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BALENCIAGA x NBA Collaboration: High Fashion Meets the Power of Basketball Culture

Derrick Narciso
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BALENCIAGA x NBA Collaboration: High Fashion Meets the Power of Basketball Culture

Balenciaga officially steps onto the hardwood with the BALENCIAGA | NBA Collaboration. A limited-edition capsule that fuses luxury fashion with the raw energy and collective spirit of professional basketball. Guided by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli. The collaboration celebrates sport as a universal language of excellence, integrity, and respect. Where discipline, focus, and commitment define performance at the highest level.

Reflecting Balenciaga’s deep-rooted philosophy of dressing the body with intention. This collaboration channels basketball’s dynamic movement and cultural impact into a refined yet powerful fashion statement. As Piccioli explains, sport creates a shared space where people from diverse backgrounds unite under the same rules and goals. Forging connection through intensity and purpose.

Definitely, launching January 15, 2026, the BALENCIAGA | NBA Collaboration arrives as an exclusive release. Available in select Balenciaga stores worldwide and on Balenciaga.com. The gender-inclusive capsule spans ready-to-wear apparel, footwear, accessories, and small leather goods. Seamlessly blending Balenciaga’s signature silhouettes with unmistakable basketball influence.

Moreover, founded in 1946 and home to 30 teams across North America. The NBA stands as the world’s premier professional basketball league. This collection honors that legacy. While reimagining classic Balenciaga archetypes through sports-inspired volumes and proportions.

Furthermore, the capsule continues the Maison’s tradition of bold, unexpected collaborations with globally influential cultural institutions.

In addtion, the collection features long- and short-sleeved t-shirts, tracksuits, varsity jackets, and coach jackets. Crafted from premium materials including leather, nylon satin, regenerative cotton poplin, and Japanese denim.

Also, each piece is stamped with the number 10 – “le dix.” Referencing Balenciaga’s historic address on Avenue George V in Paris. As well as, anchoring the capsule firmly in Maison heritage.

Furthermore, color plays a defining role. With a striking palette of electric blue, scarlet, and white. And, inspired by the iconic NBA logo introduced in 1969.

Also, these tones are balanced with Balenciaga black, reinforcing the house’s timeless identity. Throughout the collection, NBA branding is boldly juxtaposed with Balenciaga’s marque and typography. Undoubtedly, creating a visual dialogue between sport and luxury.

Finally, the BALENCIAGA | NBA Collaboration is more than a fashion drop. It’s a cultural crossover where basketball identity meets high-fashion craftsmanship.

Review: ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 SSHS

Derrick Narciso
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Review: ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 SSHS

Meet the ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 SSHS “Sulphur Black”, affectionately nicknamed the “Shaolin ’93.” This release serves as a powerful tribute to New York City’s golden era of hip-hop and the legacy of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. Instantly, the striking black and yellow colourway channels the iconic Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) album cover. Delivering unmistakable cultural impact from the very first glance.

My first ASICS pickup of 2026 is an absolute certified banger. It sets the tone for the year in a major way. Right out of the gate, ASICS makes a bold statement with one of the two debut silhouettes from its all-new ASICS Signature Series. Created in collaboration with H.D.S.T. (HAL Studios Design Thinking) and co-founder and creative director John Bouquet.

Additionally, starting at the mudguard and toe box. ASICS applies sulfur-toned tumbled leather with a sandpaper-like finish. Creating a gritty, raw texture that perfectly captures New York’s street-born aesthetic.

Meanwhile, the side panels showcase classic ASICS Tiger Stripes in a premium mix of black leather and suede. Elevating the detailing further, debossed ASICS “A” logos run along the outer stripes. Complemented by true metallic rivets on the yellow leather lace stays. To finish it off, reflective paint hits on the final lace holes subtly nod to New York’s industrial architecture and nighttime energy.

Furthermore, straight out of the box the pair arrives with flat black laces. While an additional set of black flat dotted laces allows for easy personalisation. Moving upward, a textured rubberised lace stay stretches across the tongue. This ends with an oblong black bubble featuring a printed ASICS logo. Flip the tongue over and you’ll find one of the standout details. A woven tag displaying ASICS’ core philosophy, “Sound Mind, Sound Body.” Alongside “The World Is Yours” text and a caricature illustration of the Earth.

