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.

- T, another year another great show, big ups to the Acclaim team.

Man this dude Taku has gone from strength to strength the last couple of years, now he is hooked up with Sydney crew Well Dressed Vandals and New Era.

- T, personal thank you to Ta-Ku for letting me use his work in some of the videos I posted in the past.

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!

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,

I wont go into too much detail simply because you’re but a few keystrokes away from reading all the press releases you’d ever need and frankly I’m not into cut & paste blogging. The long and short of it though means there’s some sweet flubber-eque technology going on under foot and it has me intrigued. Unfortunately I haven’t had them in my hands or on-foot (ahem!) so can’t really give you an impression on what it feels like.

The shoe itself that this tech debuts isn’t anything overly special looking. The colourways are fairly subdued, although I wish other companies would quit with the fluorescent green as it’s quite apparently Nike’s “Volt” is their signature hue right now. I’d love to see some adidas blue adorn the uppers with white or yellow accents. The obvious concern is the banana shape of the toe, however I can’t help but thing it adds a purposeful look to the shoe and once your foot’s in there it’ll sort itself out.

All in all, once again I’m interested in an alternative to the same stuff everyone’s mothers is wearing but I’m a bit skeptical until I try them on. I’m not sure on when these drop in Australia as adidas aren’t replying to any contact I’ve made but I do know they release on the 27th in the USA and Europe including SNS where these images were nicked from.

That’s a whole lot of names for the title of a blog post, let alone a collaboration. This isn’t some sort of Japanese crossover where 6 different brands are involved in creating a single shoe that in actual fact was made by the dude who does just about every thing you wear though. Instead this is a good ol’ fashioned partnership that just happens to be between two similarly named duo’s.

Lyn & Tony are a couple of Aussies who seem to have gotten sick of just making nifty bits of jewellery and instead decided to give menswear a bit of a crack. Rather than simply grabbing the nearest Polo button up and sending it over to Bangladesh though, they’ve done it their own way. In stead it’s all made in Australia from Italian fabrics featuring a print by Craig & Karl. I’m not going to lie here, I had no idea who those two chaps are but upon researching them it’s pretty obvious I’m familiar with their work; most notably the Darcel Disappoints series. If you haven’t been living under a tumblr-rock for the last 2 years you’ll recognise it as well.

The print itself reminds me of a shirt Mishka did not long ago that featured the sights of New York all arranged in a pattern. For this collection though the print is applied to longsleeve shirts, scarves and ties. It works particularly well when teamed up in contrasting tie/shirt combinations. They’re all confined to a limited run of 50 per each item, which means the likelyhood of seeing another person wearing the same shirt as you is pretty low… Unless your best mate gets one too, then it’s highly likely.

- t, More information there, buy it here

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…

Aesthetically it’s not too different from the Trainer at first glance aside from the obvious sole change. However for the trainspotter the differences are vast. The toe shape takes a wider more forgiving radius from above, something that plagues the Trainer (and mores the Racer) with width issues for myself. There’s also a bit more fabric around the collar, although the released version (and the Trainer “v.2) come with a more traditional padding. I’ve also managed to get a pair with the normal Nike style laces although I’ve been seeing the majority of images sporting a more synthetic looking lace. The other main difference is in profile, with the Lunar equipped shoe seeming a little flatter and relaxed, I can’t figure out whether it’s the sole’s wavy pattern doing some sort of optical illusion or if indeed something has changed.

For those who aren’t keen on the colourway seen here which so happens to be the “lead” colour there’s about 50 other variants coming this year; including stuff that’s both ruder, more muted and everywhere in between. Over the time of wearing this Squadron Blue/Pink Flash colourway I’ve gotten numerous people commenting on them, most of which has been positive. I wouldn’t say this is a colour I’d choose myself, but sometimes it’s good to push yourself. One of the cool aspects to the knitted upper is the ability to work two colours into weave. The most dramatic use of this so far has been the HTM releases with their almost heather look, on this pair it’s more subtle with a mid grey woven in evenly amongst the blue giving it a bit more depth.

In more muted tones this would make a great everyday shoe, whilst the brighter hues are better if you’re wanting to make sure everyone knows you’re ready to run a marathon if it’s deemed necessary. We all like a rude shoe now and then though so it’s good all the bases will be covered.

 For hardcore sneaker nerds the comfort of a shoe plays second fiddle to aesthetics. I can attest to this after years of wearing Puma Clydes in a size smaller than I needed simply because it “looks so much better”. Fast forward a few years, add a bit of age and (dare I say) wisdom mean comfort is playing more of a role in my footwear decision than before. That being said I’m still keen to get down with a blister or two if it means I’ve got something that brings a smile to my face on my feet. Enter the Flyknit Lunar 1+, where I was a bit worried at first…

The Trainer has treated my feet fairly well over the wearing period, no real blisters although I have felt them to be a bit narrow. Pulling the Flyknit version out of the box and seeing they looked more roomy I was stoked. Once on my feet I was surprised that they’re actually tighter than the Trainer at least initially. After wearing them for a few days I was freaking out as I had developed quite considerable blisters on my heels and I found my big toe going numb… Then the rain started and didn’t stop for a week. At this point I was pretty much ready to write these off as a complete waste of time and money. That may have been the blisters speaking, but c’mon they’re supposed to be comfortable! Also for the record, these are on-par with the Trainer in regards to wet weather perfomance; that is to say they’re both useless.

