Friday, April 13, 2018

Wear your soles #12 ~ The Up Rise of Adidas - Part 1

The up rise of Adidas has been caused by many different factors within the past 5 years. The brand of the three stripes really started to pick up there brand in 2013, when the introduction of "Boost" Technology had been introduced to their shoes. "Boost" is a TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) that Adidas had bought the "rights" from BASF SE (Largest chemical producing company located in Germany) to use Boost for the next 5 years.

Originally Boost technology was used on the Adidas energy Boost. The shoe was mainly for runners and nobody really thought the technology was any good. The best technology at the time was Nike's Lunarlon, Air, Zoom, and Free. Many thought Lunarlon would be unbeaten in comfort, bounce back, and the durability. Boost had really kicked off after Kanye had worn a pair of Triple White Ultra Boost during his "Life of Pablo" tour. The week after Kanye had wore the Ultra Boost, the silhouette had disappeared around the world, and being flipped for double to triple the retail price (Retail $160 USD).
Related image
Kanye West wearing the Adidas Triple White Ultra Boost 
Yeezy brand was and still is a big hit that elevated Adidas to be better than before. Kanye West had signed with Adidas in 2015. This was after Kanye had been in a deal with Nike for nearly 7 years. The move shook the sneaker world and made each and every Kanye X Nike shoe to skyrocket in price. It wasn't long till Ye and Adidas started to produce some premium collaborations. In February 2015, the first Adidas Yeezy 750 was brought out to the public to purchase. The shoe had many elements that were different and had the Kanye design with the Adidas touch. The 750 was a mid top, constructed with a full suede upper and had a full length "Boost" mid sole. Not long after, Kanye was back with the release of the Yeezy Boost 350 V1. The 350 is the staple shoe that nearly all sneakerheads have in their collections. Its constructed with a knit upper and once again, a full length "Boost" mid sole.

The same year, Adidas took a break from designing running specific shoes and came out with a neutral (casual/lifestyle) sneaker. Once again, Adidas took full advantage of "Boost" and put it in the Adidas NMD. The Adidas NMD was another huge lift for Adidas in 2016 , as Pharrell Williams used the silhouette of the NMD and created his collaboration/collection "Human Race" Pharrell wanted to showcase Humans and colour. Each Human race had a "Boost" mid sole, unique lacing system, and an embroider set of letters or words related to Humans and life.

Related image
Pharrell Williams Human Race Collection






Friday, March 9, 2018

Blog #11 ~ Success & Failure within the school year

      Throughout the school year so far, I feel that I've done a lot and surpassed my expectations then what I had previously predicted. I'm super happy and haven't had many downs as predicted. Last year I expected to come into grade 10 achieving the same grades and not really improve or drop. But in reality, all of my subject's grades went up. I tried to attempt new things that I thought I'd never do before and pursued some new hobbies. At this moment in time, I'm really happy with the results I produced and hope to keep improving.

      One of the hobbies that I really started pursuing after a large purchase was photography. I've always enjoyed taking pictures but when I purchased my camera, it allowed me to try some ideas I had and get my creative juices flowing. I enjoy taking landscape pictures, but I've recently gotten into taking portraits of people. My hope is to bring lots of people together and take one day to go around Vancouver and make lots of friends in the process.

Shot on 02/24/18

        Sort of connected to photography was my love for shoes and "Streetwear". From the beginning of the school year, I've been trying to make some extra money with buying and selling shoes. During this process, I had many ups and downs. I basically "took the L" in a sense because I thought a shoe would sell but then it just declined in price. From September to now (March 2018) the streetwear community has been on a decline but hasn't taken a big hit yet. The potential to sell a shoe which retailed for $200 and flip it for $600, really made me pursue in reselling throughout this year



      Some downs of school were just doing badly on projects and have those mishaps on a test. I've had 3 test mess ups so far. One in Math and two in French. The mistakes that were made were really basic miscalculations for math and forgetting/adding extra letters to a word in French. They are very easy fixes but at the time of the test I either blanked out or was stressed because of all the questions or other things happening.



