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

Air Yeezy 1 "Zen Grey"

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.

Air Yeezy 2 "Red October"

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.

Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 "Light Brown"

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.

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. 

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

Nike Zoom Fly

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"

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.

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.

Nike Air Presto 

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.

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.

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   

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.

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

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.

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.

Air Jordan 1 "Bred" (Banned)

Air Jordan 1 "Royal" 

Air Jordan 1 "Shattered Backboard"

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

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 Review #1 : Adidas Ultra Boost

The Adidas Ultra Boost is one of the most sought after shoe at the moment. The Ultra Boost has a technology called "Boost" which has the ability to bounce back into its shape. Boost is made out of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which is super springy.

There are Six versions at the moment, all with different "Uppers". (Upper: The part of the shoe where your foot is secured in place. Made of all types of materials. Fabric, Primeknit, Leather, etc.) All three uppers are made with Primeknit and each have their own unique pattern.

Ultra Boost 1.0 "Core Black"

Ultra Boost 2.0 "Reflective"

Ultra Boost 3.0

Ultra Boost Uncaged "Core Black"

Ultra Boost ST "USA"

Adidas Laceless Ultra Boost

Adidas First debuted this shoe in 2015 and has paved its way to being "The Greatest Running Shoe Ever" as said by Adidas. The shoe has stayed true to its title and is the number one choice for runners and Sneakerheads.  Currently, Adidas has put out over 300+ different colourways. Personally, I have 5 pairs.

Adidas Ultra Boost "OG" Released: February 11th, 2015

Weather Performance

How does the shoe do in different weather conditions? Well as of right now basically all ultra boost can not with stand liquid as the primeknit will absorb the liquid. The company has created an All Terrain Shoe, which they said would do better than a regular pair of Ultra Boost. I have seen the shoe but never actually put it to the test. Just From looking at it, you can see a rubber toe box and a reinforced Primeknit. I would say the Ultra Boost is meant more for a casual Summer shoe.

Running / Training

The Ultra Boost was really meant to be a runner. The comfortable and breathable Primeknit Plus the reactive Boost technology allows for it to be a great running shoe. The Continental Rubber Sole allows for good grip and longer-lasting use. This is a great shoe for neutral runners in the city and marathons since it really isn't meant for harsher terrains. Personally, I run in this shoe during all different weather conditions.

The Ultra Boost Which is best for running is the Ultra Boost ST. The ST is much more stable than the rest of the line. If you're doing Dead lifts or other types of weight lifting, the normal Ultra boost is unbalanced and won't keep you stable. The reasoning is the full-length midsole of boost will try to come back to its original shape and you would be fighting with the springy TPU. The ST will give you a bit of stability, but it might still be Unbalanced.

Casual Wear / Walking

The Ultra Boost has created a name for its self as one of the most hyped shoes. If you know anyone that is into streetwear, they probably have at least one pair of Ultra Boost. It matches basically any outfit and is an easy shoe to just grab and be comfortable all day. If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish Shoe, this is it. perfect for just about every type of foot shape. From Flat, wide, skinny and every other shape and size. When travelling, the Ultra Boost is really good for those long days of walking around and touring the city. 

Cost

The cost might look really steep, but this is an investment for your feet and yourself. The quality on these shoes are really good and they last for a long time.

Prices in CAD*

Adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 Retail: $180 - $240

Adidas Ultra Boost 2.0 Retail: $220 - $290

Adidas Ultra Boost 3.0 Retail: $240 - $260

Adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged Retail: $240 - $260

Adidas Ultra Boost ST Retail: $210 - $240

Adidas Laceless Ultra Boost Retail: $250

Overall Review

Overall the Adidas Ultra Boost is a great shoe for both casual wear and running in. The shoe is super light weight and not a hassle to carry. The price points are pretty high but I believe this could be one of your best investments.

Running: 7.5/10    Stability: 8.5/10   Walking: 8/10   Weather Performance: 6.5/10    Comfort: 9/10   

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