Converse and Daily Paper unite around shared values: creativity, inclusivity, and belonging. Both brands are symbols of self-expression. They uplift their communities by celebrating cultural diversity through art, fashion, and meaningful collaborations.
Also, their partnership shines in the Colors of Independence capsule collection. This collection features unique versions of the Chuck 70, Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared, and limited-edition apparel.
Additionally, inspired by global movements for liberation and cultural pride, the collection showcases quilted patterns, embroidered details, and pan-African colors. These elements symbolize freedom and unity.
The Chuck 70 and Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared sport black uppers with vibrant red, yellow, and green accents. The Chuck 70 has decorative stitching, an all-over shield logo, and colorful details. The Squared design introduces bold angles for a unique, future-classic look. Additional heritage touches include colorful laces and custom Chuck Taylor ankle patches, license plates, and outsoles that blend Converse and Daily Paper styles.
Furthermore, key elements like custom Chuck patches and collection colors also appear on six limited-edition apparel pieces. The collection includes a full-zip fleece hoodie, a Gold Standard tee, and wide-leg pants for elevated comfort. Fashion meets functionality in the Malden Liner jacket, cropped shirt, and cargo skirt. The liner jacket features an all-over quilted pattern, while the skirt has an open seam-slit and welt pockets.
To showcase the Colors of Independence collection, Daily Paper and Converse shot campaign assets in Senegal. This country is rich in cultural history and vibrant energy. The imagery highlights the deep connection between fashion and identity, celebrating Senegal’s spirit of freedom and self-expression.
Lastly, the Converse x Daily Paper collection launches on September 27, 2024, at dailypaperclothing.com and in Daily Paper flagship stores in Amsterdam, London, and New York. It will also be available exclusively at converse.com.au and select global retailers starting October 8, 2024.
The courts are set. The anticipation is building as Crash the Court, Australia’s premier streetball qualifier, returns for its second year under its new identity.
This year’s event, which serves as the precursor to the legendary Summer Jam. promises to elevate the streetball scene to new heights, with tours across Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
For 13 years, Summer Jam has been the cornerstone of Australia’s streetball community. Growing from a local gathering into a national championship with global recognition.
As Summer Jam prepares for its 2025 edition, it brings with it a fresh narrative—one that unifies its nine-year history of national qualifiers. Now proudly rebranded as Crash the Court. Previously known as ‘Open Runs’, these qualifiers have always been crucial in identifying top talent, but under the Crash the Court banner, they represent a new era of competition.
“Streetball has always been about community, culture, and the love of the game. By unifying our history of national qualifiers into Crash the Court, we’re not just continuing a tradition; we’re redefining it,” said Daniel Ella, Co-Founder of Summer Jam. “This event is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the journey every hooper takes, from local courts to the world stage.”
The Path to Summer Jam: A Journey Through Crash the Court
Sydney, Oct. 7 (Camperdown Park Basketball Courts, Camperdown)
Auckland, NZ, Oct. 12 (David Lange Park, Mangere, Auckland)
Perth, Oct. 19, (Stirling Leisure Centres, Herb Graham Recreation Centre, Mirrabooka)
Brisbane, Oct. 26 (University of Queensland, Union Rd, St Lucia,)
Moreover, the winning teams from each city will earn their spot at Summer Jam 2025, where they will compete against the best in the world at the iconic Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda.
The stakes are high! Last year’s Crash the Court champions, Breakdown from Sydney, went on to win the 2024 Summer Jam title, taking home the $20,000 cash prize. Their journey from local qualifiers to world champions embodies the spirit of Crash the Court — a pathway for aspiring hoopers to showcase their talent on the grandest stage.
Introducing the National Slam Dunk Contest: New for 2024
For the first time ever, Crash the Court is proud to introduce the National Slam Dunk Contest. Bringing together the best dunkers from across Australia and New Zealand. This thrilling new competition will see the top dunkers battle it out in their own cities. The winners will advance to the Summer Jam 2025 Slam Dunk Contest.