      Just recently there were tryouts for Churchill Ultimate Frisbee Junior team. I decided to try out once again. The tryouts were super stressful. It required tons of focus and making sure you're putting in 100% when throwing, catching, and running. I was actually really surprised that I made the team again just because there was a lot of competition to compete against. Ultimate to me is a stress reliever. It allows me to throw around with friends and lets me refresh myself. Let's hope that this year the Churchill Junior Ulti team will prevail as Champs in cities and Provincials.   

      I hope that the rest of grade 10 will be just as fun, challenging and successful at the beginning of this year. There are many things to improve on and I hope I can try more new things outside of my comfort zone.

      

Friday, February 16, 2018

Wear Your Soles #10 ~ Adidas X Kanye Part 2



As April 2017 came around, the anticipated All white/Cream colourway dropped. Many people were excited not just because it was a "Triple White" shoe, but a blank canvas for many artists. A lot of crazy and interesting customs were done with this shoe.

Image result for triple white yeezy
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 "Cream White"

Just a few months ago, probably one of the ugliest Yeezy's to drop n 2017 released.  Also known as the "Mcdonalds Cheeseburger" and "Junior McChicken" the Yeezy 350 "Semi Frozen Yellow" was a very bright and interesting colourway. The upper was the zebra upper but instead of white, it was replaced with a "highlighter" yellow. SPLY-350 was in a red colour. The show had a gum sole to finish it off.
Image result for semi yellow yeezy
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 "Semi Frozen Yellow"



Adidas and Yeezy Brand finished the year strong with the Beluga 2.0 which released on November 25th, plus a restock on November 30th and the Adidas Yeezy Blue Tint which released December 16th.  The redesign of the Beluga 2.0 brought to us an all grey upper with hints of orange. On the original Beluga, you'll see a bright orange stripe with SPLY 350 in grey. The 2.0 is an inverted version of the 1.0 where the line is grey and SPLY 350 is in orange. The blue tint is basically a redesign of the Zebra. For this rendition, the zebra is totally "iced out" through the entirety of the shoe. All the Yeezy 350s retail for $220 USD

Image result for beluga 2.0 and blue tint

Yeezy 350 Cleat

The 350 cleat was kind of a gimmick. Knowing the thickness of the original 350 knit, people knew the quality of the shoe wouldn't qualify as a cleat. The only 350 cleat that came out was in the "Turtle Dove" colourway. The cleat made an appearance in an NFL game. But the player wearing it (DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans wide receiver) was fined $6000 because the cleat violated the NFL uniform policy.
Related image
DeAndre Hopkins's Yeezy 350 cleats


Yeezy 750

The Yeezy Boost 750 was the first Yeezy ever brought out to the public. The 750 is a hightop shoe with a zipper on the inner ankle of the shoe. All of the 750s have an all suede upper with boost in the midsole.  Yeezy 750 "Light Brown" initially released on February 14th, 2015 in New York City with 9000 units, then became more available worldwide during the week of February 21st to February 28th. On June 11th, 2016, the Glow in the dark 750 released. It was an all grey upper and a light brown midsole, which glowed in the dark. The last two 750s were a Triple Black and a Chocolate colourway.  The retail for the 750s is $350 USD.

Image result for yeezy 750 boost light brown
Yeezy Boost 750 "Light Brown"

Yeezy 750 Cleat

Just like the 350 cleat, the 750 cleat was basically the upper put onto an Adidas cleat. It came out in a Tan and Triple Black colourway. Nothing much has been brought out about the 750 cleat. No NFL player has worn it either. In Vancouver, I rarely see this cleat at consignment stores and Facebook groups.  



