If there was a starting five for basketball kicks, the Reebok Pumps would be the perfect power forward. Sleek enough to run the floor but eye-catchingly powerful, like a body-to-body banger on some unworthy opponent.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Pump, Reebok teamed up with Sneaker giants like A-Life, Bodega and atmos, to release new designs for the iconic classics on November 20th.
Although it may seem like a culture shock to the youth, player-endorsed shoes have been around for almost 90 years. On a daily basis you’re bound to see Chuck Taylor’s, but what about KEDS or Randy’s? Coulter’s Basketball has a wonderful article about the history of player-endorsed shoes that is worth to take a look at.
To view this article, click HERE.
From time to time, I will post my opinion about Nike/Jordan Basketball shoes that did not hold up to the hype. Maybe the shoe looked great, but when it came down to the hardwood or pavement, it was unsuccessful. Post your thoughts if you owned the shoe; tell me if you agree or disagree.
The Nike Hyperflight, in my opinion, is one of the best-looking basketball shoes for the 2000’s. It had simple lines, yet the patent leather gave the shoe pizzazz. I still think Steve Madden stole some styling cues from this shoe, using the “H” on its casual shoes. In the end the Hyperflight performed poorly. The Hyperflight had no traction, little ankle support because of the use of patent leather, and was prone to cutting ankles. I don’t know how Jason Williams wore the Hyperflight while performing streetball moves in the NBA. I take that back, White Chocolate is pretty amazing.
Today I found a pair of shoes I missed dearly. I was about 14 when I got them; they were the first shoes I bought with my first paycheck. They were the Jordan X. Jordan Brand retroed them in 2005 as a recreation of the original Jordan X. I remember actually having the originals when I was in Kindergarten. They are my favorite Jordan of all time, so it was big for me to actually buy my own basketball shoes to ball in. I played in them so much that the stats on the bottom of the shoe disappeared. A friend of mine heard me talk about my Jordan X’s, and showed me a pair of his favorite basketball shoes. He had some Nike Force ¾ highs from 1991. He wore them so much that now the leather is cracking. Age did not help, making the midsole dry and brittle. He got them as a present from one of the hustlers around the way because he could not afford Nikes at the time. To him, he felt like the man lacing them up on the court. The shoe meant more since it was a nice gesture from someone close to him.
I talk about this because I feel every baller who reads Bounce has a story just like me. Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes.
A few months back, our editor-in-chief Bobbito drove readers loco by tastefully matching a white/white pair of Jordan Ol’ School Lows with a white/black/green pair of Macleem Matrix shorts in his wildly popular “Legs, Two Pieces, Extra Crispy Please!” posts. (Yo Bob, I haven’t seen any in a while, what’ve you been wearing, bro?!) The Matrix apparel is now available at the brand’s blog or eBay store in white/black/red and white/black/green. Sizes include L-4XL
German brand k1x is celebrating the latest batch of rookie signees and champions with their quickstrike t-shirt pack. The triumvirate of tees is highlighted by a LEGO-inspired “Leaders of the New School” mock up that features newcomers Derek Rose, OJ Mayo, and Michael Beasley in toy format. Kay-One is also commemorating the Boston Celtics NBA title in ‘08, and observing the stellar play of the aforementioned Rose with apparel. Click after the jump to learn more, and visit k1x’s blog for pricing information and availability. And be sure to check out the troupe’s charitable efforts for signature athlete, Ademola “The Warrior” Okulaja, as he fights to recover from cancer.
Team Germany’s rugged power forward Ademola “Warrior” Okulaja is known throughout Europe as a tenacious hustler on the court, a player who willingly gives his body and heart to secure a “W.” Now Okulaja is an entirely different battle for his life–the Warrior was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2008. Read More »
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