At Summer Jam, they will compete for the title of the best dunker in Oceania. The stakes couldn’t be higher – the winner will earn a coveted spot in the World Dunk Contest, held at Summer Jam that same weekend. They winners will go up against some of the world’s greatest dunkers.
Moreover, past champions of the World Dunk Contest have included some of the most renowned names in the sport, such as Jordan Kilganon (Canada), Guy Dupuy (France), and Piotr Grabowski (Poland). This year promises to bring even more jaw-dropping talent to the court. This cements Crash the Court and Summer Jam as the ultimate stages for slam dunk greatness.
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Additionally, the 2024 edition of Crash the Court is proudly sponsored by Foot Locker. They are a brand synonymous with youth culture, energy, and excellence. Their support not only enhances the event’s visibility but also amplifies the impact of streetball culture across Australia and beyond.
Join Us on the Journey
Furthermore, Crash the Court 2024 is more than just a tournament. It’s a celebration of streetball culture, a gathering of community, and a showcase of raw talent. As we gear up for this exciting event, we invite media, sponsors, and basketball enthusiasts to join us on this journey. Coverage of the tour will be extensive, ensuring that the stories, highlights, and unforgettable moments reach basketball fans across the globe.
Introducing D’Angelo Russell’s latest kicks with Way of Wade—the Ice Blood 2 . In collaboration with acclaimed visual artist Adam Lister, known for his pixelated style. This sleek and fast-looking basketball shoe resembles a lighter version of the Wade 808 4 Ultra, without the straps and drop-in insoles.
The upper features breathable, flexible fabrics reinforced with welded TPU strips. Micro seatbelts from the eyelets to the soles wrap around the midfoot for containment, while an external TPU heel counter locks in the foot, preventing slippage. Cushioning comes from a mix of 75% BOOM foam midsoles and Li-Ning Cloud Foam for responsiveness and shock absorption. Sandwiched within, is a carbon fiber plate enhancing springiness and quick takeoffs.
Additionally, the traction includes a durable herringbone outer pattern and circuit-like inner design, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The shoe plays quick and responsive, because of the built-in insole for low-to-the-ground court feel.
Furthermore, the light blue colorway, accented with Adam Lister’s pixelation design and DLO inspired detailing makes this shoe a standout both on and off the court. Ideal for quick, shifty guards, it runs narrow and true to size, with wide-footed players advised to go half a size up. Priced at $119 USD, the Ice Blood 2 is available now at wayofwade.com.
You can check-out our last sneaker performance review HERE.
Get ready to dive back into the world of John Wick. After 4 killer movies and a TV series, we are back with a spin-off movies starring Ana De Armas as Rooney, a ballerina-slash-assassin hunting down the people who murdered her family. The film also stars Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Lance Reddick in his final on-screen appearance. Additionally, John Wickstars Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves will be reprising their roles for Ballerina.
The Ballerina story was first teased in the third John Wick installment, so it makes sense that this spinoff is taking place after that movie. That also allows Reeves to reprise his role, as he his character was seemingly killed at the end of Chapter 4.
While Ballerina was originally set to hit theaters this year, Lionsgate pushed it to 2025 in order to film some additional reshoots that added more action to the movie. John Wick director Chad Stahelski, who now oversees the entire franchise, came alongside Wiseman to helm these new action sequences.
“All we did in those reshoots had to be there,” de Armas told Collider. “We got amazing footage. It’s really spectacular. A trailer is coming out soon, I’ve been told. I saw it, and it’s beautiful. I’m very proud of it. It’s really exciting. It’s dangerous, it’s sexy, it’s very John Wick. I think people are going to be surprised. I’m biased. Of course, I like the movie, but I think it’s really cool. It’s going to be amazing.”
Well Marvel fans, its been a minute between movies. 2025 is shaping up to be a good one for Marvel Studios once again after pulling back on their releases and working on the movies/TV more in-depth given the recent success of Deadpool & Wolverine.
This time, we assemble what’s been dubbed the “anti-avengers” but this trailer makes it a point to let the viewer know that this is not the Avengers.