Image result for yeezy 750 cleat
Tan & Triple Black 750 Cleats


Yeezy 700

The Yeezy boost 700 is Kanye's running shoe. Also known as the "Wave Runner" the 700 debuted on August 12, 2017, and retailed for $300 USD. The entire shoe is 3m reflective material and has the silhouette of an Asic or Nike Air Monarch. I'm not too sure how the 700s fit and how they feel, but it looks as they might be as comfortable as the Yeezy 350.


Image result for yeezy 700
Yeezy 700 "Wave Runner"


Friday, February 9, 2018

Wear Your Soles #9 ~ Adidas X Kanye Part 1

In the last post, I talked about Kanye West and his footwear collaborations with large companies around the world. In this Blog, I'll be talking about Adidas and Kanye's shoes. The Adidas Yeezy Boost 350, 750 and the latest 700. Kanye has been releasing Yeezy after Yeezy and they've just recently stopped since they're waiting for the next Season.

Yeezy Boost 350





The original Yeezy Boost 350 released on June 27th, 2015 in the Turtle Dove Colourway. The Shoe immediately sold out and the world was expecting more. Later that year on August 22nd, Adidas released the Pirate Black Colourway. This was one of the most popular colorways. The third original V1 Colourway is moonrock. The last Colourway of the V1 collection is the Oxford Tan.


Related image
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 ~ Turtle Dove




For the quality of the Yeezy V1, it has a patch of suede on the inner part of the shoe and a pull tab on the heel. the bottoms are a hard plastic that protects the boost midsole and hides it away. The original Yeezy box is a plain brown box with no design or anything on it.

Related image
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 ~ Pirate Black




When Yeezy Season 3 dropped in 2016, it dropped with a new Yeezy Boost 350. The colourway was the Beluga which had a bright orange stripe on the side and SPLY 350 within the stripe. The sole of the shoes is translucent. It looks much thinner than the V1 but it has the same durability. This style of Yeezy was later known as Yeezy Boost 350 V2.


Image result for yeezy beluga
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 ~ Beluga 1.0/V1 

The V2 line is pretty large for just one silhouette. Personally, I think some of the V2s look pretty ugly and the choice of colourways were bad. After the Beluga came the "Black Friday" set. The set included a copper, olive, and red stripe on an all-black upper. Right after that release was the Oreo. Essentially the same as the "Black Friday" set, except this time the stripe was white.




Image result for yeezy black friday
YZY 350 V2 ~ "Black Friday"
The V2 line didn't end there though. In February 2017, The Bred (Black + Red) colourway came out. The Bred is probably my favourite and cleanest colourway since its all Black with SPLY 350 in red. Originally the most limited Yeezy in a Zebra C.W. came out. When it originally dropped, there was a rumour of only 10k or maybe less around the entire world. But Adidas spoiled the rarity by dropping 100k+ of the Zebra, making it lose its value from upwards or $1500 to $500- $600. There are many other colours that the line has brought which have surprisingly kept a high value.



Image result for yeezy bred and zebra
Zebra + Bred Colourways

Friday, January 19, 2018

Wear Your Soles Review #8 : Kanye's Collaborations

When Kanye started to get into the music and celebrity scene, he wanted to make his own apparel and be a fashion designer.  It all began with Nike in 2007. The first Yeezy of its kind was designed and created by Mark Smith (Senior designer at Nike) and Kanye himself. On April 4, 2009, the first Nike Air Yeezy was released for the public to buy. The "Zen Grey" colourway which retailed at $215 USD immediately sold out after its release. One month later brand brought out the "Blink" colourway on May 4th of that same year. The final installment of the Air Yeezy of 2009 was the "Net" Colourway


Image result for air yeezy zen grey
Air Yeezy 1 "Zen Grey"
Related image
Air Yeezy 1 "Blink"











As 2012 rolled around, high profile celebrities teased the shoe by shouting it out like Macklemore who wore them during his New Years performance, then throwing them into the crowd. On May 29th, 2012 Nike announced that the Nike Air Yeezy 2 would release on June 9th of that year. The Air Yzy 2 dropped on Nike for $245 and were limited to only 5000 pairs in the world. People had the fantastic idea of reselling the shoes as they were super limited and hard to come by. As surprise by many people, Nike had dropped the all-red version of the Air Yeezy 2 dubbed the "Red October" on February 9th, 2014. Other colours such as the "Pure Platinum", "solar red" and the collaboration with "John Geiger X Lasco Golden Child" released sometime between the first Yzy 2 and "Red October". Today the all the Air Yeezys sell for upwards of $2000.




