The Nike Basketball Elite Series is the very pinnacle of basketball footwear performance and design. Returning in this year's Nike Elite line-up are LeBron with his LeBron X PS Elite and Kobe with his Zoom Kobe 8 Elite. Joining the squad is KD with his improved KD V Elite - lower, faster, and more versatile than ever.
Today, I would like to quickly share with you, visually, what this new series is all about - from designer insights, to production briefing, to the break down of each shoe's tech upgrade.
So without further delay, here it is... The Nike Basketball Elite Series 2.0.
For more than 25 years the Air Max family has remained a flawless fusion of sport and visible technology. With roots firmly planted in the soil of sport innovation, Air Max grew to become a cultural phenomenon, making its presence felt in music, art, and most importantly, on the feet of those seeking comfort and a vehicle for self-expression. Last year, illustrator and designer Matt Stevens created the collectible book MAX100, a compendium of 100 visual interpretations of the Nike Air Max 1 — or, as he calls it, “the greatest sneaker of all time.” The book's visuals range from computer-generated images to photographs of physical objects. Coinciding with the release of the Nike Air Max Engineered Mesh series, Nike further celebrates the reinvention of Air Max by commissioning Stevens to expand on his tribute to the famed sneakers in a project aptly titled #AIRMAX. Creating additional images of the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 95, and Air Max 97, Stevens sheds new light on the heritage of these sport classics. Along with Stevens’s personal reinterpretations, some images will align under the themes of design inspiration, color, cultural significance and reinvention.
I always say that shoes are my favorite way of curating history. From a certain decade's identity, to the technological wonders of an era, down to the bare sentimentality of a moment - for me, shoes are the best medium to immortalize time.
In our first infotainment exercise, Locker Room Legends will narrate the story of Nike's fabled "Air Pack", and how it saved the company from impending bankruptcy. I could have done this the old-fashioned way - a long-ass post filled with text and no photos... But I'm sure you wouldn't read that. Heck I wouldn't read that myself. So I made a nice infographic/timeline based on Brett Golliff's interview with Tinker Hatfield.
Check HOW THE AIR PACK SAVED NIKE after the jump. Scroll down and give it time to load.
_____________________________________ Images are in its true format. Please give it time to load.
When our big brothers Dennis, Raoul and Levon left us with the responsibility of running the Cork release, this might've crossed their minds...
Fortunately for them, we're too lame to pull that off.
So yes, as I was saying, a couple of Saturdays ago Miguel, Jeremy, Sudan, Paul and I lead the release of NSW's breakthrough product, the Nike LeBron X "Cork".
Through a "By Invitation Only" event, select Elite Titan Players Club members, celebrities, ballplayers, influencers, and media guests were ushered into the Titan Flagship Store in TwoParkade for an afternoon of wine, good company and merriment. Oh, and yes... Shoes.
It was an intimate gathering of friends and LBJ fans. It's safe to say that everyone had a great time. Some more than others (i.e. the folks that brought home the Corks)
Right after that, we decided to let the Barkleyposites loose via lottery. That went quick as well, not surprising for an ill shoe. It's our little token of thanks to the GREATEST CUSTOMERS IN THE GAME for the loyalty and love.
So there... Won't keep you guys waiting anymore! Check the photos below.
If I haven't said it enough (though I'm sure you know this very well by now), I am a big footwear DESIGN nerd.
There are pairs that I completely love that some see as weird or too outlandish. Regardless if it's manufactured in limited quantities or mass produced, Quickstrike or General Release - for me, a shoe's aesthetics come first, especially when there is some sort of innovation backing it.
Today in Nike's Inside Access, we tackle the EVOLUTION OF THE UPPER. Transforming uppers is a key example of Nike Basketball's focus on redefining shoe design since 1972.
Here they are - the shoe that everyone is waiting for. A month after it surfaced on local sneaker sites and on @Titan_22's Instagram, it's finally here: The Nike LeBron X EXT "Cork".
This is a shoe that even the most brutal of LBJ critics would want. Heck, I want one... And I don't even like LeBron! (That sounds like something a hypebeast would say, though! LOL) But truthfully, I want a pair because I'm a sucker for ground-breaking sneaker tech and new material applications.
The thin veneer of cork on this is unbelievable! I don't even know how to describe it: it's flat and smooth, but has texture... Ok, that does not make sense, but that's how it is. I've seen these in motion, and the shoe does not crease. The kitchen did it again.