Fast forward through 5 days of torrential rain, threat of flooding and I had an epiphany. I was approaching this shoe wrong from the beginning. Being the serial sneaker collector/geek I am my natural tendency is to lace my shoes on the loose side, because shoes don’t look good strangled. Obviously the fact that I wear shoes that are a good few decades old also hasn’t helped when I realised that those whole Dynamic Flywire fanciness stitched into the uppers is actually there for a reason. Once I pulled the laces a bit tighter (note to Nike, the laces on this shoe are a bit long I reckon, you can have that one for free) the whole shoe took a big breath in and grabbed my foot. On most shoes this would result in some weird corset-like feelings, the Flyknit just wraps you up in the spots you need it and gives you some space in others. Hazzah! Needless to say the blisters are now gone and the whole shoe has softened up to make for one hell of a comfy ride thanks to that squishy Lunar goodness. The fact that the released version does get a regular padded collar lining means that you out there wont have to suffer for your profession like myself… You’re welcome.

One other thing I found whilst using these to ride is that with the people cages I use (because I ride BMX ’cause they’re awesome) the grip is fantastic. Unfortunately I found post-ride this was due to the fact the pins had actually dug their way into the sole’s foam, one of the pitfalls of taking most of the rubber away to save weight it seems. So there’s another lesson, don’t use these to run over beds of nails or other sharp obstacles. Maybe use a cross trainer for that.

After living with a pair of Flyknit Lunar1′s for a few weeks consecutively (much longer than I usually wear a single shoe) I can say that I’m pretty much sold on them. The fit’s great, the comfort is fantastic and best of all is they’re bloody fantastic to look at. This shoe is a pretty big deal for Nike and you can tell. They’re never one to shy away from a marketing campaign but so far the Flyknit movement has been one that has spanned across just about every continent, industry and subculture; that’s no accident. I still prefer the Trainer for looks, the Zoom sole has a better profile and the whole shoe seems much sharper. That being said each shoe serves a different purpose and for that reason you’ll still be able to buy new colourways of the Trainer once the Lunar1+ goes on sale, same goes for the Racer. I’ll still buy the Trainer, there’s some great colourways slated for the rest of the year, but I’ll be getting into the Lunar soled version as well because for everyday wear you can’t beat them. These drop next month locally and they’re be around the $220 mark I believe, get saving!

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,

1. Urchin “Reaper” T-Shirt - $30

Urchin is an Aussie design firm that plays host to some very talented artists. They’ve worked with some big clients and made some awesome stuff. In their off time the guys also seem to enjoy making some insanely grim tees like this Reaper goodie which is one of the mostly simplistically evil images I’ve seen on a tee in ages. Having fronted the stupidly cheap price and held it in my hands I can say this print is no less imposing in the real.

2. FUCT x Ebbets Field Flannel Caps - $65

FUCT and Ebbets… Probably not the most obvious combination when you think of it initially but when you consider the SSDD line then the old world quality and attention to detail that Ebbets strive for is a perfect match for the streetwear OGs. Done up in a simple natural white (it’s a very slight bone in the flesh) and black with a felt F up front, it’s simple and straight to the point. Best worn with the Friends You Can’t Trust jersey from last season… Which I haven’t done yet but when the weather’s right I’m so down for it. I think I’ll need one of their undershirts to complete the awesomeness though. I nearly grabbed this jacket as well, but the huge image of satan licking out a blonde doesn’t really scream subtlety… Although I do have this shirt (in tie-dye) which is the most awesome shirt possibly ever created.

3. Solebox x adidas Torsion Allegra S – $170

Hikmet knows… Let’s just get that out of the way. When we’re talking about colouring up a shoe in a unique, wearable but recognisable way there’s not many that can really compare to Berlin’s finest. The Torsion Allegra is an attractive shoe, to me it combines the best parts of the adidas running catalogue, slims it down and adds the ever important sock constructing that almost guarantees any shoe to be other worldly comfortable. The colourway is apparently reflective of the olympic rings but who really cares? It’s a bit reminiscent of Sneaker Freaker’s Puma duo, but at the same time it’s also very similar to the EQT and New Balance efforts from Solebox. Releasing alongside and equally as fantastic Consortium colourway this Saturday (December 17) I’ll do my best to have both colourways ready for the new year. There’s also some very strong inline versions set for next year.

