Steven Alan x Nike Sportswear Rough Cut Video

Rough Cut: Steven Alan for Nike Sportswear from Cool Hunting on Vimeo.

Remember the blog about Steven Alan’s collaboration with Nike Sportswear?  Well here’s the a video, with Steven Alan himself, talking about the  collaboration and his inspirations for the four different shoes.

Thanks to Cool Hunting for the video.

Nike Air Vengeance Plus

I should have posted this weeks ago, as soon as these popped up on Nike.com.  I was trying to figure out the next shoe to add to my arsenal. Let’s welcome the Nike Air Vengeance in Dark Grey/Varsity Purple-Black-Wolf Grey colorway.  I know this shoe just arrived at 21 Mercer, but it has been at the Nike Store since the beginning of January. I having been eyeing this one for a while and now it’s time to pull the trigger.  When I do get the shoe expect more details on fit and how the shoe feels in person. What do you think of the Air Vengeance?  More detailed pics after the break.

Sneak Peak: 2011 Nike Air Max 2011

This is one of the most highly anticipated shoes of 2011.  Last year’s redesign was an amazing looking shoe, but this year’s is looking epic. Gone is the massive patch of flywire and has been replaced with a net of support.  I can’t wait until these finally drop on February 9th. More pics after the break.

Intel x Adidas Virtual Footwear Wall/My Virtual Store

Intel has teamed up with Adidas to showcase the future of shoe buying.  The virtual display is used to enhance the buying process, by using a touch screen to bring up information on the shoes.  The images will be in 3D  and you can zoom in, turn the shoes 360 degrees and get the specs of the shoes.  The concept is to put the displays into stores with limited spaces; you will be able to fit about 8,000 shoes in a space no bigger than a pantry closet.

This is one step closer to my “Virtual Store” idea. My idea consists of taking an average size store and instead of filling the front with actual product, you have interactive touch screens that display the items you sell.  You can have multiple screens and display them in different shops of your store.  The customer will pick each item and can drop them into either the fitting room folder or send them right to the register.  Here’s where the human element comes into play.  One of the employees working will go into the stock room and retrieve the items you selected, place them into the fitting room or bring them to the register. You can see the items from 360 view in 3D and a virtual photo where you can place items on your picture to see how an outfit would look.  This store will cut out theft by having zero clothing items on the floor, leaving customers to only touch the clothes in the fitting room or after they have purchased the items. Eventually, if and when holograms become an everyday part of life, people will be able to try on hologram versions of clothing. Intel’s display is the first step to making the store a possibility.

*Bonus Post* Nike Air Max 1 ACG

2011 seems like the year of amazing releases.  The Nike Air Max1 ACG is no exception. I love everything ACG and of course the Nike Air Max 1 is my favorite retro running shoe.  So when you combine the two, you get an amazing result.  The dark shadow/varsity purple, multi colored creation.  This shoe is really impressive and has that patent ACG look; the look of colors that shouldn’t work together, but somehow work perfectly.  This is must have for all those that love the Air Max 1 and ACG.  I have these on my 2011 list of shoes to pick up.  Words can’t help, so just check out the pics. Premier has these right now for $92 which is a great price for these beauties. (pics via Premier)

Air Max 1 ACG VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

*Bonus Post* Jordan 6-17-23 “Frankenstein”

What happens when you combine a Air Jordan 6 and 17?  You get the most beautiful creation, combining old school and new school.  The new Jordan hybrids have all been some of the nicest looking shoes in the basketball game and the 6-17-23, that’s really the name, is leading the pack right now.  Despite the name, the shoe is sporty and elegant. I especially love the music notes on the tongue and the colors work so well together. It’s times like these when I see hope for the future of the Jordan Brand.  Just like hybrid cars are the future of automobiles, hybrid shoes are the future of the shoe game.

*Bonus Post* Air Jordan 2011 Part Deux

If you can’t wait for the February release date, then slide on over Marquee Sole.  They have the 2011 Air Jordan’s in white/grey in sizes 8.5 to 10.5.  The shoes are going for 259.99 plus $30 shipping, which mean I will be waiting until February to pick these up locally. The site looks sketchy at first, but if you research it every that has shopped there agrees they are for real.  They definitely an improvement over the 2010 Air Jordan’s. I really like the tongue with the jumpman logo on one side and the 23 on the other side. I grabbed the pictures so you guys can see the shoes from all angles. (via Marquee Sole)

Air Jordan 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

*Bonus Post* Jordan Prime 5

Everyone is in to hybrids these days and the Jordan Prime 5 is no exception.  The Prime 5 is a mix between the Air Jordan’s 1 and 5, respectfully.  The Grape-Ice color is my favorite and unlike most purple this one is neither hideous or annoying.  I am on the lookout for my next purchase and I definitely want to start picking up Jordan’s.  I think this one is a good starting off point even if it’s not a regular Air Jordan. The Prime’s come in many other colors if purple is not your thing.  I love the 3M style tongue and the signature lace lock. Just look how great they look with dark denim; they seem like they were built for dark jeans. These are available right now at Extra Butter (where I got the pics) or on eBay.

