2021 may just be the year for Nike’s Dunk High. Slated to release later this month is a Dunk High PRM dressed in a “Dark Russet” colorway. Although no official images …
Along with the recently announced “Animal Pack,” Nike is prepping a “Medium Curry” Dunk Low PRM for 2021. The Nike Dunk Low PRM “Medium Curry” is set to join a massive …
The NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats campaign is one of the many ways that players across the league use their voice and influence for change. This year’s cleats were special due …
The NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats campaign is one of the many ways that players across the league use their voice and influence for change. This year’s cleats were special due to the handful of events that have taken place all over the country from Breonna Taylor to George Floyd and many others. The unfortunate deaths and powerful protests that followed were part of a larger movement for change in this country.
Ronald Jones, running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, dedicated his cleats to Mothers Against Police Brutality in lieu of the events from this year as well as a story close to home.
Take a closer look at the cleats below and learn more about Jones’s inspiration behind the inspirational pair.
I wanted to bring awareness to an issue that affects Black and Brown families every day especially since it’s one that has hit my home directly. My sister’s father, Paul Monroe, was killed by police decades ago and my classmate, Darius Tarver, was killed this year. This is an issue that Black people have dealt with long before the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and it’s an issue that my Black teammates and I face when we leave the football field every day.
We cannot avoid having conversations about racial injustice and we need to always say the names of those who’ve lost their lives. This is my tribute to them.
Custom sneakers continue to tell stories that most brands can’t. The innate nature of unique storytelling with designs and multifaceted inspirations is what sets custom sneakers apart from general releases and …
Custom sneakers continue to tell stories that most brands can’t. The innate nature of unique storytelling with designs and multifaceted inspirations is what sets custom sneakers apart from general releases and oversaturated collaborations.
Mark Wilkins, the mastermind behind VRTIGO, is bringing the nightmares to your kicks with a custom set of VRTIGO SBs. The pairs, inspired by Chucky and Michael Myers, bring story telling to the next level with an unparalleled attention to detail.
The Chucky pairs feature distressed salvaged denim for the overalls leather and tinted suede for skin, staples for all of Chucky’s repairs throughout the years. The shoe’s color block print to represent the long sleeve shirt he wore. The inner foot has the silver kitchen knife which is his preferred weapon.
The Michael Myers pairs feature a midnight navy stained suede for the mechanic suit that he wears, mud aged leather to symbolize the mask, and dark caramel brown accent to represent the hair of the mast. To bring it all together, there’s a silver slasher kitchen knife on the inside side of shoes.
The pairs will be available on VRTIGO’s site on November 18 starting at 9 a.m. PST. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club’s art program as a resource to give more inner-city kids a voice through the arts.
Along with the League of Legends: Wild Rift announcement, Riot Games has rewarded select Southeast Asian partners with some customs. Employing custom studio SBTG to help with this project was a …
Along with the League of Legends: Wild Rift announcement, Riot Games has rewarded select Southeast Asian partners with some customs. Employing custom studio SBTG to help with this project was a great showing of intuition, given the Singaporean’s previous works. Using the iconic Nike Air Force 1 as a base, Mr. Sabotage (a.k.a. Mark Ong) made a few choice elevations.
Like the Kobe Tribute Mamba Fury AF1, the Wild Rift AF1’s feature embroidered swooshes and gold detailing on the heel. This time we see SBTG’s recognizable tiger camo adorn the swoosh dripping in Blue, Gold & White – the game’s colors. The standard tongue tags & lace dubraes have also been swapped out for a more on-brand look. The tastefully modified uppers sit above untouched Air Force soles completing the look.
The pairs will not see a retail release, instead being gifted to a select few in the Riot Games arsenal. For each member that is gifted a pair, their respective names are stenciled in gold foil for a luxe touch. We’re sure that many sneakerheads & gamers alike would be rushing for a pair if these weren’t a promotional project.
Let us know what you think about the pairs and the game, with images of the shoes viewable below. As always, keep it locked into Nice Kicks for all of the latest info and drops!
