoy the shoes themselves. to ti ên einai

NO. I’m not gonna sneak any photos in the post.