Pylon Sounds

Having provided all you sneakerheads with first look at the “Meteorology” Nike KD VI earlier, looks like we have some new information to share with you all regarding their release date.

All you sneakerheads can expect to see this pair of “Meteorology” Nike KD VI’s to arrive on August 3rd. With this particular theme serving as a follow up to the now infamous “Weatherman” KD IV’s, sneakerheads will notice that amidst the shoes black/pink color blocking are some topographic markings and logos along the upper.

You can see more of these “Meteorology” Nike KD VI’s after the jump. Make sure all you sneakerheads mark August 3rd on your calendars and let us know if you will plan on picking these up.

Nike KD VI “Meteorology”
08/03/13

Via: Simon5302/baltsneakershow

If a list of the rarest kicks was to be made today, there is one pair that we know without a shadow of a doubt will definitely sit atop the list. That pair being the Air Jordan XI “Concord 45″ Sample.

Despite the several original and retro versions that have popped up over the years with the ’45′ detailing, which is a clear tribute to MJ’s comeback number, one celebrity sneakerhead happens to have this extremely rare pair of kicks in his possession. The celebrity sneakerhead that we are talking about is DJ Khaled.

Posted after the jump are some photos of DJ Khaled showing off the latest addition to his sneaker collection. Feel free to share any thoughts you may have in the comments section below.

Via Complex

If you know of Rip Hamilton, then you know he is a team player both on and off the court. When he isn’t hitting the hardwood as a member of the Chicago Bulls, he is lacing his closest associates with some new Air Jordans. Last time around, Rip blessed some of people with a few pairs of the “Grape” Air Jordan V retro.

Sticking by his claim of “No one in my circle can wear nothing but Jordans. It’s a way of life,” Rip is ready to share some more Jordan wealth with his team. This time around, Rip has a nice supply of the upcoming “Black Toe” Air Jordan 1 to spread around.

Keep reading after the jump so you can get a look at Rip and his massive stock pile of “Black Toe” Air Jordan 1′s.

Via Rip Hamilton

Jordan Brand has come up with a new design on the classic Air Jordan V (5) . Taking a well known print that many love, Jordan Brand has decided to make an all elephant print sneaker.

The sneaker features an all elephant print upper along with hints of Tiffany Blue. This is by far one of the most unique colorways we’ve seen but this could be the shoe that the brand releases for the 23rd anniversary of the Air Jordan V (5) Retro.

Stay tuned for more information on this sneaker that is expected to drop around August.

Just in time for spring, the Vans Authentic release in brushed twill in four colorways that are perfect for the warmer season. Shale Green, Salmon, Porcelain, and Mineral Yellow take on the brushed twill upper of the Authentic model. Brown leather boat-shoe laces accompany the shoe as well as a light blue waffle outsole. The pack can be purchased now at Vans retailers such as The General.

Via SC

Earlier this month, news of the Nike Air Force Max 2013 being released near the end of May was revealed. This popular retro will be dropping in two loved colorways being “Fire Red” in order to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Michael Jordan and the Bulls going against Charles Barkley and the Suns in the NBA finals and also in the “Grape” colorway. Both of these models will be releasing at participating Nike Sportswear retailers on May 25th, but to better your chances of snagging a pair head over to Wish to preorder them today.

Via HB

Scheduled to make its global debut on July 30th will be the Nike Hyperdunk 2013. This new Peter Fogg creation will be arriving fully equipped with more than enough Dynamic Flywire across the sides and Hyperfuse paneling along the upper to satisfy any sneakerheads on court desires.

Keep reading after the jump to get a better look at the upcoming Nike Hyperdunk 2013 from its initial design sketches to the final product all you sneakerheads will see at retailers worldwide on July 30th.

If you are a fan of Nike SB kicks, you might want to pay attention to Premier (www.thepremierstore.com) and their Twitter feed (@premierskate), as their “15 Days of Restocks” has already kicked off, starting last Monday, 5/13 . The random restocks have already given SB heads the opportunity to cop the Nike SB Dunk Mid “Patagonia”, originally released in November of 2011, the Nike SB Dunk Low “Aqua” (aka “Skeletor”), from May of 2011, the “Chrome Ball” SB Dunk Low (perhaps best known for the “Supreme”/Elephant Print Customs, made with the “Chrome Ball” Lows as a base, by n-sb.org user CemeteryDrive), from June of 2010, and lastly, the “Reece Forbes” SB Dunk High, better known as the “Un-Papa Bear”, released in December of 2010, as well as the SB Dunk High “Denim”, a February 2011 release, which was restocked today.