I would like to think that the whole Nike NSW/EXT campaign rides on this flagship shoe. The leather is excellent, the waxed laces are top-notch, the construction is immaculate... It's damn near perfect.
Anyway, I took a bunch of detailed photos for your appreciation.
Titan TwoParkade - the only door that will release these - will have a special "By Invitation Only" event tomorrow. You might want to check your inboxes for an invite.
For more details, artwork, and full release mechanics, visit TITAN22.COM.
I've been on a basketball uniform craze as of late. I've been obsessing on materials, construction and quality (you'll find out why soon enough). I've been studying the intangible factors as well - like how the team's attitude would reflect on the uniform, or how their style of play would be enhanced by the tailoring and material of the jersey.
I wouldn't say I'm an expert at it already, but I know a good make when I see one.
Let me just say this: Adidas came up a solid uniform for this year's All-Star game. Check it out below.
My parents often told stories of how they barely had anything when they started a family. When I came along, my folks had to hustle real hard just to keep things afloat... Especially my dad. My old man had to sacrifice a lot of himself just to give his family a good life.
Looking at us now, we have come a long way. We are now living like kings in our own little kingdom. Every single comfort that I'm enjoying right now, I owe it to my father.
I thank him for being a man for his family, a good father, a loyal husband, a gangster and a hustler... And since he's an OG and the best ever, I broke these out the other night for his birthday dinner.
Michael Jordan once said: “By the time you see me
coming, it’s too late." His quote, and the way he approached the game of
basketball throughout his career, inspired the stealth aesthetic featured in
the Air Jordan
XX8. The special Jordan pack, comprised of an Air Jordan I, Air
Jordan III, Jordan MELO M9 and Jordan CP3.VI, takes its color cues from the Air
Jordan XX8's night vision-inspired look.
The pack will be sold in two separate offerings
scheduled for February 14 and 16. The first two shoes available in the pack
will be the Jordan MELO
M9 and the Jordan CP3.VI.
Both products will feature integrated UV ink throughout the upper that
illuminates when viewed under black light. The MELO M9 features a glowing
outsole while the CP3.VI features an illuminated Podulon midsole when exposed
to black light.
The offering on February 16 will feature an Air
Jordan I Retro Mid and an Air Jordan III that will include the color cues
aligned to the Air Jordan XX8. The Air Jordan I, which was first released in
1985, features a glowing outsole, laces and Jumpman logo when exposed to black
light. The Air Jordan III, which debuted in 1988, features an electric green
outsole and collar that draw inspiration directly from the color scheme of the
Air Jordan XX8.
The pinnacle performance product of the weekend
will be the Air Jordan XX8. Jordan Brand athlete Russell Westbrook debuted the
latest iteration of the classic Jordan line on December 4. Consumers will have
the opportunity to purchase two different color combinations of the Air Jordan
XX8, including the black/white/electric green version.
All pairs will be available at Titan's TwoParkade Flagship store. More details on their website. Peep the official photos below.
Last night, I was invited by Nike Philippines to experience the new NIKE FLYKNIT LUNAR 1. Along with veteran runners and athletic bloggers, we were the first ones to actually enjoy all the benefits that the new Flyknit model has to offer.
At around 7:30 PM, we gathered at Nike Bonifacio High Street flagship store to get familiar with the shoe. There was a quick huddle before the test run, lead by our friends from Nike Philippines, who gave us a closer and more intimate look at the shoe and its design. They also briefed us on how the technology came about and the new upgrades from the previous Flyknit silos.
The crew then went outside for the actual test run. I'm probably the noob of the group since I only started running this year, but I was able to keep up (thank goodness!) We took a couple of laps around High Street and both Parkades, roughly a little over a kilometer and a half.
I posted live updates via the LOCKERROOMLEGENDS Instagram during the run, but just in case you missed it, here's a more in-depth report of our Nike Flyknit Lunar 1 experience.
Wipcaps is one of those local companies that I truly admire. Each and every single outing they come up with tastefully crafted, thoughtfully designed caps, establishing themselves as the undisputed leader of the lid game here in the Philippines.
Repped with pride by everyone everwhere - from the gritty warehouses of Battle Rap, to the upper echelon of street couture, Wipcaps has a powerful chokehold on the cap market. I'm one for elevated design sensibilities, and a brand like Wipcaps has perfected it to a science. A deep local brand with a strong international appeal.
