Never ones to shy away from a theme, Sneaker Freaker Magazine have been giving their shoes nicknames before anyone knew Ronnie Fieg as anything but the dorky kid working for David Z. To kick off 2013 (I’m not counting the Tassie Devil because they were a 2012 shoe pushed back) they’ve worked with Le Coq Sportif. This is a brand that until now has remained fairly under-the-radar, however because of this shoe and the impending Footpatrol Eclat v2 (of which I will do unspeakable things to obtain) it’s about to make an Asics-style explosion into twitter feeds and instagram accounts the world over.

Anyway I digress. SF’s efforts were intended to be an “OG that never was” and for the most part I think they’ve nailed it. Long has LCS had a history of unusual, effeminate colourways for their runners and the “Summer Bay” Flash has plenty of those cues. The subtle mesh hues, the pastel nubucks and that fantastic use of a grey sole and laces make this (in my view) one of SF’s strongest efforts since the Lacoste Missouri and Puma Blaze Of Glory.

- t, due for July release full details and pics here

 
I’m not gonna lie, at one point in time I was obsessed with Puma. This was a long time ago however and things have changed a lot since then. For starters I’m no longer tricking myself into thinking that size 9 Clydes and Suedes will fit, and I’m not even for a second going to defend the comfort levels of a 40 year old shoe. The leaping cat will always have a soft spot in my heart though, and for years I moaned about the fantastic 90s back-catalogue that Puma was neglecting whilst the whole world was freaking over simpler silhouettes. Fast forward to 2013 and everyone’s into retro runner, low and behold Puma’s decided to re-release the Trinomic XT1! Aside from the odd Disc Blaze or Blaze of Glory (which I still argue is a new-school hybrid creation akin to a ZX750) there hasn’t been much from this period of Puma to enjoy.

This one’s a winner and it should be releasing in the not-too-distant future. Well done Puma, here’s to more great 90s runners getting a chance!

- t, Pics nicked from sneakersaddict.

Since first popping up on the blogosphere years ago, the collaboration of Missoni and Converse has been an intriguing project both in concept and execution. Taking the iconic fabrics of the family owned dynasty, Converse’s First String division worked with the Italians to create a project that best represented their work. Whilst the two have released some Chuck Taylors previously it’s the Auckland Racer that has always been the star (unintentional pun there).

Last year’s effort was strong, with the dark fabric chosen relying much more on details in the texture to do the talking but if I’m honest they were a bit underwhelming. I’m always of the opinion that if you’re doing something crazy you need to go all out and finally after all this time these louder variants are hitting accounts this week. Offering a multi-colour and monochrome choice of pattern they don’t make any reservations when it comes to the loud factor. The colourful pair remind me a bit of Mexican Serapes whilst the more ‘subdued’ version has a bit of a snakeskin vibe. I personally think they’re both fantastic and they shall be mine! For others that are keen Up There will be releasing them this coming Friday the 29th online and in-store on the 30th.

- t, just found out these will also be available in Brisbane through Apartment!

Another Nike post from me, something I didn’t think I’d be saying just a few short years ago! This time the interesting new shoe coming out of Oregon is from their hugely successful Free range. The Trainer has always been beloved by buff dudes and mums alike, offering an array of neon colour options and comfort that spans from sidewalk to gym. All hate aside, the Free Run+ 2 has been by far the best shoe from the range in a long while (the 3rd iteration suffered a similar fate to the Lunaracer+ 2) and there’s a reason why just about everyone on the planet is wearing them.

This new 5.0 variant takes on a much more organic appearance than previous generations with some sweet woven action going on throughout the saddle. Turns out they’re inspired by Chinese finger traps and how they change properties when under stress. This video does a better job explaining it all. As you can see, the lead colourway consists of a blue/volt mix to show off the woven features but the pure platinum I showed above with the icy blue sole is much more promising. I think the cutouts around the toe are best as an added dimension, adding a strong colour contrast puts them a bit over the top. The giant Swoosh is a bit unnerving but in person that mightn’t be too much of an issue. Chances are this will hit iD at some point and the potential for a low key grey/charcoal makeup is pretty fantastic.

- t, These will hit stores worldwide on April 1st (no foolin’) and I’d give these a decent bit of consideration.

I’m liking this era or running shoe one-upmanship we’re currently experiencing. I mean obviously it’s been going on forever but it seems that Nike’s recently successes have spurred a reaction from at least adidas. New Balance seems not to care, in stead just doing their own thing cranking out quietly achieving shoes as well as stupidly expensive flagship models and some of the best retro’s.

Adidas has been doing well on the reissue front, showing up Nike at pretty much ever turn, their Consortium range is in full flight and basically they’re on fire. In the hi-tech world though the Swoosh is running circles around the three stripes (the PrimeKnit fiasco can’t have helped). Adidas is set to change the world of running forever if you believe the self-created hype with their “Boost” technology…

- t, Click for ramblings…

Since it’s inception in 2012; Nike’s Flyknit technology has been changing the way we think about our sneakers. From a performance standpoint, the knitted upper brings new standards of fit, support, breathability and comfort. Over the last year or so the Flyknit Trainer and Racer have been adopted by hardcore runners and the streetwear community alike.

In the time passed since it’s low-key release and subsequent hype it’s been applauded by just about everyone. Whilst I can’t vouch for it’s performance from a serious athletic perspective, in the leisurely realm they shine strongly albeit not the most comfortable shoe due to the Zoom sole unit. Fast forward a year and in comes the Flyknit Lunar 1+, a combination of what one could argue are the two biggest leaps forward in running technology in the last decade. Fusing the Lunarglide+ 4 sole unit (albeit in a softer guise) to the Flyknit Trainer’s upper is a match made in heaven right? Well until now I’ve only been able to speculate but since Nike was kind enough to send me a pair to give a test run I can now come at this shoe with an educated opinion…

-t, Keep on reading…

Well as the year comes to a close the gift giving season is upon us and it’s time to beg for freebies. In a weird turn of events I’ve actually manned up and purchased a fair chunk of the goods listed for this Top Ten… weird huh? I suppose it’s testament to how good this list of ten really is for the end of year… Or at least how affordable it is. Don’t fret though, there’s still heaps of stuff to choose from to give me!

- t, What were you doing at 12:12 today? I wasn’t writing what you’re about to read that’s for sure…

So the boys at Up There have been busy with new stock, which is awesome because it’s all pretty great. First off their full range of Losers footwear is now online for you to peruse, my favourite from this bunch is the Red Shark Camo Uneaker. Secondly is the newest additions to the Noir summer line consisting of the Blazer 001 and… wait for it… Stone washed jeans!!! It’s pretty awesome to think that my favourite jeans are now available with early 90s flair. Teamed with the teal blazer, the Jean 001 in stone wash is going to be one hell of an awesome look… It’s going to take a serious flat top to really do it justice though. You can see the triple threat of blazer colours and both cuts of jeans stonewashed on the Up There online store now.

- t, now where’s Santa…