For those that expected these restocks to be stuff from 2013 or maybe a few pairs from 2012, Premier has knocked that sentiment straight out of the skate park within the first week of restocks. And guess what? We still have 9 more days of re-releases to go!

What are you hoping to see restocked in the coming days? Planning on copping everything you can, or saving up for “Restock Saturday” (May 25th)? Let us know in the comments below!

Via Premier

Earlier this month adidas released a plethora of there Crazyquick basketball sneaker and next month will see yet another colorway being released. The next addition to this line of basketball sneakers will host a “Black/Purple-Teal” makeup. This shoe is great performance shoe on court as it supports TECHFIT and SPRINTFRAME. Look for this pair to arrive at adidas Basketball accounts on June 1st.

Via Complex

You may be a bit unfamiliar (or not) with the Nike Air Slant, a classic mid ’90s training sneaker, as it was brought to life around the time as other popular trainers nearly 20 years ago.

Because it didn’t receive as much attention as other endorsed or co-signed Nike models, Nike has decided to bring back the silhouette in original form and colorway. Made from leather, nubuck, and mesh uppers, these durable trainers will debut this year in an OG white, game royal, and black motif.

Perhaps this is only the first of what’s to come from this series. Look for the Nike Air Slant “White/Game Royal-Black” to release this weekend, Saturday, May 25th at participating NSW locations including Cambridge’s Concepts.

The “NFL Pack” continues with a quick detailed look at the forthcoming Nike Air Trainer SC II High QS “Jacksonville Jaguars”.

What’s releasing alongside the “Miami Dolphins” and “Minnesota Vikings” versions, this iteration comes made out of nubuck and patent leather uppers in official Jaguars team colors. As the team’s logo graces each insole, these classic trainers are a perfect match for any team apparel.

Rep your team this season and pick up the Nike Air Trainer SC II High QS “NFL Pack” – Jacksonville Jaguars available May 24th through select Nike Sportswear retailers like Oneness.

With a newly renovated stadium, the Minnesota Vikings are in the headlines again today as we’re served with detailed images of the upcoming Nike Air Trainer SC II High QS that pays homage to the NFC team.

As a member of the upcoming “NFL Pack”, this classic trainer comes made out of perforated white and grey patent leather uppers that includes purple and gold accents to reiterate the theme. Aside from a grey midfoot strap, these team-oriented kicks are complete with official Vikings branding on each insole.

Look for the Nike Air Trainer SC II High QS “NFL Pack” – Minnesota Vikings to makes a debut this Friday, May 24th as a quickstrike at select retailers including Oneness.

The PE’s from the National High School Invitational continue to emerge. With the hoops event more than a month over, today brings a detailed look at the Nike KD V (5) “Montverde Academy” PE.

What pays homage to the Florida college preparatory school, this Nike KD V (5) follows in the footsteps of the previously seen “Benedict’s Prep” and “Findlay Prep” PE’s with the Eagels’ team colors of purple and yellow, a gradient midsole with a hint of grey, and the school’s logo at the ankle collar for a complete finish.

Which PE takes the crown thus far? We’ll let you decide. Keep it with Sneaker Files for more.

via RMBWilliams

If you’ve been keeping up with what’s been going on with the Ewing Focus Retro upon its Summer 2013 return, than you know of three colorways thus far. Well today, we have a fourth colorway for all you sneakerheads to add to the list.

You already saw the black/red/white Bulls Away-inspired colorway, heres your first look at its home-inspired counterpart. Though some may wonder how these Bulls colorways are significant to the Ewing line, history speaker for itself as the Bulls and Knicks engaged in classic battles on the hardwood during the 1990s.History lesson aside, these Ewing Focus Retros will surely be a must have for any sneakerheads collection.