Moreover, underneath the premium layers of leather, suede, and synthetics, a flexible yellow mesh base enhances breathability for all-day wear. Around the heel, a uniquely sculpted reflective heel counter proudly showcases GEL branding. Adding both visual interest and nighttime visibility.

Underfoot, ASICS delivers serious performance. A responsive matte black FF BLAST+™ midsole works in tandem with exposed GEL units in the forefoot and heel to provide exceptional cushioning and impact absorption.

Meanwhile, the TPU-based TRUSSTIC™ support system enhances torsional stability, while the podular rubber outsole with horizontal wavy traction ensures dependable grip across a variety of surfaces. A subtle grey speckled paint finish on the outsole ties the entire look together.

Overall, this is an incredible way to kick off 2026. Massive respect to ASICS, John Bouquet, and the HAL Studios design team for delivering such a strong and culturally charged debut—alongside its brown counterpart—to start the year on a high note.

Also, retailing at $280 AUD, the ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 SSHS “Shaolin ’93” is available now via asics.com and halstudios.net.

Finally, if you grew up blasting Nas and Wu-Tang through your speakers, this is a must-have pair that deserves a spot in your rotation.

HSDT x ASICS GEL-NYC™ 2.0 “SSHS”

Julian Pauncz
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HSDT x ASICS GEL-NYC™ 2.0 “SSHS”

ASICS links up with HSDT to introduce the GEL-NYC™ 2.0 SSHS, a new Signature Series project rooted in place, pace and everyday reality. Originally designed by Angelo Baque of Awake NY, the GEL-NYC™ was conceived as a love letter to New York City, blending ASICS’ performance running DNA with the layered textures, movement and attitude of the city’s streets. Built on that foundation, this updated silhouette sharpens the proportions, refines the comfort and leans deeper into a visual language pulled straight from NYC’s everyday uniform.

Titled The Architecture of Everyday Life, the project looks past the postcard moments and focuses on the infrastructure that quietly holds the city together. Scaffolding wrapped around ageing buildings. Steel beams, stairwells and cracked sidewalks. Mesh fences, utility grates and oxidised metal surfaces worn down by time and traffic. These details are not ornamental, they are functional. The HSDT x ASICS GEL-NYC™ 2.0 SSHS translates this industrial code into a sneaker designed for real movement, built to be worn, lived in and layered with the memory of its environment.

Shot entirely on location in New York, the campaign places the shoe on the feet of real New Yorkers moving through the city at its natural rhythm. Anchoring the story are hip-hop icons Nas and Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan, with each colourway drawing inspiration from their respective landmark debut albums. Illmatic and Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) were more than just records. They were documents of place, time and perspective, capturing the raw textures and energy of the city that shaped them.

Those same references flow through the GEL-NYC™ 2.0 SSHS. The tonal palettes reflect the physical environments those albums came from, grounding the shoe in authenticity rather than nostalgia. This is not a throwback for the sake of it. It’s a modern expression of New York’s everyday architecture, filtered through ASICS’ performance heritage and HSDT’s design lens.

The GEL-NYC™ 2.0 SSHS stands as a reminder that the most meaningful design often comes from what we pass by every day, unnoticed but essential.

The HSDT x ASICS GEL-NYC™ 2.0 SSHS shoe will be available globally from January 16, 2026, in unisex sizing through selected ASICS stores, ASICS.com/au, hsdt.net and select retail partners for $280 AUD (Item Code: 1203A896.750. Colourway: Sulphur/Black, 1203A896.200. Colourway: Mahogany/Black).

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

Converse Chucks in Love

Derrick Narciso
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Converse Chucks in Love

This Valentine’s Day, Converse is celebrating love in all its forms with the launch of its ‘Chucks in Love’ collection.

Designed to reflect how people express love today, from romantic partners and close friendships to family bonds and self-love, the range reimagines classic Chuck styles with playful, feel good details. Think heart shaped accents, shoe charms, bold patterns and distinctive stitching, all grounded in signature Converse DNA.

