The second series of ASICS GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95 sneakers, launched last October in collaboration with CFCL, builds on the ‘Black’ colour from the first series and introduces two new shades: the chic and sophisticated ‘Dark Shadow’ and the bright, nude tone ‘Pink Tint’.
The GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95 is characterized by its exceptionally lightweight and comfortable fit, achieved by minimizing the components to the essentials required for function and design. Additionally, a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted on all processes, from material procurement to disposal, including both the sneaker and the packaging box. This ensures minimized greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a carbon footprint of only 1.95 kg CO2-e.
Based on the iconic ASICSGEL-LYTE III OG, this collaboration aims to achieve the world’s lowest GHG emissions. To ensure and enhance design quality, ASICS and CFCL engaged in co-creation efforts, including repeated dialogue on materials, knit density, and component selection. The combination of CFCL’s stylish colouring with ASICS‘s proven technology results in a sneaker that seamlessly blends quality and design with a sophisticated taste suitable for modern urban life.
NBA MVP contender and style icon Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderis set to drop his own version of the Converse Weapons. Unveiled at Converse’s “Create History Not Hype” launch party at The Court in Melbourne, the event was a nostalgic celebration of Converse Weapons through the ages, featuring iconic pairs from legends like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. However, the true highlight of the evening was the debut of the Shai Weapon.
According to Dave Dullens, Converse’s Head of Marketing for Australia and New Zealand, the new Shai Weapons are a meticulous, panel-for-panel and stitch-for-stitch recreation of the original 1986 pair. The shoes boast premium white leather uppers, pre-yellowed midsoles, and metallic pink cracked leather panels, giving them a vintage vibe. Additionally, the internal structure has been enhanced for maximum comfort.
Set to release globally on August 15th, the Shai Weapon will be available at Converse stores and online at converse.com.au. Stay tuned for an in-depth review of this highly anticipated release!
We are excited to share that NBA iconand legend Carmelo Anthony will be touring Australia next month, where he will host exclusive events in Perth and Melbourne.
As a 10-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Carmelo Anthony will offer fans of all ages a unique opportunity to engage with him both on and off the court through elite basketball camps and exclusive evening experiences, providing rare insights from one of the game’s most influential figures.
Tickets for the Melbourne and Perth events will be available starting at 9:00am this Thursday, 15th August, at: https://megatix.com.au/carmeloanthony.
Our favorite performance basketball sneaker of 2024 returns in one of our favorite colorways from the Way of Wade line! Introducing the Wade 808 4 Ultra in ASG Green. This colorway pays homage to one of the two 2015 Way of Wade 3 ASG colorways. Dwyane Wade was set to wear those kicks in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game. The circular patterns around the shoe nod to Way of Wade’s Sting Wade lineup.
The Wade 808 4 Ultra features ultra-light, breathable, and flexible knitted uppers reinforced by fused TPU strips. The six micro-straps, acting like seatbelts from the midfoot to the footbed, and the adjustable midfoot strap ensure amazing lockdown and containment. The full-length BOOM drop-in midsole provides responsive and shock-absorbent cushioning. Offering excellent low-to-the-ground court feel. Furthermore, stability is enhanced by the outriggers at the lateral front and heel side. Next, the TPU palm structure and carbon fiber shank plate support tough rubber soles. This forms a large herringbone pattern for superior traction.
The main update is the replacement of synthetic suede uppers with green and purple synthetic leather, and textured purple rubber at the heel cup.
The Wade 808 4 Ultra is not just one of the best-performing basketball shoes of 2024, but also one of the most stylish silhouettes of the year. Moreover, although officially inspired by aquatic lifeforms, I think this colorway resembles one of the best villains from an anime I loved growing up. Can you guess who it is?
Lastly, Retailing at $159 USD, the Wade 808 4 Ultra in ASG Green is now available at wayofwade.com.
You can check-out our review of the Wade 808 4 Ultra Family Love colorway HERE.
It’s been a minute since we have done some pop culture recaps, so here we go! Time to go over some of the biggest news to come out of the D23 Expo that was held over the weekend in Anaheim, CA. There is a fair bit to unpack from the event, so here are some of the highlights from the D23 to get everyone excited for whats to come
Let’s start with all things Disney/Pixar
Moana 2 Official Trailer
Snow White Official Trailer
First look at Stitch in the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch
Toy Story 5 Teaser
Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer
We also got announcements for The Incredibles 3, Frozen 3 and Zootopia 2 with release dates to come for these ones
Star Wars Updates
Over to Star Wars now and we got a first look at Skeleton Crew which is set to hit Disney+ on December 3. Set during the New Republic era, the years after Return of the Jedi, the plot for this series is set around 4 kids lost in the galaxy trying to make their way home. Jude Law is set to make his star wars debut as a force user named Jod Na Nawood.