With the addition of this latest colorway, Ewing Athletics is surely gearing up to have one hell of a summer run. Check out the pics of this upcoming Ewing Focus Retro and let us know which pair you sneakerheads are looking forward to copping the most.

Via SF

If you follow the sneaker news circuit, you’ve probably seen posts in regards to the winner of the Air Jordan XIII (13), from the “28 Days of Flight” month-long contest held in February, selling his pair on eBay. What you might not know about this story is the fact that the seller, Franaldo Hanna, a 27 year old cleaning technician for his family’s cleaning business, is donating every cent from his sale to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, one of the worldwide leaders in children’s cancer research. Oddly, some sneaker blogs/websites have chosen not to even mention this part of the story, which to me is much more newsworthy than any shoe could possibly be. I understand that we as sneaker writers are tasked with writing about, y’know, sneakers, but to not even mention the fact that this guy was willing to give every single dollar from the sale of this shoe away to charity was a travesty.

For those unfamiliar with the contest, the “28 Days of Flight” contest was held by Jordan Brand during the month of February, in the lead-up to the release of the Air Jordan XX8. Utilizing the black and green theme used for the Air Jordan XX8, Jordan Brand created a pair of each of the Air Jordan signature models, from 1 through 28, each crafted with high-quality materials and each a 1-of-1. Starting from February 1st, Jordan Brand held a daily contest for the model coinciding with the date, meaning that for February 1st, it was the Air Jordan I (1); February 2nd, the Air Jordan II (2); February 3rd, the Air Jordan III (3); etc. The contest consisted of sending in an original picture featuring the particular shoe of that day. One winner was picked for each day, with the winner receiving the special “28 Days of Flight” pair from that day, sent with a special wooden case for storing and displaying the shoes. Considering that there was only 1 pair of each model, and the fact that this shoe would most likely never be made again, you could imagine the craziness this contest caused. People were racking their brains in trying to come up with the winning picture for their favorite model of Air Jordan. With each pair featuring a striking black and fluorescent green colorway, reminiscent of the Air Jordan XIII (13) “Altitude”, along with high-quality materials, these shoes were truly works of art, and would be a welcome addition to most every sneaker aficionado’s collection.

Before hearing about this story, I remember having read about a winner of another one of the “28 Days of Flight” Air Jordans, this one being the Air Jordan XI (11), which was most likely the most desired shoe of the bunch. This seller was also selling his pair of shoes on eBay, with a starting price of $15,000. With this auction, however, there was no mention of donating the proceeds to a charity. I don’t say that to disparage the seller of that pair of shoes, either. I imagine that most people wouldn’t be willing to donate the money if they were in a similar position, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, the fact that most people wouldn’t do what this man did is what makes this story that much more exceptional.

After hearing about the contest from another sneaker site that shall remain nameless, Franaldo, a life-long sneakerhead, jumped at the chance to enter; the only problem was that he was currently staying in Harlem, NY, while his shoe collection was in East Hampton, NY. By the time he was able to get to his collection, the contest was already at day 13, which lowered his chances of winning significantly, since, according to Hanna, “roughly 90% of my Jordans are I through XIV”.

With little time to spare, he immediately started snapping pics, uploading a total of 3 pics for the 13th day/Air Jordan XIII (13). Ironically, the photo that would end up winning was his least favorite of the bunch. Still, the photo, an other-worldly shot depicting the Air Jordan XIII (13) “He Got Game” standing on what could easily be mistaken as Martian land, was an excellent pic, worthy of being the winning entry. “I drew inspiration from the first moon landing and how MJ’s game was not from this planet”, said Hanna, and the finished photo definitely reflects that.

After also entering pics on the 14th, 23rd, 24th, and 26th, all that was left to do was wait (with the thousands of other Air Jordan fans that entered the contest). Although he had never won any contest in his life, Franaldo regularly posted “kick pics” to Instagram, so snapping photos of some of his Js and tagging them with the appropriate keywords was a no-brainer. Still, there was a long way to go before he’d know if he won – 6 long weeks, to be exact.

