Tag: Sneakers

i want: Sully Wong x Amanda Lew Kee Swalk Hi Sneaker

Sully Wong x Amanda Lew Kee Swalk Hi Sneaker
Sully Wong x Amanda Lew Kee Swalk Hi Sneaker

I have a saying that I’ve repeated a lot these days, “I need another one of these like I need a hole in the head”. Lately, its been applied to coats, sweaters and shoes. I said it to myself again once I spotted the Sully Wong x Amanda Lew Kee sneaker collaboration. I don’t need another pair of sneakers because my closet is full of them but the Sully Wong x Amanda Lew Kee Swalk Hi sneaker is one incredible shoe.

Amanda has incredible style so I had big hopes for the design when I heard about the collaboration initially. She has surpassed anything I could have imagined. The shoe is perfection, I cannot lie.

“The SWALK HI collaboration personifies all aspects, both in design and philosophy, which Sully Wong and I share as a team. The design itself is sleek, smart, and constructed with the finest attention to detail and luxury materials. Together we are aiming to give the women’s market a sophisticated limited edition option, in the realm of casual athletic footwear, focusing on quality over quantity,” states Amanda Lew Kee.

The shoe not only looks slick as all fuck but the attention to detail on the materials are great. It uses a premium raw-cut leather upper, silver stitch-tag detailing, Japanese leather lined denim interior and black waxed rope laces. The leather footpad is removable making this a great option for those that wear orthotics too.

This limited edition shoe is available at GotStyle boutiques and online at SullyWong.com for $225.

images: Courtesy of Sully Wong

Hudson’s Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell – Fall 2013

Hudson's Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell - Fall 2013
Hudson’s Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell – Fall 2013

Converse is killing it for Fall 2013. There is the Maison Martin Margiela collaboration and one featuring an iconic Canadian institution, Hudson’s Bay Company. Those of you that covet Hudson’s Bay Company stripes, these are the sneaker for you.

Available in the unisex Converse Jack Purcell, Duck Boot and women’s only Helen silhouettes, each style embodies the Hudson’s Bay Company wool point blanket stripes, with features such as threaded stitching and antique brass eyelets, and the Jack Purcell and Hudson’s Bay logos on the foot bed. These silhouettes also carry an official “Seal of Quality” maintaining the authenticity of Hudson’s Bay Company. Additionally, the Jack Purcell Duck features a leather collar and heel stay, as well as embroidery on the tongue of the shoe, creating an elevated style that merges these two iconic brands. (source: Press Release)

The Converse x Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell collection is available exclusively at Hudson’s
Bay Stores and will retail for $120-140.

Converse x Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2013

Converse x Maison Martin Margiela - Fall 2013
Converse x Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2013

I talked about changing up my shoe game but Converse keeps calling me back. This collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela is pretty awesome.

“Converse is thrilled to partner with Maison Martin Margiela. The collection perfectly embodies each
brand’s spirit of individuality and self-expression unifying Converse and Margiela’s conviction of
unleashing creativity,” says Matt Sleep, Converse Senior First String Designer.(source: Press Release)

Converse x Maison Martin Margiela - Fall 2013
Converse x Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2013

The first-time Converse Maison Martin Margiela collaboration features the Chuck Taylor All Star and the Jack Purcell sneakers, each completely hand-painted in Maison Martin Margiela’s iconic white paint. Covering all canvas, eyelets, laces and soles, they naturally crack and shed their outer coat of paint to reveal the original colors beneath.(source: Press Release)

Converse x Maison Martin Margiela - Fall 2013
Converse x Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2013

“The Maison has always been obsessed with white; it is used as a layer to give an incognito feeling. A sort of poetry, with the passage of time, the shoe asserts itself,” says Maison Martin Margiela.(source: Press Release)

Converse x Maison Martin Margiela - Fall 2013
Converse x Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2013

There are four colour ways available: red, black, navy and Margiela-exclusive vintage yellow. This limited edition collection are availalbe at Margiela stores and select Converse retailers. They retail for $200USD/200€.