But with all these things said: the strong concepts, the sensibility, the hustle... What I like most about Wipcaps is that it endlessly, ENDLESSLY rep the P.I.
Whether by accident or by design, Wipcaps releases relevant and hard hitting Filipino themed caps on the regular. And to start the year, the local cap empire is releasing the HEADHUNTER series.
Power Plant Mall has this "Sartorial Fridays" feature on their Facebook wherein every Friday they scour the mall for their more fashionable shoppers.
Well... My girlfriend Cess got featured and they published her photo last weekend. I'm proud... Because those are my pants she's wearing! Haha I'm kidding. Anyway, excuse this proud boyfriend moment - I know it's not some billboard along EDSA or a TV commercial.
We were in our hotel in Bacolod when she showed me this, and she rambled a thousand things that was wrong with her photo: her pose, how her clothes fell, how her hair was this and that. She didn't like her photo because she looked tired and stressed... And exhausted.
I don't know what she's talking about. All I know is that she's beautiful.
I was working on this poster on a plane, over Visayan airspace, headed for Bacolod. "ATTACK FROM ABOVE" literally! But hold on, it's not about me... It's the shoes! Word to Spike.
This Saturday, January 26, the much awaited classic will finally return. Prepare for combat folks because this is a free-for-all, first come/first served release... So look alive!
But if you are a TITAN PLAYERS' CLUB member, you don't have to sweat that much; Just for today, January 24, Titan is opening up reservation slots up until 12:00MN. You have about an hour to safeguard your pair.
The Air Jordan 5 "Fire Red" will be available at select Titan doors - TwoParkade, Burgos Circle, Taft, Katipunan and also on the Webstore.
I was four when I saw my very first Air Max. My very young mind can not comprehend how that shoe worked or felt on feet. It was so strange to see a hole in its sole.
A couple of years after, I held a pair of Air Max 90s for the first time. Turns out it was not really a hole, but a bubble stuck in the foam sole! The six year old me put two and two together and thought that if I had those on, I can bounce endlessly... Higher and faster.
That little bubble in the sole changed everything, not just for me but for the entire shoe industry. From the moment it was conceived until today, the Air Max has stood as a symbol of stability, technology, and innovation. Simply put, the Nike Air Max was and still is that magical technology that made every other shoe boring.
Next in line in this proud lineage is the Nike Air Max+ 2013. Same technology, same magic... But a whole lot more flexible.
Last year has got to be one of the most significant in LeBron James career. 2012, we saw him dominate in London - capturing gold in the process. We saw him trample his way through the season, through the Playoffs... All the way to the Finals. And as most of you good people know, that's when he got his first chip.
The year 2012, to put it simply, was a good year to pop bottles for the NBA's golden goose! Champagne for champs. He has earned it. He deserves to enjoy it (Chris Bosh enjoyed it waaay too much in my opinion, LOL!)
Nike Sportswear (yep, you read that right...) recognizes LeBron's achievement. And so to commemorate his amazing year, NSW unveils the Nike LeBron X 'Cork'.
Last week, I got an invite from Adidas to attend the unveiling of their brand new Bonifacio High Street store. I've seen them construct the corner boutique and I've grown curious to what this new three-stripes joint has to offer. There's this new found love that I've been experiencing for the Tri-Foil as of late, and I've been on the hunt for good finds since.
I just had to go. There was a need for me to be in this event, let alone see what's inside the store. Having the event a block away from work made it so much sweeter.
January 10, Thursday - A crowd of industry people were on hand to experience the new place. The event was hosted by our good friend Rjay Ty of UNSCHLD and LDP fame. Saw a bunch of familiar faces, and got to meet some new folks as well. The energy was good that night, complemented by music dished out by the ever famous Nix Damn P and Beat Box Manila. The fashion show was the highlight of the event. Got a chance to hang with the female models inside the store... They were cool enough to pose for us.
The merch inside did not disappoint. Performance joints filled half of the place - more than enough pairs and gear to satisfy your athletic needs. On the other side, their Originals section was stacked with new releases; the Year Of The Snake Superstars are a must cop, trust me!
It was a great event with a good vibe. Big thanks to Adidas Philippines for having me, congratulations on the successful "unlacing"! Congrats to our fam at RSA-Titan for doing such a great job on everything. Shouts to the very nice folks at Green Bulb PR, special shouts to Anna for taking care of us, great to finally meet you!
