Nike Skateboarding has two new Nike SB Rabona models set to debut next month. One pair features a Pimento Red base and the other uses a Squadron Blue upper both sitting atop a White midsole. You will be able to find these available at select retailers this April 2013 like atmos.
Shoe design fuses art with science. It’s a delicate balance of blending breakthrough form with proper function to deliver exceptional performance.
Since 1972, Nike Basketball has been on a quest to create shoes that deliver cutting-edge innovation and bold design. By taking risks and providing athletes with footwear they never imagined, Nike has ushered in a fresh approach to designing shoes.
When dissecting the three fundamental elements of a basketball shoe you have the upper, midsole and outsole. The “upper” of the shoe, the top portion above the sole, is critical to keeping an athlete secure, supported and comfortable. The surface area of an upper also is key real estate for color, graphics and unique performance attributes.
Spanning five decades, the transformation of the basketball shoe’s upper is dramatic. In 1972, the Blazer was a simple cut-and-sew leather design. In 2012, Nike introduced the revolutionary Kobe 8 System, a completely new interpretation with Nike Engineered Mesh, made to meet the needs of one of the game’s best players.
Here is a look back at transformative moments in the evolution of the upper:
1970s
The Swoosh design visually established Nike’s identity in basketball on the all-leather Blazer in 1972. An oversized version in this case, the Swoosh was sewn onto the shoe’s upper, which would evolve to suede in 1973.
Lightweight and naturally breathable materials such as full-grain leather, suede and canvas dominated the decade on shoes such as the Bruin, Franchise, All Court Canvas and MVP Lo. Design was rooted in performance practicality. Less was more and the looks were timeless.
1980s
The 1982 birth of the Air Force 1 changed the game forever. Granted, it was the arrival of a Nike Air unit embedded in the sole that shocked athletes, but the shoe’s clean and confident upper made a statement with a contrasting leather-mesh combination. The timeless silhouette and premium upper construction continues to march through the decades with confidence. Despite its multiple layers of support, the AF1’s upper had great breathability, which became a defining design mandate of the 1980s.
This decade introduced a slew of bright, young Nike designers including Tinker Hatfield, who pushed the upper’s aesthetic potential to new levels. The Nike Dunk debuted on the college hardwood in 1986, while the Delta Force, Air Flight and Nike Alpha Force built on the AF1’s iconic upper design. Meanwhile the Air Revolution and Air Force STS literally brought uppers to new heights with collars defining the ‘80s high-top craze. Suede, canvas and leather remained the materials of choice for designers.
1990s
The functionality of a Mayan sandal combined with the Neoprene fit of a water ski… Taking upper design to unexpected places was the goal of Hatfield and his understudy intern Eric Avar as they designed the Air Flight Huarache in 1992. The dramatic exoskeleton and sock-like fit heralded a new way of thinking about shoe design. The Air Raid shoe’s defiant strap, the Air Max2 CB shoe’s aggressive lacing system and smooth fluidity of the Air Penny were just a few of the ‘90s hits. Natural leather was front-and-center until a 1997 shoe came along that flipped upper construction on its head.
“As a design team we never let parameters hold us back,” said Eric Avar, Nike VP Design Innovation. “We’re driven by solving problems, creating the unexpected and trying new things, even designs uncharacteristic of a specific sport.”
The Air Foamposite I: A masterpiece debuting on college basketball’s grandest stage. A bold aesthetic some equate to a beetle morphed with a roach turned heads and sparked debate. Its iconic upper stands the test of time as a design marvel. It combined Avar’s provocative style with a production process completely revolutionary to this day. Synthetic materials had arrived in 1997 with the advent of the “foams.”
2000s
Extravagant uppers blending natural leather with synthetic materials characterized the new millennium’s first decade. Bold was beautiful. A period where exceptions were the norm landed with another Avar design for summer 2008 in Beijing. The Nike Hyperdunk would catapult upper design to entirely new standards. Flywire technology was integrated into a synthetic upper for lightweight, lockdown support for the game’s best athletes on an international stage.
“We had fun in the 2000s, pushing the limits and experimenting where we could take upper design,” said Tracy Teague, Nike Basketball Creative Director. “The Nike Hyperdunk completely changed the game of basketball with its futuristic design.”
