Sneakers Dropping Today: Nike Air Max Woven Boot

Nike’s ‘woven’ silhouettes have gained a massive following, due to its unique design mixed in with its unparalleled comfort.

The massive Air Max Woven Boot will be released in three colourways, which includes Blue, Wolf Grey and Midnight Navy. The highlight of the sneaker is the Woven upper which wraps the panels, toe and heel. Other details include leather on the eyestays and a full-length Air Max unit.

The Nike Air Max Woven Boot will drop today at selected retailers.

South African Ambassadors Run The Streets In the All-New IGNITE Limitless and IGNITE evoKNIT Footwear and evoKNIT Apparel Range

PUMA’s Run The Streets campaign gets a local flavour with rapper Gigi Lamayne, 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards winner Nasty C, Digital Maskandi founder and artist Mashayabhuqe KaMamba and PUMA’s own Rolo Rozay lacing up in the IGNITE Limitless Core and IGNITE evoKNIT Fade footwear.

The IGNITE Limitless Core and IGNITE evoKNIT Fade, inspired by tailored performance, is designed to stand up to the stop-and-go of city living with stylish, comfortable, and protective features. The design began with streetwear influences then added performance features and technologies, with special interest paid to textures and details including bonded edges, matte and shine play, collar height and large, bold branding. 

The IGNITE Limitless core in red, olive, grey and black is available at PUMA stores and select Sportscene stores from for R2 299.  New iterations of this style will drop through the coming weeks and months.

The IGNITE evoKNIT Fade retails for R2 599 and is available from PUMA stores and selected retailers nationwide.

First Look: Teaser from PUMA x Trapstar on what to expect this season

PUMA and London based lifestyle brand Trapstar partners anew for the third consecutive season. As a teaser on what to expect this season, PUMA and Trapstar team up a classic football kit and an iconic runner with fearless street style that echo both brand’s identities.

The collection includes the Puma x TRAPSTAR Cell Bubble (R2 599) and PUMA x TRAPSTAR Football Tee (R1 199). Trapstar’s DNA is evident from the design rendered on the Cell Bubble silhouette, to the clean details of the Football Jersey. Merging this with PUMA’s sports-inspired designs and rich heritage makes this a formidable collaboration.

The PUMA x TRAPSTAR Cell Bubble is available at PUMA SELECT Cape Town, Bree Street and Johannesburg, Braamfontein and Shelflife. The Football Tee will be available from the end of March 2017

First Look: Nike Air Jordan Retro 8 ‘Alternate’

The Jordan Brand continues its ‘Alternate’ collection with the Air Jordan 8 Retro.

The sneaker is dressed in a Chicago Bulls’ inspired colour scheme of white, black and red. White leather with perforations covers its upper, while contrasting red and black accents are scattered throughout its entirety.

The Air Jordan 8 ‘Alternate’ will drop on Saturday, 25 February 2017, at selected retailers.

First Look: adidas UltraBOOST X

adidas Running revealed the latest version of its iconic UltraBOOST shoe, designed to give female runners their greatest running experience.

Tailored to the unique shape of the female foot, UltraBOOST X is designed to reflect the foot’s natural running silhouette for an enhanced performance for the female runner. 

The ARAMIS system, a motion tracking technology that enables a detailed analysis into the movement of the body, was used to allow adidas innovation teams to see exact points where female runners need the most support and where their foot needs room for natural expansion. This process led to the unique design of the UltraBOOST X shoe.

The full length midsole is 100% BOOST, proven to provide the best energy return in the industry. It is also durable in all temperatures. The Continental Rubber 4-way stretch web outsole was designed for a female gait and provides good traction for urban running, in any condition. The iconic shape of UltraBOOST gives her the confidence that she can break her personal barriers, and her own goals.

The UltraBOOST X shoe launched alongside a range of running apparel, including a Primeknit Tee and double layer shorts. The collection is designed to coordinate with the unique shoe design, whilst working in harmony with the body and running environment.

The adidas UltraBOOST X has a recommended selling price of R 2799 and the UltraBOOST X apparel starts from R899 and is available at selected retailers.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 White / Core Black / Red by KANYE WEST and adidas Drop This Weekend

KANYE WEST and adidas will drop the much anticipated YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 White / Core Black / Red this weekend.

This YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 features an upper composed of white and black Primeknit with a subtle contrasting off white streak, mirrored ‘SPLY-350’ mark, distinct center stitching, and heel tab.

A semi-translucent rubber outsole and TPU sidewalls create a striking effect while providing superior traction. The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 midsole utilizes adidas’ innovative BOOST™ technology to create a durable, shock-resistant, responsive sole.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 will drop on Saturday, 25 February 2017, through the adidas online store with a recommended retail price of R3999.00. T&C’s apply.

First Look: Nike Air Jordan 13 White True Red (Chicago)

The OG Air Jordan 13 White/True Red, aka Chicago which is one of the more popular colourways from the Jordan brand has dropped at selected retailers.

The classic basketball sneaker is coloured in the Chicago Bulls’ signature tones. A premium combination of white tumbled leather and red suede comprises its overall build, while a black outsole caps off the respective colours. Finally, the signature hologram detail across its heel and Jumpman branding on the tongue finishes off its distinctive details.

