Month: February 2023

New Balance has released yet another iteration of its popular 1906R model. Adding to its existing lineup, the show is now revealed in a “Burgundy” colorway for the upcoming Spring 2023 season.The shoe sees the classic silhouette dressed in a mostly burgundy mesh upper, featuring leather overlays in the same tone, highlighted with white detailing. The “N” logo on the lateral is displayed in black, matching the TPU cages on the heel. The shoe features the N-Lock system, stabilizing the laterals on top of the added support from the TPU heel. The shoe sits atop an off-white midsole and black rubber outsole to round out the design.The New Balance 1906R “Burgundy” arrives in the coming months at select retailers and on New Balance for $150 USD.In other New Balance news, the 990v3 Made in USA gears up for spring in green and yellow colorway.

Following word of Nike’s trademark infringement lawsuit against BAPE, the iconic clothing brand has launched its opposition against the motion. The first response from BAPE is part of efforts for a dismissal in the case that claims BAPE’s footwear models infringe on the design of the Nike Air Force 1, Dunk, and Air Jordan 1.A recent report, shares that BAPE’s lawyers are noting that Nike’s complaint has not sufficiently identified the elements of the BAPE STA and more that have infringed on its trade dress. Despite Nike offering trademark registration numbers, drawings, and photos in the lawsuit. “Nike has no choice but to spell out the elements of its trade dress or have its complaint dismissed,” said BAPE’s lawyers in a letter submitted to New York’s Southern District Court. The letter serves to notify the court of the intent to hold a pre-motion conference before a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.The letter also references claims that meetings in 2009 saw Nike offer a licensing deal to BAPE back in 2009 for the BAPE STA. BAPE’s lawyers claim that Nike’s in-house counsel and Vice President of Footwear went to Japan twice in 2009 to meet with the brand’s executives “to object to Bape’s sneaker designs.” Ultimately, offering an agreement that would see the end of the BAPE STA being sold.The letter offers quotes from an email where BAPE rejected the offering and shared its efforts to reach an understanding. “We appreciate your efforts in coming over to Japan to discuss and present the license agreement in person…On careful review the license is not something we can rush to agree to since we do not perceive that Nike would have, at this late date, if at all, any viable or actionable claims against NOWHERE/BAPE.”Adding, “Perhaps we are overlooking something, so in the interest of mutual cooperation, we would be more than amenable to reconsider our position, provided that you expressly spell out for us what claims Nike believes that it could advance against NOWHERE/BAPE. Once we receive this information, we will be able to more fully consider your offer of a license. look forward to hearing from you.”In its initial filing, Nike claims that BAPE diminished its business in the United States after the 2009 meetings, while BAPE notes that Nike let up on the dispute, aside from introductory interaction in 2012.Stay tuned for more details regarding the ongoing lawsuit between Nike and BAPE.In case you missed it, Nike readies the Air Max Pulse for Air Max Day 2023.

Nike and Kobe Bryant’s estate have intentions of expanding the Black Mamba’s signature line with a plethora of more colorways this year, and the latest to trickle out serves as another love letter to his late daughter Gigi Bryant. After honoring her last fall with the release of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16” iteration, the Swoosh has now cooked up a new court-appropriate offering that honors her: the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Gigi.”Early images of the pair have revealed the kicks’ striking set of details. The uppers are designed done up in Team Mamba colors to call her out her former AAU squad. Direct nods to Gigi are positioned on the heels in the former of her moniker that is embroidered into the heightened half while her “2” is drenched in gold and comes printed closer to the soles. A crisp white hue covers the collars, perforated toe boxes Kobe-signed heel cups, mesh tongues and the quarter panels, the latter of which offers a smoother presentation in comparison to the previously released Kobe 4s that expose their Flywire technology. Black accents seep into the laces, Swooshes, and collars, while gingham patterns wrap around the rear for extra flair.These are rumored to drop on May 1, 2023 in celebration of her birthday, but Nike still has to confirm this.Elsewhere in sneakers, the Nike Air Humara “Midnight Navy” is getting a retro release.