We have some familiar faces making a comeback for this one including Yelena Belova from Black Widow & Hawkeye (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian from Black Widow (David Harbour), John Walker aka US Agent from The Falcon & Winter Solider series (Wyatt Russell), Ghost from Ant-Man & The Wasp (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster from Black Widow (Olga Kurylenko), Bucky Barnes aka Winter Solider (Sebastian Stan), Valentina Allegra de Fontaine from Black Widow and The Falcon & Winter Solider (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).
Included in the trailer was a new character known as Bob (Lewis Pullman) which is heavily rumored to be Sentry from the Marvel Comics. Sentry for those who don’t know is Marvel’s answer to Superman.
While the trailer doesn’t give too much away in terms of a storyline and plot, it shows us bringing these characters together for some reason.
One funny thing to come out of the trailer was Bucky using a dishwasher to keep his arm clean. When asked about Bucky using his dishwasher to clean his vibranium arm, Stan joked that its “efficient.”
“One has to at some point make sure that things do get clean, and so that’s a very efficient way of doing it fast,” Stan joked. “He uses a lot less water too, a lot less water in the dishwasher.”
The only other major talking point from this is the notable asterisk at the end of the title. MCU’s Kevin Feige was asked about this back at CinemaCon earlier this year and his answer was quite simple “That is the official title of Thunderbolts* and we won’t talk more about that until after the movie comes out.”
Thunderbolts* is due to hit cinemas on the 2nd May 2025
Let us know what you think about the trailer below
Converse and GOLF le FLEUR*‘s new team up gives their mascot, Darryl, his own Chuck 70. The low-top shoe comes in 10 colors from the GOLF le FLEUR* palette. With minimalist design and Darryl graphics on the upper and a bold bellhop graphic on the outsole.
Previously, Tyler, The Creator introduced animal prints like owl, python, and leopard to the Chuck 70. This time, Darryl, an Airedale Terrier, adds to the animal theme. Further representing GOLF le FLEUR*‘s blend of elegance and playful irreverence.
Airedale Terriers are known for their stylish coats and lively, clever nature. hich is reflected in the bold, playful colors of the classic Chuck 70 silhouette.
Furthermore, ach of the 10 editions features a custom outsole with bellhop graphics on both feet, nodding to Tyler’s iconic bellboy outfit.
The shoe launches in five colorways: Dachshund, Lemon Meringue, Margarita, Milky Blue, and Orchid Petal. Five more colors, including Apricot Cream and Rose Quartz, will be available later this fall.
Retailing locally for $180 AUD the Converse x GOLF le FLEUR* Darryl Chuck 70 releases on September 26 at converse.com.au with a second drop of five additional colors in November.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a custom-made half court, designed for the eager fans. The venue quickly filled, with the crowd spilling into the courtyard. Before the event began, Carmelo Anthony met and took photos with some lucky fans.
A Taylormade memorabilia auction kicked off the evening, energizing the audience before Melo’s entrance. Visiting Melbourne for the first time, he expressed his excitement about finally meeting his fans and praised the Boomers, our national basketball team.
Melo then shared career highlights, his NBA journey, and personal insights. It was a night to remember for all Carmelo Anthony fans. We can’t wait to see which NBA legend Megatix brings to Australia next!
When you unbox the latest Way of Wade signature kicks, you know you’re getting premium shoes. The new Way of Wade 11 in the ‘Hall of Fame’ colorway immediately stands out. Their wider, bulkier profile is obvious compared to the Way of Wade 10s. However, they remain incredibly lightweight at just 400 grams for a size 9 US.
Once again, Way of Wade delivers a basketball shoe that performs like an athlete but looks like it belongs on a fashion runway. The upper is a mix of leather, fabrics, and TPU. The flexible TPU heel counter, featuring the Way of Wade logo, is the standout design. It, along with the seatbelt-style lace eyelets and extended EVA midsoles, creates a secure, locked-in fit with zero heel slippage.