Andor Season 2
We still don’t have a confirmed release date for Andor Season 2 beyond 2025, but D23 did give fans of the Rogue One prequel series some exciting new updates. First, star Diego Luna discussed how the 12-episode season (Andor‘s last) will follow Cassian Andor over a period of three years as he becomes a leader in the Resistance.
Then, exclusive footage revealed that at least two Rogue One characters would be returning: Ben Mendelsohn is back as villain Orson Krennic, and Alan Tudyk reprises his role as droid K-2SO.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
Star Wars returns to the big screen with The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau.
While the movie is just weeks into production, Favreau and producer and co-writer Dave Filoni brought footage to D23 to give us a taste of what’s next for Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his apprentice Grogu. Footage teased the return of Mando’s Razor Crest ship and Star Wars Rebels‘ Zeb Orrelios, as well as the Mandalorian and Grogu facing AT-AT walkers on a snowy planet (Hoth, anyone?).
Due to hit cinemas in May 2026
Marvel Studios Update
We first up got a new trailer for Agatha All Along which is a spinoff from the Wandavision series.
Kathryn Hahn will reprise her role as the witch Agatha Harkness and is joined in the show by costars Joe Locke, Patti LuPone, Aubrey Plaza, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp.
The show will follow Hahn in the aftermath of WandaVision having to face a “magical gauntlet of trials” along the Witches Road as she seeks to gain her powers back.
Agatha All Along premiers on Disney+ on September 18th 2024
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Fans at D23 got an exclusive sneak peek at the initial teaser trailer for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps starring Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/The Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing). This didn’t stop fans from recording it and posting it across social media though, and it can easily be found by searching.
The trailer is the same one shown at SDCC last month and is made from lots of test footage and conceptual pre-visualization reels. Still, what Marvel has on hand now with filming still ongoing is pretty impressive.
Daredevil: Born Again
Alongside Fantastic Four, Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again sequel series also had its exclusive trailer leaked on the internet by phone-happy fans. Feel free to search, because we won’t be embedding the trailer for this one here either.
Serving as a continuation of the beloved Netflix Daredevil, Charlie Cox and his co-stars Vincent D’Onofrio (Kingpin), Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page), and Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson) all return to make their official debuts into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The trailer shown at D23 was jam-packed with surprises such as the return of Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and Wilson Bethel’s Bullseye. Alongside them was our first look at the costumed vigilante White Tiger.
Daredevil: Born Again premieres on Disney+ on March 1, 2025
Ironheart
2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced us to genius inventor Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who created her own suit of Iron Man-like armor. She returns to the MCU in the TV series Ironheart, set to premiere in 2025.
D23 attendees got to see some as-yet unreleased footage of Riri working on building herself a new suit, as well as a look at villain Parker Robbins/The Hood (Twisters‘ Anthony Ramos). The show also stars Alden Ehrenrich, Lyric Ross, Matthew Elam, Anji White, Manny Montana ,and Shea Couleé.
Experience the new WADE 808 4 Ultra in the stunning ‘Family Love’ colorway. These are the only WADE kicks with full-length drop-in BOOM insoles, providing a more explosive response and superior shock absorption. The drop-in midsoles offer customization and a lower base for improved court and ground feel. Micro tractions around the insoles ensure they attach securely to the shoe, making your foot and the WADE 808 4 Ultra feel like a single unit.
The shoe’s containment features include super flexible, breathable, and durable knitted uppers supported by micro straps that act like seatbelts around the midfoot. Pores on the tongue and the lateral TPU wall enhance breathability, keeping your feet fresh throughout training sessions and games. Additionally, a midfoot velcro strap offers extra lockdown, and the TPU cage wrapping around the midsole converges at the back of the foot as a heel cup, providing additional support. The hard, durable rubber outsole offers unparalleled grip with multi-diagonal tractions.
The soccer cleats-inspired design of the Full Palm TPU and lightweight carbon fiber shank plate delivers fantastic support, energy return, and rigidity. Once again, WADE has improved the already impressive 808 line. The WADE 808 4 Ultra feels like an evolved and improved Kobe 8 shoe. If you prioritize cushioning, unparalleled lockdown, and reliable traction, these are the basketball kicks for you!
They run true to size; wide-footers should go half a size up. Retailing for $159 USD, they are now available at wayofwade.com.
For more performance basketball sneaker reviews, check-out our last feature HERE.
