The Air Jordan 25 Redone

I first had my original design of the Jordan 25 posted on theshoegame.com awhile back. Since I first did that design when I was just getting myself familiar with CreativeSuite I decided to redo it because it needed some serious work.

Here is the inspiration behind these. Since athletic shoes are taking a step towards being more scientific this is exactly what the Jordan XX5 is based on. The inspiration comes from the periodic table. The chemical element Manganese (Mn) which has the atomic number 25 has a grey white metallic look and is put into different metals such as steel to make them stronger. This goes hand and hand with inspiration from MJ’s playing days giving todays players the motivation to play stronger, smarter and ultimately be better than Mike. With the 25th anniversary upon us it is also known as the “Silver Anniversary” giving inspiration to the 3M metallic material on the shoe. Jordan was also 25 yrs old when he first wore the Jordan 3’s which had a cement print which had never before been seen or used on athletic shoes. Which brings the touch of an upgraded cement print which takes the appearance of boiling metal. The upper is made up of light and flexible skins like the Kobe V and wrapped with flywire giving the shoe ultimate light weight and excellent support. The outsole is a translucent outsole which has triangle and diamond shape cushion traction pads. This idea of cushion pads comes from The Nike Lunar Eclipse with the Bottomless Carrier Construction. The cushion pads slip into the cut outs on the bottom of the outsole. This gives maximum cushioning in key areas on the heel and forefoot. The triangle symbolizes balance, strength and stability while the diamond shapes represent power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty. These are characteristics which MJ brought to each and every game.

Onitsuka Tiger "Rebirth"

I wanted to bring a little diversity in my designs. So I decided to do a brand that I normally don't wear and create a shoe that I would definitely lace up. I really like how these turned out. I incorporated a new support system. The clear pieces along the upper of the shoe will compress the foot as the sole strikes the ground providing extra support. Comment please. They are always welcomed. Enjoy.

The Real Air Jordan 4.5 vol. 1

This is what my rendering would pretty much look like in person. I did the 4.5 vol. 1 awhile back and now I took time to create another rendering of what it would actually look like. I like how these turned out. I think they look pretty good. Tell me what you all think. Enjoy the pics.

The Real Nike Air Max Yeezy 1's

I had made a sketch of these awhile back and now I finally decided to make these come to life. I think the real pair came out real nice. I made two different versions one with the Jordan 3 sole make up and also one with the classic Air Max 1 sole. Leave a comment which one you like more. Comments greatly appreciated!!! Enjoy the pics.

Nike Lunar Max 1 " Venkman...don't cross the streams!!!"

I recently purchased a pair of Nike LunarSwift and they are the most comfortable shoe I have at the moment. I wanted to add that comfort to my favorite Nike Air Max of all time. I teamed up the Lunar technology with the Nike Air Max 1 in this PS rendering. I would love if Nike experimented with this idea as well as with other classics. The first pic I was inspired by Ghost Busters the movie. I thought it gave it a nice extra pop. Enjoy the pics.

Air Jordan 4.5 Vol. 2

This is the Air Jordan 4.5 volume 2. This sports more of the high top look with a Air Jordan 4 color blocking. I also decided to design this with Zoom Air instead of an air heel insert. I really like how these turned out. Please comment on these and let me know which version you liked best!!! Enjoy

Nike Zoom Fly-Lite

This is my latest design. I wanted to go ahead and post the lateral view. Im working on the medial and bottom view. I will post as soon as I am finished with them. I got inspiration from the Nike hyper dunk 2010. I wanted the shoe to have the new flywire skin that is being used on the Kobe V and also the Nike Hyper Dunk 2010. The shoe also has a huarache feel to the collar and sits on a neon green translucent heel outsole. Please comment. It will only help me improve my skills. Thanks enjoy.

