Sneaker Freaker

NEW BALANCE 850 X SNKRFRKR (SKIPPY)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

It's been a week of teasing here at SNKRFKR HQ. First we hit you with the oh-so-brilliant video sneak peek of our beloved 'Skippy' roaming the bush with nothing but his NB 850s on, now we can finally reveal a tasty selection of close up shots of the shoe to get you buck wild. It's been a long time in the mix, and we knew we had a lot to live up to after our shark-infested Blaze Of Glory, so keeping in line with the animalistic theme, we're hitting you with a kick based around one of our national treasures, the kangaroo. With genuine Roo leather, suede pops and tangy lemon/lime inners, the New Balance 850 has never looked so fly. Wrap it around a lightweight upper and you've got one hell of a runner! Read the full feature here...

Dropping December 5th, stay tuned for more details as they come to hand (or paw).

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REEBOK PUMP20 (NORTH AMERICA)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

It’s finally here… after months of teasers the Reebok Pump 20th anniversary collection is almost upon us, with Pump20 launch parties set to bounce their way around the globe. If you’re in North America and you want your own slice of Pump pie you’ll need to get hooked up at one of these collaborating stores: ARC, Bodega, Commonwealth, HUF, Packer Shoes, Kicks-Hi, St Alfred, Stolen Riches and Undefeated. Peep below for the complete picture of what each North American store has cooked up (shoes are in alphabetic order). If you like what you see best not dawdle - only thirty pairs of each are up for grabs!

Make sure you check out our complete Pump20 coverage!

Yo! Reebok Pump Up, Air Out!: The Greatest Story Never Told

Reebok Pump Designer - Paul Litchfield

Dee Brown - The No-Look Dunk Interview

DJ Senatore - World's Greatest Reebok Pump Collector

The Complete Pump20 Birthday Lookbook

REEBOK PUMP20 (EUROPE)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100
It’s finally here… after months of teasers the Reebok Pump twentieth anniversary collection is almost upon us, with Pump20 launch parties set to bounce their way around the globe. If you’re in Europe and you want your own slice of Pump pie you’ll need to get hooked up at one of these collaborating stores: 24 Kilates, colette, Hanon, Patta, Size? and Solebox. Peep below for the complete picture of what each store has cooked up (shoes are in alphabetic order). If you like what you see best not dawdle - only thirty pairs of each are up for grabs!
Make sure you check out our complete Pump20 coverage!
Yo! Reebok Pump Up, Air Out!: The Greatest Story Never Told
Reebok Pump Designer - Paul Litchfield
Dee Brown - The No-Look Dunk Interview
DJ Senatore - World's Greatest Reebok Pump Collector
The Complete Pump20 Birthday Lookbook

REEBOK PUMP20 (ASIA)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

It’s finally here… after months of teasers the Reebok Pump twentieth anniversary collection is almost upon us, with Pump20 launch parties set to bounce their way around the globe. If you’re in Asia and you want your own slice of Pump pie you’ll need to get hooked up at one of these collaborating stores: Atmos, Espionage, Juice and Kasina. Peep below for the complete picture of what each store has cooked up (shoes are in alphabetic order). If you like what you see best not dawdle - only thirty pairs of each are up for grabs!
Make sure you check out our complete Pump20 coverage!
Yo! Reebok Pump Up, Air Out!: The Greatest Story Never Told
Reebok Pump Designer - Paul Litchfield
Dee Brown - The No-Look Dunk Interview
DJ Senatore - World's Greatest Reebok Pump Collector
The Complete Pump20 Birthday Lookbook

ADIDAS STAN SMITH (GHOSTFACE KILLAH)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Following on from his purple Forum of earlier this year, Tony Starks returns with his very own Stan Smith. In true Iron Man style the neutral grey suede upper is ignited with a yellow lining, red midsole and matching accents. Ghostface’s G is embossed and printed below the ankle and ‘PRETTY TONEY’ is inscribed under the heel trefoil. Available now at selected adidas retailers. Pictures via Yukka and LTD. Thanks to Kix and the City for the news.

AIR JORDAN 12 (RISING SUN)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

The Air Jordan 12 is set for a comeback a month from now and this time it’s going to be an all OG affair. This particular colourway brings out the rising red Japanese sun that inspired the upper paneling. His Airness wore his 12s on the way to his fifth NBA championship. You can wear yours come December 19th. Release info via Footlocker.

NIKE TRAINER 1 MID (YU DARVISH)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

As Nike Japan prepare to launch their new Harajuku Flagship store details have began to emerge of some of the exclusive product set to drop there over the coming months. Yu Darvish is an ace baseball pitcher who plies his trade with those sluggers from Sapporo, the Nippon Ham Fighters. At the tender age of twenty-three he is ranked with Nippon Professional Baseball’s elite and is hotly tipped to be on the New York Yankee’s wish list. If you have your heart set on international sporting mega stardom then having your own Nike signature shoe probably won't hurt your chances one bit! News and images via the Nike Harajuku blog.