Riot Games x SBTG Nike Air Force 1 League of Legends: Wild Rift
Colorway: White / Blue / Gold Style #: 315122-111
Riot Games x SBTG Nike Air Force 1 League of Legends: Wild Rift Custom
We’re only a handful of hours away from the end of the 2020 election cycle. While we’re not here to tell you who to vote for (despite the obvious choice), we’re …
We’re only a handful of hours away from the end of the 2020 election cycle. While we’re not here to tell you who to vote for (despite the obvious choice), we’re certainly here to encourage you to exercise your right to vote.
If you don’t want to take our words of encouragement, maybe Sneaker Politics and Ceeze can convince you.
The custom sneaker designer and the renowned boutique are teaming up to bring sneakerheads to the polls. The reimagined Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 34 “Countdown Pack” is a nod to the 2008 pack releases that led to the retail release of the Air Jordan 23.
Both the AJ1 and the AJ34 embody a presidential flair to them as the pairs are inspired by Air Force 1 (no, not the shoe).
In order to win the Air Jordan 1, you must follow the directions below:
For your chance to win, answer the simple but challenging question, “Why did you vote?” in the comment section of this shoe’s Instagram post on @sneakerpolitics. Once all the votes are in, a winner will be selected and sent this pair. The contest is live now and will conclude on November 3 at 10:00 PM EST.
The Air Jordan 34, however, will be an Austin, TX exclusive.
Residents of Austin, TX can enter the draft for this pair by signing up for a raffle in-store. All participants must provide the name of the polling location they voted at or the office where the mail-in ballot was deposited. This raffle will open on November 3 and run until the end of the week on November 6.
Be sure to tap in with the Sneaker Politics crew for the right cause and some heat.
World renowned NYC based artist KAWS is teaming up with Nike once again for a sneaker drop, this time on a customized pair of the Sacai x Nike LDWaffle. Known for …
World renowned NYC based artist KAWS is teaming up with Nike once again for a sneaker drop, this time on a customized pair of the Sacai x Nike LDWaffle. Known for his bright artworks, KAWS has amassed a massive pop-culture following, though these pieces arrive in toned-down forms. Any piece he touches commands immense attention and his latest work is no different.
Though we have seen recent leaks of the upcoming Sacai x Nike LDWaffle, KAWS makes his mark on first editions. Using 1 Black & 1 White pair, KAWS adds his iconic eyes on the heel counter of each shoe. Supplementing this are smiles & frowns across the midsole, followed by his signature on the medial midsole. The NYC icon completes the pairs by customizing the boxes that the pairs come in.
The Sacai x Nike LDWaffle took the world by storm on their initial drop. With fans ranging from OG sneakerheads to the larger fashion crowd & public, it seemed everyone had to have a pair. When the shoes returned in March of this year in Black & White Nylon renditions it was no different. Featuring ribbon laces & suede accents, these pairs ooze luxury & high fashion.
With only two pairs being made, they are currently part of Free Arts NYC annual benefit auction. Though the bidding opened on October 16, these two unique pairs are well poised to raise massive amounts. The current bids are $11,000 for the Black pair (US 9.5); the White pair (US 10.5) sits at a whopping $46,000. Check out full images of the two pairs out below, initially teased by KAWS on his Instagram.
With 8 days still to go, bidding closes on October 30th at 11 AM EST. Watch this space to see how far the two go & keep it locked into Nice Kicks for the latest!
KAWS x Sacai x Nike LDWaffle Colorway: Black / Black | White / White Style Code: BV0073-002 | BV0073-101 Release Date: October 30, 2020 Price: Auction
Custom sneakers are the perfect avenue for artists. The sneakers automatically become a canvas that allows stories, creativity, and more to flow with ease. Pop Fields drew inspiration from his late …
Custom sneakers are the perfect avenue for artists. The sneakers automatically become a canvas that allows stories, creativity, and more to flow with ease.
Pop Fields drew inspiration from his late grandmother to create a custom Nike Air Force 1 Low that honors her and her legacy. The “Dawnies” custom is more than a tribute to his late grandmother as she lives on in the form of one of the most iconic shoes that Nike has ever created.