4. Boneshaker x FLY53 “Bonewolf” T-Shirt – $40

I’m not going to pretend I had any idea who Boneshaker or FLY53 were before coming across this shirt by clicking a slightly blurry picture I saw on a blog, but I’m happy to know now. This tee is actually part of a much larger range of tees featuring equally as strong graphics however this is still my pick of the bunch. This tee and two others are currently waiting in the UK to be dispatched for delivery and I’m quite stoked. Came very close to grabbing one of the FLY53 skulls but thought better of it given the holiday season upcoming.

5. New Balance 996GL - $230

The New Balance 996 is one of my most beloved models from the big N. Infact the whole 990-997 series are some of the greatest shoes ever produced in opinion, and none look better than in their original grey suede makeups. The 996GL takes the original colours and changes it up a bit by incorperating a bit of charcoal nubuck and a darker mesh, something that means f*ck all to most of the people out there. To someone like me though it means a completely new shoe! These are fantastic, made in the USA and $230 from Up There, although I’m pretty sure Laced will be getting their stock soon for Brisbane folks.

6. adidas Primeknit Olympics – $195

Flyknit, Flyknit, Flyknit. It’s all I’ve been hearing for a while now and frankly… well… I’ve been guilty of the same! The 3D knitting technology on footwear is awesome, I can’t say enough about Nike’s take on it and the Lunar soled version next year are going to be up the top of my wish list. adidas have their own version, which up until just recently was actually unlawful thanks to Nike claiming the Germans stole their idea. That’s a debate for another time and place (aka never, I don’t care what you think) but what’s interesting is that adidas’ take is quite different. Taking a much slimmer profile the Primeknit shoe is intriguing to me, although it seems to look a lot less forgiving for the casual wearer than the swoosh emblazoned variants. Up until about 4 hours ago this red colourway was my pick of the handful of versions however this black/turquoise colour just popped up on SNS and it’s got me all excited.

If anyone from adidas is reading this (c’mon like they are) I need to get my hands on these in a size 10 and want to pay $0. It’s christmas, be charitable… *puppy dog eyes*

7. For The Homies “Paris” Online Exclusive Cap - $70

I hate this cap… Well let me explain a bit more; no other hat I own or wear garners more questions of “where’d you get that” or “do you sell those?” than the Homies “Paris” cap. Since procuring it some months ago nearly every second person wants to know who/where/when they can get it. When I inform them they’re a few months late they exclaim in despair and then vanish back into the tumblr-sphere. This online exclusive bring the references even harder with the signature orange of a certain luxury brand replacing the white used on the initial drop. Other labels attempts at ripping the idea are a bit whack, buy local and buy something that isn’t stupid.

8. Nike Lunarglide+ 4 Shield NRG – $200

Every time I’ve attempted to create a Nike iD version of the Lunarglide+ 4 I end up making a ninja style black on black version. Obviously upon doing this I close the window as “what’s the point of that” right? Well low and behold Nike’s gone and done it! Using the “shield” version means you get all of the weatherproofing awesomeness, plus a bunch of reflective detailing to add a bit of flashiness. The subtle use of safari print and a very dark navy heel counter stop them from being just a simple all black shoe. This is a serious shoe and I need to work out how to get them in my hands. As of right now Supply store have them online… Someone wanna be my secret santa?

9. Chronic Youth “Never Easy” T-Shirt – $60

I just realised that Mark Drew featured in my last Christmas wishlist, kinda weird and coincidental. This time though this is the artist’s venture in the graphic tee label world. For years Mark’s been doing work for other people but now; under the Chronic Youth name he’s starting to put his work out there himself. My favourite from this small first collection is the Never Eazy tee, using imagery from his illustration. Mark’s work runs deep with music influence and inspiration and I’m almost certain this brand will grow exponentially over the next few seasons. There’s a few aussie stockists at the moment which are listed on the site. If you’d like to grab me one of these when you order some for yourself it’s fine by me, I wear a medium.

10. New Balance 990GRY – $250

Possibly the most exciting boring shoe release for me in a long time. If it sounds like an oxymoron it is… well at least it was supposed to be. Probably more a sign of the times than the sneaker landscape as a whole, this shoe blew up like nobody expected. Sure it’s limited to 990 pairs and it’s made in the USA but come on, it’s a freakin’ grey New Balance! Now I know it sounds like I’m being hypocritical but where was everyone when the New Balance 100th anniversary trio dropped and went on sale for $50? Anyway, a lot of people are “blaming” one Ronnie Fieg and his Kith-pire for the hype around this release but I suggest that the 1300JP and the immediate skyrocket from $250rrp to $600+ resale prices is more of a culprit. I still rue the day I had to pass on that release (twice!) because I was broke. Anyway I digress. Whilst it’s great to see this shoe come back, I could do without all the fuss, it’s just not very New Balance. Thank f*ck I’ve got a pair… although a second would be good… You’ll have your chance when they arrive at Laced (whenever that will be) in stupidly low numbers.

And that’s it for the year in Top Tens! Thanks to anyone that’s had the patience to sit and read all the ramblings I’ve scrawled down here over the last few years. Also a premature thankyou to every that’s currently working out how to get me the things I want from this list…

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…