Nike Penny Foamposite 1 "Kryptonate" PS

This is a PhotoShop rendering that I did with the Eggplant Penny Foamposite. I left the right shoe the same to show the difference. I have the lime green fading towards the toe into bright neon yellow as a resemblance to the Nike Foamposite Lite with the Kryptonate colorway. Enjoy

Nike Air Max Lebron VII P.S

These are the special playoff signature Air Max Lebron VII. These are absolutely sick. Unlike the original version these sports Air Zoom technology and also has subtle changes through out the upper. On the medial heel, where you would normally see an LBJ23 logo, the Lion logo appears instead. The liner is quilted, as is the panel that wraps over the collar. On the heel tab, a special 7PS logo has been designed and used, as well. Red appears on the mesh tongue, Flywire thread and also patent leather on the tip of the tongue.

"Cool Grey" Air Max Lebron VII Release Info

The Nike Air Max Lebron VII “Cool Grey” pictured here (without color accents) shall be releasing from select Nike retailers including Foot Locker locations nationwide in March of 2010. With a mix of shiny and textured materials along the upper, as you move down the shoe you get to a transparent mid-panel equipped with the Flywire material and then a white midsole atop the 360-degree air max unit.

The Air Jordan Retro 1 KO

This is the first retro ever for the Air Jordan 1 KO. These were released back in 1985. This was a subset to the Original Air Jordan 1 with a canvas treatment through out the shoe. The retro Features the OG White, Red, and Black colorway on a canvas and leather upper like the original. A first for the Brand Jordan, the AJKO features the vintage treatment with a slightly yellowed upper, a scuffed midsole, and a scuffed outsole. The AJKO retro is set to release later this Summer. In my opinion if JB plans to keep the vintage detail on the shoe it will be a terrible idea to make this shoe a general release. With the market for retros growing smaller and smaller each year the main buyers being between the ages of 20-late 30's maybe are only going to know what this shoe was. The true sneaker heads who was around when MJ was playing with Chicago and actually wanted the shoes because of how MJ played the game will want the AJKO. No one is going to want to pay for a shoe that looks like someone played in them 25 years ago. Unless you are part of that select group like I am that knows what the shoe represents.

Air Max Lebron VII "Kentucky" PE

I was watching the UK game on Saturday and I Just knew that John Wall and some other players were rocking the "Kentucky" PE Air Max Lebron VII's. These are absolutely sick. It coincides perfectly with the Kentucky basketball jerseys to say the least. The base is primarily black with a Kentucky blue patent leather stip surrounding the entire upper. The white swoosh outlined in blue and the white flywire design give this shoe a nice contrasting color scheme. I have been anticipating these ever since I first heard they were a rumor. Being a University of Kentucky fan and also living in Northern Kentucky. If these release, I really hope I can get my hands on a pair a lot easier than some. Enjoy the pics.

"Cool Grey" Air Jordan 11 Confirmed?

These were first released back in March of 2001. I believe this was the first Retro+ color-way to be released. I was in 9th grade when these released. I was at the Mall at about 8 a.m and I was about 3 hrs too late. Now I really can not wait to get a pair. It is confirmed that the Air Jordan 11 Retro “Cool Grey” will officially return during the holiday season of 2010. Specifically, it is scheduled to hit retailers some time in November. Hope everything falls into place.

Air Jordan Alpha 1

I just picked these up a couple days ago. I absolutely love how these are put together. These are upgraded from the original version with stacked Zoom Air for a more smooth ride and complimented with a durable, breathable mesh heel collar. I switched out the red laces with black to give them a little different look besides what's seen on the shelves. The thing that I really liked about these is the insoles. The left shoe reads "THE FIRST TO BRING COLOR TO THE GAME" and the right shoe reads "THANK YOU". I do appreciate this shoe breaking the rules in the beginning to make the shoe industry what it is today. Im pretty sure all of you know the reason behind this so I'm not going to get into it so check out the youtube clip.

