Pro-Keds
The big news from this company is that Damon Dash is out. Since 2004, Damon Dash has owned licensing rights to Pro-Keds, leading to a series of less-than-stellar shoes, most of which amounted to nothing more than Nike AF1/Bathing Ape knock-offs or, worse than that, their classic Royals with a stitched on version of the Rocawear “R” logo.
Well, no more. In August of 2008, Stride Rite Corp. bought back the rights and in 2009 will begin re-releasing their classics – like the Royals and Uptowns – in honor of their 60-year anniversary. This return to the classics isn’t that surprising, considering the ever-growing popularity of Converse All Stars over the years and the recent re-emergence of PF Flyers. Speaking of which…
PF Flyers
The original athletic shoe forever immortalized in the film Sandlot has recently been gaining a lot of popularity. For a while, here in Atlanta, you could really only find them in limited numbers at a couple of specialty boutiques or Walter’s Clothing. Lately, however, I’ve been seeing them pop up in Finish Line and Foot Locker and on the feet of many more sneakerheads. Something like that is always a double-edged sword; sure, you can get your favorite kicks, but so can everybody else. In the case of PF Flyers, I’d have to say it’s a boon, considering that two or three years ago you couldn’t find them anywhere.
In 2007 and 2008, there was a lot of reestablishing of their brand with releases of their original Center Hi and Lo. This year, they’re expanding that brand with releases of the Center in different colorways and fabrics including leather and suede along with other re-releases like the Bob Cousy All American from 1956.
Puma
Puma’s got a pretty good line-up for ’09 – lots of special edition packs featuring Clydes and First Rounds. The ones I’m most excited about are the Breakpoint Collection, which will include Clydes and Steppers, two of their old school basketball shoes, in new colorways and suede and perforated leather accents.
Next up are their Japanese Monster pack paying tribute to classic Japanese monsters; Moth King Clydes, Ape King and Terror King (Ghidra) Steppers, Mecha King Mids, and Lizoid King First Rounds.
To break away from the typical puma b-boy shoes (Clydes, Suedes, First Rounds), I thought I’d show some love to one of their running shoes – a re-release of an ‘80s running shoe called the R698. I’m a big fan of the lines and colorway of this shoe which is a bit reminiscent of a Nike Air Max 1 with hints of the Huarache and Reebok Ventilator thrown in for good measure.
Nike
The biggest thing from Nike this year (for b-boys, anyway), is the reissue of the Nike Huarache LE in new colorways. The Huarache LE is, in my opinion, the single best shoe for b-boying. They’re light, the fit feels perfect, they breathe well, and most importantly, they look good. It blows my mind that the design for this shoe was ever changed. The newer Huarache designs that have come out in the last few years have lost the spirit of the original and have become bulky and straight up ugly. It’s always good to see a classic make a comeback.
Also coming from Nike is the 2009 Presto, a nice running shoe that’s lightweight and has good breathability. The build is similar to the sock-like upper of the Huarache.
On the more limited tip, you’ve got the Year of the Ox Blazer and Air Max 1 to commemorate the Chinese Zodiac.
Also coming next year is the Nike Vintage Blazer Hi Suede. They’re your typical Blazers except in suede, with the tongue, sole, and laces slightly yellowed to give them an aged look.
Honorable Mentions for 2009:
Asics Gel Lite III
Asics GT II
Onitsuka Tiger SECK MT
Reebok Inferno
Image from NiceKicks.com
