Posts by Jefferrrson:
How Should Nike Approach The PG 2?
July 19th, 2017Nike gave Paul George his first sneaker last year with the PG 1. With much success, we now have images of the next edition, the Nike PG 2.
Unfortunately, we don’t have official images of the sneaker as these are early leaks of the model. Sources have said these may not be the PG 2, so take these photos as a grain of salt on a beach. However, the images below showcase the Paul George logo from Nike. Nike has decided to change a lot of aspects of the sneaker including the materials, Swoosh placements, and even removed the mid-foot strap.
The biggest change to the sneaker looks to be the non-existent strap and overall design. One thing is certain, the low-cut profile remains mainly because Paul George prefers this style. For years, PG13 has worn low top sneakers including the Hyperdunk Lows, Nike Zoom Run The One, Nike HyperRev, and of course the Kobe Bryant signature models. Regardless of the cut, the sneaker does look to be disappointing if we look at the second photo below that shows the medial side.
Along the outsole, you can see the Zoom Air unit protruding similar to the PG 1. The bottom-loaded system worked really well for the first model and hopefully these work out the same way in the PG 2. Design for the grip has also been tweaked as it debuts a whole new pattern to decrease slippage on court. If you look closely, there may be a Zoom unit in the heel as well towards the PG branding in the back end. Last year, the Zoom only remained in the forefoot so this would be great news for hoopers alike.
What made the Nike PG 1 a great sneaker was the unique platform it had for the player. It gave a new breath of fresh air to the Nike Basketball family with a strap on the mid-foot of the sneaker providing lockdown on court. Not sure why they removed it as it was the best thing on the first sneaker. Personally, I think it is too early to advance that part of the design. If it works and if it looks great, why change it? Especially at this early stage of his signature career with Swoosh.
If you take a look at the Kobe Bryant line with lead designer Eric Avar, the changes each season was minimal. Many Mamba enthusiasts wanted change, which they got with the Kobe 9 Elite, but for the most part it remained untouched. Settle adjustments to the design was made to keep it linear and accustomed to innovation provided by Kobe Bryant and crew. Kobe made that line special as Nike incorporated their latest technologies to his line. I believe Paul George can take his place despite the Kobe line continuing.
How should Nike approach the PG 2?
Nike should put Paul George right up there with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and the King LeBron James in terms of priority. The PG 1 and KD 9 seem to be the most successful sneakers from Nike according to the sales at my local shop. Nike absolutely needs to capitalize on their momentum from the Nike PG 1. Given the $110.00 USD price tag and awesome design, the PG 2 needs to continue that spark towards his upcoming season in Oklahoma City.
The Nike PG 2 has not release date at the moment as it just released this past March, 2017. Expect a price increase to about $120.00 USD next season. Stay tuned for our continued coverage on Paul George as he locks in for the upcoming season as a Thunder player for Oklahoma City.
*Updated 7/19/17*
Kicks On Deck: adidas Harden Vol. 1 Lifestyle
July 19th, 2017We got our hands on the newest James Harden model from the three stripes brand, adidas. This new version from James Harden comes in a lifestyle form for any Houston Rockets fan.
As soon as you open the box, you are welcomed by the full-on Primeknit upper that wraps around the foot for adaptive support and comfort. The sneaker feels lightweight enough for every day use, but possibly a great sneaker on court. However, since this is a lifestyle model, the sneaker can only be recommended off the court. I’m sure you can hoop in these in a light game of 21, shoot around, or even a competitive one-on-one game with a buddy. But they have removed the support from the panels and toe-cap to increase comfortability.
Boost remains in the sneaker allowing a supreme step-in comfort and gives the ultimate energy return feedback to the foot. I swear I could wear these for a day at Disneyland and not be worn out at the end of the day. Definitely recommend this version of the Harden to those wanting the same level of comfort from an Ultra Boost. Within the midsole is a TPU midsole wrap for added stability along with textile lining throughout.
Check out our video on the James Harden Vol. 1 Lifestyle and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
NikeLab React Hyperdunk 2017 Now Available
July 19th, 2017The next NBA season is still months away, but Nike Basketball has already released their main flagship model, the Hyperdunk 2017.
One of the mainstays of professional basketball, the Nike Hyperdunk has always been a sneaker to rely on. Hoopers from all levels regard the Nike flagship as a reliant sneaker that provides excellent performance on court. However, over the past few years, the Hyperdunk has slowly lost its momentum as it has been over shadowed by other models from adidas, Under Armour, and even Swoosh’s own signature athletes. This year however, Nike Basketball looks to bring the spark back into their line with this new Nike React cushioning system.