Towards the end of March, Hanna got the message, from Jordan Brand’s official Instagram account, that every entrant was hoping and praying to receive:

“@Throwuponyaself, We’ve selected this photo as our winner of #AJ13 Day of #28DaysOfFlight!”

Initially thinking the message was a hoax, he decided to play along and replied with the required one-word response needed to confirm his win: “OK”. They then asked for his address, which he sent to the requested email address. At that point, Franaldo’s work was done; the only thing left to do was wait for his pair and figure out how he was going to spend the money he’d get from selling it – so long as he’d actually won.

A few weeks after that email, a large package was left on the porch outside of the home he shared with his family. Since he was not expecting any mail, having decided the whole thing was bogus weeks ago after not receiving a response to the last email he’d sent them (the one with his address included), he assumed the package was for someone else. After walking past it several times, curiosity finally got the best of him and he took the package inside. Seeing his name on the package, he tore it open, nearly fainting when he saw a Jumpman logo from inside of the box, peeking out at him.

Included in the package was a sample Air Jordan shoebox and a wood crate. “I opened the box and saw the empty JB shoebox and thought somebody (robbed) me before delivery”, said Hanna. However, once he opened the crate, those fears were assuaged. The shoes were really there, and he’d really won! Now he could finally celebrate his victory, and plan how he’d use the spoils from his win.

At least, that was the original plan. After giving it some thought, those plans changed: “To be honest, when I won, I told myself I’d cash out and buy a bunch of shoes that were (originally) out of my price range”, said Hanna, “but once I had the shoes in front of me, I was like ‘I’m never selling these!’.” He also realized that he would need a lot of space to store his newly-won shoes and, more specifically, the accompanying crate, space that he didn’t have.

Before long, Franaldo started seeing pairs from the contest appearing on eBay, and was “blown back by some of the (prices), especially $15,000” for one of the pairs. He laughed to himself after seeing some of the asking prices, having “never (expected to) see shoes selling for those prices, unless it was for charity”. But in a day and age where a $250 pair of sneakers routinely sells for $2000-plus (See: “Nike Air Yeezy 2”), those higher prices are becoming less unusual by the day.

Hanna was set in his desire to keep the “28 Days of Flight” Air Jordan XIII’s for his own collection, until one evening, when, while watching TV, a St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital began playing on his screen.

“I was moved”, said Hanna. “If those commercials never moved you, you’re lying or heartless… A light bulb went off; let me help them by selling my shoes” and giving them the profits.
Admittedly, there were a few times where Franaldo considered backing out, which is only natural for someone in the situation he was in, but the thought of his mother, one of the driving influences in his life, and the values she’d instilled in him is what pushed him to stay the course. Franaldo wanted to show the world that “it’s not all about self in the sneaker community”. To people on the outside of the culture looking in, it might be easy to see sneakerheads as self-absorbed, materialistic people that are only concerned about what shoes they’re wearing, and are willing to do whatever to get those shoes – even robbing and, in the worst cases, killing people. It’s easy to miss the good parts of the culture, especially when the only things covered and reported on are the negative things.

As mentioned earlier, most sneaker-centric websites chose not to report the charitable side of this story, instead focusing only on the shoes and how much money they’re likely to make. Why didn’t they mention it? Is it because we’ve been conditioned to believe that this facet of the story isn’t “newsworthy”? But regardless of why, only we can make the change on what we chose to cover. To this writer, the true story is Franaldo and his decision to put aside his needs and help others instead with the money made from the sale of his XIII’s.

If you were in his situation, would you have the courage and strength to sell your pair and donate the profits to a charity? Or would you take the easy road, doing what feels comfortable and makes you feel good? We can’t all donate thousands of dollars to charity, but what we can do is stand up and do the right thing whenever we have the opportunity, and try to help each other instead of worrying only about self. We at SneakerFiles.com commend you, Franaldo Hanna, and thank you for giving us the chance to cover your truly amazing story.

For those interested in seeing this amazing, one-of-a-kind pair of kicks, they will be available for your viewing pleasure at Sneakerology in East Hampton, Long Island, NY, for the duration of the auction. Franaldo views sneakers as “…art and a way of expression”, so for those of you who’d like to view these pieces of art, swing through while you can! The eBay auction can be viewed here.

