#CheyGotKicks: Nothing Was The Same

sneaker-pile feat

People are constantly trying to weed out the bullshit in life and aim for the true gold, the diamonds buried beneath it all. This is what I’m bringing to you folks. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love for sneakers. I’ve owned kicks through all the trends, in all shapes and sizes — from colorfully printed and patterned Vans, to metallic Creative Recreations, and retro Air Jordans, of course. Halfway through college, I wound up working in retail selling the very shoes I had fallen in love with and worked my way up to Assistant Manager. My collection fluctuates and consists of Nike running, Nike basketball, Nike cross-training, ASICS running, retro Jordans, Vans, Converses, Reeboks — totaling at about 60 pairs. A dope pair of kicks will always grab my attention (and wallet). And with this column I’m searching through all the kicks and gear out there to show you what’s actually dope in today’s world of fashion. With that being said, let’s dive in with the minor revolution that’s been happening in the sneaker industry.

The Nike Foamposite’s major hype lasted about two years until they started dropping the shoe in heinous colorways in 2014 and its sellout rate flopped. After nearly a decade of major popularity, I’m finding more and more of the recent Jordan releases lasting on the shelves three, four weeks after the initial release date. According to Nike, its entire corporation is doing just fine for this year, if not better than past ones. However, it’s hard to deny that the sneaker industry is going through a slow, but gradual change. Although Nike is the dominating footwear company in the industry, the underdogs are starting to rise up with their own designs and marketing tactics.

Running shoes will be the wave this coming year, and may have even become the next major “hypebeasted” style on the market. Of course, Nike’s had major success with its Rosherun, Free Run and other lightweight running items. But, it’s missing the exclusivity that ASICS, New Balance and others of the like have been portraying all throughout 2014. With popularity in the basketball footwear market decreasing and more of the Nike and Jordan styles becoming easily obtainable, their value is dropping.

In most cases, it’s a lot easier to find outlets that sell retro Jordans and Nikes than retro New Balance and ASICS  releases because most of these exclusive joints are collaborations made between private retailers and the brand, which is an extremely smart way to market. For instance, the CNCPTS x ASICS Gel Lyte III “3 Lies” was launched by CNCPTS last summer and could only be found at select retailers and the Nice Kicks x New Balance 1600 “Grand Anse” sold in the Nice Kicks Shop in Austin, TX and select online retailers. This includes other underrated brands as well, like Saucony, Pumas and Adidas running shoes who’ve done similar collaborations and would never be found at your local Foot Locker or Finish Line. The fact of the matter is, these collaborations aren’t easy to get your hands on, so the value of the brand increases with every unique item designed.

CNCPTS x ASICS Gel Lyte III "3 Lies"
CNCPTS x ASICS Gel Lyte III “3 Lies”

If you ain’t hip yet, let this me be your guide to the next move you need to make when it comes to your collection. True sneaker heads are still going to go for limited and special addition Jordan releases, but DON’T SLEEP on running this year. There’s plenty of styles coming out that’ll be 10x harder to get your hands on than a pair of Jays and will increase the value of your collection as a whole.

Fellas, let your next purchase be the ASICS Gel-Lyte III Fall Outdoor Pack. If not both, choose one of these two earthy toned toe toppers to ease into the season. Available for purchase online-only through European retailers, for now, like 43einhalb. You’ll be the first of your friends in the States to rock one of this fall’s most autumn-esque colorways, complete with hiking boot style laces.

via NiceKicks//ASICS Gel Lyte III Fall Outdoor Pack
via NiceKicks//ASICS Gel Lyte III Fall Outdoor Pack
via NiceKicks//ASICS Gel Lyte III Fall Outdoor Pack
via NiceKicks//ASICS Gel Lyte III Fall Outdoor Pack

For the ladies, you won’t want to miss out on the very dope ASICS Gel Saga “Teal Leopard”. Set to drop sometime this September, the shoe features an overall olive green color with leopard spots overlaying and a teal accented toe cap, inner and branding. Stay tuned to #CheyGotKicks for more information on this coming release!

via NiceKicks//ASICS Gel Saga Teal Leopard