Converse x Maison Martin Margiela - Fall 2013
Converse x Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2013

images: converse.com

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance and Palladium

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium

Fall weather means parting with my sandals and covering up with closed toe shoes. My sneaker collection loves fall because I forget about them in the summer and they sit unused. Normally my sneaker game consists of Tretorns and Chucks of various styles. I have a thing for high tops and I have my Vegas Adidas and a great pair of Alexander McQueen for Puma kicking around too. This fall I wanted to change the silhouette up in my shoe game and that came in Palladium and New Balance form.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium

Palladium is a French company started in 1920. Their famous Pampa boot was born in 1947 and the French Legion adapted them for their use. I’ve been receiving their press releases for a few years now but never saw the shoes in person. That changed this summer when I went to a Fall Winter 2013 preview. I really like the shape of the shoes and the different treatments they came in. Palladium loves colour and you can find the perfect colour for you in canvas or leather. Lucky for me, Palladium sent me a pair of Blanc Hi’s in Dream Blue in the summer. With the weather changing, I’ve finally got to put them to good use. I was initially concerned that they might not be comfortable. I always wear orthotics with my Chucks because the sole offers no support. The Blanc Hi’s were super comfortable and I didn’t need to wear my orthotics with them. The colour is perfect right now and I’m afraid of them getting too dirty. I got my eyes on the Blanc Hi in red leather now.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance

I bought these New Balance sneakers because they were on sale at The Hudson’s Bay for $36 (I know, what a deal!). New Balance has always gotten positive buzz from people and I always loved that they liked to add a fashionable colour element to their design. I wanted a camo pair of New Balance but they weren’t on sale so I decided for these purple one. Wearing these New Balance sneakers was an adjustment to me. I never wear sport shoes out in public, only at the gym. Well, I’ve made an exception for New Balance. These are the most comfortable pair of sport shoes I’ve ever owned and when those camo ones go on sale, I’ll be buying them for my collection. If you are into customization, New Balance offers that service online and you can create the pair of your dreams.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance – And yes this post was a perfect reason to use this photo

I haven’t figured out how to pair these sneakers with dresses yet and I don’t think I’ll ever find that sweet spot. Right now I’m keeping it very casual with rolled up denim as you can see in my photos. You can purchase both New Balance and Palladium on their respective online sites. I find New Balance fits small and I needed an 8.5 instead of my usual 8. Palladium fit true to size. However, if you want to try them on you can find New Balance in a ton of stores besides The Hudson’s Bay. Palladium you can find at places like Over the Rainbow and Town Shoes.

i want: Spring Summer 2013 Flats by Loeffler Randall

Spring Summer 2013 Flats by Loeffler Randall
Spring Summer 2013 Flats by Loeffler Randall

It’s Loeffler Randall day at I want – I got. I waxed poetic about the Rider Bag and now I’m loving their spring summer 2013 flats. I remember seeing these shoes in the window of Augustina last week. I was most taken with the Odile Sneaker. I love the dark florals in silk and linen with the espadrille details. The Odile Sneaker retails for $225.

The other cute flat from Loeffler Randall is the Luella Mignon Flat Sandal. The colour is spectacular. It’s so intense and saturated. They retail for $325.

Both shoes are available in store and online at augustinaboutiques.com.

images: augustinaboutiques.com
.

i want: adidas Originals x Star Wars Wampa Sneakers

The adidas Originals x Star Wars collaboration always gets me excited each season. I’m so curious to see what new combinations they will come up with. I love the Wampa Sneakers from the adidas Originals x Star Wars Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. Total Wookie action. They are even made from faux pony hair.

You can see the rest of the sneakers in the adidas Originals x Star Wars Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection on Highsnobiety.com

images: Highsnobiety.com

Eighth Generation x Chinese New Year

Louie Gong, the shoe artist I featured a few weeks back is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. You will remember that Louie`s background is Nooksack, Squamish, Chinese and White.
Eighth Generation x Chinese New Year

Although my family always lived on a reservation, Chinese New Year was one of our favorite holidays because it involved things that were implicitly “Chindian” – fireworks and food. – Louie Gong

Learn more about Louie Gong and his shoes at the Eighth Generation website.

image: courtesy of Louie Gong

Diesel x Adidas 2011

Diesel x Adidas 2011
Forum Mid Diesel Lea

Adidas is a collaboration monster. They’ve paired up with Diesel again to come up with a limited edition sneaker collection. Diesel and Adidas first joined forces with a denim collection in 2008. The Diesel x Adidas sneaker collection features five classic Adidas styles re-designed by Diesel. They were launched on January 20th 2011 and there is only 10,000 pairs available globally.