Spanning both adult and kids’ styles, Chucks in Love is made for gifting, matching moments or treating yourself, encouraging wearers to celebrate love however they define it.

The Converse Chucks in Love collection launches 12th January, available in stores and online.

ADULTS

Chuck Taylor All Star Hearts (Low and High)RRP: $160 HI & $150 Low
Chuck Lo, Pro Red
RRP: $160
Chuck 70 Hearts
RRP: $100
Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform Hearts Low
RRP: $160
Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform Hearts High
RRP: $160

KIDS

Chuck Lo, Pro Red
RRP: $120
Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform Hearts
RRP: $100
Chuck Taylor All Star One Strap Hearts
RRP: $80

You can check-out our last feature here.

Review: Rigorer AR3 Milkyway

Derrick Narciso
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Review: Rigorer AR3 Milkyway

If you didn’t already know, Austin Reaves’ Rigorer signature basketball shoes have officially landed in Australia, distributed locally by Clutch24Sports.com. Even better, the price point is unbelievably low for a performance-driven signature sneaker loaded with modern tech.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Rigorer AR3 in the ‘Milkyway’ colorway—and straight out of the box, it impresses. The shoe delivers a futuristic, aggressive design paired with a surprisingly solid and supportive build. This colorway leans heavily on black, while orange and purple galactic accents inject bold, space-inspired energy.

Most notably, the TPU side-panel cage draws inspiration from spaceship windows. However, this design isn’t just for looks. These panels act as the primary containment system, extending upward to double as reinforced lace loops. Additional TPU strips strengthen the remaining eyelets, enhancing lockdown and durability.

Meanwhile, breathability comes from the engineered mesh toe box and perforations on the neoprene tongue. Although the upper stays thin and lightweight, welded TPU overlays reinforce high-wear areas. Once laced up, the padded tongue delivers ample comfort and pressure relief, even during long runs.

At the heel, trident-style segmented TPU heel cups wrap around what appears to be a carbon-fibre structure, further boosting stability. On the lateral side, guards will especially appreciate the extended outrigger, reinforced with serrated TPU “teeth.” This setup dramatically reduces ankle roll during explosive side-to-side movements and hard cuts.

Underfoot, the Rigorer AR3 features semi-caged Showtime cushioning, Rigorer’s proprietary foam designed for responsive shock absorption. Importantly, the midsole stays low to the ground, offering excellent court feel, which guards and shifty players will love.

Below that, aggressive thick herringbone traction spans the entire outsole and wraps slightly onto both the medial and lateral sides. As a result, the grip feels elite—perfect for hesitations, stop-and-go moves, and quick crossovers.

Sandwiched between the supercritical foam and durable rubber outsole sits the X-RIB TPU plate, delivering outstanding torsional support for every pivot, cut, and transition.

In terms of fit, I recommend going true to size. The toe box is wide-foot friendly, making it accessible for a broader range of hoopers.

Best of all, Austin Reaves’ third signature shoe retails for just $159 AUD in Australia. Plus, if you sign up at Clutch24Sports.com, you’ll receive an extra 10% off your order.

Overall, the Rigorer AR3 ‘Milkyway’ looks incredible and performs even better on court. I genuinely love the bold, maximalist aesthetic—so much so that I’d happily rock these off the court as well. If you’re searching for a bang-for-buck basketball sneaker this year, the Rigorer AR3 should be at the very top of your list.

You can check-out our last feature here.

ASICS GEL-YETITOKYO HI GTX “GORE-TEX”

Jay Mijares
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ASICS GEL-YETITOKYO HI GTX “GORE-TEX”

The ASICS GEL-YETITOKYO HI GTX is where ASICS SportStyle heritage meets street-level functionality. Designed to move seamlessly from city pavements to unpredictable weather, this boot-inspired silhouette is powered by GORE-TEX®, keeping you dry without compromising style.

