New Balance 'Made In The UK' M1300s

This right here, is a slab of shoe history. In 1985 when it truly hit its stride the 1300 caused a few heart palpitations at the checkout, long before they ever hit the pavement. It retailed at $130/£100. Consider that now, a pricetag like that would be enough to make someone ponder purchase rather than impulse buy - 24 years ago it was largely unthinkable to be able to shell out that kind of loot for a runner just to rock down to the pub. The epitome of top-of-the-line performance, where now a shoe with those kind of athletic credentials would wilfully sacrifice form in favour of function, the 1300 still looks phenomenal. This was the New Balance flagship; the equivalent of a BMW 7 Series with every possible tweak and optional extra thrown in too. Talk to runners who didn't just pose when the jogging boom was at its height and they'll still wax lyrical about this model and how it was the definitive shoe for its intended purpose, and how the shoes of today can't compete. Trust us, we've had that conversation with some unlikely candidates for sneaker chatter.

ENCAP cushioning and PU foam dual density doesn't mean much now to us hipster doofuses, but this shoe is still very serious indeed. The US-made A.R.C. versions, with Alife's collective knowledge of what's really real, played on that high-end heritage and the silhouette's premium, aspirational side, aided by a nifty short video on the American factory's production process. The price tag reflected how they'd taken few short cuts, though the price was well below inflation rates since the 1300's debut. But being patriotic sorts, we're rooting for Flimby-made all the way, and as New Balance themselves are keen to reinforce, "Domestic manufacturing isn't a talking point - it's a strategy for producing superior products." Amen. These versions, using a nubuck and mesh mix in grey, olive or navy are timeless in their execution. Now the wacky colourways are long gone, these are more retrospective running done very, very right and set for a January 2010 release
Via Crooked Tongues

New Balance M670s for 2010

With significantly less exceptions than any rival brands, New Balance keep it consistent, season-after-season. We thought the tasteful rollout would burn out eventually, giving way to gaudy concepts, but it transpires that we were wrong, and with their triple threat of Flimby build quality, several silhouettes, and that undisputed performance heritage, Winter and Spring 2010 is going to be a big one, from staple shoes to some surprises in store. Seeing Pharell and Kanye repping for the 'N' in lowkey fashion despite having the world at their feet when it comes to promo sneakers has indicated to us that we underestimated their taste in shoes or that a stylist has sensed that we're off moonboots now. We're happy for New Balance - they kept it real during silly seasons of the past, and bringing the 670 in its original form back for 2006 was a good manoeuvre, when all around them were blinded by neon, pleather and limited numbers.

In 2009 it feels like the brand got the last laugh. Norse Projects, who've been tastefully self-assured in their brief shoe collaboration career thus far, put out a gloriously subdued version, blessed by a touch of spearmint. The 1984 runner succeeding late '70s legends like the 620 seemed to be favoured by grown-ups throughout our early years from its debut through to the late '80s. The 1300 had the bells and whistles, but these were significantly cheaper by comparison. Highly touted for managing to offer stability and support while remaining lightweight, where many more durable athletic pieces tended to pile on the pounds, it's a quiet shoe of some significance. January and March will see these new colourways dropping in duos, picking up where last year's nylon toed versions left off, but benefiting from glorious, glorious mesh on the toebox, tongue and collar. We're looking forward to these dropping.
Via Crooked Tongues

24 Kilates x Reebok Pump “Bringback”

Reebok Pump Bringback x 24 KILATES’, from the 20th anniversary collaboration collection, main objective is to make an act of respect and admiration to a system that represented a revolution in the sneaker world. Respecting the original colours and showing the system to everyone to admire, a tribute with sense. The shoe comes in full black suede with transparent plastic parts on both sides and of course on the tongue to see the inflatable chambers with details in orange, white and grey. Only 31 numbered pairs will be released on November 20th at 24KILATES.

Air Jordan 2 3M Reflective – White – Metallic Silver – Neutral Grey

Many had hoped that sample images would have leaked by now of the white/white History of Flight Air Jordans, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like JB will fulfill our dreams. But at least you can still ponder about these AJ2’s which feature a similar colorway, but with touches of light grey and more strikingly the use of 3M reflective. We’ve read you’re posts and recognize that this is yet another pair that seems to be 50/50 when it comes to responses upon seeing these. Whatever your preference, there’s still time to change your mind about these. But for those who are already on the bandwagon, you can scoop up a pair early from spots like Taobao.