The brand new Adidas Bonifacio High Street is located at the corner of 30th and 7th, The Fort, BGC.
Growing up, it was very hard not to respect Allen Iverson's abilities on the court. Whether you loved him or hated him, it's undeniable that his exciting, and somewhat controversial, career has changed the game for the better.
For the young cats out there, Allen Iverson's relevance is very difficult to describe in a few short paragraphs - I suggest you get familiar and hit google and YouTube, witness the documented magic yourself. But for the not-so-youngbloods such as myself, there are no write-ups necessary.
To put it simply: The Answer can ball.
This Saturday, January 19, our favorite hoops joint TITAN will pay homage to one of the most important shoes in the history of basketball.
The Answer IV, which AI rocked during his incredible MVP and championship run, will release exclusively and in limited quantities in Titan TwoParkade, Taft, RONAC, and Katipunan. Few pairs are also allocated for their online store.
The Reebok Answer IV will retail for Php 7, 595.00.
Own a piece of history. If you grew up rocking broad shouldered jerseys, improvised shooting sleeves, and shin-length baggy ball shorts, trust me... You need these.
It's quite safe to assume that on the very first day of a new year everyone is hung over, lethargic, and at the very least, tired. Same goes for me, and I'm sure that's how it is for you too.
This year though, it was a bit different.
Yes, I was hung over, and yes I was tired... But not too tired to wake up and take the long drive to Katipunan. Why you might ask? What's in Katipunan that is better than New Year's Day sleep?
January 1, 2013. Our good friends from Sole Academy held an exhibit dubbed "THE AIR MAX EXPERIENCE" that coincided with the Air Max OG Retro release. If you know me well and if you read my entry "12 THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN 2012", you would know that I am obsessed with the Air Max 1.
Anyway, the good people behind the sportswear and lifestyle store spent their holidays curating the very best pairs from the Air Max lineage. From the 1987 OG pair, to crazy collabs, to 1-of-1s, Sole Academy (with the help of Sole Movement's very own Martin David) pulled out all stops to provide the fans of the most enduring technology in all of sports an exhibition unlike any other.
So you still think I'm crazy for skipping sleep for this? Check the photos and you might just see what I mean.
I would like to give a shout out to the entire Sole Academy crew for being so helpful and accommodating. Big ups and congrats to my good friends Jojo and Carlo who skipped NYE partying to give the fans a good time, the event was a success! I had a blast! Thanks for having me. Also, shouts to the biggest AM connoisseur that I know, Mr. Martin David... Great job, bud!
The Sole Academy "MAXPERIENCE" Air Max Exhibit will run till next week. Check it out.
Look what @NikePh gave me for Christmas! A series of limited vinyl toys to celebrate Kobe's new joints - The Nike Kobe 8 System.
The four figures symbolize the "four mastery tools" utilized by The Black Mamba - Focus, Accuracy, Vision, and Speed. The same elements were also incorporated into the new Kobe 8.
These were used as promotional giveaways to retailers and media partners. Unfortunately, these were not sold in stores.
If the toys got you excited, wait 'till you see the Nike Kobe 8 System. Now available at Nike Basketball retailers and at Titan.
Thank you @NikePh! And to everyone, hope you're having a good start to the year!
Twenty-Twelve was an important year for me. With the exception of 1985, and probably 1991, no other year has been so significant in my life. It has brought my life's gloomiest moments, as well as it's brightest.
My 2012 was lined with cross-roads, forks, dead-ends, freeways and intersections that has altered the course of my life for the better. It was no means an easy ride, but I would not have it any other way.
I can say the same for Locker Room Legends. This site which I've been grooming for close to 2 years now (painstakingly at that) has grown leaps and bounds in a year. The culture that it has been featuring, cultivating, and promoting has seen the same growth and "notoriety" in 2012.
Although 2012 has provided us with a handful of moments that we would much rather forget, it has also given us a boatload of things to be thankful for.
When I started lockerroomlegends, I promised myself I will never do a Countdown post or Top X List of whatever. Well, 2012 was so special I decided to snap that rule… DISCLAIMER: This list does not include the obvious entries - God, family, Cess, and other personal matters that are already constant in my life.
And so, just this one time, here are the TOP 12 THINGS I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THIS YEAR.