This release is part of a Japan-led special project that revisits ASICS’ most iconic models and reshapes them for today. Led by Shigeyuki Kunii—director of mita sneakers—the project blends deep archive knowledge with a forward-thinking lifestyle approach.

Originally based on the TRANSCEND series after-shoes from 2000, the GEL-YETITOKYO HI was built to give runners relief after trail competitions. Its functional design and unconventional shape quickly caught the attention of the street scene, evolving into a cult lifestyle staple by 2003.

Now reworked for modern wear, this second release features:

  • GORE-TEX® construction for all-weather confidence
  • Lace stoppers for quick, easy lockdown
  • Cork inner sole for elevated comfort
  • A clean, high-top silhouette with technical edge
  • Colour: Black / Black

Dressed in Black / Black, this pair delivers understated heat—low-key, versatile, and ready for everyday rotation. A sneaker that doesn’t chase trends, but stays ahead of them.


ASICS GEL-YETITOKYO HI GTX “GORE-TEX”

  • Colour: Black / Black
  • Style Code: 1203A707-001
  • Price: ¥34,100
  • Sizes: 24.0cm – 30.0cm

In-store Release:
Friday, 2 January 2026 — 10:00 AM

Online Release:
Monday, 5 January 2026 — 10:00 AM
*Online availability subject to in-store sales.

The ASICS GEL-YETITOKYO HI GTX “GORE-TEX” will release via mita sneakers, Herringbone Footwear, and selected ASICS stores, keeping the drop focused and true to its street-led roots. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.

Review: Joe Fresh Goods x New Balance 992 MiUSA ‘Aged Well’

Derrick Narciso
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Review: Joe Fresh Goods x New Balance 992 MiUSA ‘Aged Well’

My final pickup of the year is the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 MiUSA “Aged Well” in the Rose Smoke and Misty Rose colorway. From the moment you see it, the sneaker delivers an earthy, neutral palette that feels like a “what if” continuation of the 2020 No Emotions Are Emotions grail—aged to perfection.


We finally got our hands on these just before the year wrapped up. Thankfully, a timely restock on the Joe Freshgoods website sent resale prices tumbling. Even better, I scored this pair for a steal on eBay Australia. Right now, it definitely pays to keep browsing—especially with the sneaker market in a clear downturn.

The upper features premium suede overlays in Rose Smoke and Misty Rose, layered over classic grey mesh. Muted orange and soft pink tones add warmth, while subtle hits of light brown leather on the tongue and heel tab elevate the overall execution. Meanwhile, New Balance branding pairs cleanly with Joe Freshgoods’ JFG logo on the tongue and rear heel. USA and iconic “N” branding anchor the side panels, staying true to the 992’s heritage.

In addition, the insoles showcase abstract artwork with co-branding, adding another thoughtful detail to this release. Underfoot, the sneaker combines ENCAP and C-CAP dual-density midsoles, supported by ABZORB SBS cushioning pods in both the heel and forefoot. As a result, the shoe delivers excellent all-day comfort and reliable stability. The color-blocked midsole continues the Aged Well theme, while a black outsole finishes the look with contrast.

Early on, this collaboration stood as a serious Sneaker of the Year contender. It even held the New Balance of the Year title for most of the calendar, before the Osaka Kith and Up There collaborations edged it out, in my opinion.

The mix of suede, mesh, and leather works flawlessly. More importantly, the neutral, earthy tones make this pair wearable year-round. Comfort is another win. Thanks to the proven New Balance cushioning setup. Fit-wise, the 992 runs slightly roomy in the toe box, making it wide-foot friendly. However, if you prefer a snug fit, I recommend going half a size down.

Retailing at $180 USD, most sizes are still available at joefreshgoods.com. Let us know if you picked up a pair during the second release—and where this collaboration ranks on your 2025 Sneaker of the Year list.

You can check-out our last feature here.

Review: AFEW x Mizuno MXR OAG3

Derrick Narciso
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Review: AFEW x Mizuno MXR OAG3

Today, we’re spotlighting the AFEW x Mizuno MXR OAG3 collaboration in the Fog / Tiger Eye / Desert Palm colourway. We managed to secure a rare, otherworldly sneaker release from planet OAG3. Even better, this pair is limited to just 500 units worldwide.