The Nike Air Jordan 13 White True Red (Chicago) is available at selected retailers.

PUMA Drops The New Blaze Of Glory Colourshift Pack

PUMA released a fresh new Blaze of Glory Sock (B.O.G) offering with a colour shifting optical illusion mesh upper that will surely play with your perceptions. The B.O.G. Sock joined the Blaze of Glory family earlier this year with a refreshed upper, shaped Trinomic tooling and a neoprene inner sockliner.

A famed running style of the 90’s, the iconic Blaze of Glory made its way onto the sneaker scene due to its fashion forward style and use of the ultra-comfortable Trinomic technology. The B.O.G. Sock is a new take on the archive silhouette, featuring a suede structure with leather overlays and a neoprene inner sockliner that creates comfort all the way up to the ankle. In addition to its substantial profile, the back strap on this shoe is a modern feature straight from the catwalk.

This latest special edition B.O.G Sock Pack boasts a colourshift mesh upper changing your look every way you step. The new mesh upper is also lightweight and breathable, providing an on point sneaker offering in both the function and style stakes. Mixed with rich suede and leather overlays, the B.O.G. Sock Colourshift is a high quality, flexible styling option for your 2017 wardrobe. The Pack comes in two easy-to-wear neutral colourways: PUMA Black and White, and PUMA Black and Gray Violet.

The PUMA Blaze of Glory Colourshift Pack is available at Superbalist.com.

First Look: Nike Air Jordan 6 All-Star

The Air Jordan 6 All-Star is also known as the ‘Chameleon’. This sneaker is a special Air Jordan 6 release for the 2017 NBA All-Star in New Orleans.

The sneaker’s theme is inspired by Michael Jordan nailing the Carolina game-winning shot of the 1982 collegiate National Championship game at the Superdome. The Air Jordan 6 All-Star features a Jumpman badge embroidery on the heels, 3M reflective accents, iridescent lace tips and a clear translucent outsole that also inherits the iridescent detailing.

The Air Jordan 6 All Star will drop on Friday, 17 February 2017, at selected retailers. 

First Look: PUMA “Swan Pack” – A Women’s Collection That Embraces Freedom of Self-Expression

PUMA continues their commitment to inspire women everywhere to stay true to themselves with this season’s follow up to the brand’s ‘DO YOU’ campaign featuring the dancers of the New York City Ballet in the new PUMA Swan Pack Collection. The freedom of self-expression and the strength and grace of the ballet are the inspiration for the Swan Pack Collection. This collection brings together the fiercest Sportstyle and Training styles from PUMA with swan-inspired details: a black-and-white colour palette, iridescent materials, and feather prints. 

This season, PUMA equips such inspiring women with fashion-forward Performance and Sportstyle products inspired by the epic story.

On the Performance side, runway meets the stage in a dramatic fashion with the Explosive Bodysuit, a key piece that will make heads turn. It mixes performance and style with a form-fitting silhouette that features a cross back for that sleek look. It also features moisture-wicking materials plus an internal shelf bra and mesh along the neckline for ventilation. The bodysuit offers the right amount of support and breathability for every exercise routine.

Within the Swan Pack, PUMA introduces the latest Fierce: the PUMA Fierce Strap Swan. Its design adds some attitude to the collection, mixing training-ready technology with street-ready style. The sleek and next-level training shoe has a lightweight lace-less design, a demi-upper bootie construction with technical overlays, a supportive midsole, and flex grooved outsole allowing for fast and dynamic multi-directional movements. Available in black and white, the Fierce Strap Swan features a swan-inspired graphic with iridescent and reflective details.

As PUMA’s most dynamic women’s training shoe, the Pulse IGNITE XT is designed to adapt to the boldness and flexibility of any workout. This lightweight training shoe combines a full-length flex groove for dynamic movement with energy-returning IGNITE foam in the heel. Medial and lateral support bands create an ideal fit. This Swan Pack iteration offers an elegant graphic execution and is available in black and white.

Lifestyle options come in sport-inspired pieces infused with fashion. The Swan Cape is a soft, dramatic all-black cape with swan-inspired feathers. Giving a dose of flair is the PUMA Basket Heart – a chic update of the court classic. It serves up elegance and drama with its high gloss finish and statement thick laces to create the perfect bow.

The B.O.G. Sock Swan features a suede structure with leather overlays and a neoprene inner sock liner that creates comfort all the way up to the ankle – the all over black design complimented by iridescent detailing in addition to a feather graphic print on the upper under black mesh makes the this a perfect match for the collection.

The Spring-Summer ’17 Swan Pack collection drops in PUMA Stores and selected retailers nationwide from 15 February 2017. 

The Classic PUMA Basket Heart Gets a Glossy Makeover

PUMA introduced the Basket Heart, a court classic from the PUMA Archive refreshed with a feminine twist. Heroing PUMA’s sport heritage by staying true to the OG silhouette, the Basket Heart celebrates a sweeter side of the sport. The latest lifestyle drop from the PUMA Women’s range, the Basket Heart continues to drive the ‘DO YOU’ campaign message and inspire women to showoff their confidence and style.