Air Jordan Spiz’ike – Fresh Since 1985 – Closer Look

For sneakerheads, the Spiz’ike typically tends to be a matter of black and white – you do or don’t like it. But for others it could be grey matter depending on the individual colorway of each release. But it seems this pair has been getting love all around, after all it’s a combo of 3 fan favorites of the Air Jordan 3 – White/Cement, True Blues and Fire Reds.
Via Sneakernews

visvim Fall/Winter 2009 Collection | Beard Boots-Folk and Valdez Down Coat 2L

Some new pieces from the visvim Fall/Winter 2009 Collection will be released this week. The Bear Boots-Folk are exclusive to the F.I.L. stores and are a more casual take on the hiking boot, featuring premium suede uppers. The Valdez Down Coat 2L is visvim’s take on the arctic parka, featuring fur on the hood and further leather details around pockets and on the hood.
Via Highsnobiety

Nike Sportswear Dunk High – Spring 2010 Preview

Back in August, we gave you a preview of some new Dunk Highs from Nike Sportswear that sport a very nice and simple old school aesthetic. All three pair bear a resemblance to the original team editions that started it all for the Dunk and were later brought back by Nike SB as the Be True To Your School pack. Now some original flavor will be returning this spring in familiar color schemes that seem to take their cues from some legendary basketball squads. One pair features a mixture of Red and White with Black laces, inevitably bringing out thoughts of the Chicago Bulls. Speaking of Bulls, the most famous one of all time is also indirectly repped by this pack thanks to a North Carolina-looking White/University Blue colorway. The third pair appears to be inspired by one of MJ’s most frequent victims, the New York Knicks. The shoe sports an Orange and White palette with some Royal Blue laces to finish off the Knickerbocker color scheme. Keep reading after the jump for a better look at all three, and look for these to hit select Nike Sportswear retailers next spring. Photos via UrbanIndustry.

adidas Originals x Jason Markk – Cleaning Kit

adidas Originals has collaborated with Jason Markk on a special edition cleaning kit to supports the adidas Originals Five Two 3 campaign. The kit is packaged in an adidas Originals Five Two 3 and Jason Markk box. There are many Five Two 3 graphics on the inside of the cleaning kit. This special editon collabo will include a standard 8 oz. Jason Markk Premium Sneaker Solution and Sneaker Cleaning Brush. via Freshness

Vans Vault Spring / Summer 2010 – Mt. Edition

Here is a peek of the Mountain Edition from the Vans Vault Spring 2010 collection. These Mountain Editions come are a collaboration with Knoll Textiles, and come in four different colorways all with the classic whit vulcanized sole. The uppers are made of a satin like material, while the side panel tags are made of full grain leather with the Vans symbol embossed into the tag. Via Freshngood

adidas Originals Tokio Boot High + Low

Aside from their rainbow collaboration with Ransom, we haven’t seen many adidas boots. It’s about time for that to change, so enter the adidas Tokio. Available in lowtops or high, the Tokio takes the basic aesthetic of classic Three Stripes runners and beefs up the traction. There is also Gore-Tex treatment on the upper and eyelet loops add to the rugged look. Grab a hightop in brown/black/yellow, one in black/white/red or the low cut version in blue/black/grey, all from Caliroots.
Via Sneakernews

Vans Vault 2009 Winter Chukka Del Barco LX Pack

Adding another set of classic colorways to its new season, Vans Vault unveils its 2009 Winter Chukka Del Barco LX Pack, offered in both an Almond and Coffee version. The shoes continue Vans’ dominance in the footwear scene with a new interpretation of the timeless boat silhouette. Both colorways are now available through Vans Vault retail accounts.
Via Hypebeast.

Undefeated x Stussy x Hectic x New Balance MT580 – A Closer Look

Following up on all the overhead previews, we finally get a satisfying look into the latest triple threat project from Undefeated, Stussy, and Hectic. A bit more straightforward than previous projects, the MT580 silhouette is used once again, this time done up in a tonal suede finish with Purple satin print lining, White midsoles, and Gum outsoles. Along with the shoes is a small preview of matching apparel, including tees and a hoody. The shoes will retail for ¥16,590 (Approx. $185 USD), with availability at Undefeated Tokyo, Stussy Japan, and realmadHECTIC. Source: WARP