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ASICS UB12-S GEL-SD-LYTE

Derrick Narciso
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ASICS UB12-S GEL-SD-LYTE

Let’s dive into the latest collaboration between Kiko Kostadinov Studios and the ASICS SportStyle Development Team. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the UB12-S GEL-SD-LYTE in the Dolphin Grey and Rusty Orange colorway—a fresh, art-inspired reinterpretation of a classic silhouette from the ASICS archives.

This design draws inspiration from simultanism, an artistic movement that uses contrasting tones to elevate neutral shades. The sneaker combines fluid, curved lines with cubic elements, creating a balance between structure and motion. The upper features a lightweight, ultra-flexible TPU containment cage, layered over slit-pored engineered mesh in light grey for maximum breathability.

You’ll also notice the signature Kiko Kostadinov twisted dotted tongue, subtle hits of brown and silver on the toebox and heel, and vibrant orange insoles showcasing the stitched ASICS logo patch. Beneath the surface, a responsive foam midsole pairs with a translucent GEL heel strip for superior cushioning and shock absorption.

The standout feature is the segmented light grey rubber outsole that extends to the toebox—offering not only visual impact but added protection. It’s a perfect representation of ASICS’ “Aesthetics meets Function” philosophy.

Overall, true to Kostadinov’s modern vision, the GEL-SD-LYTE has been reimagined for today’s casual and streetwear scene. Its airy construction makes it ideal for summer and autumn fits, with the Rusty Orange tones giving off subtle pumpkin vibes. A sleek Black and Brown colorway also accompanies this release.

Retailing for $300 AUD, the ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov UB12-S GEL-SD-LYTE is now available at asics.com.au.

It’s More Than Just Sneakers Sydney 2025 Recap

Jay Mijares
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It’s More Than Just Sneakers Sydney 2025 Recap

What’s September in Sydney without Australia’s favourite sneaker event? We don’t even want to imagine it. That’s why The Kickz Stand continues to bring the iconic It’s More Than Just Sneakers lifestyle tour back to the city, celebrating sneaker culture, streetwear, collectibles, and the community that makes it all possible.

This year, PCYC Auburn once again transformed into a cultural hub, with two basketball courts filled wall to wall with sneakers, apparel, toys, and everything in between. From vintage heat to the latest drops, the vendor line-up had something for every kind of collector and fan.

Sydney showed up in full force, keeping the energy high from start to finish. Guests were welcomed with a free gift on entry and a ticket to the always-anticipated raffle, with prizes announced every 30 minutes thanks to our amazing sponsors. Even if you didn’t cop inside, you probably walked away with something special.

What really makes this event stand out is the community. It’s where collectors, resellers, and everyday sneaker fans connect. The OGs bring out their classics, the hypebeasts hunt for steals, and families come through to soak up the vibe and experience the culture together.

A massive thank you goes out to our sponsors and vendors for their ongoing support, and to our incredible volunteers who make sure everything runs smoothly. You’re all a big part of what makes It’s More Than Just Sneakers one of the most loved events on the scene.

ABSNC (Singapore) – @absnc
AFEW (Germany) – @afewstore
ASICS Sportstyle – @asics_sportstyle_au
Ayoub Lawyers – https://www.ayoublawyers.com.au/
CARNIVAL (Thailand) – @carnivalbkk
Cosmonauts Spacewear (Indonesia) – @cosmonautsspacewear
Crep Protect – @crepprotect_au
CROCS – @crocsaustralia
EA Sports – @easportsofficial
eBay – @ebayau
G-SHOCK – @gshockoz
Indomie – @indomieau
Jarritos – @jarritosau
JBL – @jblaustralia
Kicks Kase – @kickskase
LaceSpace – @lace.space
LIDS – @lids_australia
Limited Edt (Singapore) – @limitededt_sg
Mizuno Sportstyle – @mizunoaustralia
Monster Energy – @monsterenergy
Monsta Kicks – @monstakicks.au
REALISM – @realismco
Rhypla Builds – @rhypla
Philips – @philipshomelivinganz
Saucony Originals AU / NZ – @sauconyoriginalsaunz
SKINARMA (Singapore) – @skinarma
SNKRDUNK (Japan) – @snkrdunk
Sole Emporium – @thesoleemporium
Stateside Sports – @statesidesports.au
The Gamesmen – @thegamesmen
UNLCKD – @unlckd.official
WAVES AU – @waves_au

