Month: June 2021

Frank Cooke — a tenured footwear designer who’s had stints at Jordan Brand, Nice Kicks, Wish ATL and more — is no stranger to teasing prototypes, production samples and other unreleased sneakers on his Instagram, and for his latest feat he’s showed off an ultra-colorful Air Jordan 19 sample. A latter-day silhouette from the Jordan Brand lineage that debuted in 2004, was never worn on-court by Michael Jordan himself and is often more closely associated with Carmelo Anthony than MJ himself, the AJ 19 boasts somewhat of a cult following that’s sure to be enthused by Cooke’s latest sneak peek.As seen in the photo below, this sample is not lacking for vibrance. The upper is made mostly of suede and boasts a rich sport blue toebox, a kingly purple midfoot overlay, a sharp infrared quarter panel with a silver Jumpman logo, a vibrant volt heel strap and a dash of elegant gray with a red Jumpman on the forefoot. All of this surrounds the shoe’s signature black mamba-inspired lace shield, which is made of “tech-flex” — a synthetic material commonly used in the automotive industry. Down below, salmon-toned pink midsoles and icy blue outsoles round off the look. In the caption of his post, Cooke also states that he “never really had the opportunity to have much fun on late number retros,” acknowledging that most of his work on the Air Jordan line was conducted on earlier models. He also points out that much of the sneaker community (himself included) tends to gravitate towards the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 4, Air Jordan 6 and Air Jordan 11 instead of looking at the entire Jordan line, and says he wants to “get back to enjoying sneakers and restoring the feeling.” View this post on InstagramA post shared by Frank Cooker (@frankcooker)For more Air Jordan news take a look at the Air Jordan Centre Court in a “Cyber Monday”-esque colorway.

UK-based retailer size? recently revealed its June slate of exclusive releases in its monthly size? Previews YouTube series, and one of the standout styles was a special take on New Balance’s 57/40. Essentially a study of New Balance’s signature gray hue, the suede-and-mesh sneaker serves a look that’s both classic and technical — one that was not easy to land on, as the size? video hosts note that the final product took five rounds of sampling to come to fruition.A subtle-yet-sporty gray mesh is used on the toebox, quarter, collar and tongue, while a much darker steel gray serves up contrast on the shaggy suede mudguard, eyestays and heel. Common ground between these two shades is supplied by a sail-colored shorthair suede on the toe cap and heel plus a large leather N logo on the quarter. Further branding is present on the tongue tag, and down below a thick, bone-toned midsole is sandwiched in between final steel gray hits to round off the look.Though size? has yet to announce an official release date for this exclusive New Balance 57/40, it’ll likely release sometime in the second half of June. Check out the video below for an in-depth look at the silhouette (starting at the 3:10 mark) and a chance to catch first glimpses at other releases from Nike, adidas and PUMA. Elsewhere in the world of footwear, Miller Lite and New Balance have teamed up for a “Shozie” — the first ever shoe-inspired beer koozie.

After recent collaborations with VEJA and Dr. Martens, Rick Owens has reunited with Birkenstock for Spring/Summer 2021. The new release marks the designer’s third project with the German footwear label, and sees him rework three of Birkenstock’s best-loved silhouettes.The Birkenstock Arizona and Boston both feature extended straps and black metal rivets and hardware, which are also referenced on a version of the Rotterdam silhouette. All three come in black leather. Additionally, Owens has created extra takes on the Arizona and Boston that are wrapped in an iridescent foiled leather.Launching the collaboration, Rick Owens discussed the project with HYPEBEAST, praising Birkenstock for standing or “modesty, health and consistency.” The designer also explained the importance of the black colorways and detailing, saying, “In addition to our signature extended straps, I wanted everything in black — black leather, black patent leather and all-black hardware. In a busy, chaotic and garish world, black provides a clean and crisp graphic formality to my eyes.”A key influence for the collection comes from the work of filmmakers Fritz Lang and Cecil B. DeMille. “I think everything I have ever learned was from Fritz Lang and Cecil B. DeMille,” Owens continued. “Black and white imagery seen through a vintage film texture patina, stories of vice versus morality and the glamor of the period in which they were filmed. I always imagined those apostles dragging their robes through dusty temples wearing Birkenstock sandals…”Rick Owens’ third collaboration with Birkenstock are due to release on June 4, and will be available from the Rick Owens web store, the Birkenstock 1774 web store and select stockists.For more from Rick Owens, read our interview with him from earlier this year, in which he discussed collaborations, quarantine and his new approach.