Month: November 2022

Various brands in the fashion and footwear sphere have shown solidarity in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces, one of which is KEEN. Just days after the Vladimir Putin-helmed invasion commenced, the shoe company donated 150,000 EUR in cash and products to lend a helping hand for Ukrainian refugees. And now it’s further building upon that effort by fashioning its newest hand-painted Shanti Slide colorway.The hybrid clog silhouette is crafted with a two-toned motif that is symbolic of Ukraine’s flag. The base wraps around the forefoot and fittingly splits between a bold blue shade on one side and a bright yellow on the other. Additionally, the durable and lightweight kicks come fitted with a duo of holes for ample breathability. In terms of branding, KEEN logos appear in tonal blue fashion as well as on the footbeds in yellow font.Those that are interested in purchasing a pair can do so now via the KEEN online store for £59.99 (approx. $69 USD). 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to the Everyday Refugees Foundation.For other news in the footwear world, KEEN recently partnered with ENGINEERED GARMENTS for KEEN for a JASPER II EG MOC capsule.

Amongst collaborations with brands such as Maharishi, SOUTH2 WEST8 and more, Reebok has revisited its retro basketball silhouettes. Throughout 2022 the American sportswear brand has presented retro and new looks of various athletes’ signature sneakers. This month, Reebok has announced its plans to see the Hurrikaze II, Answer DMX and Shaq Attaq in themed colorways.Beginning with the Hurrikaze II “Make it Rain,” Shawn Kemp’s second signature sneaker celebrates his time with the Seattle Supersonics, carrying a green, white and yellow color scheme. Additional details include rain drops on the upper that reference Kemp’s “Reign Man” nickname. Pivoting to the Answer DMX “OG,” Allen Iverson’s sophomore sneaker appears in its second colorway that launched 25 years ago. Shaquille O’Neal’s first signature basketball shoe, the Shaq Attaq, completes the range with an “LA to L.A.” colorway that recounts the big man’s journey from Louisiana to Los Angeles.Reebok’s November slate of retro basketball sneaker releases begins with the Hurrikaze II “Make it Rain” on November 11 at a price of $120 USD. As for the Reebok Answer DMX “OG,” it is priced at $170 USD and launches November 18. Lastly, the Shaq Attaq “LA to L.A.” hits shelves on Cyber Monday, November 28 with its retail price set at $180 USD. All three sneakers will be available via Reebok and select retailers.In case you missed it, Pyer Moss’ final Reebok collection launches this week.

A major component of Vans’ footwear strategy every year is to fully immerse itself in the world of collaborations. Lately, the skateboarding establishment has been driving up the numbers on this front by aligning with partners like WTAPS and Benjamin Edgar, and now it has just released a brand new joint capsule with Rokit.The collection features the Vans Old Skool 36 DX WS, Sk8-Hi DX WS and the Half Cab 33 DX, all of which pay homage to Downtown Los Angeles — the home base of Rokit — to highlight its skateboarding and basketball cultures that have influenced its brand. “Inspired by a unique marriage of skateboarding and street basketball subcultures framed in a contemporary aesthetic, Rokit is an homage to champions born of pavement and blacktop”, says Bam Barcena, Creative Director of Rokit. “Although they seem to be two drastically different worlds, many who grew up in the skateboarding culture understand the diversity of individuals involved, the culture being a melting pot of backgrounds brought together by the love of the sport. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that those who step off a deck would then step onto the court, and vice versa.”The standout element on each iteration is the jazz stripes as each is styled with checkered wraps that conceal hidden messaging that speak to DTLA’s neighborhood history and Rokit’s DNA. Additionally, the pairs are all fitted with co-branded hits and gray-tinted midsoles that feature oversized Rokit spell-outs.The assemblage is available now via Bam Barcena’s online shop with each pair retailing for $85 USD.In other news, peep a look at NEIGHBORHOOD’s recent Vans collaboration.