Until next time, Sydney. Thank you for the love and energy. Make sure you’re following @thekickzstand and signed up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the next stop of the tour. Trust us, you’ll want to be there. For information on other It’s More Than Just Sneakers events or features, click HERE.

Up There Store x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1 “Natsukashii”

Derrick Narciso
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Up There Store x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1 “Natsukashii”

Is this the best Up There Store and ASICS collaboration yet? Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Up There Store x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1 “Natsukashii” in the Gravel and Irvine colourway — the fourth collaboration between the Melbourne-based boutique and ASICS.

The term Natsukashii (懐かしい) is Japanese for “nostalgia” — that warm, familiar feeling sneakerheads get when chasing the same retro colorways and silhouettes that spark memories of the past. This release perfectly captures that emotion through thoughtful design and premium materials.

The upper combines the sleek silhouette of the GEL-KAYANO 12 with a mix of shiny army green patent leather overlays and grey engineered mesh from the GEL-KAYANO 20. Pops of vibrant red accent the tongue stay and the ASICS heel logo border, while reflective 3M hits add depth and visibility. A standout detail is the Up There Store grey heel tab logo, subtle yet distinctly stylish.

Inside, the foam insoles feature the signature Up There Store green with black printed ASICS and Up There branding. Cushioning draws inspiration from the GEL-NIMBUS 17. Built on a dual-density FluidRide midsole with exposed translucent grey GEL pods for dynamic comfort. The TPU-based Trusstic Guidance System adds torsional stability. While the ASICS Guidance Line in Up There green encourages natural forefoot flexion and improved stride comfort. Out of the box they come with grey oval laces. But, I prefer and will be sporting the extra dotted grey laces instead.

Overall, this pair might just be Up There Store’s best ASICS collaboration to date. The fusion of Japanese nostalgia and contemporary streetwear aesthetics gives it that authentic Amekaji vibe we love. These sneakers fit true to size — wide-footed wearers can confidently stick to their natural size.

Unfortunately, pairs have sold out quickly, but resale prices on the secondary market remain reasonable.

You can check-out our last feature here.

Nike Air Max 1000 – The Future of Sneaker Returns

Jay Mijares
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Nike Air Max 1000 – The Future of Sneaker Returns

The sneaker that redefined the game is back. On October 21, Nike Air Max 1000 “Lilac” drops exclusively via Zellerfeld.com, marking the next chapter in the evolution of 3D-printed footwear.

Originally introduced as the first-ever 3D-printed Air Max, the silhouette continues to push boundaries — combining culture, technology, and design in one seamless form. After debuting at ComplexCon 2024 and selling out instantly on SNKRS and Zellerfeld, the Nike Air Max 1000 has become one of the most sought-after sneakers in the world — with resale prices soaring past $5,000 USD on StockX.

A New Era of Air

The “Lilac” colorway introduces a bold, sculptural update to the Air Max legacy — designed without stitching, glue, or waste. Each pair is fully 3D-printed in one piece through Zellerfeld’s proprietary technology, showcasing what happens when computational design meets sneaker culture.

“This is one of those rare moments when you know you’re witnessing history being made,” said Cornelius Schmitt, Co-Founder and CEO of Zellerfeld. “The first 3D-printed Air Max sparked global demand before it even launched. To ensure fair access this time, we’re launching a raffle instead of a standard drop.”