Just two years later, the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse would build on the Hyperdunk shoe’s minimalist approach with a new innovation that literally fused mesh and synthetic layers to create a durable, breathable upper. Inspired by outdoor basketball in China, Nike designers led by Shane Kohatsu established Hyperfuse construction. It remains a leading innovation today: The LeBron X, KD V and Nike Zoom Hyperdisruptor are just a few of the top shoes featuring the latest Hyperfuse construction. With synthetic materials providing designers previously unimaginable options, the days of natural suede, leather and canvas are now history for top performance shoes.
FUTURE
Building on a 40-year legacy, Nike Basketball designers continue to explore new territory for what’s possible in upper design. A case in point is the Kobe 8 System, a low-top shoe that at first glance appears fit for running. It provides solid support and is the first Nike Basketball shoe to introduce Nike Engineered Mesh.
Articulated for the precise movement of the foot, Nike Engineered Mesh has quickly established new rules for basketball shoe uppers. The synthetic mesh with zonal support is incredibly lightweight without compromising strength and durability. At 9.6 ounces (U.S. men’s size 9), the Kobe 8 System is a sneak peek into an exciting future for upper design.
“Working regularly with the game’s top athletes like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving allows our team to create innovative design to help them perform at their peak,” says Leo Chang, Nike Basketball Footwear Design Director. “Pushing the limits on the design and construction of basketball shoes will always fuel our team.”
The innovative identity established by Nike in 1972 is not forgotten as Nike Basketball continues to establish new standards for footwear design.
“Inside Access” is a series providing an inside look at Nike Basketball through the lens of design innovation. Look for new features the first and third Tuesdays of each month throughout the basketball season.
Source: Nike, Inc.
Here is a look at four new models that makes up the Nike Air Max 2013+ QS “OG Air Max” Pack. All four models are inspired by previous releases like the Nike Air Max 1 “Sport Red”, Air Max 90 “Infrared”, Air Max 95 “Neon”, and Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet”. As of now these are only being available overseas, but keep it locked to Sneaker Bar for more US release info.
Source: Limited EDT
The Black Mamba demands that the LA Lakers will make the playoffs this year, which has Kobe Bryant in “Gametime” mode these past could games. Here is a look at a brand new Nike Zoom Kobe Gametime model that features a White base with Squadron Green trim and Varsity Crimson accents throughout that can be found now at select Nike Basketball accounts in China. Check out the images below, and let us know if you’d rock these?
Source: Kicks-Crew
We recently shared the first look at the Air Jordan 4 Retro “Green Glow” and now we have some new detailed images. The “Green Glow” Air Jordan 4 features a Grey nubuck base with Black accents and Green Glow detailing. Stay tuned to Sneaker Bar for more detailed images, and release info to be shared shortly. These looking like a cop for you?
Air Jordan 4 Retro
Dark Grey/Green Glow-Cement Grey-Black
308497-033
August 2013
$160
Source: SA
Only #sneakerheads understand other #sneakerheads, cuz most people would look at us crazy if they spent one day in our shoes. To understand a life of a #sneakerhead, check out Complex latest GIFs list. CLICK HERE…..
You can now head over to NIKEiD and design your own Nike Air Force 1 Premium iD “Lunar & Reflective” model, and here are some samples to get ideas flowing.
No word on where Darrelle Revis will land this season, but here is a look at another unreleased Nike Zoom Revis model. This “Pittsburg Steelers” Nike Zoom Reivs features a Black base with Yellow accents and White detailing throughout with the Steelers logo on the inner heels. No word on if these will release, but keep it locked to Sneaker Bar for more updates.
Source: @johngeiger_
Reebok Classic recently dropped three new Reebok Freestyle Hi Vintage models. The kicks are built in a leather and mesh combination coming in either a Red, Blue or Grey colorway. You can find them available now at select retailers like Titolo.
Oregon State University, in partnership with Nike, today introduces a new brand and identity system that sets the visual direction for Beaver Athletics for years to come and modernizes one of the most recognizable brands in all of intercollegiate athletics.
OSU and Nike officials worked on a nearly two-year brand evolution program to refine and update the celebrated marks of the University, honoring the rich tradition of academics and athletics. With the goal of developing an innovative and contemporary athletic brand identity, OSU and Nike worked with student-athletes, coaches, administrators and alumni to compile input on the department’s brand attributes.