One of the PUMA sneakers that declared a new era on the court, the PUMA Basket stole the hearts of many across the hip-hop scene in the 70s with its street styling and high level of comfort. A bona fide cousin of the PUMA Suede, the PUMA Basket transformed an everyday court classic into the most debonair of pop culture legends.

The Basket Hearth comes with two lacing options (satin ribbon and chunky laces). The kicks are available in white and black patent leather as well as pastel iterations with satin, suede and denim finishes.

The PUMA Basket Heart in black and white patent leather is available at PUMA stores and selected retailers nationwide. The rest of the colourways will  be released throughout Spring/Summer ’17.

First Look: Nike Air Jordan 4 ‘Royalty’

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Royalty’ is a new luxurious colourway from the Jordan Brand using the iconic Air Jordan 4.

Dressed in a Black, Metallic Gold and White colour scheme. This Air Jordan 4 features a full Black nubuck upper that’s highlighted with Metallic Gold finishes throughout. Completing the shoe is a leather heel tab and clean White and Black sole.

The Nike Air Jordan 4 ‘Royalty’ is available at selected retailers.

First Look: PUMA IGNITE Limitless Core

The ‘Run the Streets’ campaign message speaks to go-getters who follow their instincts and live life at full speed, and the progressive IGNITE Limitless lives this message to the fullest.

Inspired by the idea of ‘tailored performance,’ the IGNITE Limitless is tailored to stand up to the stop-and-go of city living with stylish, comfortable, and protective features. The overall design began with streetwear influences then added performance features and technologies. Exaggerated proportions are bold yet sleek with special interest paid to a clean use of textures and details: bonded edges, matte and shine play, collar height, and large, bold branding.

Comfort comes from the IGNITE FOAM midsole, PUMA’s proprietary superior cushioning that disperses impact while providing optimal responsiveness and energy return. The protective stability cage plus forefoot strap offers support while the 4-way stretch neoprene clamshell construction provides a dynamic fit with breathable upper materials. And because the city never stops no matter the hour, reflective details provide visibility in low light conditions.

This is your city. These are your streets. Own them and run them in the IGNITE Limitless Core (R2 299). Available from the 15^th of February at PUMA and Sportscene stores.

Competition: Sunstar GUM Fresh Breath Quest

How fresh is your oral care knowledge? Take the Sunstar GUM Fresh Breath Quest (#FreshBreathQuest) this February to find out. There are prizes worth over R15, 000 up for grabs and for every person that completes the quest, Sunstar GUM will donate a toothbrush to Operation Smile South Africa. 

The main prize, valued at R10,000, includes a Tsogo Sun mini-break (worth up R7, 000) and an oral care kit worth R3, 000. There are also 10 Sunstar GUM fresh breath kits available (worth R539 each), packed with innovative Sunstar GUM oral care products for fresh breath and a healthy smile.

To enter, go to: www.ivohealth.co.za/freshbreathquest from 1 to 28 February 2017 (terms and conditions apply).

There are only 8 simple oral care questions to test your oral care know-how and it won’t take you long to complete the quest!

Good Luck!

First Look: Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro ‘Take Flight’

The Air Jordan 5 Take Flight is a premium release of the Air Jordan 5 that’s part of the Air Jordan Take Flight Collection.

This Air Jordan 5 is inspired by the P51 bomber jacket which is dressed in Sequoia, Metallic Gold and Vachetta Tan. Featuring Sequoia, a shade of Green across the uppers while leather wraps the midsole. In addition we have Vachetta Tan across the leather tongue and Metallic Gold Jumpman on the insole. Using a leather Flight lace toggle, a translucent outsole completes the look.

Each pair of the Air Jordan 5 will be housed in a special box that takes inspiration from a P 51 shark mustang fighter jet. There is also an accompanying dust bag that features the same shark fighter jet that we see on the box.

The Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro ‘Take Flight’ drops this weekend at selected retailers.

Pharrell Williams and G-Star RAW Fuse in the Launch of the SS17 Campaign

Launched as a fresh interpretation of the 3D G-Star icon that celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2016, the G-Star Elwood X25 is a translation of unrestrained self-expression captured in 25 prints curated by Pharrell Williams. Inspired by original checks, camouflages and traditional patterns from all over the world, these 25 prints make space for individuality.

The G-Star RAW Spring/Summer ‘17 campaign reinforces the message of freedom of choice that has inspired the 25 unique prints. The prints are photographed on Pharrell Williams and Dutch model/artist Marte Mei van Haaster in an array of vibrant industrial and pastoral scenarios, bringing the spirit of the collection to life. 

The campaign is accompanied by a behind-the-scenes short feature film and several visual snippets, all shot in analog film. The artistic outcome, along the launch of G-Star Elwood X25, reflects on Pharrell’s personality and style – a melting pot of cultures and global influences that have been combined with G-Star’s DNA. His creative leadership and unique role as the brand’s cultural barometer for global audiences resonates in each nonpareil print and its own unique story.

G-Star Elwood X25 will be in stores as of February 2017.