Converse is bringing excitement to the season with a special Members Week happening from December 4th to 16th. During this exclusive event, members will gain early access to limited-edition collaborations and highly anticipated restocks.
Kicking things off are two fan-favorite restocks:
Run Star Trainer Red and Egret (RRP: $140)
XXHI Black and White (RRP: $150)
These iconic styles flew off the shelves during their initial release in Australia, selling out in under an hour. Don’t miss your chance to snag them this time around—sign up now to get early access!
Today, we’re diving into the Wade Shadow 6 in the stunning ‘Sunrise’ colorway. A homage to Wade’s dedication and discipline, inspired by his early morning workout routines. This model marks a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Shadow 5, with design and performance upgrades that elevate your game.
Instead of the previous drop-down BOOM midsole, the Shadow 6 features a full-length, semi-caged BOOM midsole. Offering exceptional shock absorption and responsiveness. Also, complementing this is a fork-shaped TPU shank plate. Which enhances torsional stability. Delivering a quick snap-back for explosive movements.
Moreover, traction is provided by a semi-decoupled TUFF RB black sole with a map-like pattern that excels on both indoor and outdoor courts.
Meanwhile, the upper is crafted from an ultra-lightweight, breathable textile mesh that feels flexible and game-ready right out of the box.
Additionally, containment and support are expertly handled by TPU strips running along the shoe’s entire length. This is reinforced by thin fused overlays at critical points like the toe box, lace eyelets, and medial side. A unique speed-lacing system, paired with beaded laces, ensures a secure fit.
While the external heel counter and strategically placed Wade logo on the medial side provide additional lockdown. Completing the design is a rope lace pull tab for quick and easy wear.
Also on the court, the Wade Shadow 6 plays fast and stays low to the ground. It delivers a performance reminiscent of sleek football cleats. Thanks to its lightweight construction and responsive feel, you’ll barely notice them on your feet.
Above all, the bold Sunrise colorway adds a stylish edge—perfect for Miami Heat fans. The sleek silhouette makes them a standout choice. As always, tons of details and storytelling are found in and around the shoe.
Lastly, they run narrow. Consider going half a size up if you have wide feet. The shoes retail for $119 USD on the Way of Wade website. These are a steal for any player looking for a reliable budget performer.
You can check out our last sneaker performance review HERE.
CARNIVAL® and PUMA are bringing something special to the table with their latest collaboration, the CARNIVAL® x PUMA Easy Rider “Hauptbahnhof.” The design takes inspiration from two iconic railway stations: Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in Germany, which is also PUMA’s home country. This partnership beautifully blends the unique charm of these two historic train stations, connecting cultures and ideas, just like the stations themselves connect people.
The sneakers are packed with thoughtful details that pay homage to Hua Lamphong Station. You’ll notice the tongue and insole feature patterns inspired by the station’s elegant interior, while the Foamstrip on the side is designed to look like railway tracks—a subtle but striking touch.
The upper is made with premium smooth leather and PUMA’s signature suede, finished in a mix of off-white, cream, and brown tones that mirror Hua Lamphong’s exterior. To add even more character, the sneakers have a cool peel-away edge effect, and if you check out the heel, you’ll find the station’s coordinates.
Of course, no special edition release would be complete without the packaging, and these come in a custom-designed box that makes the whole experience even better. Whether you’re a fan of unique sneakers, a train enthusiast, or just love when fashion tells a story, this pair has something for everyone.
The CARNIVAL® x PUMA Easy Rider “Hauptbahnhof” drops exclusively at CARNIVAL on 21st November 2024. Don’t miss out! To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other CARNIVAL or SNEAKER features, click here.
We’re excited to introduce the new CURRY 12 in the ‘Gravity’ colorway. The shoe features a predominantly grey engineered mesh upper, paired with a white UA FLOW SOLE and vibrant accents of hi-vis neon yellow and black.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
“Isn’t Under Armour just rehashing the same Curry basketball shoes they’ve released over the past five years?”
Honestly, you’re not wrong. Aesthetically, the silhouette closely resembles previous iterations. However, in terms of performance, the CURRY 12 mark a significant leap forward.
