Tag: Footwear

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Lakai x Isle Skateboards

Posted on by bythelevel

 

In anticipation of the Lakai x Isle Skateboards footwear collaboration dropping in July, both parties have released this short promo video of Nick Jensen styling street spots between London and L.A.

The Griffin XLK shoe is the subject of the collab, featuring the heritage Griffin plush suede on the blacked out upper with a full grain leather Lakai Flare on the side panels and perforations around the toe for added breathability. The durable upper sits on top of a tech filled sole unit that features the signature XLK performance cup sole which is both lightweight and shock absorbing, with a herringbone tread pattern on the outsole for optimal grip on the board. The Equa-Form midsole and moulded outsole increases comfort and stability of the foot for when you’re throwing down hammers.

Enjoy the video by Jacob Harris below, and keep your eyes peeled for more info on the release date. Also be on the look out for Isle’s full length video ‘Vase’ which will be dropping soon.

You can read our interview with Nick Jensen and Paul Shier of Isle Skateboards HERE.

 

Converse CONS

Converse CONS launch the One Star Pro

Posted on by bythelevel

 

This weekend saw the return of the Converse One Star in the UK; one of the brands staple silhouettes since the 70’s. Following several years out of the limelight, Converse CONS present the updated One Star pro, reworking the classic style it into a skate ready pro shoe for the summer.

The One Star has always been hugely popular with both the lifestyle and skate market, but for its latest iteration, Converse have chosen to focus on the latter. Using the original shape as a guideline, a durable vintage suede has been applied to the upper while a premium leather lines the inner. The iconic Converse ‘Star’ brand logo contrasts the colour of the upper and is located on the lateral and media panels, with each colour option sittng on top of a stark white sole unit. Additional features include a moulded volt lunarlon insole for protection upon impact, tonal lacing, a perforated memory foam gussetted tongue that stops the foot from slipping and finally a lighteweight CONS traction, gum coloured rubber outsole for superior grip.

Arriving in limited numbers, the low profile Converse CONS One Star Pro is available in two colour options of Yellow Bird and Black and is released as part of CONS Quickstrike project. You can pick a pair up for £70 over at Welcome Skate Store, Note and Flatspot. 

 

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Vans Presents The Geoff Rowley Signature Collection

Posted on by bythelevel

Vans have finally lifted the lid on Geoff Rowley’s signature collection, consisting of apparel and footwear, that is set to hit stores for Autumn.

Rowley has been an integral part of the Vans team since joining back in 1999, and during that time he has continued to build his legacy as not only one of the greatest skateboarders in the UK but on a global scene. He is renowned as a pioneer in street skating, with a bag full of big tricks and a unique energy, he has pushed skateboarding forward with his hard work ethic and dedication to his craft. He brings all of these themes into the collection and these characteristics lay the foundation for the release, with style and durability to match the rigours of skating at the highest level.

The Vans [Rowley] Solos are inspired by the original made in the USA Era’s which were one of the first ever shoes made by the skate giants. The premise was to transform the legendary shoe to perform better but still maintain elements that have made it as iconic as it is today. The shoes natural canvas and premium suede uppers have been reinforced with Vans’ Duracap foot protection. Vans’ Ultracush HD high-impact polyurethane under the foot enhances cushioning while the addition of the patented waffle outsole gives unrivalled grip. Available in four seasonal colour ways for the fall, the Solo’s will be accompanied by Geoff’s first apparel collection with the brand that follows a similar colour palette. The release offers up a robust selection of apparel from ‘sturdy stretch’ twill GR chinos, cotton canvas workwear shirts and lightweight jacket, as well as four ‘wicked dry’ tees and patchwork headwear.

Aside from the sure to be popular footwear selection, it’s great to see Vans pushing the apparel side of their pro range, which has been seemingly more prominent in the brands output since the arrival of AVE’s line. With a high focus on functionality and the technical features in the design, the collection represents further development for Vans as they build on the momentum and hype around the brand following the popularity of Propeller.

The Vans Rowley Solos will be launching in stores worldwide this Saturday, June the 13th. With the apparel you will have to wait slightly longer, scheduled to drop worldwide on the 1st of July. Be sure to check out the video below for more on the legend himself.

 

Asics x AFEW

Asics x AFEW Gel Lyte III ‘Koi Klub’

Posted on by bythelevel

Continuing the Gel Lyte III’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Asics link up once again with German sneaker store AFEW to present a refined version of their 1-of-1 handmade edition’s from back in 2012, which went by the same name of “Koi Klub”.

In paying homage to Japanese culture and lifestyle, in which high importance is placed on quality craftsmanship, this is also true celebration of sneaker culture, with every detail of the design through to the application and finish meticulously thought out. The colour way of white, red and black references the iconic Koi fish which has strong ties to Japanese culture and traditions. The shoes upper is constructed from a nappy suede with off white colouring on the mid-foot and red on the perforated toe box and heel, finished with hits of black on the Asics branding. The plush upper sits on top of a crisp white midsole and a ‘Koi Camo’ outsole, while additional details include wooden lace eyelets, brown leather accents and embossed AFEW branding on the heel.

