Asics Gel Lyte III "Exploration"

     The Asics Gel Lyte III runner seems to be as popular as it ever was when it was originally released in the early 90's.  New color ways and collabs are showing up every weekend, especially in 2015 as they will be celebrating the GLIII's 25th Anniversary.  Here's a general release from last summer in a patriotic, red, white, and light blue blend of suede and mesh.  The insole has a radar, map, type of design, hence I'm guessing the "Exploration" nickname. 3M hits at the back and along the stripes on the sides.  The white midsole has grey speckling as well.

 

More pictures after the break...

Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit

     Nike combined two of their most popular running designs in 2014 when they released the Free 4.0 Flyknit running sneaker.  Nike's one advancement in running footwear includes their Free based soles.  It's meant to provide a very natural and flexible ride based on your foots natural movement.  In the 4.0 version, the hexagonal flex grooves offer a very low to the ground and natural ride.
The very popular Flyknit technology provides numerous benefits in using a one piece polyester yarn upper.  It provides ultralight support and flexibility which really gives a fantastic, customized fit.  It also allows for some great, unique color combinations as Nike continues to roll out numerous colors into the new year.  This one was a must have in the black, volt, and bright crimson color way.
     Definitely try a pair on next time you're in the mall, see if you like the sock-like feel, great for the gym or everyday wear.

More pictures after the break

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Shadow"

It's amazing to see where the sneaker culture is today, especially if you're on the older side of it and thinking of how it was then, where it wasn't considered anything other than you buying the sneaks of the couple star athletes you saw on TV.  Nike saw the appeal in the NCAA champ and made their move.  The Air Jordan 1 started it all with a young, spry kid from North Carolina by the name of Michael Jordan.  Rest is history and in that storied history, this color way of the first Jordan 1 was an original color that was released in 1985.  The Nike Air on the tongue pays homage to the original as this retro matches it, along with retro box. (This color retroed in 2009 but with the Jumpman logo).  The Shadow Grey color way couldn't be simpler as black, white, and soft grey make up the leathered silhouette.  This retro release comes with a few sets of laces as well to mix it up a bit.  The Jordan 1 OG made a major presence in 2013 as Nike released most of the original retro's and it says a lot to see this sneaker as relevant now than it was thirty years ago.

World Cup 2014 Is Here

     The globes largest sporting event is upon us and I have to say this is as popular as I've ever seen it in the States.  That's including us hosting the event in 1994 where I was lucky to attend two World Cup matches.  With technology reaching all parts of the world and more accessible in this country, the true
melting pot can be felt.  You don't have to look far in your ancestry to find some roots in some country that it's in the tournament.  At this point, I don't even care if you're a poseur pretending to care just to have a reason to party during the week, the World Cup is simply the best.  With Brazil being the host country and usually fielding the odds on favorite, this has all the makings of a world wide party with all eyes glued on the TVs, tablets, and smart phones.  Keep the fridge stocked for when you're watching at home and definitely go to your local watering holes, city pubs, Little Italy's, Chinatowns, and every  other cultural centric neighborhood and really get a taste for the game.  Remember, it's only every four years so take advantage and wear your favorite teams colors with pride!  Check out these great commercials that pretty much will want you to lace up your boots, put your kit on, and hit the pitch yourself.

Go KD, Go Dasher, Go Breezy...

     It wouldn't be Christmas without the NBA putting on a showcase of it's best players throughout the day as we open gifts and eat more food.  As they did last year, the NBA rolls out their Christmas commercial in promotion of their holiday jerseys as your leagues finest will rock the solid color tee's.
D. Rose, Durantula, Steph Curry, Nash, Harden, and the oop to the King are featured in the promo.
As much as these commercials feel like they'll really just shooting hoops making it sound like a real song, the holidays aren't the holidays without a little make believe...regardless I still get a kick out of it.

Asics Gel-Lyte III "Urban Camo"

     The Gel-Lyte III first caught my eye because my neighbors were cross country runners and always had different kinds of sneaks around other than Nikes or Adidas.  First thing I noticed, and yes, this is when they originally came out in the 90's, was the split-tongue right down the middle.  Not only did it make it look pretty sleek, especially back then, but it also made them super comfortable.  Right away, they became one of my all time favorites.  Fast forward to 2013 and it seems like there's a new boutique collaboration release every weekend for the Gel-Lyte III model.  Every color you can think of and different materials have been showcased from designers such as Ronnie Fieg to Asics themselves coming out with more colorways then they ever have.
     The first pictures of the "Urban Camo" colorway was released very early this year and after hitting  Europe first, finally found it's way stateside only a couple months ago.  The high interest wasn't shocking as the model has sold out every time a link goes up, but a little surprising considering it was a general release.  Asics did pick a winner with grey suede, black color blocking and light blue highlights, as it gives way to the camouflaged insole.  They also throw some bonus alternative color laces as well.  Subtle 3M hits on the front and back of the sneaker as well.  This model has withstood the test of time and is definitely thriving.