Let’s dive into the details: the newly reformulated DUAL-DENSITY FOAM in the soles elevates these sneakers beyond their predecessors. The cushioning feels more responsive and provides better shock absorption. A transparent TPU strip encases the lateral side, while the medial side remains exposed to allow the foam to expand for improved comfort. Stability is reinforced by bottom-loaded TPU plate that becomes segmented in the forefoot for enhanced control.
As always, the shoe offers world-class traction, courtesy of the trusted UA Flow Foam. However, I highly recommend reserving these for indoor courts to extend the lifespan of the grips. The breathable mesh textile uppers and speed laces deliver a secure lockdown fit, further supported by internal and external heel counters.
Moreover, the CURRY 12 maintain a low-to-the-ground profile with a wide base, making them ideal for quick, agile guards and jump shooters who need that extra cushioning upon landing. For those with wider feet, I suggest going half a size up.
Overall, these sneakers are a substantial performance upgrade over previous models. Retailing at $240 AUD, they’re available now atunderarmour.com.au. Check out our last performance sneaker review HERE.
Tyler, The Creator has expanded the Golf le Fleur*Darryl Chuck 70 collection with five fresh colorways, celebrating the brand’s playful four-legged mascot.
This minimalist design now comes in On The Green, Apricot Cream, Salsa, Cooling Oasis, and Rose Quartz, each featuring a subtle Darryl graphic on the upper and a bold bellhop graphic on the outsole.
Retailing at $170 AUD, this limited release will be available at the Converse website on November 14.
Using the iconic Chuck 70 High Tops, this Brain Dead x Converse collaboration boldly combines six unique prints and patterns—stars, stripes, animal print, and camo—into one striking design.
Each side of the shoe reveals a new perspective, celebrating the fusion of diverse voices and styles into a single, powerful piece. This design champions individuality, community, and creative expression.
A very limited run is still available at the Brain Dead website.
You can check out our last featured sneaker release HERE.
Let’s dive into the second collaboration between ASICS and JJJJound. Today, we’re showcasing one of the three ASICS GT-2160 models from their recent release, specifically in the white/black colourway.
Right away, you’ll notice the jersey-like wide mesh uppers, along with carbon fibre-like panelling and strips on the mudguard and heel. Silver synthetic materials make up the ASICS tiger stripes, while unexpected neon yellow hits—on the capsule-like ASICS logo on the tongue and the JJJJound logo on the heel—bring a bold twist to the typically minimal JJJJound branding. The GT-2160 lettering on the heel counter also pops in neon yellow.
As always, ASICS GEL-cushioning tech is featured in the grey pods on the heel, and the TRUSSTIC TPU shank adds torsional support and energy return. Hard rubber podular soles provide durable traction.
Another JJJJound collab, another round of debate—is it sheer minimalism or mastered versatility? This colourway is versatile enough to work with any outfit, standing out at a time when brands are leaning towards colourful runners. The neutral tones with just a hint of neon offer a refreshing change. Sadly, these sold out on release day, as is typical with JJJJound collabs. But good news: resale prices are fairly reasonable if you’re looking to snag a pair.
They do run narrow and true to size, so for wider feet, going half a size up is recommended. Stay tuned for detailed and on-foot shots coming soon!
The 2024 ‘It’s More Than Just Sneakers‘ tour wrapped up in style with the final stop in Auckland on October 19th. The Freemans Bay Community Centre was packed from open to close, with a steady stream of sneakerheads, collectors, and everyone in between. And, just like every other IMTJS event this year, the heat was on—both on display and on feet.
As soon as the doors opened, the crowd was treated to some killer FREE giveaways from our sponsors. We’re talking Monster Energy drinks to keep the vibe up, Jarritos bottle opener / keychains for that extra swag, TKS stickers to rep the brand, Indomie keyrings to remind you of the noodles you love, and Sneaker Laundry microfiber cleaning cloths to keep your kicks fresh. But it didn’t stop there—DJ Who, had the decks on lock all day, dropping special sets just for the event that had everyone moving.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an IMTJS event without the infamous The Kickz Stand raffle, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. There were some serious prizes up for grabs: fresh sneakers, limited-edition streetwear, 2K25 NBA games, boxes of Indomie noodles (hey, you never know when you’ll need those), JD Sports gift cards, and even a JBL speaker that was the talk of the day. With so many prizes to give away, we upped the ante and started drawing winners every 10 minutes in the final hour. If you’ve been to one of these events before, you know how it goes—buying extra raffle tickets is always worth it. The more tickets, the better your chances to walk away with something fire.