Nike Lebron VII "Christ the King"

These are probably the best color-way next to the HWC color-way. I really hope these will be coming out because I will have these on my feet. There has not been one color-way that I have not liked on this shoe. I'm considering the Nike Air Max Lebron VII the best basketball shoe of 2010. Pics courtesy of Marqueesole.com

Final Rendering of Jordan 4.5 Vol. 1

This is Vol. 1 of my Air Jordan 4.5 rendering. I love how these came out. I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I did designing them. I have plenty of room to improve so please feel free to leave comments they will be greatly appreciated. Enjoy the pics.

New Design in the works...

I have a Jordan 4.5 in the works. This is a early stage of it. I also have two different versions that will be rendered and posted soon. Wrap your mind and eyes around this design and let me know what you think. Comments are appreciated.

Nike Air Max Lebron VII Grey/Varsity Royal (Grey Pack)

This shoe is well put together and designed perfectly, and in my opinion is the best basketball shoe out to actually play in. The Nike Air Max Lebron VII is the hottest and most talked about basketball shoe right now. There have been so many color-ways made up its driving sneaker heads insane. This is 1 of 3 Lebrons that will feature the pro-dominate cool grey upper. I hear there is suppose to be a grey/orange pair which have been floating around the net including this grey/blue pair, and also a grey/varsity red pair which I personally can not wait to see. I have also heard that these will be exclusive to Eastbay. Sooner or later we shall see, enjoy the pics for now.

Nike Air Max 1 ID

I id'd a pair of Nike Air Max 1 recently and I am very satisfied with the materials, shape and quality. The only down fall is that they run about a 1/2 size too big. I recommend ordering 1/2 size smaller than normal. I designed these after the CLOT Air Max 1 that came out a few years back. Unlike the original Clots I used a bright reflective pink upper which looks great with the hot red laces. I also added hot red paint splatters to the silver mid-sole for a more distinctive look. I definitely can not wait to id more.

The Nike Air RetroSpec. Take Time and Reflect.

I designed these back in 2008 when I first received Creative Suite 3. This was my first shoe I really practiced a lot on with the programs. I called it the "RetroSpec" (yes I know I spelled it wrong on purpose) because I was just sitting back and "reflecting" about a couple different shoes from when I was growing up and their different attributes that made them unique from others at the time. I thought about the Air Max 95 and how they really pushed the neon color-ways. This version of the Nike Air Max was designed after the human anatomy. I thought about the Air Jordan 15. When I first saw this shoe back in 8th grade I thought WTF is Jordan Brand doing? But after owning a pair I really took interest in the woven upper. It was tough, durable and hugged the fore foot and that material was not common on any basketball shoe. The Air Max 90 was inspiration because of how they made the air unit stand out on the mid-sole with color surrounding it. I also wanted to make the shoe have a late 80's early 90's look and feel so I set it on a Nike Huarache Runner mid-sole with the Jordan 4 speckled details to bring it all together as a "RetroSpec" (Retrospect).

Nike Air Max Yeezy

I decided to post this concept of my design for the Nike Air Max Yeezy I had done in 2009. I had first did this concept when the first color-way of the Nike Air Yeezy released. I am a huge fan of the Nike Air Max 1. I thought about what does the Air Max 1 and the Air Yeezy have in common development wise? Tinker pushed the envelope when he designed the Air Max 1 with allowing the air bag to be visible to the public. I also think Nike's CEO Mark Parker was pushing the envelope when allowing the first Nike shoe ever to be exclusive for a non-athlete. This is my first sketch concept. I will have an updated and final version including other ideation sketches soon.