Launch Details

💜 Colourway: Lilac (Limited Edition)
💵 Retail: $179 USD
🎟️ Raffle Opens: October 16 at Zellerfeld.com
📩 Winners Notified: October 21
🚀 Release Date: October 21 (Exclusive to Zellerfeld.com)

Local Activation: Nike x Supply at SURPLUS Sydney

To celebrate the launch, Nike and Supply are bringing the energy to SURPLUS Sydney from October 17–19 — a multi-day event celebrating Australia’s Air Max community with giveaways, activations, and more.

The Future, Printed

The Nike Air Max 1000 “Lilac” isn’t just another drop — it’s a signal of what’s next. Zellerfeld’s 3D-printing platform is reshaping how sneakers are made, replacing traditional factories with automated, waste-free production. Backed by investors behind Tesla, SpaceX, and StockX, Zellerfeld is leading the charge into a new era of performance, personalization, and design freedom.

The future of footwear is here — and it’s 3D printed. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.

WNBL Season 26 Kicks Off Big!

Jay Mijares
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WNBL Season 26 Kicks Off Big!

Women’s basketball is booming right now — and the WNBL is turning up the heat for what’s shaping up to be a historic season.

This weekend marks the Season Opener for WNBL26, and it’s going down in a major way. The Southside Melbourne Flyers are hosting the UC Capitals at John Cain Arena this Saturday, October 18 — easily the biggest season opener in league history.

Here’s why you need to tune in:

  • Aussie star Jade Melbourne returns home after a season with the Washington Mystics.
  • Sara Blicavs makes her comeback after a massive back surgery.
  • WNBL legend Cayla George is back rocking new colours with the Flyers.
  • Plus, it’s a family affair — sisters Nyadiew and Manuela Pouch go head-to-head for the first time!

🏀 Tip-off: Saturday, 2PM AEDT
📺 Watch live on: 9Go & ESPN
🎟️ Venue: John Cain Arena
🎫 Tickets: [BUY NOW]

More matchups to watch this weekend

Geelong Venom vs Sydney Flames

🗓 Saturday, 7PM AEDT — Live on ESPN2
A battle of college besties — Mackenzie Holmes and Grace Berger face off after winning championships together at Indiana. Add the WNBL debut of Alissa Pili (ex-LA Sparks) and Jaz Shelley coming in hot after her NBL1 South MVP season, and you’ve got a serious must-watch.

🎫 Venue: Geelong Stadium | [BUY NOW]

Bendigo Spirit vs Townsville Fire

🗓 Sunday, 12:30PM AEDT — Live on 9Go
It’s a Grand Final rematch, and the stakes are sky high. Bendigo’s Isobel Borlase steps up to replace reigning MVP Sami Whitcomb, while Miela Sowah debuts for Townsville after a breakout season with Perth. Oh, and Townsville’s celebrating 25 years in the league. Big vibes only.

🎫 Venue: Red Energy Arena | [BUY NOW]

Adelaide Lightning vs Perth Lynx

🗓 Sunday, 6PM ACDT — Live on ESPN
The Lightning are back, under new ownership and in a brand-new stadium. Young gun Tayla Brazel makes her long-awaited return, while Opals gold medallist Ally Wilson brings championship energy for the Lynx. Imports Sania Feagin and Serena Sundell (fresh off the WNBA) are set to make serious noise.

🎫 Venue: SA State Basketball Centre | [BUY NOW]

Every game this season will be streamed live and free on 9Now, and for the first time ever, on WNBL.com.au and the WNBL App.

Women’s hoops is having its moment — and this season, it’s all gas, no brakes.

Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other Event features click HERE and for other sneaker features, click HERE.

Converse x Coca-Cola Collection

Derrick Narciso
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Converse x Coca-Cola Collection

Converse and Coca-Cola have teamed up for a vibrant new collaboration that celebrates creativity, community, and nostalgia. The Converse x Coca-Cola Collection reimagines two timeless cultural icons through a shared lens of style, optimism, and self-expression.

At the heart of this collaboration lies a simple but powerful message — everyone’s a Chuck, and every story deserves to be shared. Whether it’s told through your favorite pair of sneakers or a shared bottle of Coke, this campaign is all about connecting people through stories and style.