*Bonus Post* New Air Jordan 2011

Here’s the new image of the 2011 Jordan’s.  I am not really sure how I feel about these yet.  I absolutely hated the 2010 with the crazy window, just wait until Friday, and the most of the recent releases have been less basketball and more fashion.  These however look like a great combination of fashion and functionality.  If you watched the Miami Heat game on Christmas Day then you saw Dwayne Wade wearing these in the Varsity Red/White colorway.  This pic is of a guy from overseas who got a hold of these before the February 19th release date.  What do you all think? (pics via Nice Kicks)

*Bonus Post* Introducing the Lebron Jordan’s?

I just ran across this article about a new shoe coming in 2011.  Aaron Fraser, CEO of footwear startup Lebron Jordan Inc., has created a new shoe company combining Lebron James’ name and Michael Jordan’s name. Fraser, who runs a network of online dating sites, decided we were missing something in the shoe game.  What did he come up with?  A shoe that looks like a combination of an Adidas Megaride, Nike Shox, and a Jordan Brand running shoe.  I have no idea if the shoe is designed for basketball, because the shoe is a low top running shoe design.  Fraser has also made two other shoe that look like a combination of a P F Flyer and a hi top converse. The Lebron Jordan signature model is going for $99 dollars with $3 dollars going to nonprofits that help the needy with shoes.  Fraser financed the whole projects with revenue from Google ads.  He wants to be a direct Nike competitor and 2011 is when the battle will begin.  I don’t think Nike or any other shoe competitor is worried about the Lebron Jordan’s selling.  Why you ask?  They are hideous and you will be lucky to keep you ankle in one piece. I applaud Mr. Fraser for his efforts, but I think it is a joke and he is riding the coat tails of two of the best NBA players. You be the judge. Check out the website www.lebronjordan.com

Follow Me, Follow Me!

As always email me at threadandsole@gmail.com, like my Facebook page Thread and Sole and follow me on twitter @threadandsole. Comments are welcome on the blog and make sure you follow to get updates on posts. If you want to donate any amount is gladly accepted and remember if you are shopping at Karmaloop.com, use “jcam1981” and receive 20% off.

*Bonus Post* New Balance Ivy League Collection

Right after posting my New Balance piece, I found the brand new collection dropping in 2011.  These shoes are the New Balance H710 and each shoe is inspired by ivy league schools like Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale and many other schools.  The H710 is an outdoor walking shoe and this makes a lot of sense considering that most ivy league schools are located in the Northern part of the U.S.  I love the look of these shoes and the color choices really make a boring shoe look amazing.  The picture really fit the idea behind the shoes, American school; the locker is my favorite of them all. (pictures courtesy of Dunk)

H710 Ivy League Collection VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

*Bonus Post*–The Things I Have Purchased

I figured I would take sometime to tell all my readers about things I have purchased.  These are all items I have featured in my blogs.

Nike Pepper Low Rustic – They fit and look amazing.  I have gotten so many compliments on these shoes. These should be a definite part of your Holiday gift list.  They do however fit true to size, I believe I originally said size up.

WeSC Natan Sweater Navy – I bought this sweater just after Thanksgiving, because it was super hot in Florida. The sweater fits great and it super classy.  It’s thick but not too thick, definitely a cold weather sweater.

Obey Dropout Varsity Jacket – The dropout is the finest letterman jacket I have come across.  The quilted arms and the light fleece shell work well with layers or just by themselves.  Everyone loves this jacket and wants to know where I got the jacket.

Future buys – Obey IPA Shirt, Vans Zapato del Barco – if I can find these

I know it’s not a lot, but hey I am not made of money.  I did these so you can see that I am actually wearing or buying things that I blog about.  I am becoming very selective and only buying things I would want for years to come and not buying on impulse like I have been now to do, in the past.  Plan out you wardrobe, take advise from blogs, magazines and women.  Most women know what looks good together and can help steer you in the right direction.  If any girls read this blog I am hoping to expand the blog network and add a women's clothing blog. I am still trying to lock down a reliable person, whom will have the same standards that I do.  If you guys want to post anything you have purchased, after reading about it here, then email me or post it in the comments section.

As always email me at threadandsole@gmail.com, like my Facebook page Thread and Sole and follow me on twitter @threadandsole. Comments are welcome on the blog and make sure you follow to get updates on posts. If you want to donate any amount is gladly accepted and remember if you are shopping at Karmaloop.com, use “jcam1981” and receive 20% off.