In celebration of the upcoming 35th anniversary of the GEL-LYTE III in 2025, a special project has been unveiled featuring Shigeyuki Kunii, the esteemed creative director of mita sneakers. Kunii is renowned for his influential role in both global sneaker projects and domestic inline direction, making him an ideal choice for this milestone collaboration.
The GEL-LYTE III, first introduced in 1990, is a lightweight running shoe that epitomizes ASICS‘ sportswear innovation. It is particularly celebrated for its distinctive “split tongue” design, which divides the tongue into two large vertical sections, enhancing both comfort and fit.
The new edition, titled “TRICO 2024,” builds on the legacy of the “TRICO 2020” collaboration model created with mita sneakers to commemorate the GEL-LYTE III’s 30th anniversary. This latest version has been thoughtfully reimagined with a colour palette inspired by the upcoming summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Distinctive features of the mita sneakers x ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III OG “TRICO 2024” include a zippered tongue that offers both traditional lacing and slip-on convenience. The outsole showcases a unique “FAR EAST” graphic, symbolizing Japan from a global perspective and Ueno from the city centre. Additionally, the side of the tongue is adorned with a woven label featuring the producer’s tag, “Tokyo Kai.”
A standout detail of this edition is the incorporation of glow-in-the-dark GEL technology on the heel patch of the upper. This feature not only highlights the shoe’s advanced technology but also adds a striking visual effect.
With its special design elements and thematic inspiration, this limited edition from Japan is set to capture attention and generate excitement in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.
Our vendors brought an incredible selection of sneakers, covering every style from casual to basketball and even rare grails. In addition, we had a variety of homewares, collectibles, and other items that reflect our community’s passions.
We were thrilled to offer amazing giveaways and freebies, thanks to our generous sponsors who helped provide fantastic prizes.
Monster Energy wowed attendees with a well-set-up racing simulator, perfect for aspiring racers. They also hosted their challenging cornhole game, where participants had the chance to win prizes and enjoy a boost of energy.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the team at PCYC Nerang for their invaluable assistance. We truly appreciate your support.
Huge thank you to our sponsors whose unwavering support continues to elevate these gatherings and make them unforgettable.
We look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces. Stay tuned for more updates on what’s coming next! For more details about vendor bookings or entry tickets, head over to our website https://www.thekickzstand.com.au/imjts. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other It’s More Than Just Sneakers or other Event features, click HERE.
ASICS is excited to drop the second version of their awesome collaboration with Australian retailer Above The Clouds, featuring the new GT-2160™ sneaker. (Click HERE to see the first version of the Above The Clouds x ASICS GT-2160™)
This time around, the Above The Clouds x ASICS GT-2160™ takes inspiration from the Japanese Maple tree, showing off some cool earthy colours on the upper and midsole.
They’ve mixed in some experimental materials to give this classic model a fresh and upgraded look, while still keeping its signature wavy forefoot and GEL cushioning for that top-notch comfort.
The new Above The Clouds x ASICS GT-2160™ sneaker are now available exclusively at Above The Clouds. If you’re looking to snag a pair, you can enter on the ASICS website from 9 a.m. AEST on July 23rd through the ASICS EQL platform. You’ll have until 9 a.m. AEST on July 27th to get your entry in.
The Above The Clouds x ASICS GT-2160™ will be priced at $240 AUD. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other ASICS features, click here.
Introducing the 361º DVD 2Smoothie King colorway, the second signature series collaboration between NBA veteran Spencer Dinwiddie and 361º!
You’ll immediately notice the sleek, low-to-the-ground design of the 361º DVD 2Smoothie King. The upper is crafted from lightweight, durable TPU yarn, with containment provided mainly by the Qu!k Wrap lacingsystem. This system features TWO midfoot straps directly attached to the laces, working alongside a padded heel counter to offer a tailored, unparalleled lockdown for your foot.
The full-length Qu!kCQTech midsole, enclosed in transparent TPU and ENRG-X foam, delivers responsive energy return and rigidity. Stability is further enhanced by the Archlock plate underfoot and the extended outrigger, providing dependable support for quick side-to-side movements and preventing ankle rolls. The tire tread-inspired traction ensures excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor courts, and to me though, it looks like a circuit maze.
At $191 AUD, the 361º DVD 2Smoothie King offers exceptional value. Its sleek design and Smoothie-inspired clean colorway looks great both on and off the courts. Equipped with 361º’s latest cushioning, lockdown tech, and low-to-the-ground court feels, these sneakers readily meets the demands of modern-day ballers.
They run true to size, wide footers needs to go half a size up! Highly recommended for guards, shooting guards and small forwards. They are now available at361sport.com!
For more performance basketball kicks review, check-out our last feature HERE!