After hearing rumors and seeing random pics of the Air Yeezy 2 “Red” float around within the past couple of months, the shoe suddenly was pushed into public’s consciousness by Mr. and Mrs. Yeezy, with a Tweet by Kanye West’s lady starting off the madness, followed by Kanye himself wearing the “Red” Yeezy 2 during his SNL performance. Is this a sign of things to come?

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West’s baby momma, sent out a Tweet last night which might be the first concrete sign of the shoe actually releasing. The tweet, showing a copy of Yeezy’s new album “Yeezus” and the bottom half of the Air Yeezy 2 “Red”, takes things to a new level, as it’s the first time anyone in West’s camp has mentioned the shoe by name. Featuring the hashtag “#RedYeezys”, the Tweet was the first real indication that this shoe might release. Little did we know that an hour later, we’d actually see the man himself rocking them onstage, for millions to see on their TV screens.

During his first of 2 performances on SNL that evening, Yeezy could be seen wearing the Air Yeezy 2 “Red” on stage. While it was hard to see much of anything on stage, due to the dark lighting, a red flash here and there could be seen during some of Kanye’s more vigorous movements, red shoes cutting through a beam of light, with every high-kick and wild movement.

What do you think about the “Red” Yeezy 2? Is this a “RoboCop” for you, because these are so “Gorgeous”? Or do you think of “Two Words” when you see these: “So Appalled”? Let us know in the comments below!

Via Twitter

Sneaker customizer Cali Kid Drew is back with yet another ill pair of Air Jordan custom kicks. Coming on the heels of his “Creme” Air Jordan XI Low customs, Cali Kid Drew uses the Air Jordan V silhouette as his canvas for his latest creation.

Sporting a smoky look about the bottom, the upper dons an Air Jordan VI-inspired look thanks largely in part to the black/infrared combination. For all you sneakerheads who may have wanted a darker offering from the AJV line, Cali Kid Drew has created this darker alternative for all of you to enjoy.

Provided below is a better look at this Air Jordan V “Infrared/Smoke Bottom” pair of customs that has been masterfully crafted by Cali Kid Drew. Check out the pics and let us know how you feel about Cali Kid Drews latest body of work.

Via Cali Kid Drew

Just four days ago, we shared a preview of what Nike Sportswear has in store for Fall/Holiday 2013. Within that preview was a picture of a box full of vibrant kicks that are slated to arrive in the months to come.

Part of that collective group of kicks occupying that box was the “Orange Leopard” Nike Roshe Run FB. Joining the Nike Air Max 1 in sporting an all over leopard print, this Nike Roshe Run FB is primed to easily be crowned the most sought after FB style of the year.

Keep reading after the jump to get a better look at the upcoming “Orange Leopard” Nike Roshe Run FB. Let us know where this ferocious pair of kicks ranks amongst your favorite pair of Roshe Runs.

Sneaker customizing guru Chef of GourmetKickz has whipped up yet another incredible pair of custom Nike Lebron X’s.

If you ever wondered what the “BHM” colorway form last years Nike LeBron 9 would look like on the Nike Lebron X silhouette, Chef has emerged from his custom kitchen with a special treat for you all. Fresh out the oven is the Nike LeBron X “Invictus X” custom, a sneaker that also sports a dope chunky metal lion-head lacelock.

Provided after the jump are some detailed shots of Chef’s latest body of work. Make sure they check them out and share your thoughts on them below.

Via Chef of GourmetKickz

For sneakerheads who have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the “Brown Suede” Nike LeBron X EXT, we know the wait has been rather longer than most of you would like. Hopefully, as long as the sneaker gods permit it, we should see these hit retailers sometime next month.

As you are forced to continue to wait with your fingers crossed that these kicks release sometime soon, we have some nice new detailed shots of the aforementioned pair of kicks that are sure to keep your sneaker spirits and morale high.

Continue reading after the jump to see the gallery of detailed “Brown Suede” Nike LeBron X EXT. Be sure to keep your browser locked on SneakerFiles for more information on this upcoming drop.

Nike LeBron X EXT
Suede Brown/Suede Brown-Sea Royal-White
607078-200

Via Long 7