NIKE AIR HOOP STRUCTURE LE (AQUA VIIIs)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Whilst the Air Hoop Structure may have looked to earlier models for its billowing Jordan-like ankle wraps, the colourway for this upcoming release comes straight from the Aqua-man! With similar concorde blue and aqua streaks swirling through its heel plus an all-black nubuck upper, this hybrid hoopster just wants to be like Mike. This is one tough unit!

CONS x THRASHER COLLECTION

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

CONS aka Converse Skateboarding have dropped their first official colab collection, teaming up with none other than skate bible Thrasher for the 'Prevent This Tragedy' pack to mark the forthcoming video release of the same name. Featuring the CTS Ox and Mid, the pack features special insole graphics by Ethan Fowler with matching tees and truckers on their way soon. The Prevent This Tragedy video will be included in the February cover issue of Thrasher, due out January 12th 2010. Drop by the official site for more info.

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR (TERENCE KOH)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Full of clean lines and limited seams, the Terence Koh for Converse Chuck Taylor is minimalism at its best. As part of the ongoing 1HUND(RED) project which we have continually covered since its inception, Koh takes on a fresh approach to collaboration, stripping away at his design to create a molded piece of leather perfection. Available at Opening Ceremony from November 21st.

PRESS RELEASE
Converse announces the Terence Koh for Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Star.

Enlisted as a contributor to the 1HUND(RED) project, Koh's approach to the design of his shoe focused on subtraction. "I wanted to keep the DNA of the Chuck Taylor intact, while reducing the seams, and smoothing out the shoe's surfaces as much as possible". Terence replaced the usual curve of the ankle with a vertical construction to give the shoe a clean square look. A smoothed-out version of the signature Converse tread on the sole combines with a white on white All Star rubber license plate on the heel to round out the ultra-clean look and feel of the shoe. As a contributor to 1HUND(RED), a percentage of the net wholesale price of the shoe will go to help fight AIDS in Africa, giving consumers an opportunity to become agents of change and offering a way to turn design into power.

The Terence Koh for Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Star is available in a high-top, premium white leather version. The shoe launches globally on Saturday November 21st and will be available in the US at Opening Ceremony (www.openingceremony.com) in New York and Los Angeles and select retailers globally. Shoes will retail for $150 and will be available in sizes 7 - 13.

Opening Ceremony (www.openingceremony.com)
35 Howard Street - New York City
451 N. La Cienega Blvd. - West Hollywood

VANS CHUKKA DEL BARCO (ALMOND)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Vans keep bringing the heat with their Chukka Del Barco boat shoe, this time with a tasty almond treat that will leave you nuttin' for more. With a nice brushed suede upper finish and creme caramel finishes, you can cop these nougat nuggets from the buttery folks at Extra Butter.

NIKE AIR MAX 1 (PATTA)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

The grass is always greener over in Amsterdam, so what better way for Patta to pay homage to their roots with a ganja green Nike Air Max 1. Celebrating their fifth anniversary, the Nether-legends bang out another winner which will no doubt be snapped up before you can pack your pipe. Out now!

NIKE MATCH CLASSIC HIROSHI FUJIWARA

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

The Match Classic has seen a recent revival thanks to designer extraordinaire Hiroshi Fujiwara. This trifecta pack comes in brushed suede uppers, offset by the micro Swoosh that was popularized in the '90s yet never seemed to catch on with heads who fiended for the fattest tick. All three come in classic colourways that feature vintage foam tongue action that will keep you locked and loaded on any surface. Thanks to Freshngood.com for the images!

NEW BALANCE M996M XA (X-GIRL)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Japanese store Atmos and X-Large’s sister label X-Girl have curiously chosen a men’s New Balance 996 running shoe as the canvas for their latest joint creation. These shiny silver gender benders feature violet accents reminiscent of the Dinosaur Jr SB’s that caused a ruckus a few years back. In a year where X-Large’s little sis’ turned fifteen and NB’s 990 line turned thirty it’s only fitting that both brands should share some colab cake. Exclusive to Atmos these will be landing in Japan on Saturday November 21st.

NIKE AIR MAX I (WEST PACK)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Nike continue with their East vs West Pack, this time with two Air Max 1s that represent the West. No doubt heads will go bananas over the white/red/black gum soled AM1, but it's the subtle tonal tar/blue version that has us on lock. Brushed suedes married with a bounty of mesh you can cop both these now at Schuh-You.

DC - WINGS AND STONES PACK

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

DC join the ranks of trad-sports brands steering away from athletic/performance/skate and into the world of fashion with their Wings And Stones pack. So named because of the wing-tip inspired brogue pattern on the upper of both the Admiral and Sector 7, both shoes are double-dipped in a cement colourway and given a brushed suede once-over. Available from all good DC retailers.