Take a detailed look at the pair below. Be sure to follow the artist on Instagram for a chance to get your hands on these on October 18 as pairs will be limited to just 50.
Social justice, activism, and protests have been focal points through sports, pop culture, and public discourse for decades. While this year is no different, the combination of COVID-19 along with more …
Social justice, activism, and protests have been focal points through sports, pop culture, and public discourse for decades. While this year is no different, the combination of COVID-19 along with more instances of racism (there systemic or systematic), has placed a larger emphasis on addressing the atrocities that continue to face Black Americans at a disproportionate rate.
Sneaker brands, athletes, boutiques, and many other entities within the industry are making statements and lending a hand to do their part.
Custom sneakers are using their platforms and art to bring more light to the issue. The Sneaker Journalists envisioned a custom Air Jordan 1 that combines social justice and activism through the years. From MLK to Colin Kaepernick to Ahmaud Arbery, this AJ1 is meant to be provocative above everything else.
Take a detailed look at the pair below, and be sure to follow The Sneaker Journalists on Instagram.
The NBA Bubble has given us a multitude of storylines since the first set of games tipped off. Intense match-ups, memorable performances, sneaker debuts, and social justice-driven initiatives have emerged on …
The NBA Bubble has given us a multitude of storylines since the first set of games tipped off. Intense match-ups, memorable performances, sneaker debuts, and social justice-driven initiatives have emerged on the hardwood in an unprecedented fashion.
Though no storyline supersedes another, one of the most encompassing moments of the bubble came thanks to Chris Paul and his Jordan CP3.XII. Not only did CP3 lead the Oklahoma City Thunder in a valiant effort in the playoffs, but the future Hall of Famer also took his platform and sneakers and dedicated it to raising awareness to the Black community in more ways than one.
CP3 and Roland Padron teamed up for a handful of custom CP3.XIIs dedicated to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and Breonna Taylor lead by his Can’t Give Up Now mantra.
We caught up with Padron, known best as Nomad Customs, about the creative process behind the HBCU Sneaker Tour. Learn about his story and the process that went into the custom collection below. Be sure to follow Nomad on Instagram for more custom creations.
Nice Kicks: How did your customizing journey begin?
Nomad: I began customizing my own sneakers, specifically Nikes and Jordans, in high school. I would use shoe paint and sharpies to change up the color of the Jumpman, swoosh or color block any part of the shoe I wanted. I didn’t begin customizing shoes as a business until 2013. I think a lot of great ideas happen when you least expect it, especially when you hit rock bottom. At the time, my wife and I had just gotten married and a few months after the wedding I lost my job as a Property Manager, a position I was working in for over 15 years. We were left with no choice but to move in with my in-laws. We have 5 beautiful children and thankfully we had the support of our family through that very difficult time.
I began caddying at a private golf course in Miami Beach, Florida. At that moment I had hit rock bottom. I felt like I had failed myself and my family. I had the idea of customizing shoes again, but not just for myself but possibly as a side business. I spoke to my wife about it and she encouraged me to do it and give it my all. That was when Nomad Customs began. 2013 is a year that I will never forget.
I love the sneaker culture and sports as a whole, so my goal with Nomad Customs was to add my spin, my vision to already amazing shoes. Seeing my art on professional athletes’ shoes, whether it’s on the court, on the field, or on a golf course, gives me life and keeps me hungry for more.
Chris Paul in the CP3.XII “Livingstone College” (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nice Kicks: How did you and Chris Paul start working together?
Nomad: Chris Paul’s brother, CJ, reached out to me years ago through IG to create some custom sneakers and golf shoes for him. He asked me to create some custom sneakers for Chris Paul when he was playing with the Clippers and as well as custom golf shoes. Throughout these years, we have kept in touch and when Chris Paul had the idea of representing HBCUs during the NBA season, they reached out to me and we collaborated on this amazing project. Chris Paul called me directly to discuss his vision to shine a light on HBCUs through his sneakers.