Directed by Bradley Calder and captured by Sam Balaban, the campaign stars Vince Staples as “Chuck,” embodying the authentic energy and synergy between the two brands. His effortless cool brings the collaboration’s creative spirit to life.

The Converse x Coca-Cola Collection officially launches Friday, October 10, featuring a limited-edition premium Chuck 70 crafted with materials inspired by Coca-Cola’s iconic red-and-white palette and flowing ribbon design. A broader range of Chuck Taylor All Stars and apparel will follow in early November—just in time for the holiday season.

Founded in 1908 and 1886, Converse and Coca-Cola have each built deep cultural legacies — from basketball courts and concert stages to cafés and campuses. Now, they merge their iconic aesthetics into a collection that’s nostalgic yet refreshingly modern.

Drawing from Coca-Cola’s unmistakable design language — the bold dynamic ribbon, signature red tones, and the green glow of vintage glass bottles — each piece reimagines Converse’s classic silhouettes and streetwear staples with collectible, elevated detailing.

The Converse x Coca-Cola Chuck 70 stands at the center of the collection — a symbol of heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity designed for both collectors and culture lovers.

NBA x NBL FAN NIGHT RECAP

Derrick Narciso
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NBA x NBL FAN NIGHT RECAP

October 3, 2025, marked a historic night for Australian basketball as the NBL welcomed the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans for the first-ever crossover game on Australian soil against Melbourne United. The excitement didn’t stop there. The next day, fans packed the arena for an unforgettable NBA Fan Night in Melbourne, bringing the energy of the league straight to Australia.

Supporters got an up-close look at the NBA cheerleaders and mascots, adding to the electric atmosphere. The crowd roared during the basketball skills showcase, which went down to the wire, led by fan-favorite Jose Alvarado. High-flyer Guy Dupuy, known as The Real Frequent Flyer, soared through the air and impressed legends Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, clinching the Slam Dunk Contest trophy.

The night continued with fireworks from beyond the arc, as Jordan Poole’s team dominated the three-point contest, thrilling the crowd with elite shooting. From jaw-dropping dunks to clutch shots, the event gave fans of all ages a basketball experience to remember.

To cap it all off, this action-packed weekend serves as the perfect lead-up to the highly anticipated matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday.

Converse x SHAI 001 Release Date

Derrick Narciso
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Converse x SHAI 001 Release Date

The highly anticipated Converse x SHAI 001 Family Range officially drops this Friday, October 3rd at 10:30 AM AEDT (new date, previously October 2nd). This exclusive release marks one of Converse Basketball’s biggest moments in recent years, making it a must-cop for sneakerheads and fans of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

As the Creative Director of Converse Basketball, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has redefined the brand’s performance line. The SHAI 001 silhouette is more than just footwear—it is Shai’s story in motion. Designed from the inside out, the sneaker reflects his dual identity as both an elite athlete and a creative force. Every detail, from its sculptural build to its performance-driven engineering, was crafted with intent. Each stitch tells part of Shai’s journey on and off the court.

This October, the SHAI 001 evolves with three bold new colourways: Charm Black, Hail Clay, and Masi Blue. Each hue carries a personal meaning, rooted in family ties and inspired by the people closest to Shai. These colourways not only elevate performance on the hardwood but also embody a deeper narrative—showcasing the mindset of a player who lives with purpose and plays with intention.

With a retail price of $260 AUD, the Converse x SHAI 001 Family Range is expected to sell out fast. Sneaker fans and basketball enthusiasts should act quickly to secure their pair, as this marks the next chapter in Converse’s return to performance basketball innovation.

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.

UP THERE x ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 12.1

Jay Mijares
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UP THERE x ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 12.1

ASICS and Melbourne’s own UP THERE are back at it again, linking up for their fourth collaboration – and this one is a serious nod to the past. The UP THERE x ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 12.1, a modern remix of a classic silhouette that first made waves 20 years ago.