Nike React is a new foam developed by Nike promises to deliver a soft, springy sensation to help keep the user comfortable for the court. This isn’t the first time that Nike has created a foam cushion, but in 2008, Lunarfoam was developed and is still used to this day. The problem with Lunarfoam was the longevity of its use. Its initial run with the original Hyperdunk and Zoom Kobe IV were short lived as cushion would bottom out after several wears. It was a very comfortable platform, but for it to not last a whole season of games is unfortunate. Thankfully, Nike has made proper improvements through the years and by no surprise resulted in this new innovation, Nike React.
Aside from the React cushion, Nike has chosen to use Flyknit on this specific model. Accompanying the upper is a breathable Flyknit fabric integrated in targeted zones for the right amount of support and flexibility. We have seen this before with adaptive Flywire cables for a customized user fit for players. Lastly, you have a rubber outsole with pressure points mapped throughout to provide intricate placement and footing during play. The rubber looks to be thick and depending on the colorway could be translucent or solid.
The Nike Hyperdunk 2017 is available now in Flyknit form for $160.00 USD on Nikestore.com. There will also be a base model for the sneaker at a lower tier price as well as a low-cut version. Stay tuned for more updates.
Nike Reveals First NBA Jerseys of New Partnership
July 18th, 2017Last week, we gave you an inside look at the NBA and Nike deal for the next eight years. Outgoing is the three stripe brand adidas inventory and debuting this October, will be the brand new Swoosh designed NBA jerseys.
Many are excited about this partnership due to the fresh new designs developed by the best marketing brand on earth. Not only does this deal promise a new look for not only the NBA teams, but the NBA organization as a whole. Marketing will change drastically for the brand as for the first time ever in NBA history, a brand such as the Nike Swoosh will be visible on the chest of each jersey.
Today, Nike revealed their new jersey designs as well as their plan for the NBA in the future.
“Nike … employ[ed] 3D-body maps of players, including heat and sweat maps. This research led Nike’s designers to make significant changes to the weight, fit and construction of the uniforms — paying special attention to enabling agility.
NBA players, including members of last summer’s gold medal-winning USA Basketball team, tested early versions of the uniforms and provided specific feedback that prompted Nike to further evolve the designs in ways that included moving the armhole, neck and side seams to eliminate distractions for athletes.
The most significant change comes to the back shoulder of the uniform where Nike designers altered the construction for a vastly improved fit. Additionally, the hemlines on the bottom of both the jersey and shorts were modified to allow for full range of motion.
The uniform is comprised of a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyester (each athlete uniform represents approximately 20 recycled PET bottles). Not only does this yarn blend match Nike’s broad commitment to sustainability, it also removes moisture more quickly than previous NBA uniforms, wicking sweat 30-percent faster than current NBA uniforms.”
The NBA are getting rid of the “home” and “away” uniform designations beginning this upcoming season. Instead, Nike will incorporate at least four designs for NBA teams. The first two include the Association edition, which “pays homage to the league”; and the Icon edition, which “represents the rich heritage and iconic identity of each NBA franchise”. Both will be revealed by teams in a few weeks this Summer. The next two editions will be additional designs inspired by the Athlete mindset and one that pays tribute to the Community. Lastly, a fifth Classic edition looks to be a throwback design inspired by classic eras of a the respective franchise.
Aside from the jerseys, Nike will also unveil a new on-court collection that includes tights and compression pants, socks, and other apparel. This gear would also be worn during pre-game warm ups and possibly some off-court apparel as well.
The possibilities are endless for this Nike x NBA deal. For the last year and a half, NBA teams have been working hard to deliver this news to the world. The transition will be slow for some teams, and others like the Charlotte Hornets will immediately create new uniform designs to be worn by their players.
Nike and the NBA plan to launch their new products for purchase on October 1, 2017 worldwide.
If you wanted to know more about how exactly the NBA was able to land this billion dollar deal with Nike, check out our piece on it here. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
Air Jordan Retro 6 UNC Detailed Images
July 14th, 2017We are halfway through 2017 and Jordan Brand releases will start to heat up. Summer is here giving way to the trainers and low-top sneakers for the Flight brand. However, beyond the Summer we have high end releases like the Jordan Retro 11 combo for the Holidays and also these new UNC Jordan 6’s in time for Christmas tree shopping.
North Carolina was Michael Jordan’s school of choice for College basketball. His Heirness averaged 17.7 points per game on 54 percent shooting with North Carolina for three seasons. He won the 1982 National Championship with the Tar Heel’s and later joined the Chicago Bull’s in 1984 as the third overall pick. This would be the first time Jordan Brand has linked his UNC career with the Air Jordan 6 model in a similiar form via the OG ‘Black/Infrared’ colorway.
If you own the Infrared Jordan 6, these would mirror those sneakers exactly. Dressed in a suede upper in all black, the UNC blue hits the midsole, heel tab, lace locks, and Jumpman logo branding throughout.
The Air Jordan Retro 6 UNC drops on December 23, 2017. No price is confirmed, but the price should be at $190.00 USD.
