FEATURE: Dwight Howard Looks to Reestablish His Game, Name in New adidas D Howard 4

By Sandy Dover

As featured by Yahoo!

By all accounts, Dwight Howard, former Orlando Magic wunderkind, Los Angeles Lakers defector, and current Houston Rockets star center, has had a promising, but loopy whirl in the signature shoe game. A longtime endorser and product pitchman for adidas, Howard has had, by most accounts, a very respectable shoe line. All have been capable performers, and most have been fairly successful. After spending his lone season with the Lakers in his underwhelming adipower Howard 3 and D Howard 3 Light shoes, the brand with the three stripes has given the former Superman 2.0 a new lease on his footwear life with the D Howard 4 (shown in full detail here).

Built on adidas’ new Crazyquick platform, which is actually formally the new Puremotion platform for adidas performance footwear, the DH4 is a strong shoe, at least aesthetically. To be frank, it’s the first shoe that Howard has really worn that makes sense for his game. The best center in the NBA for almost a full decade now (Pau Gasol and Tim Duncan are combination big men as power forwards/centers), Howard is powerful and big, but he’s also dexterous and fast; often shoes for players who play the post and are 6’10” and 260 lbs. are like combat boots, but the DH4 is anything but. …

FEATURE: adidas Mutombo

By Sandy Dover

As featured by SLAM

Released for the very first time since 1993, the Mutombo is one of the most coveted shoes in the retro catalog of adidas’ footwear vault. For its time, the Mutombo shoe wasn’t just about capitalizing on Dikembe’s dual ethnic and national heritage, it was actually a strong performer and notable style accessory. Produced before adidas’ famous innovations like the Feet You Wear, adiPRENE and SPRINTFRAME technologies, the Mutombo was, and still is, built tough, relying on good ol’ fashioned synthetic leather and suede, thermoplastic straps (a predecessor to the Equipment and adipower Howard 2 silhouettes) and rubber, all stitched down strong into a semi-cupsole that is playable indoors and outdoors.

As far as appearance, the adidas Mutombo has become a kind of new age relic of the past, an artifact that is a literal sign of the times. As the 1990s came and moved, Afrocentrism became stylistically popular as its own theme through brands like Cross Colours, music artists like A Tribe Called Quest, and accessory trends such as Africa continent-shaped medallions, all of which were all the rage; iconic movies like Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” and “X” became culturally definitive aspects of ‘90s pop and African-American culture, which only reinforced the rightful place of the adidas sneaker.

RELEASE & PHOTO GALLERY: Nike LeBron 11

Release and photos courtesy of Nike:

The number 11 represents new beginnings and is a step beyond a celebrated tenure. Starting his 11^th year in the league, with two gold medals, two championship rings and four MVP trophies, LeBron James continues to succeed by constantly improving his game. 

Designed to provide a protective suit for James’s unique style of play, the LEBRON 11 encompasses the duality of powerful precision. It is James’s lightest signature shoe to-date, while offering the protective feel, responsiveness and containment his game requires.

“LOCK ME DOWN SO I CAN FLY”

James has consistently fed back to his shoe designers that he wants to feel locked down, as if the shoes are an extension of his feet, for the 1,000+ directional changes he makes per game. Nike Basketball designers aim to build on the strengths of his game and provide protection for his powerful force without hindering his intricate precision on the court. 

Built from the inside out, the LEBRON 11 is the lightest and lowest LeBron signature shoe ever. It weighs approximately 14.5 oz in a men’s size 9.

The upper is built in a new way, featuring revolutionary Nike Hyperposite technology for lightweight lock-down, while taking protection, containment and responsiveness to a new level. The upper incorporates Nike Hyperfuse construction and dynamic Flywire technology to bring natural motion to James’s game.

The LEBRON 11 is deconstructed to get James’s foot much lower to the ground so he can feel the court, while enhancing cushioning via the full length Lunarlon and Nike Zoom unit – a combination featured for the first time in a LeBron signature shoe.

The LEBRON 11 features key performance innovations and benefits including:

• New Nike Hyperposite technology: Uses lightweight materials designed to move with the foot to provide protection, containment and responsiveness.  
• Nike Hyperfuse construction and Dynamic Flywire technology: Provides a dynamic fit and excellent lockdown, bringing natural motion to the court.
• A combination of Lunarlon and Nike Zoom units: For soft, springy responsiveness.

DESIGN DUALITY

The duality of the number 11 is the main graphic design inspiration for the LEBRON 11 – it looks identical upside down as it does right side up. The graphic design on the LEBRON 11 also plays into the duality of the shoe and features ambigrams throughout including:

• The graphic on the inner tongue of the shoe spells out the number six while further highlighting the Roman numeral XI.
• The sock liner graphic reads “LeBron” but when flipped upside down reads “James”.
• A closer look at the Swoosh on the shoe reveals a pattern inspired by modern chain mail in which the initials “LJ” make up the links and repeat at graduating weights. 