The design takes inspiration from the Japanese term “Natsukashii” – that warm, nostalgic feeling you get when thinking about the good old days. You can see it everywhere on this pair: the vintage-inspired colour palette, the throwback materials straight from ASICS’ archives, and those glossy panels layered over traditional mesh for a sleek, future-meets-past look.

Function meets form too — the forefoot flex zone gets a refresh with mesh and fused accents, while the outsole pops with UP THERE’s signature green and Signal Red detailing underfoot. Comfort stays king with the same GEL-NIMBUS™ 17 midsole tooling, dual GEL™ inserts, and FLUIDRIDE™ cushioning — meaning you’re set whether you’re rocking them casually or all day on the move.

The UP THERE x ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 12.1 lands 11 October at ASICS.com/au and select retailers, retailing for $300 AUD (Item Code: 1203A869.021, Colourway: Gravel/Irvine). Raffle is now open at UP THERE! Click here to enter: https://uptherestore.com/products/asics-gel-kayano-12-1-x-up-there-gravel-irvine

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.

NBA 2K26 Game Review: Finally Feels Next-Gen

Ian Honrade
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NBA 2K26 Game Review: Finally Feels Next-Gen

Alright, straight up—2K26 isn’t just another roster update. This year feels different. For once, it looks like 2K actually listened, fixed some of the stuff we’ve all been complaining about, and leaned hard into the skill gap. They’re talking about faster matchmaking and a new movement engine, which, as someone who just wants to hop on Park with the squad, is exactly what I wanted.

Superstar Edition
Standard Edition
WNBA
Edition

Gameplay: The “Skill Gap” Is Real

The new ProPLAY Motion Engine is the biggest change since 2K21, and you can tell right away. Movement feels faster, smoother, and planting/cutting looks way more realistic. Plus, The City finally runs at 60 FPS on current-gen—no more sluggish mess just trying to get to a game.

Shooting got a serious overhaul with Enhanced Rhythm Shooting. It’s universal Green-or-Miss now—if your timing’s off, you’re done. Tough? Yeah. But it rewards actual skill instead of people cheesing with broken attributes.

Defense is better too. Interior D, player collisions, and rebounding all feel tighter, and now you actually get feedback on timing. For once, locking someone up doesn’t feel impossible.

And if you’re new or just struggling, the Learn 2K tutorial gives you tools to pick up advanced moves so you don’t instantly get cooked.

The City & The Grind

Biggest W: Crews are back. You can roll with up to 50 players, make custom branding, and grind goals together for VC/REP boosts. Crew rivalries were peak 2K, and now with new regional leaderboards, it’s gonna get sweaty in the best way.

The City layout is smaller and more compact, so no more skating forever just to play. They’re also bringing back Season Parks (including remasters of the classic 2K16 MyPARKs), which should help keep things fresh.

MyPLAYER Builder: Less Guesswork

The new Build by Badges system is huge. You pick the badges/levels you want (Gold, HOF, etc.) and the game locks in the minimum attributes needed. No more wasting VC on a build just to find out it can’t get the animations you wanted. Speaking of that, the new Animation Glossary shows you every animation in the game plus the requirements for it. Massive quality-of-life improvement.

Also, badges can now go +2 levels higher, which means more specialized (and crazy powerful) builds are coming.

Quick Hits: MyTEAM & MyCAREER

MyTEAM: WNBA players are finally in, and you can mix them with NBA players on the same squad. Plus, a new 10-player co-op mode and the return of Triple Threat Park at Night with 2v2 courts give you more ways to play with friends.

MyCAREER: They’re promising a legit story this year with multiple paths, including club leagues and international ball. If the writing holds up, it might actually be worth playing instead of skipping cutscenes.

Final Verdict

This finally feels like the 2K we’ve been asking for. Skill matters, defense isn’t broken, and The City isn’t a chore to run around in. Add in the return of Crews and some smart quality-of-life fixes, and it’s the best the series has felt in years.

Follow NBA 2K on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest NBA 2K26 news. Also, make sure you subscribe to our website for the latest features. For other NBA 2K or NBA features, click HERE.

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