Related image
Air Yeezy 2 "Red October"
Image result for air yeezy solar red
Air Yeezy 2 "Solar Red"














Kanye had originally designed a shoe with Adidas but then decided to sign with Nike. When it was time for Kanye to sign to a brand, he pushed Nike aside and went back to his Adidas roots. The reason why Kanye went to Adidas was that Nike wouldn't grant Kanye's request to receive royalties for his shoes but Adidas would give Kanye full royalties.


2015 was big for Kanye since they released "Yeezy Season 1" which was the first and only apparel collection to release during the collaboration with Adidas. As people rumoured of a shoe release to be coming soon after "Yeezy Season 1" The Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 "Light Brown" was released on Febuary 14th, 2015.  Later that year on June 27th, 2015 Kanye and Adidas released the first colourway of the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 in the "Turtle Dove" colourway. This would be one of the many 350 colourways to be released.



Image result for adidas yeezy boost 750 light brown
Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 "Light Brown"
Image result for adidas yeezy boost 350 turtledove
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 "Turtle Dove"














Kanye had many ups and downs collabing with Nike and Adidas. His Yeezy line is probably one of the most well known apparel lines around the world. Kanye has come a long way since he orginally collaborated with Adidas then signing on with Nike and now currently with Adidas.




Monday, January 8, 2018

Virgil Abloh X Nike "The Ten" Part 2 - Nike Air VaporMax + Nike Zoom Fly

Nike Air VaporMax

One of Nike's most recent releases, the Nike Air VaporMax consist of Nike original and game-changing technology, "Air" put into a plastic "Air" Bubble. Created in Beaverton, Oregon in the Nike Labs, each air bubble is made then put onto a flyknit upper. The shoe is the newest competitor to the Adidas UltraBoost. Some say this shoe is way more comfortable than the UltraBoost, but I think the shoe is less comfortable. I have to say the VaporMax are super lightweight and more flexible compared to the UltraBoost. For this installment, Virgil deconstructed the shoe like the other nine Nikes that are apart of the Nike X Off-White collaboration. The design begins with an all black canvas and a large white Nike swoosh. Next, you have a small piece of orange fabric near the top of the swoosh. On the inner part of the shoe, there is a piece of text in white that reads "Off-WhiteTM for NIKE "NIKE AIR VAPORMAX" Beaverton, Oregon USA C.2017." The material on the upper is flyknit technology. The material on the heel is a waterproof plastic. On the outside heel area, there is more text that reads "AIR".  The shoe is one of the most wanted from the collections. Being all black and easy to style, streetwear fanatics loved the way Virgil deconstructed the shoe. The retail price of this shoe is $330. In Facebook groups, the shoe is selling for upwards of $650. 



Image result for nike off white vapormax
Nike Air VaporMax



Nike Zoom Fly

The Nike Zoom fly is supposedly the best running shoe ever created and makes you a better runner. The worlds best marathon runner, Eliud Kipchoge wore the Nike Zoom VaporFly 4%, the predecessor to the Nike Zoom Fly during Nike's "Breaking 2" marathon. "Breaking 2" is the name of the 42.1 Km marathon created by Nike to prove that the Nike Zoom VaporFly 4% really makes world-class runners better. The 4% is the percentage that Nike found in a funded study done at the University of Colorado. The testers wore prototypes of the Nike Zoom VaporFly and ran an average of 4 percent more efficiently than they did in any other running shoe in the market.Three world renown marathon runners were selected for the event and trained for weeks to hopefully break 42.1 Km in 2 Hours. Eliud's best marathon time was 2:03:05. His time for the breaking 2 marathon was 2:00:25. Kipchoge already broke human expectations by achieving 2:03:05 but now twenty-five seconds away from 2 hours is really amazing for the progress in human growth and Nike proving they could make World-class runners better with they're shoes. 