Diesel x Adidas 2011
ZX700 Diesel

Thus Stefano Rosso, responsible for Strategic Brand Alliances of Diesel (and son of the company’s founder): “I am a huge fan of adidas, they inspire me and they were my myth when I was growing up. After the amazing denim collaboration, when Diesel’s know-how was infused by adidas’ spirit, we are now starting a new chapter of the partnership: the heritage of the two brands will come together applying our spirit on adidas classic kicks!”

Diesel x Adidas 2011
Stan Smith Special

An adidas spokesperson commented: “Our two brands continue to share a great relationship built on our mutual respect and admiration for each others business and expertise. Following the recent collaboration in which we used the Diesel expertise in denim to create a new segment for Originals, this new sneaker project allowed us to approach the product creation in reverse. Working together with Diesel always results in a positive sharing of ideas. Their perspective makes for great products and gives us a better understanding on how others would interpret our collection.”

Diesel x Adidas 2011
Stan Smith 80'S Diesel

I have a feeling this is a men’s line but maybe they will stock sizes small enough for women. That’s some wishful thinking. However, I do like the Forum Mid Diesel Txt, Stan Smith Special and the ZX700 Diesel styles the best.

Diesel x Adidas 2011
Forum Mid Diesel Txt

You can head online at diesel.com to purchase the shoes or try the Diesel store in Yorkville on January 27, 2011.

images: courtesy of Diesel

OPI x PUMA Canada x Browns Shoes

I like hearing about Canada-only collaborations. This time OPI, PUMA Canada and Browns Shoes have teamed up to bring exclusive products to the Canadian market.
OPI x PUMA Canada x Browns Shoes

April marks the spring/summer 2011 launch of exclusive PUMA ballerina flats for Browns Shoes and B2. To celebrate this, PUMA Canada teamed up with OPI to create a special gift with purchase at select Browns Shoes and B2 locations. Limited to only 50 bottles per participating store, PUMA Red by OPI is sure to go fast! (while quantities last, some restrictions apply.)

OPI x PUMA Canada x Browns Shoes

So Brown Shoes and PUMA Canada have teamed up to create a set of exclusive ballerina flats not sold in any other store. In turn PUMA Canada called on nail giant OPI to come up with the PUMA Red nail polish.
OPI x PUMA Canada x Browns Shoes
I’m not into ballet flats so the shoes do nothing for me. I’m intrigued by this retail move. Technically over collaborations but I cant help but get excited by ones that involve the Canada market like this.

images: courtesy of PUMA Canada

Wow! Teddy Bear Sneakers by Jeremy Scott x Adidas

Teddy Bear Sneakers by Jeremy Scott x Adidas

I don’t think I have to say to much about these. Jeremy Scott has found a way to make Adidas even more crazy.  I guess the wings weren’t enough.  I find them repulsive yet fascinating. I have a feeling the 1994 raving version of me would have wanted these. I could see the whole rave scene going crazy and they becoming the “it” shoe. The men’s version will be beige. Not sure that agrees with me right now. I wonder if they will stock them at the Adidas Originals store here.

I think this solidifies the 90s revival for me.

images: Sneaker Freaker Magazine

i want: Terence Koh for Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Stars

Terence Koh for Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Stars

I love the minimalistic nature of these Terence Koh for Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Stars. Unfortunately, these are for the guys. Not in my size. Boo. I’m a 5.5 Converse!