PRESS RELEASE
Done up with a classic wing tip toe for a touch of luxury, introducing the Sector 7 WT and Admiral WT of the Holiday 2009 DC LIFE Collection. Built on DC's slim and comfortable dress sneaker outsole, filling the uppers are premium leathers and construction, a trademark of DC. The incorporation of cement and concrete colors, a staple element in skateboarding, runs as a key design thematic, and the honed stone effect on the collar and straps represent what ledges look like after they've been grinded. A unique double ankle strap-a first for DC-adds flare and class for days on the high top Admiral WT

NIKE AIR MAX 90 CURRENT PREMIUM (BEN DRURY)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Not long ago we saw renowned UK artist Ben Drury team up with grime merchant Dizeze Rascal for the plump pink Tongue and Cheek Air Max 90s. At the time Drury hinted that it was part of a double shot, with his own more rugged Air Max project bubbling in the works. Finally the covers have come off to reveal a heavy duty pavement pusher that features hiking boot rope laces and matching metal eyelets. The perforated leather, suede and mesh upper is topped off with embossed heels and special tongue tags that read ‘TRUST ME’ on the right pair and LONDON’ on the left. Available now at Nike Sportswear's 21 Mercer St. Thanks to Freshness for the news.

NIKE ZOOM KOBE V (CHAOS)

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

The tip-off of a new season brings with it a slew of new signature models. Top of the heap this year is the new Kobe V, a low-cut lightweight that’s inherited most of its good looks from the hugely popular Kobe IV. With a lurid lime sole, red splatter accents and purple foil upper this is a fresh take on the Kobe IV Chaos colourway from earlier this year, which was apparently inspired by Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight. Don't expect these in your Santa stocking this year as they won't be hitting shelves until December 26th. Thanks to Footlocker for the news.

EMERICA - GOLD PACK

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

The Emerica team has been working themselves into a lather to knock out the new video Stay Gold. To continue the DIY theme for the vid, Emerica created a Stay Gold Pack which features psychedelic colours and patterns on canvas uppers and spray painted soles. Created specifically for three of the team's raddest skaters, you can read more about each shoe below in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE
Reynolds Cruisers - Andrew Reynolds wanted some ultra-slim, low profile boat shoes to skate and chill in, and the Cruisers are the result. The clean, simple exterior hides a high-tech, super protective STI Foam full-length System G2 footbed inside a vulcanized outsole. And the classic '70s logo on the tongue wraps it all up.

Francis Lo - An Emerica team favorite, the Francis Lo is a thinned-out, ’80s-inspired shoe with a an overall build that’s fully ready for shredding.

Laced - Emerica team rider-inspired and desired, the Laced is a nice-priced, super-thin skate chiller that is, despite its name, meant to be worn without laces…just like Andrew runs ’em. Don’t worry, a special hidden elastic band will keep these pups snug. But, we’ll throw a set of laces in the box in case you want to tie up anyway.

NIKE X SBTG (LAST OF THE VARSITY BONES)

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1100

Following the successful launch of the Blue Devil (Away Edition) and the Sable AF1 at KICKS LAB VOL. 04, two new designs will now be available via www.royalefam.com in a special release. The latest Black Mamba and Sable AF1 complete the Varsity Bones collection, which has been SBTG's ongoing celebration of the timeless Nike Dunk.

PRESS RELEASE

BLACK MAMBA
The Black Mamba is a continuation of the special edition one-off custom sneaker, the Black Mamba Dunk Hi, made for Kobe Bryant and presented to the Most Valued Player himself by SBTG. The Black Mamba Nike Dunk Low honors Kobe Bryant's current team, the Los Angeles Lakers, with its purple and black colorway, with leopard prints on the rear.
Sporting the number 24 and the letters MVP, the Black Mamba is a tribute to Kobe Bryant, who made headlines when he decided to join the NBA right after graduating from high school. This pair of Nike Dunks celebrate the success of Kobe Bryant's career as a sports superstar with a career high of 81 points in 2006.
SABLE AF1
The Sable Air Force 1 was produced specially for the KICKS LAB event in Tokyo, as a throwback to the SBTG Nike SB Dunk produced in 2006. The SBTG Nike SB Dunk was launched to overwhelming response from sneaker enthusiasts and collectors, and it is still highly sought after today. Just like the Sable Air Force 1 that was launched at KICKS LAB VOL. 04 in Tokyo, this online release celebrates the cult status of the SBTG Nike SB Dunk. It sports the same distinct olive green leaf camo with red highlights, and features a blue leopard swoosh. This pair goes out for the fans and supporters out there, the people who love their kicks as much as we do at Royalefam.