The Nike Zoom Fly that Virgil designed has an all-white neoprene upper with a cream coloured midsole. On the midsole, in black writing reads "FOAM". A small piece of orange fabric is placed near the upper part of the Nike swoosh. The inner part of the shoe has the same writing on each shoe. The only thing that differentiates is "Off-WhiteTM for NIKE "NIKE ZOOM VAPORFLY" Beaverton, Oregon USA C.2017." The shoe comes with black, white, green and orange laces that come with every shoe. The retail price is $330. Resell on the shoe found on local markets are $550 - $650


Related image
Nike Zoom Fly

Friday, December 8, 2017

Virgil Abloh X Nike "The Ten" Part 1 - Air Jordan 1 + Air Presto

As if this year wasn't already jam-packed with big shoe releases, Nike decided to launch one of it's most anticipated collaborations of the year with Virgil Abloh and his designer brand "Off White". The two brands had been working on ten popular Nike silhouettes. When the rumors of a collaboration became public, Streetwear communities around the world were ecstatic to see what was to come. The theme of this collaboration was to deconstruct the shoe and make it simple yet stand out upon other shoes. "The Ten" that Virgil and Nike agreed to design were the iconic Air Jordan 1, Nike Air Presto, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Vapourmax, Nike Hyperdunk, Nike Zoom Vapourfly, Converse Chuck Taylor, Nike Blazer, and Nike Air Max 97.

Each silhouette is unique to the design, materials, colour and small details found along the length of the shoe. Each shoe has an ink printed piece of text. The text is an Off White staple on each piece Virgil has included. The large font and quotation marks are something Virgil has started to use ever since he created Off White. It is a unique way to display each shoe and "Deconstruct"


Image result for off white nike writing
Eliud Kipchoge's Nike Zoom Vapourfly personalized by Virgil Abloh

"2:03:32" Eluid Kipchoge's Berlin Marathon Finishing Time

Air Jordan 1 

When I first saw the Air Jordan 1, I thought there was too much going on the shoe. After seeing it in person, the design and colour grew on me. The majority of the upper is made of leather and mesh. The toe box is a mesh layered with neoprene.  The FNAA (Footwear News Achievement Awards) gave Nike and Virgil the "Shoe of the year" award, making this shoe even more coveted. If you wanted to wear this shoe and was unsuccessful on copping it for retail, you're in bad luck. At the moment the Air Jordan 1 X Off White is selling for $1700 and up to $2200 (depending on size) in Facebook groups. At consignment stores around Canada, the shoe is listed at $2000-$2500.


Image result for nike x virgil abloh
Air Jordan 1

Nike Air Presto

The Nike Air Presto was my favourite collab that Nike has given us. The dark upper and cream sole allows for the brighter coloured shoelaces and small details to stand out. The presto is a great daily wear shoe but at a price point between $900 to $1900 (found in Vancouver Consignment stores, Facebook groups, and online sources), maybe this specific colourway isn't the best to wear every day but keep on the shelf to look at and retain value.


Image result for nike x virgil abloh
Nike Air Presto 




Friday, November 3, 2017

Wear Your Soles Review #5 : Adidas EQT Support 93/17

Adidas has recently incorporated boost technology with brand new and retro silhouettes. Before the Ultra Boost silhouette was born and boost was put into basically every shoe on Adidas's line, Boost was meant for runners. It was meant to give runners a bounce back when they put pressure down on the shoe. But now Adidas has put boost on a model that was most popular for running. The EQT, also known as "Adidas Equipment" was the 'best" model brought out by Adidas's Lifestyle line, Adidas Originals. The most popular silhouette EQT support 93/16 was the silhouette chosen to create the 93/17.