Enlisted as a contributor to the 1HUND(RED) project, Koh’s approach to the design of his shoe focused on subtraction. “I wanted to keep the DNA of the Chuck Taylor intact, while reducing the seams, and smoothing out the shoe’s surfaces as much as possible”. Terence replaced the usual curve of the ankle with a vertical construction to give the shoe a clean square look. A smoothed-out version of the signature Converse tread on the sole combines with a white on white All Star rubber license plate on the heel to round out the ultra-clean look and feel of the shoe. As a contributor to 1HUND(RED), a percentage of the net wholesale price of the shoe will go to help fight AIDS in Africa, giving consumers an opportunity to become agents of change and offering a way to turn design into power.

The Terence Koh for Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Star is available in a high-top, premium white leather version. The shoe launches globally on Saturday November 21st and will be available in the US at Opening Ceremony (www.openingceremony.com) in New York and Los Angeles and select retailers globally. Shoes will retail for $150 and will be available in sizes 7 – 13. via Sneaker Freaker Magazine

image: sneakerfreaker.com

i want: Woolrich Converse

Woolrich Converse

Woolrich Converse

I noticed that plaid was big for men at the Holt Renfrew Fall 2009 – 2010 Menswear Media Preview. I kinda liked that and these Chucks immediately struck a cord. The interesting thing about these ones are the Woolrich angle.

Woolrich has been synonymous with quality outdoor clothing for over 178 years. The company got its start in 1830 when John Rich, an immigrant from England, built his first woolen mill in Plum Run, Pennsylvania. Rich would visit the lumber camps that dotted the area and sell his woolen fabric, socks, coverlets, and yarn from a mule cart.

image: sneakerfreaker.com

i want: Supra NS Sneakers

Supra NS Sneakers
Supra NS Sneakers

High-tops, high-tops, high-tops. I’m all about the high-top and the Supra NS are speaking to me. I’m dying for a pair of gold sneakers and these are nice.

Supra NS Sneakers

However, I love the fabric treatment on the grey option. The multibuckle shoe is my favorite style of the three

Available at STOLENRICHES®.

734 Queen St. West
Toronto
647.428.7497
Info@stolenriches.ca

Pierre Hardy Colorama 2

Pierre Hardy Colorama 2 is back for fall 2008

Pierre Hardy Colorama 2 Fall Winter 2008

In June 2008, a new limited edition COLORAMA 2 of only 500 pairs will be sold in a selection of the best stores worldwide.

For its second edition, the colorama’s design is about a disco stained glass, in a pop version, with metallic leather. Each elements constituting the shoe is in a different color, treated in contrasted & random tint areas. Metallics colors shine like precious stones : silver, carbone, rubis, orange, amethyst, sapphire, aquamarine.

Paris — PIERRE HARDY — Jardin du Palais Royal, 156 Galerie de Valois, 75001
London — Dover Street Market
Berlin — The Corner
Barcelone — 2046 shoes
Madrid — This and This
Copenhagen — Storm
New York — Barney’s, Jeffrey
Tokyo — Isetan
Saint Petersburg — Day & Night
Beijing — On Pedder
Hong Kong — On Pedder

i want: Alexander McQueen and Puma shoes

Alexander McQueen and Puma shoes

The collaboration seems to be doing very well. It’s expanded to include many style for men and for women. I’m a fan of these 3 styles. Yup, this shoe is pretty tame in my books. I wear my Vegas shoes a lot and they are way more obnoxious. The dude in jacflash noticed them; he was an Adidas head too. There aren’t too many of us around. I haven’t seen them here and I kinda like that.

images: alexandermcqueen.puma.com

The inside out on fakes

Sneaker Freaker Magazine has a feature called Reverse Engineering – The inside out on fakes which talks to Richard Stanwix, Head of Brand Security for Nike. It’s quite interesting and has a couple examples of the differences between the real Nikes and the fake ones.

Richard Stanwix estimates that 98% of all Nikes on ebay are fake, so buyer beware. Ya, I”m talking to you Curt.

i want: Nike De La dunks

Nike De La dunks

I’m not one for Nike shoes, but these dunks are so sweet I can forget my hate. While beautiful and fly, these shoes are little out of my acceptable “sneaker price” limit. They probably wouldn’t have my size anyways.

They = Goodfoot>. That’s where you can pick up these babies.