Chris Paul in the Jordan CP3.XII “Langston University (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nice Kicks: He’s repped a ton of HBCUs in the bubble. What was the process for selecting the schools?
Nomad: Chris Paul and his team selected the schools and sent me all of the shoes. They gave me creative freedom to design these customs. I wanted to make sure each HBCUs custom was clean, bold, and visible to the audience while Chris Paul was playing. I wanted to shine a light on each of these schools, and I was able to make their vision come to life.
Chris Paul in the Jordan CP3.XII “Howard University” (Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nice Kicks: Obviously getting things into the bubble had some restrictions. What was the turn around time for this entire project?
Nomad: This entire project took about two and a half weeks from receiving the shoes to shipping them out. Customizing these shoes took 12 days and a few all-nighters to get them to CP before playing in the bubble. Since each pair was representing a different school, I did them one by one, no bulk customization here.
Nice Kicks: What’s it been like seeing your work not only on the hardwood but throughout social media?
Nomad: It is honestly an indescribable feeling. I am absolutely humbled by it and most of the time it’s surreal, but it keeps me wanting to create more. It drives me to keep reaching further.
Chris Paul in the Jordan CP3.XII “Albany State University”(Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nice Kicks: Finally, how important is it for you to be a part of this storytelling process, especially during these times?
Nomad: This is a historical time in our country, and being a part of BLM through the use of my art is simply amazing. Chris Paul is a class act. He used his name and platform to make a bold statement and bring awareness to HBCUs. From his pre-game look, repping the school, to his on-court sneaker customs. Being a part of the HBCU Sneaker Tour was part of NBA history.
We are living in difficult times, where most things we read and see are negative. I truly hope this gives even one person hope to look deep within and contribute their talents and gifts to the world. We all have it in us.
The Nike Air Force 1 is a classic thanks to its all-white iteration that has been a staple in sneaker culture. The white on white is also a favorite within the …
The Nike Air Force 1 is a classic thanks to its all-white iteration that has been a staple in sneaker culture. The white on white is also a favorite within the custom sneaker community as it serves as the perfect canvas for any creative. Jason Kovac reworked the AF1 Low by cooking up two colorways of a custom Nike Air Force 1 Low “Drew House” inspired by Justin Bieber’s fashion label.
Both custom pairs adopt the smiley face branding from Bieber’s Drew House label. In addition to that, both pairs draw inspiration from the CPFM x Nike Air Force 1 as the Uptempo lettering lands on both iterations.
Take a detailed look at both colorways below. Be sure to follow the artist on Instagram for more.
Custom Nike Air Force 1 “Drew House” by @Jason.KovacCustom Nike Air Force 1 “Drew House” by @Jason.KovacCustom Nike Air Force 1 “Drew House” by @Jason.KovacCustom Nike Air Force 1 “Drew House” by @Jason.KovacCustom Nike Air Force 1 “Drew House” by @Jason.KovacCustom Nike Air Force 1 “Drew House” by @Jason.KovacCustom Nike Air Force 1 “Drew House” by @Jason.Kovac
Custom sneakers continue to reach new heights. The artistic endeavour reimagines reality in every possible way as artists combine materials and storytelling in a way that brands fail to achieve. This …
Custom sneakers continue to reach new heights. The artistic endeavour reimagines reality in every possible way as artists combine materials and storytelling in a way that brands fail to achieve.
This custom Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low x Patta is the epitome of genuine storytelling through quality. The custom sneaker embodies the reverse Swoosh ethos that took off with La Flame. However, the focal point of the custom is the upper as Patta x Jordan materials from past collaborations make its way to the shoe. The design is only a part of the story as the custom pair was specially made for Patta co-founder Edson Sabajo.
Take a detailed look at the pair below. Be sure to follow @Kraz83Kicks for more.
Custom Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low x Patta by Kraz83KicksCustom Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low x Patta by Kraz83KicksCustom Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low x Patta by Kraz83KicksCustom Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low x Patta by Kraz83KicksCustom Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low x Patta by Kraz83Kicks