Image result for eqt 9317
Adidas Eqt Support 93/17 "Turbo Red"



The first EQT 93/17 was introduced January 28, 2017. Its a pretty recent shoe and has picked up interest in many people. The shoe is made with a thicker Prime knit than the Ultra boost and has a nice layer of Boost to cushion your foot. The sole is just a basic rubber sole. Not much traction on it but holds up well. There are currently 15 colourways available to purchase.


Related image
Adidas EQT Support 93/17 X Bait


Weather Performance

The 93/17 are a pretty good shoe for all weather conditions. it can withstand snow, rain, and mud. If you are unlucky the leather and mesh material inside the shoe might soak up the rain or snow.  Since the 93 has a thick outsole, it is meant to be used when you go for a hike or outside during the cold and wetter season.


Running / Training

In my opinion, the 93s are solid running shoes. With the comfort from the boost and the good lock of the ankle from the silhouette, the EQT support 93/17 is a great shoe for running. The quality of the shoe isn't that good so there could be a chance for the knit to rip if you aren't careful. Training in this shoe wouldn't be the best choice but not the worst.



Casual Wear / Walking

This shoe is by far my favourite shoe to wear when I'm just going out. The shoe is nice and lightweight and breathable. When I recently went traveling, I wore this shoe for an entire week. I was expecting my feet to hurt and sweat a ton. But the Boost kept me comfy the entire trip and the breathable knit was fantastic. Most of the colourways are easy to match with outfits and is a great shoe for a night out.

Cost

Prices in CAD*

Adidas EQT Support 93/17  Retail: $210 - $240

Overall Review

Overall the Adidas EQT Support 93/17 is a great shoe. I think it's a perfect shoe for all seasons and able to withstand all environmental factors in its way. The price is around the same as the Ultra Boost, but it really depends on your style and what your preference is. If you are interested go and try it on for yourself. Not everyone will like the shoe but you might.



Running: 6.5/10    Stability: 8/10   Walking: 8/10   Weather Performance: 7/10    Comfort: 9/10   


Friday, October 13, 2017

Wear Your Soles Review #4 : Converse Chuck Taylor All star II Boot



As winter brings the snow upon us, we require wearing different footwear. Something that is waterproof will protect us from the coming winter months. The Converse Chuck Taylor Allstar II Boot is a perfect shoe for the winter. The Chuck is constructed with an all leather upper and built to withstand all elements coming on its way. The sole is a hard rubber material which has a spider web design, allowing for a firm grip to the ground.



Image result for converse ct ii boot leather
All 4 Converse Chuck Taylor Allstar II



Ever since Nike had bought Converse, Nike decided to put in there "Lunar Lon" Technology into all of there converse models, including the Chuck II Boot. Nike has been using this technology for many years and not once has it not been super comfortable. I'm not saying that "Lunar Lon" is the most comfortable technology out there, but it works well with the boot. Currently, the shoes have 54different colours available to purchase worldwide.


Weather performance

This is probably one of the best boots I've ever had. Last year during the large snowfall, I wore these boots almost every day during the snowy days and never had snow, slush, or rain get into the shoe. I have to say Nike did well designing the boot and making it true to its name. An all waterproof boot.
When I had rain on the shoe, only a few droplets had stayed on the Boot. When I shook the shoe all of the drops just slid right off. It's just a great weather performing boot.

Casual Wear / Walking

Normally I expect boots to be super heavy and not comfortable. The Chuck II Boot is surprisingly light and has a "Lunar Lon" insole which makes this boot really comfortable to walk in. The Chuck really forms well around your foot and keeps it locked in. When I was walking home in these boots, they really didn't bother me and I kinda thought I was wearing a pair of runners. that's how great fitting they are.

Cost


Prices in CAD*

Converse Chuck II Boot (Leather)  Retail: $149.99


Overall Review

This is one of the best boots for all elements. Especially since it rains a lot in Vancouver, the boot can be used year round. The boot is super comfortable compared to other boots and keeps all elements (snow, slush, mud, rain) out. The sole is sturdy and has a design to prevent you from slipping on ice. 

