This year, in celebration of the 2008 Euro Cup, Nike has been designing shoes that were inspired by soccer. During the past few years, Nike has designed World Cup Air Force Ones, Air Max 95 and other models. In 2008, Nike has concentrated on the Nike Dunk and Air Max 90 models.

This new shoe took inspiration from Nike R9 Mercurial. The historical Nike R9 Mercurial was first made in 1998. It was a signature soccer boot for Ronaldo. This was also the first Nike soccer boot to use the newly invented Zoom Air cushioning. This pair of Dunks featured the Zoom Air with a transparent sole overlaying a graphic picture.

The toe box is densely perforated. It is framed by a thick border of blue leather. The shoe lace holes are lined by these blue colored strips of leather. The Nike swoosh is yellow. It is sewn over the blue panel of the shoe. The midsection has machine stitches done in a pattern. This pattern has concentric circles. The back stab is another piece of blue leather.

This shoe will be released in the US in June. In Japan, it is already available at Atmos Tokyo. One pair costs 16,000 Yen.

Atmos’ latest collaboration with Puma is the Endangered Species pack, which depicts three endangered speices from the wastelands of the Artic and Antartic.

The three animal-inpired shoes include the Harp Seal Clyde, the Polar Bear Clyde and the Macaroni Penguin Mid. These sneakers took their inspiration from National Geographic wildlife photographer Mitsuaki Iwago. These fun shoes feature feathers, fur and animal prints.

These shoes will be exclusive to Atmos with prices ranging from $125-150. They will be released on June 28th.Via Complex

Atmos NYC
203 W. 125th St.
New York, NY 10027
p. 212.666.2242
f. 212.666.1796

There are many ways to celebrate your 21st birthday that don’t involve drinking and partying. I am sure that the designer Briezrs had his fair share of fun on his 21st but he gave himself the gift of custom sneakers ahead of time. He designed the custom Adidas Stan Smiths pictured in this post as a gift to celebrate his budding career.

Briezrs did not go overboard with color and the resulting Stan Smiths are clean and cool. There are simple black lines set against white leather that look like anonymous dancing figures from a certain distance. The designer created this effect with motion lines around each figure. Briezrs added a trendy touch to these Stan Smiths with Chinese lettering on both heels.

These Stan Smiths look fantastic and I hope that Briezrs shares his gift of custom design with sneaker fans well into the future. I hope he shows the same balance of innovation and restraint on future projects as he works on new projects.

A few years back, Nike released a couple Blazer Hi’s in denim in the men’s and womens’ models. Taking upon that same concept, they have now released this women’s Blazer High with corduroy.

This sneaker features a mix of university blue and navy corduroy to create the upper. The shoe is accented with white and beige. It’s a unique shoe that is steps a little outside the norm, providing a different look than normal leather Blazers.

You can get these shoes at select retailers now. Via Sneaker Files.

A Bathing Ape has released a series of three new denim Bapesta sneakers. These shoes utilize demin and a striped pattern to create a very interesting look.

These sneakers are appealing for summertime if you are looking for a casual shoe that is a little different than the normal. A Bathing Ape Denim Bapesta sneakers are available right now at Cliffedge and other online retailers. The Bape logo is on the heel of the shoe. Via Hypebeast

With only the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs still alive in the NBA playoffs, basketball season is starting to become must-see TV. One of the most controversial and beloved players still playing right now is Rasheed Wallace of the Pistons. Wallace wears his emotions on his sleeve and has become a fan favorite in Detroit.

If you are a Rasheed fan, check out these new red and black Air Force 1s. These shoes are Rasheed’s signature kicks and they feature a silhouette of him on the sides. While the color scheme is red and black, there are a few shades of black at work. The shiny black Nike swoosh really stands out, as does the air pockets around the back of the shoe.

No word on when these will be released, but there are a few pairs on ebay right now. Via Sneaker Files