adidas and MLS are taking soccer, or football to you folks over the pond, to another level with the introduction of the World’s First Smart League. Powered by the adidas micoach Elite System, the the team data-tracking system will provide coaches with real-time performance metrics on the field of play including player position, power output, speed, distance covered, intensity of play, acceleration and GPS heat mapping. adidas and the MLS plan to implement the system at the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game next Wednesday, July 25 for the world’s first  “smart game”. For more info on the new technology, be sure to head over to the adidas Soccer Facebook page.

adidas and MLS First Smart League

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© Jacques Slade for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | No comment |
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Post tags: Adidas, adidas miCoach

Crowd surfing in grails is one way to headline this week’s Celebrity Sneaker Stalker. We catch Big K.R.I.T. continuing his festival jump run in Jordans, while Team USA pays tribute to the G.O.A.T. at a festival of their own. The gap between hoopers and rappers isn’t that wide though, as Stalley and Wale bring new meaning to the term ‘rap Olympics’, Jalen Rose stays fab in black retros, and Future sports fire with no torch. Which celeb brought out the best heat? You tell us on Twitter and in the comment section.

Big K.R.I.T. in the Air Jordan 6 “DMP”

To vote for Big K.R.I.T. CLICK HERE

Stalley in the Converse Pro Leather Suede Grey/Black

To vote for Stalley CLICK HERE

Big Tigger in the Air Jordan 12 “Cool Grey”

To vote for Big Tigger CLICK HERE

The-Dream in the Converse Pro Leather Suede Black/White

To vote for The-Dream CLICK HERE

Future in the Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red”

To vote for Future CLICK HERE

Wale in the Nike Air More Uptempo “Olympic” & Anthony Davis in the Nike Air Foamposite Pro Metallic Silver/Bright Crimson

To vote for Wale CLICK HERE and to vote for Anthony Davis CLICK HERE

Read the rest of Celebrity Sneaker Stalker

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© Ian Stonebrook for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | 21 comments |
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Post tags: Big K.R.I.T., Celebrity Sneaker Stalker, Future, Jalen Rose, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Stalley

Inspired by the high end sneaker market, Vans uses a unique pattern coupled with a natural colored, vulcanized sole on the Vans OTW Alcon “Camo Rock”. The canvas upper is accented by flat cotton laces and a premium leather strip on the heel and tongue branding. Premium material also graces the inner lining and footed of this luxurious offering. These are available select Vans OTW accounts for $90.

Vans OTW Alcon. “Camo Rock”

Vans OTW Alcon. “Camo Rock”

Vans OTW Alcon. “Camo Rock”

Vans OTW Alcon. “Camo Rock”

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Post tags: Vans, Vans OTW, Vans OTW Alcon, Vans OTW Alcon Camo Rock

Minimal branding and a low cut ankle give the “Saddle Brown” Vans OTW Piercy a unique look for summer 2012. Set in a leather upper, the model is accented with round laces and metal eyelets to up the premium ante. Stitching on the model remains minimal allowing your eyes to graviate to the extended tongue and padded collar. The Vans OTW Piercy “Saddle Brown” is available now at select Van OTW accounts.

Vans OTW Piercy Saddle Brown

Vans OTW Piercy Saddle Brown

Vans OTW Piercy Saddle Brown

Vans OTW Piercy Saddle Brown

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© Jacques Slade for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | No comment |
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Post tags: Vans, Vans OTW, Vans OTW Piercy, Vans Piercy

Draped in a dark obsidian upper, Nike SB presents us with yet another beautiful shoe for the fall. Constructed with a suede upper, the model is highlighted by metallic gold across the Nike Swoosh as well as on the tongue branding. Thunder blue sail is used on the inlays and is used to complement the shoe’s midsole. Look for the Nike SB Dunk Mid Pro in Dark Obsidian/Metallic Gold to hit select retailers in November.

Nike SB Dunk Mid Dark Obsidian/Metallic Gold

Nike SB Dunk Mid Dark Obsidian/Metallic Gold

Nike SB Dunk Mid Dark Obsidian/Metallic Gold

Nike SB Dunk Mid Dark Obsidian/Metallic Gold

Source: Homespun

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Post tags: Nike Dunk Mid, Nike SB Dunk, Nike SB Dunk Mid, Nike SB Dunk Mid Pro

Just want to buy a pair of Best Laces for Your Kicks: A Guide to Tying the Knot right now? Best Laces for Your Kicks: A Guide to Tying the Knot.