  
 Walking: 7/10   Weather Performance: 9/10    Comfort: 8/10   



Image Credits: Google Images, Sneaker News, High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Stock X

Friday, October 6, 2017

Wear Your Soles Review #3 : Air Jordan 1

The one shoe that started Jordan Brand and shook up the NBA's uniform code for footwear on the court. The Air Jordan 1 was first seen on court during a game in 1985. Michael Jordan stepped onto the court in a hightop silhouette with the infamous Black and Red colourway. Nike them selfs thought the shoe looked like "the devils" shoe. The shoe brought up problems for Jordan because, during that time, the NBA had a strict policy about players clothing attire. Every time MJ stepped onto the court, he'd be fined for $5000. The "sneaker ban" built up so much attention that Nike decided to step in and pay the fines that Jordan accumulated.

Image result for jordan 1 bred 1985
Michael Jordan playing in Bred 1s

The Jordan 1 has an all leather upper constructed with a high top like silhouette which "locks" your ankle in. The midsole a foam type material and the sole is rubber. The Jordan 1 was first released as a basketball shoe, but most people nowadays wear them casually. There have been over 200+ Jordan 1s that were released. The most well known "Banned" 1, Shattered Backboard 1, and Royal 1 just to name a few. Recently the Jordan 1 silhouette was used with Nike's "THE TEN" collaboration with off-white creator and designer Virgil Abloh. Currently, the collab is one of the hardest pairs to obtain.


Image result for jordan 1 bred
Air Jordan 1 "Bred" (Banned)
Image result for jordan 1 royal

Air Jordan 1 "Royal" 



Image result for jordan 1 shattered backboard
Air Jordan 1 "Shattered Backboard"
Image result for jordan 1 x off white
Air Jordan 1 X Off White

Weather Performance

From my personal experience wearing Jordan 1s during all weather, they do pretty well. since its an all leather upper, it repels water and snow well. if you are unlucky the leather and mesh material inside the shoe might soak up the rain or snow. During the last large snowfall, I wore the 1s for a week. during that time period, I learned that the sole isn't that good and I lost control with my footing nearly slipping on ice. 

Running / Training

Right away I'm going to say don't even try to run in these shoes. They're not flexible at all, being leather. i did try to play basket ball in these. the result was there is no ankle support, as well as the shoes are heavy and hard to run in. The shoe has no cushioning for your foot and just hurts your feet after just a little bit of running or a bit of walking. Just not an optimal shoe to wear for running or training.


Casual Wear / Walking

When I wear these shoes, I'd only last around half a day before my feet begin to hurt. the Jordan 1 just doesn't have any cushion to keep your feet comfy so I wouldn't recommend going a day in them. Maybe bring a spare shoe to change into cause majority of the time your feet will hurt unless your that lucky person that doesn't notice it. Even though they might hurt your feet, people are wearing the shoes every day and can wear it with just about anything.

Cost

Prices in CAD*
Air Jordan 1  Retail: $200 - $240 

Overall Review

I do enjoy wearing the Jordan 1. It fits any style and is a good shoe during the wetter seasons. It might hurt your feet a bit but it might just be worth it. Going to a nice night out, the Jordan 1 is really nice to wear. If your traveling it might not be the best shoe to wear since it is so heavy. Otherwise, I'd wear the Jordan 1 for short periods of time.




Running: 2/10   Stability: 6/10   Walking: 5/10   Weather Performance: 7.5/10   Comfort: 6.5/10



Image Credits: Google Images, Sneaker News, High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Stock X

Friday, September 22, 2017

Wear Your Soles Review #2 : Adidas NMD

The Adidas NMD (Urban Nomads) is one of Adidas's best selling shoe. The NMD was originally created for runners but has moved on to be an everyday wear shoe. The NMD, like the Adidas Ultra Boost, has a boost midsole for comfort and highest energy return to that of any runner on the market right now. The NMD features a Primeknit upper, a solid Boost midsole, and web rubber outsole.

