In 2018, I wrote a response to a discussion from a prominent industry analyst. My post stated, “Why People Should Stop Saying Performance Is ‘Soft or Slow’.” https://arch-usa.com/why-people-should-stop-saying-performance-running-is-soft-or-slow/ While COVID-19 is now being used to explain the growth in the performance running category, that information overlooks Brooks Running’s consistent growth over the last 4 years….
The Flyease tech from Nike was created to offer disabled individuals sneakers that are easier to put on. The shoe is constructed with a zipper that is secured using Velcro on the midfoot and on the strap used to unzip the shoe for access. This model is well constructed and actually rings up cheaper than…
The 360 Vapormax is overpriced. I got that out of the way. The shoe also features a series of confusing markings and materials. While it looks a lot like an Air Max 95, the shoe is entirely made from synthetic materials and while it is comfortable, at 225, the shoe didn’t sell well and is…
The United by Sneakers series was obviously adidas’ attempt to time the launch of their NMD with the Olympics of 2020… An unfunny thing happened along the way. Both the UltraBoost and NMD featured a “united by” theme and both fell flat as the Olympics were pushed back to 2021. As of right now with…
The Air Jordan 1 Low “Reverse Bred” was produced in considerable numbers and still sold out. The 1 is now a staple sneaker in every closet, not just in sneaker culture. The classic colorblocking shows up on a variety of brands and there doesn’t seem to be a slow down in the models that Jordan…
The Women’s Air Jordan 3 Laser Orange was much more limited than I initially thought it would be. When the Mocha 3 dropped and took months to finally sell through, I thought the Laser would fall flat. I was wrong. The shoe was not readily available and this gave it a solid resale value in…
The Remix Pack from Nike features the TN, 95, 90, 1 and Air Force 1. The most unique looking pair from this collection is the 90. The TN is similar as they both carry a lot of denim on the upper with the combination of printed plaid and camo. The gold stitching here looks good,…
The Air Max 1 has been updated with a suede and nubuck upper and the vamp to the eyelets and around the collar areas also features a camo-plaid print. The tongue carries a holographic patch to top off the design elements. Buy now on eBay
Jordan Brand has delivered a beautiful Retro 12 featuring indigo dye that creates a patina from wearing the sneaker. The leather is softer than most 12s and the suede has a clean deep blue hue. Buy on eBay
As Vans continues to push Nike back in skate, Nike SB is making sure to utilize all of its assets. The Zoom Janoski is an under 100 model meant to counter those who now looking to the cheaper Vans Old Skool and other models from DC or Lakai.
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb The 1996 All Star Game is remembered as one of the best of all time. The cactus flavored, teal jersey, MJ and young guns had entered the scene. This Foamposite captures Penny Hardaway’s Orlando Magic colors and features the classic pinstripes and stars on the tongue.
The Classic Cortez was released in the 70s and is still a favorite of fans of the Swoosh. The shoe first came to the attention of the world on the feet of Charlie’s Angels star Farrah Fawcett. The model was born from an early bit of innovation from Nike. The original shoes sold by Nike…
As the quarantine lifted and stores opened, retailers incorrectly assumed they would have to extend discounts to get people back into stores. They were wrong and consumers benefitted, but an interesting thing happened for adidas in this region. The shoes didn’t sell although they were on a deep discount. The Barcelona UltraBoost, one of the…
Visit https://arch-usa.com for analysis, research and content for the sneaker industry. Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb I had to do a bit of research to find out what the story is behind this new Air Max 1 colorway. The shoe represents the 90s (obviously) and water sports (not obvious). The graphics on…
The Air Jordan 13 Retro has always been a solid drop for Jordan Brand. From the Flint to the Altitude, the right colorway is a guaranteed sell through every time. This model didn’t hit right away and can still be found in some sneaker shops. The green here isn’t as rich as it could be…
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb The Air Jordan 14 is a classic because of MJ’s Last Shot. This colorway looks more like it’s for his time with the Wizards, but it looks just as sleek as ever. Buy now on eBay
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb Buy the Air Jordan 12 Concord on eBay
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb The Jordan sponsored soccer team is becoming an annual highlight drop with every release. This version features the classic Jordan 4. The standout feature of this pair isn’t on the shoe, in my opinion. It’s the design of the box. The box carries the PG logo on…
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb This Mid arrived shortly after the Low that carries the exact same colorway and camo Swoosh. It’s not an SE by name, but the bump up to 125 gives it the same price. While the leather is still a bit stiff overall, it does have a tumbled…
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb Jordan Brand has rolled out a series of Jordan 1 Mids that are based on the Union design aesthetic. The shoes feature suede at the heel and ripstop on the toebox with a similar stitching pattern found on the tongue that captures the style of the Union…
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb The Oakland or Jamaica Air Jordan 1 Mid arrives with a suede heel and collar with a ripstop toebox. The SE version gets a bump up from 115 to 125 for the material upgrades. By now on these sites: eBay Amazon
Buy my books on the sneaker industry: https://amzn.to/3lD82gb The Air Jordan 1 shows up in a GS only release with a quilted upper that is similar in style to the AJKO drops a few years ago. This version features a heavy embroidered Swoosh with hints of pink. Buy now on these sites: eBay Amazon