For many people the shoes are only half of the battle when it comes to footwear style. Laces, and the way shoe laces are tied, can add a lot of panache to even the hottest shoes on the market.

 http://bit.ly/NXhFyA

Are you ready to turn your hottest shoes up a notch? Here are the most interesting shoe laces available today, and an array of interesting ways to style them. Although not every shoe lace would go with every shoe, every shoe lace is worth seeing!

BRAND: Platube Laces
PRICE: $3.21

http://bit.ly/NlAeQv

For kids attending raves, adults who like running at night, or LED-obsessed geek types, these shoe laces are the best option for any shoes. They add style and a sense of nostalgia to any pair of kicks.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/LZkJ19

BRAND: Marc Jacobs
PRICE: $4.00

http://bit.ly/L4St9e

These self-obsessed laces read, “Jacobs by Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs in collaboration with Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs.” If you love Marc Jacobs as much as he loves himself, then you need this accessory!

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/Lc6cQb

BRAND: Puma
PRICE: $3.59

http://bit.ly/NfIeCN

These gorgeous laces come from the Kehinde Wiley line of collectibles. Though they can be hard to find, they’re worth every penny (if you can find an understated shoe to wear with them). Not sure if you can pull it off? Try a solid white sneaker, or something bold and black.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/NX6WEi

BRAND: Zillion
PRICE: N/A

http://hntd.ch/RRYQld

These laces are so classy and inspired that they should be in stores everywhere; yet, they’re nearly impossible to find. If you go to the designer’s website, you may or may not find information about an upcoming trunk show, but you’d still have to be lucky enough to live nearby. Still, they’re pretty baller shoe laces that anyone would be lucky to own.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/NfH8qJ

BRAND: Zillion
PRICE: N/A

http://bit.ly/MTDzZd & http://bit.ly/LZniQK

Kimono laces are just the touch a stylist needs for killer kicks. They can add elegance to a modern sneaker, or flair to an already hot design. These subtle silk designs come in a smart wooden box, making them feel sophisticated and chic.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/NcLs7W

BRAND: Numero
PRICE: N/A

http://bit.ly/MTEtF0

Designed by a French artist who understands marketing, this package won many awards. The shoe laces themselves are slightly less noteworthy, but are great for intricate knotting.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/PDAf4W

BRAND: >Private Label
PRICE: $8.99

http://bit.ly/NfJl5z

While this price is almost twice that of the posh designer brands, it could be worth it. If you enjoy busy patterns, playing piano, or laces that look amazing in knots, then these are perfect for your sneakers.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/NX7H0b

BRAND: Ends
PRICE: $399-5,000

http://bit.ly/McJti3

For the super-rich, these laces add bling to an unexpected place. Ends are literally the ends for your laces, costing $399-$5,000. Many celebrities have already added these accessories to their shoes, including: Greg Lucci, Jessica Cohen, and the late Whitney Houston.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/NcLKLY

BRAND: Kickbars
PRICE: $7,500

http://bit.ly/NgOXM8

Encrusted with more diamonds than your engagement ring, these shoe laces have 54 round diamonds equaling two carats. They also come in a lower-priced emerald option. These shoe laces are perfect for performers who want to glitter from the stage, or for a diva who needs her sneakers to feel fancy.

NEW KNOT:

http://bit.ly/OT3RtK

CONCLUSION:

Every time you wear sneakers you have the opportunity to kick your style up a notch, and dress them up with the right shoe laces to make them pop; to add even more emphasis to your designer laces, try tying them up in a new knot. With the help of designer laces and a cool way to tie them, you could make any old kicks feel like the most expensive sneakers in the world.

 

SOURCES:

1. http://3rdpoweroutlet.wordpress.com/2008/03/12/top-10-ways-to-tie-your-laces/
2. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2097035/How-tying-shoe laces-wrong-way-years-One-man-shows-correct-method.html
3. http://www.biglaces.com/
4. http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingphotos.php
5. http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/designer-shoe-laces.html
6. http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/newsflash/Zillion-Laces/
7. http://stylefrizz.com/200801/ends-diamonds-encrusted-in-gold-for-luxury-update-on-shoe laces/

Purchase your own pair of Best Laces for Your Kicks: A Guide to Tying the Knot right now!