“Oregon State Athletics has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last 15 years and our new brand identity is another sign that the Beavers continue to confidently move forward,” said Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis. “The ultimate goal for the rebrand is to attract high-caliber student-athletes to a contemporary brand, while respecting our heritage.”
The new Beaver logo features clean, contemporary lines and a modern, confident and timeless graphic structure. The logo accurately reflects the essence of Oregon State Athletics – Heritage, Strength, Victory, United, Innovation, Tenacity, Dedication and Integrity. Through these brand identity updates, Oregon State creates separation and distinction in the marketplace while respecting the past and representing the future.
“Nike has a long-standing relationship with Oregon State Athletics and it has been an honor to work with them on their new brand identity,” said Todd Van Horne, VP and Creative Director for Nike Football and Baseball. “This new update respects OSU’s history and represents their future while creating separation and distinction in college sports.”
As part of the new program, all 17 of OSU’s intercollegiate sports teams will showcase consistent colors, logos, lettering and numerals.
Fans can go to Beaver Authentics or the OSU Beaver Store for immediate purchases or pre-sale ordering. Most retail outlets that sell Oregon State merchandise will have products with the new branding by mid-April.
NEW OREGON STATE BRAND IDENTITY STANDARDS
A refined Beaver logo will serve as the primary representation of the brand, and will be used as the main identifying device for Oregon State Athletics. The new mark is a contemporary evolution of the current Beaver mark, and supports the goal of respecting the past while representing the future. The use of the OS logo will remain part of the University’s overall program, but will be phased out by Athletics.
Secondary Identity – Typography and Word Marks
Block typography has been a fundamental part of OSU’s athletic heritage and speaks to the no-nonsense, hard-working nature of Oregon State athletes, coaches and fans. It is honest, strong, imposing – the perfect foundation for the future of Oregon State Athletics typography. Consistent usage of the typography will support the primary logo and ensure clarity and distinction in all Athletics communications.
Primary Colors
A consistent color palette will allow for instant team identification and enhance the overall impact of the brand identity. Orange — a distinctive color within the Pac-12 Conference —black and white are the official colors for Oregon State Athletics and will remain a constant on all of the school’s intercollegiate teams.
Secondary Colors
A metallic bronze secondary color has been introduced, representing strength and integrity and draws inspiration from the well-used machinery utilized in the timber industry. The addition of bronze brings depth to the existing Oregon State color palette; it will be reserved for limited use only.
Tartan Print
A custom tartan print has been designed to represent the Oregon State Beavers and enrich the overall identity package. The notches in the thick lines reference how beavers use their sharp front teeth to cut down trees, and the white pinstripes are composed of the Oregon State and Beavers wordmarks. The tartan is reserved for limited use only.
Darrelle Revis and his manager John Geiger gives us a look at Revis’ new logo along with some upcoming Nike Zoom Revis colorways. The logo represents “RI” for Revis Island and “24” for his jersey number. Check out the looks below, and let us know if your feeling the new logo along with the upcoming colorways?
Just like the Miami Heat, the Denver Nuggets display their edition of the Harlem Shake. JaVale McGee was the one who put it all together, so peep it out below and let us know who’s was better? Heat vs. Nugget Harlem Shake battle.
Who doesn’t like OG Air Jordan models? With Jordan Brand slowly retro’ing a few models that feature the OG styling like the “Nike Air”, it’s safe to say OG models are becoming more appreciated. Here are several Air Jordan OG models that are being sold on eBay below, and if interested in copping hit up quentinours on eBay.
There has been several Nike KD V models that have been floating around and as we wait for a release for each pair, we share three models that are upcoming. Seen here is the Nike KD V “All-Red Everything”, along with the Nike KD V N7, and the “Multicolor” KD V. Check out the image below, and let us know if you plan on copping either of these three when they drop later this year?
Source: tdurant
Nike Sportswear will release a couple new models of the Nike Tennis Classic this Summer 2013. Here is a look at the Nike Tennis Classic Mesh that features an Obsidian mesh upper with British Tan leather detailing sitting atop a White sole. Look for these to drop this Summer at select NSW accounts like Titolo.
Continuing Nike Sportswear’s “Essential” series comes another Nike Air Max 90 model. Featuring a Grey suede base with Dark Blue accents and White branding that will debut in April 2013 at select NSW accounts like End Clothing.
