Blog

ASICS has just released its hybrid trail shoe in partnership between Kiko Kostadinov Studio and its ASICS SportStyle development team. Merging the midsole and outsole construction from the GEL-SONOMA with the 15-50 cross-country model, the high-top silhouette sees boot-like support with the comfort and weight of a sneaker. Made for both the city streets and the outdoors, the US2-S GEL-SONOMA 15-50 MT features GEL cushioning, a rugged tread pattern, and is available in three outdoor-inspired colorways. Priced at ¥16,500 JPY (approximately $125 USD) the US2-S GEL-SONOMA 15-50 MT is available now over at BEAMS. In other footwear news, Eastbay is shutting down its business in 2023.

For those who missed it, a Christmas Day gift from Kelsey Amy, a Senior Designer for Jordan Brand and Nike, came in the form of a holiday-themed breakdown of an unreleased Air Jordan 8 “Eight-Nog.” Inspired by eggnog, the festive beverage is nodded to with the shoes cream and brown presentation. While it isn’t expected to hit shelves, if it did release it’d be a shoo-in for Hypebeast’s best Christmas sneaker list.In this thematic look for the Air Jordan 8, a smooth leather base is equipped with a soft off-white shade that replicates eggnog’s creamy properties. Perforations typically found on the silhouette also appear while the overlays favor a brownish off-white with brown cinnamon-like speckles throughout. A chocolate brown splashes into the mix at various hardware and accent elements, starting at the tongue with a red Jumpman and continuing at the lining, heel tab, strap clip and detailed midsole. It also blends with a cream shade at the stitched heel piece as a “Sail” rubber outsole completes the pair.Unfortunately, this “Eight-Nog” flavor of the Air Jordan 8 is not expected to ever release with it either serving as a PE or friends and family exclusive.Fresh Eight Nog ? pic.twitter.com/LYrfag4Eq7— Shme (@kelshmeamyy) December 25, 2022For more footwear news, a first look at the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Vibrations of Naija” has surfaced, featuring Nigerian design inspiration.

Sportswear institution Eastbay is officially shutting down its business in 2023. Founded in 1980, the Wausau-based company was a stalwart in the sneaker landscape and was known for its nostalgic catalogs that were replete with the hottest Jordan retros, retro Nike sneakers, classic adidas kicks, sports apparel and more.Foot Locker — the brand’s parent company — released a statement saying that this business decision was made because due to “a result of efforts to optimize distribution processes in order to serve their nationwide customers more efficiently and effectively.” A surge of e-commerce throughout the 2010s eventually forced Eastbay’s print catalogs to become obsolete, and while its shift to digital has allowed them to sustain the business, it hasn’t been enough for it to adapt to other big box retailers and boutiques that are dominating the sphere today.The company’s closure will result in more than 200 employee layoffs. Katie Rosenburg — Wausau’s Mayor — stated, “Eastbay and Foot Locker have been employment pillars in our community for decades so this is understandably hard news for our community and the 200 employees who are affected.” The shutdown will be executed in two parts. 160 employees are set to be let go on January 30 while the remaining 50 employees will work until the imprint’s official last day on April 30, 2023.It’s the end of an era.