Looking closer at the shoe, you also small touches that really complete the look, with two heel patches on each shoe, one reading “AFEW” and the other “家族” which translates as ‘family’. Finally as a nod to the pairs efforts back in 2012, the sock liners feature pictures from the first Japan Day event while the other shows the process of hand making the original pair.

The Asics x AFEW Gel Lyte III ‘Koi Klub’ launches on Saturday the 30th of May (tomorrow) online at Hanon and in store at END.

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Supreme x Vans Summer 2015 Old Skool Collection

Posted on by bythelevel

 

Continuing their popular collaborative ventures, Supreme and Vans team up once again, this time giving the iconic Old Skool an updated rework for the Summer.

Despite both companies heritage lying in skateboarding, their latest iteration of the timeless Old Skool seems to focus on exploiting the shoes popularity in the lifestyle market, applying a perforated leather to the shoes upper for a premium look, although with the hard wearing leather I’m sure they skate well too. Arriving in four clean colour options, the shoes features additional leather detailing in the iconic sidestripe and tonal laces, all of which sits on top of a crisp white sole unit which is seperated with the classic black piping around the midsole.

The Supreme x Vans Summer 2015 Old Skool collection will be available at Supreme’s London location and online from the Thursday the 28th of May (Tomorrow).

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Footpatrol x Reebok Ventilator ‘Hotstepper’

Posted on by bythelevel

 

Drawing inspiration from the golden era of home fitness videos, Reebok and London’s Footpatrol join forces once again to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the classic Ventilator silhouette.

Entitled ‘Hotstepper’, the 90’s inspired rework sees new material applications referencing the various equipment you would find lying around the gyms and changing rooms of the old school leisure centres, and in particular one aerobic essential – the Step . With that in mind, a bright white terry towel material on the upper meets with porcelain and crystal blue synthetic suede on the overlays, with hits of purple and red on the heel, sole unit and mid foot. Several nice touches have been added including embroidered Reebok branding on the tongue and side panels, and if you look closer you can see more playful details such as the back to front ‘R’ on the lateral side and the reversed Reebok text logo on the medial panel. As with all their previous collaborations, Footpatrol and Reebok’s attention to detail is second to none as the look is completed with two dual branded flippable woven tongue labels replacing the usual tongue tag, inspired by the information labels found on the gym garments, which outline the material specs of the shoes . The textured upper sits on top of a clean white midsole with contrasting retro colour pops on the outsole.

The ‘Hotstepper’ Ventilator arrives with custom Gasmask rubber swing-tags and three sets of rope laces which are a nod to the whistle neck ties used by the swimming pool lifeguards. With the shoe born at the turn of the 90’s, the collaborative rework is a fitting tribute to the classic silhouette, executed to the highest detail and consideration to all aspects of the theme translated into the design.

You can pick up the Footpatrol x Reebok 25th Anniversary Ventilator ‘Hotstepper’ in-store & online at www.footpatrol.co.uk on Saturday 23rd May (tomorrow)  from 8:00AM BST.

 

The Saucony Bermuda Pack

Saucony Originals present the “Bermuda” Pack.

Posted on by bythelevel

 

 Saucony Originals continue to celebrate the fast approaching Summer months as they bring the tropical vibes in the vibrant “Bermuda” pack, inspired by the beaches of the idyllic Atlantic island. 

In a market that is highly competitive and moves quickly in terms of design, it has become hard to really stand out from the pack and challenge the heavy hitters such as Nike and Adidas. Sharing a similar heritage to these running giants, Saucony have managed to maintain their relevance and continue to play a huge part in the retro running resurgence with their clever creative concepts that they use to rework some of their most coveted styles. Drawing inspiration and themes from unique ideas, at times unusual, and turning them into something highly wear-able is where Saucony really thrive. This has been seen in the hugely poplar ‘Burger’ collab with END. last year and more recently the scoops pack for the Summer, and the “Bermuda” pack continues this approach, drawing from a relevant, yet fairly unique idea and using the colour and material inspiration to give two classic silhouettes a weather appropriate refresh.

For those, like me, who haven’t been lucky enough to visit the island of Bermuda yet, it is renowned for its stunning pink sands, bright turquoise waters and unique culture, all of which have been channeled for the material and colour reworks of the signature Shadow 6000 and DXN Trainer. A true icon in marathon running history, the DXN Trainer surfaces for the “Bermuda” pack with a two-tone aqua blue application on the shoes upper, while the coveted Shadow 6000 silhouette features a turquoise base on its form fitting upper with black and purple overlays. Both styles feature perforated suede uppers which sit on top of a contrasting white midsole, with additional details including comfort enhancing padded collars and synthetic tongues.

The Saucony Originals  “Bermuda” Pack will be available at select retailers including Urban Industry and The Chimp Store from the 22nd of May which just so happens to coincide with Bermuda day celebrations!