OG NMD R1 Released: December 12th, 2015

Adidas First introduced the NMD in December 2015. Currently, Adidas has created and produced over 300 different and unique NMDs. Companys like "Sneakersandstuff", "White Mountaineering", "United Arrows and Sons" and Singer Pharrell Williams have their own signature designs using the NMD as their canvas.

There's currently 8 versions of the NMD on the market. Each displaying its own unique design and pattern. The 7 NMDs are NMD R1, NMD R2, NMD City Sock, NMD City Sock 2, NMD XR1, NMD Chukka, NMD Trail, and Pharrell William's "Human Race" NMD.

The R1 displays the "coloured elements" (Also known as "Lego Blocks") and the primeknit as its an entire piece like a sock. The R2 loses the "colour elements" and adds more boost to the heel area. The primeknit is also it 2 pieces and has a tongue. The CS and CS2 lose the laces and take on its name just being a sock on Boost. The Chukka is a mid-top NMD. The trail is designed to withstand all terrain and weather. Pharrell's "Human Race" has his own spin. Each shoe has some wording related to "Human Race" and the insoles have the human body printed on.

NMD R1 X Nice Kicks
NMD R2 X White Mountaineering


NMD CS X United Arrows and Sons
NMD CS2 X Naked X Kith

NMD XR1 X Mastermind

NMD Chukka X Porter
NMD Trail X White Mountaineering
NMD "Human Race"

Running/Training

Although the Adidas NMD R1 is meant to be a runner, it does not compare to other Adidas shoes containing boost. The boost on this shoe is much stiffer making it have a higher energy return compared to the Ultra Boost and Energy Boost. The NMD R1 is my go-to shoe for running. The prime knit is super breathable and allows for a secure lock on your foot. For long distance runners, the NMDs outsole allows for a large amount of wear. Training in the NMD isn't terrible. It has the boost technology and is breathable, good for people with sweaty feet. The Prime knit is thick enough to where it won't rip and create a hole.

Weather Performance

The NMD has a primeknit upper which does not withstand rain or snow. Currently, the NMD R1 Trail is the only NMD which can withstand snow and mud. having a thicker outsole, it is meant to be used when you go for a hike or outside during the cold and wetter season. I think the NMD R1 is meant for the warmer seasons and matches all types of outfits. 

Casual Wear

The NMD is a household shoe for basically anybody. it way easier to obtain than the Ultra Boost and is found at shops sitting for the rest of the general public. The NMD is the type of shoe that you can grab and wear the entire day, not worrying about comfort or if it's matching. The NMD sculpts with all feet and is good for traveling. Being super light it's easy to pack and takes little space.

Cost

Prices in CAD*

Adidas NMD R1  Retail: $220 - $240

Adidas NMD R2  Retail: $220 - $280

Adidas NMD City Sock  Retail: $200 - 220

Adidas NMD CS2  Retail: $220

Adidas NMD XR1  Retail: $190 - $280

Adidas NMD Chukka  Retail: $160 - $200

Adidas NMD Trail  Retail: $240

Adidas NMD Human Race  Retail:$300


Overall Review

The Adidas NMD is a great shoe for running. Its not built to last super long distances but its does the job. The NMD is a great shoe if your going out or traveling and want a shoe that is comfortable plus good looking. The price is around the same as the Ultra Boost, but it really depends on your style and what your preference is. If i'm brutally honest, i'd say just go and try it on. everyone is different but this is just my personal opinion on the Adidas NMD.


Running: 7/10   Stability: 8.5/10   Walking: 7/10   Weather Performance: 5/10   Comfort: 7/10



Image Credits: Google Images, Sneaker News, High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Stock X


Wear your soles #12 ~ The Up Rise of Adidas - Part 1

The up rise of Adidas has been caused by many different factors within the past 5 years. The brand of the three stripes really started t...