While thinking about content for the new blog, I considered posting new sneaker releases. I thought to myself…..there are plenty of sneaker/streetwear blogs providing that service and doing a good enough job at it. People aren’t going to check out Classic Kicks blog to see the newest in the sneaker world when they already visit hypebeast, highsnobiety, nicekicks and mashkulture on an hourly basis. Those sites do an amazing job of constantly bringing you the newest photos, info and release dates on all the brands, sneakers and clothing most of us salivate over. My only problem with those sites is that it’s all copy and paste for the most part. The only comments about the product are coming from the message boards and as we know, those things always seem to end up in some e-thug disputes over nothing.
Then I thought about a conversation I had earlier this Summer with our good friend, Rob Burger. Rob’s a friend who is also a great Classic Kicks customer, but I don’t recall him coming to the shop more than once every year or two (he lives in DC). Rob would call and ask us to just send him a couple pairs in his size, when he needed them. He left it to US to pick the sneakers out for him. Obviously, he’s a different type of shopper than our usual customer, but he’s busy taking care of his family and making that cheddar. He appreciates and loves sneakers, but just doesn’t have the time to research, compare, and stand in line and all that stuff that us hardcore “heads” know about.
The best part about this little story is that (according to Rob), whenever he wore a pair of his Classic Kicks, someone would inevitably stop him and ask that proverbial question, “Where’d you get those?”. There wasn’t one pair of Classic Kicks he owned that he hadn’t been stopped and complimented on by friends, colleagues or complete strangers…
To take this story just a little further… Since we closed the shop, I’ve spoken to several friends/customers that have said, “Since you closed the shop, I don’t know what to buy anymore”, or “I bought a pair of sneakers I thought were cool at so-and-so’s shop and I dont’ know what I was thinking. I can’t wear them.”
Now I know the “sneakerhead” customer. I’m one of them. That’s why I opened Classic Kicks. We research and know what we want and go out and get it. I’m not ignoring you, but we’re also providing this service for the causal sneaker shopper looking for an expert opinion.
With this new feature, I will pick a few pairs of sneakers each day that have recently appeared on the blogs and give my opinions on what makes them hot and relevant, and something you might wanna look out for. If there’s nothing good that’s surfaced, we may pick a sneaker to just rip apart, but that’s not the focus. It’s always easier to hate on something than to endorse it. We are trying to continue to help the Classic Kicks customer make better, educated decisions. We hope it’s useful.
We’ll provide links to the source so you can get your release date info and all that, but we’re gonna try to add some insight on sneaker current news.
Have fun with it and feel free to comment.
Vans Vault x Brooks England
If you know Classic Kicks, you know we love the Vans Vault Collection. We were one of the first shops in the country to carry the line during its inaugural season in 2003 and we have really loved watching it evolve into something beautiful. We chose the Vans x Brooks collaboration today because it epitomizes the current state of the Vault Collection. Classic style, craftsmanship, quality, exclusivity, and a relevant collaboration. Everything in the Vault Collection has a story (that makes sense), and is now easily distinguishable from the other Vans collections with the use of premium materials and excellent stories and look books. No wonder you’re seeing more of this product in higher end fashion shops. It makes sense on all levels.
read more here
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Undefeated x New Balance 574 Sonic Fleece
These originally caught my eye for one reason…..
In 2008 we were working with our good friends at +41 in Switzerland on yet another Classic Kicks Vans collab. The work we submitted was a set of Vans in a fleece combination. (Thanks again Philippe) It was for a Chukka, Era, Half Cab and Sk8 Hi in a combination of this sweatshirt material, contrasted with the woven underside of the french terry material on different panels. They looked simple, but great. Vans shot it down. Sometimes these companies really crack me up….It’s like when we wanted to make a seersucker Clyde with Puma 5 years ago. They gave some reason why it wouldn’t be a good idea, but if we’re making 100 pairs for OUR customers, why not give us more artistic freedom?
Since the time we didn’t make the set, we’ve seen fleece sneakers from Vans (yes, vans!), Converse, Nike and now these New Balance Undefeated’s.
I saw these in the UNDFTD look book the other day and the greys look sharp with the right outfit.
more info here
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Vans x In4mation Bedford OTW
Personally, these aren’t mys style, but I like what they did. First, they chose a brand new (unproven) Vans style which takes a little bit of balls. The denim is consistent with previous In4mation Vans collabs. This is also a good look for Vans to link with an established company to help promote the new OTW line. Finally, the denim just makes sense on a skate sneaker like this. Denim on a running sneaker? Never. Denim on skate? Go for it.
more info here
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Uniform Experiment x Nike Zoom Air Tennis Classic
I know the anti-colab is the new colab, but I don’t know. I like that they put “zoom air” in these, but not crazy about the vulcanized bottom.
They probably also cost too much.
more info here
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Adidas MEGA Collection
I don’t know much about this Adidas MEGA Collection. Just saw it for the first time yesterday. I’d like to see them in person. What I like about this is the use of new technology in a wearable everyday sneaker. Initial reaction is Adidas’ approach to this “mash up” idea is executed very well.
more info here
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Concepts x Sperry Topsider Preview
I can’t stand these types of previews. If you’re not ready to unveil the whole sneaker, sit back, relax and wait until it’s time. I know people jizz themselves when google alerts pop up with their name on it, but this is just frustrating to me.
no more info, so nothing to click…
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Opening Ceremony x _________
I’m not trying to make it a habit of reviewing apparel, but you can’t help notice the huge moves Opening Ceremony is continually making. Those motherfuckers must be working hard and I salute them. Anytime you can offer your customers exclusive, double branded product with the biggest name in fashion, you’re winning. They’re also helping companies like Keds build their image by giving them much needed direction. Nice work.
Tags: nick's picks, reviews