The wide outrigger formed by the midsoles and soles adds stability, reducing the risk of ankle rolls. Inside, the Carbon Core Drive system uses a carbon fiber shank plate between Boom midsoles for responsive cushioning. The cored-out shank allows for unrestricted play, maximizing cushioning in the forefoot and heel. The right foot’s traction resembles Dwyane Wade‘s face, while the left foot features the WOW Logo.
The GCU (Ground Control Unit) rubber soles, developed by Way of Wade and Li Ning, provide excellent multi-directional traction. These durable soles grip major surfaces well, even on dusty indoor courts. According to Way of Wade the rubber compound also lasts longer. The left foot’s traction design features Dwyane Wade’s face while the right foot features the Way if Wade logo. The Way of Wade 11s combine Wade’s storied legacy with cutting-edge performance technology.
Their design excels both on the court and as a lifestyle piece, especially in the ‘Hall of Fame’ colorway. Though bulkier than the WOW 10s, they run true to size for narrow feet, wide-footers should go up half a size.
ASICS GEL-NYC™ was brought to life in collaboration with Angelo Baque, the creative mind behind Awake New York, a brand that perfectly mixes streetwear with high fashion.
The name of this sneakers is a nod to New York City, a place where new styles pop up all the time. It’s designed as a lifestyle shoe that combines the brand’s classic archive pieces with a timeless vibe and fresh influences from modern culture.
The upper is inspired by the GEL-NIMBUS™ 3, a fan favourite from the early 2000s, and it also features some cool design elements from the GEL-MC PLUS™ V that came out in 2021. Think of it as a mash-up model that’s ready for today, sporting the sole design of the GEL-CUMULUS™ 16 for that perfect touring feel.
This model rocks a layered upper made of fjord grey suede, silver synthetic leather, and black nylon mesh, with eye-catching red accents on the tongue and heel that give it a futuristic edge.
You’ll find this limited edition drop at ASICS, ÉDIFICE (which is gearing up to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024!), and also at mita sneakers and Herringbone Footwear. These spots are all about style and quality, making this sneaker a must-have for sneaker lovers and trendsetters alike.
BLACK/FJORD GREY Model Number: 1203A383-003 Price: 17,600 yen Sizes: 23.0 cm to 29.0 cm
With its cool design and connection to the city’s vibe, the GEL-NYC™ is sure to be a hit for anyone who loves mixing comfort with style. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other ASICS features, click here.
For the third straight year, the Victoria Park Leisurelife Centre was the vibrant venue for The Kickz Stand‘s “It’s More Than Just Sneakers” lifestyle event tour, making its exciting return to the West Coast. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the turnout was fantastic, with everyone coming out to show their support and love for the community.
It was incredibly rewarding to see a mix of new faces signing up and joining us as vendors for this year’s event. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives added a lot of energy to the day. At the same time, it was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces who consistently back the tour and help it grow. Vendors showcased an impressive array of streetwear and garments, but the true highlight was the sneakers—classics, runners, SBs, designers, hoops, and grails. If it was a sought-after sneaker, it was there!
We had originally planned a basketball tournament for the day, but unfortunately, we had to postpone it due to some unexpected issues. However, we’re not leaving you hanging—The Kickz Stand and a certain someone from the Perth crew are already cooking up something special to make up for it, so keep an eye out for updates!
The giveaways from our sponsors were a huge hit once again, and the raffle prize pool was nothing short of impressive. The excitement and joy were palpable throughout the event, and it was fantastic to see friends reconnect and new friendships being formed.
A massive thank you to our generous sponsors for their unwavering support and contributions. Your involvement is a big part of what makes these events so special.
With Victoria Park wrapped up, we’re gearing up for the next stop: back to Sydney. We can’t wait to see you all there. Stay tuned for more details, and thanks again for being a part of this amazing journey!
Until next time! Make sure to stay tuned for more updates on what’s coming next. For details about vendor bookings or entry tickets, head over to our website: https://www.thekickzstand.com.au/imjts.
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date! For information on other It’s More Than Just Sneakers events or features, click HERE.
