Note: The team at NB reminded me that there is a Blackout according to Rule 40 during the Olympics: Rule 40, a bye-law of the Olympic Charter, states that “Except as permitted by the IOC Executive Board, no competitor, coach, trainer or official who participates in the Olympic Games may allow his or her person,…
Reebok only has about two small sections on the wall at retail outlets. They are typically combined with New Balance, Fila and adidas. In many retail stores they don’t have any floor space at all, and due to the sheer volume of Nike product in every sneaker store, Reebok, which shouldn’t be overlooked, can be…
At 3:59, the Men’s Health video below shifts into a discussion on Ludacris’ fitness routine. I watched this because I just saw Fast 9 and as usual the comedic timing of Tyrese and Ludacris was definitely an added bonus in a film that was actually ludicrous. The stunts were insane, and Tyrese and Luda rode…
Welcome Allyson Felix to the Athleta team. Allyson is one of the most decorated track & field athletes in US history & voice for equity in women’s sports. And, Athleta’s first sponsored athlete. It’s important to avoid hyperbole. Nike is fast approaching 50 billion through a strategic business plan. Athleta isn’t really a disruptive force…
From the streets to the stores, retail, resell, and more, StockX editorial has everything you need to know about this thing of ours. (pics from StockX) Source: Editorial Archives – StockX News The largest 3rd party platforms for sellers (sneakers primarily) are easily Amazon, eBay, and the fastest growing of the major channels, StockX. There…
I’ve kept a screenshot of a comment made to me by the President of K-Swiss for a year. His comment happened on a discussion of a Black History Month Campaign by New Balance. The president of K-Swiss felt compelled to compare my site and my work to another sneaker industry analyst. That sneaker industry analyst…
Over the years, we’ve cooked up some memorable styles with the team at SeaVees. Source: Taylor Stitch x SeaVees This morning I left a comment on LinkedIn about sneaker culture. I know that the world of sneakers has been shaped considerably by Hip-Hop and Black culture, but I also realize the shape of everything shifts…
An analysis of website traffic can help with discussions on DTC and brand health. I’ve chosen sneaker industry websites, brands and retailers, with two exceptions. StockX and Stadium Goods are included in this breakdown to show how Nike is the tide that lifts all boats. The other brand website growth speaks towards the in-store observation…
The abundance of Chinese brands that have become more prominent in the international market, doesn’t register in the U.S. at all. The biggest of the brands to make waves here is LiNing because of D-Wade’s signature relationship with the brand. Overall, outside of sneaker enthusiasts, the Chinese brands don’t exist. One of these brands, I…
Teddy Santis Named Creative Director of New Balance MADE in USA The owner and founder of Aimé Leon Dore will team up with New Balance for a long-term relationship Boston, MA – April 5, 2021 Source: Teddy Santis Named Creative Director of New Balance MADE in USA I’ve explained on this site for a few…
When the DC Universe first presented Gotham City University, Under Armour created a collection that highlighted the fictional school. This week Zack Snyder’s cut of the Justice League, which runs 4 hours long, dropped and it is a much better film. The sneaker analyst in me perked up when the football scenes featuring Victor Stone…
FootLocker has named ME. as Women’s Creative Director, but this isn’t a clear cut hire. ME. is dope and she’s one of the hottest designers in the industry right now, but FootLocker has a long history of poor decisions when it comes to women. As a matter of fact, if you look at any FootLocker,…
With retro and lifestyle being so popular right now, it would seem that a brand like Saucony would have seen a return to prominence similar to Vans and Fila. This hasn’t been the case. The brand has seemingly abandoned that arena to focus on performance, leaving Orignals to the international market. While a brand doesn’t…
Designers, Collaborators, and Influencers are driving the creative process behind collections, but do brands really need to work with people outside of their companies? What do you think about Jerry Lorenzo working with adidas so soon after his most recent collection release with Nike. Will this propel adidas in basketball? Links in the article: adidas…
(FILA North America) – December 1, 2020 – FILA has launched “Project 7,” a new, limited-edition collection represented by BTS, global brand ambassadors for FILA. The capsule consists of apparel,. Source: FILA Launches “Project 7” Collection Exclusively on FILA.com I have to be honest, I like BTS. I didn’t know anything about the Korean Group until…
Nike and Fear of God elevate basketball staples to American icons in this new Holiday 2020 collection. Source: Nike Fear of God Holiday 2020 Collection This collection sold out immediately. The only item left is the only item to release on 11-20-2020, which is the black warm up top. Why would I label a product…
The Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Air Force 1 Mid releases October 23 at COMME des GARÇONS and Dover Street Market stores and online at DSM E-SHOPs. Source: Nike COMME des GARCONS Air Force 1 Mid Official Launch Details I’m leading this story with the CDG Air Force 1, but it isn’t the focus outside…
In a year that has changed how we experience moments; we will be bringing our community together through a seven-day digital festival kicking-off on October 14th. Source: CREATORS CLUB WEEK: ALL STAR LINEUP FOR OUR FIRST EVER DIGITAL FESTIVAL ComplexCon is now the measuring stick for hype culture in a physical form. With COVID-19 disrupting…
Brandblack works to find a natural harmony between technology and humanity through our products. Source: We Are the Exception to The Expected I wrote a new business plan last week. I’ve written countless business plans over the years. I’ve taught business writing at Park University, so I’m good at writing a plan quickly. The problem…
I didn’t really dive into a lot of the terms for marketing and I didn’t write a script for this video. I was in a YouTube rabbit hole last night watching music videos, and remembered that a few weeks ago I saw the Drake video and thought, “This is one big Nike ad.” The video…
Source: Reebok and JJ Watt Debut the JJ IV Training Shoe Actually, it isn’t really unlikely. Reebok took the time to drop sections of an interview between Allen Iverson and JJ Watt. On the surface, Watt and AI have very little in common. JJ Watt isn’t exactly a rabble rouser who pushed the envelope of…
From the Innovation Department at Deckers, the K-ST 21 is a Major Evolution in Sneakers, Integrating New Carbon Bow Technology™ Suspension System for More Efficient and Enjoyable Motion Source: Meet the Future of Sneakers: The Deckers X Lab K-ST 21 I received a press release for the new K-ST 21. For the first time in…