THE STORY OF DUALITY:

Nike Basketball designers successfully channel the duality of James’s play and persona to tell the story via various LEBRON 11 colorways.

LEBRON 11 KING’S PRIDE colorway

James plays with fearlessness, determination and the heart of a lion. The King’s Pride colorway draws inspiration from the lion – its dark loden upper color and the floral print on the collar lining reflect the pride of the wildlife.

LEBRON 11 TERRACOTTA WARRIOR colorway

James was impressed by the Terracotta Warrior Exhibition, which he visited when he was in Xi’An, China, in 2011. The exhibit, plus James’s playing style – which reflects a warrior’s spirit of grit, confidence, hard work and determination – inspired the Terracotta Warrior colorway.

The design of the shoe is inspired by the Terracotta Warriors as we see them today — in neutral stone colors along with pop colors of purple/teal/red to represent how they were originally painted. The graphic texture on the upper articulates the linked, plated armor that the warriors wore. The special lining shank design graphic is drawn from the style of Bronze Age art, the era in which the Terracotta Warriors were made.

The LEBRON 11 King’s Pride will be available on Oct. 12 globally. The LEBRON 11 Terracotta Warrior will be available on Oct. 1 in Greater China, and on Nov. 27 in North America and the rest of the world.

COMMENTARY: Reebok Classic Shaq Attaq “Away”

The original Reebok Shaq Attaq is the best signature shoe in Shaquille O’Neal’s footwear catalog. It’s also arguably the best Reebok shoe in the brand’s basketball category history.

It’s sleek, smooth, high (but not atrociously high), comfortable, and different.

In a sense, Reebok’s Shaq Attaq was an answer to all brands where shoes for big men on the hardwood were often unattractive, clunky or slappy, and burdened with straps and heavy rubber. The Shaq Attaq was a new kind of shoe for a new kind of athlete. Just as Shaq himself was quick, exciting, smooth, and new, so was his Shaq Attaq.

The azure blue accents, the mixture of suede and leather, the blue tongue Pump, and that unforgettable “SHAQ” Dunkman logo makes the shoe a classic of the classics.

–SD

COMMENTARY: Reebok Classic Shaqnosis “Barracks”

The Reebok Shaqnosis has always been a shoe that stood out, namely for its so-called hypnotizing, concentric design. It was an attention-getter in its initial release and still somewhat in its retro glory.

I’ve never been a fan — namely, because of the fact that concentric circles on a big, wide shoe aren’t attractive to me in and of itself, and the fact that Shaquille O’Neal’s original player-only version balanced the drastic design with a higher cut, making his non-retail version significantly easier on the eyes that the standard mid.

Well, Reebok Classic has resurrected the Shaqnosis in a special “Barracks” colorway that pays homage to Shaq’s military upbringing.

And I like it a lot.

One reason that I like the Barracks version is that it eschews the mapping of the traditional color placement and leans on the upper being totally monochromatic; this gives the Shaqnosis a much smoother look and layout and makes it easier on the eyes.

A second reason for my favorable opinion of the Barracks is that a soft cargo green is used with dark grey and tan, which are attractive colors for a lifestyle sneaker; the Shaqnosis is literally transformed into something other than a walking spiral and becomes more of something that flows when it comes to wear.

Thirdly, because of the color change from black to white to softer hues, the silhouette of the shoe stands out, and the shape is very attractive. Even if the Shaqnosis weren’t known as Shaq’s signature shoe, the design of the sneaker, in its shape, is impressive. The Barracks colorway helps encourage the life to the shoe to be extended, by breaking away from its heritage.

Reebok scores high  on this.

–SD

PHOTO GALLERY: Eli J. Friedman & NBA Friends

Photography courtesy of Eli J. Friedman

To be featured by Yahoo!

COMMENTARY: Reebok Classic The Question – “Draft Day”

The 1996 NBA Draft is one of the most heralded moments in the history of the league. So many great players who have now become future Hall of Famers were selected that year, but none more controversial or as purely talented as Allen Iverson, the famed combo guard that became world-famous as a Philadelphia 76er.

Going along with the theme of that particular Draft Day, Reebok has commemorated his special day (and his retirement) with the “Draft Day” edition of his very first signature, The Question.

From an aesthetic standpoint, this version may be the most impressive and coincidentally, the most likely shoe to be worn in a Sixers uniforms. Where the DD edition impresses with great success is in its use of premium quality and color pop. It’s not a shoe that’s shiny and glossy; it uses high-quality suede and a true blue to exalt its design. White and red are used expertly on The Question as accent, and it can be worn in any kind of traditional or non-traditional way.

It’s just a great sneaker, and an honorable way for The Question to be retro-released.