Nike Flyknit Trainer + Volt/Black

     A year ago the Olympics graced London and of course Nike paved the way by using the global showcase to introduce new products.  One of them being their Nike Flyknit technology.  A one piece seamless upper that is knit from materials that make it extremely light and form fitting.  What better way for everyone to see them by pretty much every US medal winner wearing the Flyknit Trainer on the podium and being associated with greatness.  Numerous athletes were seen wearing the bright colored kicks throughout London, especially the US Men's Basketball team along with the US Swim team and phenom Michael Phelps.
They were released last summer and this color way sold out immediately and prices on the secondary market soared.  Not only did everyone want what their idols were wearing, but the uber popular Volt color way with the black blocking on the interior, and the gradient volt to black upper, made them the ultimate attention getter.  Not to mention they actually were super comfortable and super light, the reasons continued to pile up to make this must own footwear.  Patience is a virtue as I was lucky to get them from Nike directly this past spring for retail and they have become one of my all time favorites.  Take a look for yourself and if Volt isn't your thing, they have the Trainers along with other Flyknit models in any color you can think of.

Oregon Football Performance Center

Football is back……and Chip Kelly might want to reconsider leaving the Ducks  to come to the Eagles after you see the spread that his former employer has on campus. A reported $68 million dollar renovation has the University of Oregon ducks facilities looking like the Star Trek Enterprise.  Just kidding Chip!  I'm definitely excited to see what he has in store for the Philadelphia Eagles with his fast paced offense and getting back to running the ball.  Something we never did with Andy.  I digress, back to the stadium facilities.  Watching the video will definitely have you rethinking what college is like for today's student athletes and money that's involved in the whole process. Oregon has recently taken marketing themselves to the next level with the multiple eye-catching uniforms,  helmets, their forest inspired basketball court, home of Tracktown US, and countless Nike and Jordan Oregon sneakers. Given that one of their most famous alumni, Phil Knight, heads the worlds biggest athletic brand, it's no secret he's donated substantial amounts to the school which allows it to offer facilities such as these…enjoy the tour!

Some of the amenities include:

The lobby has 64 55-inch televisions that can combine to project a single image.

The floor of the weight room is Brazilian hardwood.

There are custom foosball tables where one team is Oregon and the other team has 11 players, with each player representing a different Pac-12 team.

The players' lounge has six gaming stations.

There's a skybridge with an art installation of ducks. Each duck has the name of an Oregon player drafted by the NFL.

A "war room" with six 80-inch TVs.

A two-story meeting room with a window that overlooks Autzen Stadium.

A hydrotherapy tub in the coaches' locker room.

TVs are embedded in the mirrors of the coaches locker room.

A cafeteria with the words "EAT YOUR ENEMIES" in neon lights

Building consists of 145,000 square feet and 6 floors, 2 auditoriums

Photo Gallery: Football Performance Center - GoDucks.com - The University of Oregon Official Athletics Web Site

ICE COLD New York

     Nothing better than something that is ice cold on a hot, summer Saturday in Brooklyn.  here, which has their shop, blog, etc.
That's exactly what I found at the Brooklyn Flea Market.  ICE COLD, New York, a newer brand that I recently stumbled upon on Instagram, would be setting up shop that day and offering some of their wears.  I went over there after running in the MLB All Star 5k in Prospect Park and found Mike and the goods.  Very impressed from first glance at the vibrant colors and design.  3M highlights and flocking gives these shirts depth, especially for athletic wear, which they're meant for.  Designed by Michael, along with a full line of socks with 3M spots,  the gear is meant to be used and be seen, especially when getting your evening jog or bike ride.  That's the inspiration behind ICE COLD and you can get the full story and more information from their site
      I picked up the limited edition Brooklyn Flea Exclusive "RUN" shirt.  Each one is hand made and even the packaging is top notch.   It comes in a foil padded envelope with the name across the front.
     If you get a chance, get down there on a Saturday and chop it up with Mike.  Not too many times you can talk to the person responsible for what's in front of you.   I'm looking forward to see what else comes from ICE COLD as you can see the care taken in each detail for a great product.
Ice Cold, New York definitely has their own lane…

www.icecoldny.com

New Balance ML574 "Surf Pack"

     Here's a look at the Navy blue color way of New Balance's ML574 "Retro Surf" Pack.  With a homage to the beach, they combine a bunch of great materials all associated with surfing.  Nylon with metal eyelets to represent board shorts, a woven hemp heel and tongue, along with a wooden graphic side panel and lace tips.   A suede upper toe box and heal along with contrast stitching give it extra detail.  Last but not least the Hawaiian floral insole and footbed compliment this summer sneaker perfectly.   They also have a yellow and green color way.

 More pics below