The energy in the hall was on another level. Guests were hyped to see what the vendors were offering, and the vendors themselves were more than happy to show off their rare sneakers, fresh streetwear, and some seriously dope collectibles. There were a ton of steals being made, and people were all about hunting for the next big find.
And it wasn’t just about shopping—people were catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, and just soaking in the whole vibe. There was a sense of community that you can’t really find anywhere else. Some even asked when the next event would be, and to be honest, we’re just as excited to do it all again soon. Stay tuned, Auckland—this isn’t the last time we’re coming through!
And that’s a wrap on the 2024 ‘It’s More Than Just Sneakers‘ tour! We can’t thank our sponsors enough for their support this year. Without them, none of this would be possible, and we’re beyond grateful.
Massive thanks to the volunteers and everyone who helped make this event come to life. You guys made it all happen, and we appreciate each and every one of you. See you all next year!
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you’re the first to know when the next event is coming to town. Trust us—you won’t want to miss it! For information on other It’s More Than Just Sneakers events or features, click HERE.
What would September in Sydney be without Australia’s favourite sneaker event? Trust us, you don’t want to know—and that’s exactly why the team at The Kickz Stand continues to bring the ever-popular ‘It’s More Than Just Sneakers’ lifestyle tour to Sydney. On the 28th of September, the two basketball courts at PCYC Auburn were transformed into a vibrant gallery, with stalls showcasing a range of collectibles, from sneakers and clothing to toys and more.
Once again, the Sydney community showed its unwavering support for the event, and The Kickz Stand made sure no one left empty-handed. Each guest was greeted with a free gift at entry and a ticket to the highly anticipated raffle. Inside, attendees were spoilt for choice with a variety of vendors offering everything from rare grails and hard-to-find items to great deals on sneakers and apparel. As if that weren’t enough, the team at Royals hosted a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on one of the half courts.
And did we mention the raffle? Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, the raffle was drawn every 30 minutes, ensuring that a mountain of prizes could be handed out before the event wrapped up. Those who’ve attended before know that buying extra raffle tickets is well worth it!
Beyond the prizes and the incredible selection of shoes for sale, one thing this event does better than most other lifestyle events is bring the community together. Vendors appreciate the chance to chat with attendees or negotiate deals, while the ‘old heads’ gather, catching up and showing off their freshly cleaned OG Jordans or limited-edition runners. Meanwhile, the ‘hypebeasts’ scout for steals, and others simply enjoy the vibe and soak in the event’s unique atmosphere.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the event, checking out The Kickz Stand‘s socials is a must to find out when the next one is coming to town. And for those who have attended before, they already know how much fun it is—so next time, bring the family and friends, because there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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.
Also huge shout-out goes to all our volunteers who make this event a must-do in Sydney. 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.
Introducing Aaron Gordon’s fifth signature basketball shoe with 361°, the AG5 in the vibrant ‘RenMin Bravo’ colorway. This predominantly pink sneaker, accented with touches of white, stands out not only in appearance but also in performance. ‘RenMin Bravo’ translates to:
“congratulations to the fortune,”
which feels fitting given the sneaker’s impressive design.
Crafted with synthetic and mesh uppers, the AG5 is built for lightweight durability and flexibility. A standout TPU cap shields the toes, while a tri-layered TPU sidewall and gill-like lacing system, combined with double heel padding, ensure excellent lockdown and stability. Ventilation is primarily provided by a padded mesh tongue, enhancing breathability for long play sessions.
The ENRG-X midsole delivers top-notch cushioning, supplemented by a CQEXTREM3 puck in the rear foot for added shock absorption on landings. An X-shaped carbon fiber palm shank plate called SOAR SYSTEM, offers remarkable energy return and torsional support, while the durable rubber radial traction ensures superior grip on the court.
The AG5 not only feels great on the court but also provides excellent lockdown and cushioning for all positions. Its design evokes a nostalgic blend of early 2000s hybrid basketball shoes.
They run true to size with a slightly snug toe cap, wide-footed players may prefer going up half a size. Retailing at $201 AUD on 361sport.com, the AG5 is a well-rounded choice for performance and style.
Catch-up on our last performance basketball shoe HERE.