–SD

Photos and release courtesy of Reebok:

In one of the deepest drafts in NBA history, a 6-foot guard from Georgetown rose to the top of his class in ’96. 

 

 

Despite the high expectations that would follow, Allen Iverson’s rookie of the year performance proved he was worthy of the #1 selection.   

 

 

Reebok Classic honors this historic moment with a fresh treatment on Allen Iverson’s signature rookie year model, the Question Mid #1 Draft Pick.  

 

Featuring a blue suede upper and speckled white mid-sole, the Question Mid #1 Draft Pick pays tribute to Iverson’s career in Philadelphia with a nostalgic royal/white/red treatment reminiscent of the ‘90s Sixers uniforms.  

 

 

The customary “3” that adorned the Question Mid during Iverson’s rookie year is replaced with number “1” to commemorate the Sixers selection of the Georgetown guard.

FEATURE: FILA Looks Back to the Future with Retro Release of Stackhouse Spaghetti

By Sandy Dover

As featured by Yahoo!

One of the greatest shoes of the 1990s was Fila’s premier sneaker, The Stackhouse. In large part because of the player who was the sole inspiration for its name, Jerry Stackhouse, the shoe (pictured above) was an instant hit. Stackhouse the player was, at the time, one of the most dynamic college players of the generation and was seen as “Air Apparent” to Michael Jordan with a background and make-up of considerable similitude — both standing 6’6″ and playing both guard and forward, the two were both North Carolina natives, highly-touted high school recruits, highly-decorated North Carolina Tar Heels, and both No. 3 overall NBA Draft picks. Having a signature shoe was only natural for the then-Philadelphia 76er. …

COMMENTARY: adidas Tennessee Volunteers Alternate TECHFIT Football Uniform

Surprisingly, the Tennessee Volunteers may have the best football uniform that they’ve had in their history being an alternate uniform that features a color that actually isn’t a part of their traditional heritage.

Sporting “smokey grey” (a slate grey-blue hue) as the dominant color theme of the new unis, Tennessee has a uniform that moves the citrus orange and white to the background, but enhances all other aspects of the uniforms with highlights. “VOLS” is proudly displayed across the chest, long citrus sleeves extends from beneath the jersey shoulders, and graphic print is embedded within the jersey itself, adding a visual texture and depth. Moving citrus to the background actually makes it easier on the eyes and gives the color more purpose, making the players look more like athletes and less like human tangerines. The uniform altogether is neat, streamlined, and very attractive.

The success of this uniform proves (to me, at least) that traditional aesthetics can be enhanced with modernity. It just requires the proper care and application, particularly with uniforms.

It’s the best Tennessee has ever looked.

–SD

Photos and release courtesy of adidas:

adidas and the University of Tennessee unveiled an alternate TECHFIT football uniform the Volunteers will wear this season. 

Check out Tennessee’s new look in the below video, featuring the track “Goooo” by TNGHT: http://bit.ly/UT_2013Alternate

Tennessee’s adidas TECHFIT alternate uniform is lead with “VOLS” on the chest and the state outline above player names on the back.  The Vols’ numbers feature a tonal orange checkerboard pattern inspired by Tennessee’s famous end zone.  This pattern also appears on the Vols’ adidas TECHFIT baselayer biceps and Tennessee will wear tonal orange wear adidas Team Speed vertical socks with Crazyquick and adizero 5-Star 2.0 cleats.

Tennessee’s new alternate uniform features adidas TECHFIT ShockWeb technology, designed to keep players fast, cool and mobile onfield.  adidas TECHFIT ShockWeb features engineered body mapping, which maximizes compression zones across the chest and sides, in a lightweight knit structure that provides a tight fit with enhanced range of motion.  Integrated CLIMACOOL mesh zones create airflow to keep players cool in every temperature.

Tennessee fans can visit www.Facebook.com/adidasFootballUS for more details, photos and videos of the Vols’ new alternate TECHFIT uniforms and follow the conversation on Twitter via @adidasUS #teamadidas #techfit.

FEATURE: Under Armour’s Alter Ego Gloves ‘Highlight’ Superstar Superheroes

by Sandy Dover

As featured by Yahoo!

Clearly, Under Armour is having fun and letting everyone else get in on the fun too. After all, when can anyone say that they can own Bat gloves with wings on the wrist, or Spidey’s famous webbed gloves, or even psyche opponents out on the field for Kryptonite versions of the Superman emblem? How cool is that?

I can’t speak for the actual receiving performance of the gloves, but aesthetically, they are second to none. I love the idea of being able to flash the Bat-signal or Kal-El’s family crest to people just with an adopted Jay Z gesture. Even better, the gloves can be wore as costume enhancers, particularly for the gloved heroes like The Caped Crusader, Cap, and Spidey, where often such costumes are made and broken in the details. …