The MLK Jr. Zoom Kobe V's hit the court

Last night against the Orlando Magics, several players in the NBA honored Martin Luther King Jr. by wearing grey shoes. The Zoom Kobe V that Kobe Bryant wore along with some teammates were made up majority of a grey flywire upper with a green spark translucent outsole. This is said to be the lightest basketball shoe ever made. Sounds like a challenge to the competitors? I have held the new Zoom Kobe V and it is an even lighter shoe compared to the Nike Hyper Dunk. In case you missed the game, here’s a few shots of the MLK Zoom Kobe V. Check out more images at TheShoeGame.com

LeBron James Shoe Design Contest by: Project Blue Foot

I took part in this contest to showcase my design for LeBron James. My description follows:

The Air Max Lunar Lebron is inspired by the origins of Nike. Nike got its name from Greek Mythology. Nike is the Goddess of Victory. King James is the considered to be the face of the NBA. The God (King) of all Gods was Zeus. I consider Lebron to be a figure look at as Zeus.Zeus was the most famous ancient God. He was worshipped everywhere in Greece and people loved him and feared him at the same time. Lebron is loved by many but is fearful to compete against. Zeus’s weapon of choice was lightning. Lightning is a metaphor of how Lebron plays the game of basketball. He is big and lightning fast and depending on his performance can leave opponents stunned and paralyzed as if they were struck by lightning.

My inspirations also came from what the Lion represents. The lion doesn’t only represent “king” but also leadership, renewed strength or rejuvenation and also destruction of the base material and rebirth of the new. I consider this to be compared to Michael Jordan retiring a few years ago at the time Lebron came into the NBA. Michael was the base material and Lebron is the rebirth of a new.

Upper- The overall shoe is made up in a Cleveland Cavaliers color way. The upper is made up of flywire material but has no visible flywire. This make the shoe lighter and more flexible in the mid foot area.

The toe and mudguard are made up of a strong durable leather to support the foot when cutting and maneuvering. Tumbled leather is lined along where the laces come through the lace holes for comfort and flexibility. The collar is embossed with thick Neoprene foam for comfort and durability with an argyle pattern stitched within. The thick Neoprene foam collar is representation of a lion’s mane.

The heel is wrapped with a durable plastic mold and keeps the heel secure and in position during game play. The mold takes the shape of an upward triangle, which represents strength, power and success, which are characteristics that Lebron possesses. It also has a graphic of Lebron’s signature logo and has lightning bolts going to it as if its charging the logo up.

Sock bootie- the inner sock bootie is made up of durable, light, breathable mesh and completely covers the entire foot. The bootie also has padding in key parts around the ankle to keep the ankle supported. The heel, mid and forefoot of the bootie are covered with memory foam to give the player a unique, exclusive, and personalized fit. The lacing system is supported by a spandex lacing system that is attached to the bootie and is wrapped around the mid foot and keeps the laces secure and in position while laced up. The lace tips are also in the shape of the “king” chess piece. Chess is a strategic game and so is basketball.

Sole- the upper sole is completely made up of Lunar foam, which has been used on previous Nike basketball shoes such as the hyper-dunk, and hyperize. The lunar foam is 30% lighter than normal foam. It distributes pressure that is applied and disperses it over the foot bed. The shape of the sole also is representative of a spring so it can disperse energy back to the foot. This upper sole sits on a complete Air Max unit. This was inspired by the Air Max 360 sole which in this case the Air Max unit is completely visible from all angles of the shoe and not just the heel and sides. The Air Max unit is also widened to give guys like Lebron excellent protection from impact shock for the life of the shoe.

The outsole is made up of a solid translucent rubber. The back of the left and right shoe together show the number 23 on the back heel on the outsole. In the front of the left and right shoe on the outsole read “Fear” and “Love” that represents Lebron being feared and loved at the same time. It has 3 different treds for traction. There are 25 horizontal lines to represent Lebron’s next birthday. It has traditional herringbone patterns and another reverse herringbone pattern moving horizontally for performing lateral movements. Lebron wears the number 23 after his idol Michael Jordan. So the outsole is modeled after the Air Jordan 11’s. The purple shapes take the shape of a Lion’s paw with traction pods in white for better feel and grip for quick movements.