Right away, the design stands out. AFEW delivers a bold vision. Earthy tones meet futuristic detailing. The result feels organic, technical, and alien all at once.

Next, your eyes are drawn to the thin grey rope laces. They wrap around the heel, sides, and uppers. A built-in lace lock on the tongue stay keeps them secure. This feature alone adds depth, structure, and visual tension.

Material execution is where this collaboration truly shines. The toe box features soft cream-white leather. Beneath it, silver synthetic panels sit on both sides, injecting a subtle sci-fi edge. Moving outward, the side panels shift into a deep brown leather, adding contrast and warmth.

Meanwhile, the lace eyelets are reinforced with matching dark brown leather and silver synthetic overlays. Below that, a textured embossed stripe adds another layer of detail. Every panel feels intentional.

On the tongue, cream leather returns. A light brown TPU Mizuno RunBird emblem anchors the design. A pull tab completes the look while improving functionality.

Then comes one of the standout details. On the medial side, the RunBird logo appears with the same textured strip, framed in dark brown and silver. On the lateral side, however, the logo turns translucent in a soft light brown finish. It’s subtle. It’s premium. And it works.

Underneath it all sits a light brown breathable mesh that resembles corduroy. It’s lightweight and airy. At the heel, a darker brown open mesh takes over. Here, you’ll also find the iconic AFEW emblem encased in a transparent bubble, alongside an additional lace stay for the grey rope laces.

Rounding out the upper are the main cream oval laces, tying the palette together perfectly.

Inside, the glued-in insoles arrive in a satin mustard finish, featuring MXR, OAG3, and AFEW branding. Cushioning comes from vintage yellow U4icX foam, which feels responsive, supportive, and stable underfoot. Branding continues at the heel, with the OAG3 logo on the right and the AFEW logo on the left.

Under the sole, performance steps up. This pair features a stiffer TPU sidewall and reinforced X-Plate compared to GR versions. As a result, torsional support feels noticeably stronger and more controlled.

Overall, storytelling is exceptional. The layered materials, earthy hues, and muted silver accents feel deliberate. The grey rope laces reinforce the narrative, making the shoe feel like it truly belongs on another planet.

Moreover, fit is true to size. It’s also very wide-foot friendly. On foot, the sneaker feels surprisingly light, making it easy to wear all day.

Retailing at €139.99 (approx. $248.00 AUD), they are now available at afew-store.com

Finally, huge congratulations to Mizuno and AFEW for delivering another out-of-this-world collaboration. This release easily lands in my top 10 sneaker pickups of the year. And honestly, it’s the perfect way to close out 2025.

You can check-out our last feature here.

Where Sneakers Meet Stories

Julian Pauncz
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Where Sneakers Meet Stories

Sneakers have always carried more than function. They hold stories, moments, and connections that stretch beyond the product itself. The Tanavit23 x The Kickz Stand ‘Jemed Kickz’ collectible sits firmly in that space, where culture, creativity, and personal history intersect.

What started with two creatives bonding over a mutual passion for sneakers and art toys has grown into a concrete expression of friendship and obsession. ‘Jemed Kickz‘ isn’t framed as a conventional collaboration. Rather, it captures a moment in a journey defined by years of dialogue, shared respect, and admiration for craftsmanship across diverse mediums.

Bringing together art toy culture and sneaker heritage, the figure introduces character-driven storytelling into the world of footwear. Styled in ASICS-inspired sneakers and finished with the signature THEKICKZSTAND hoodie, the character sits with a calm, understated confidence. The crown it wears is not a symbol of status, but of commitment, reflecting passion earned through time, effort, and contribution to the culture.

“We’ve always joked about doing something together,” says Jeremy Tanavit (Tanavit23). “So this piece became that, our story told in resin. It’s about the crossover between toys, sneakers, and friendship.”

For Jay Mijares, founder of The Kickz Stand, the project reflects a long-standing admiration for craftsmanship, whether expressed through sneakers or collectible art.

“Both of us grew up admiring sneaker craftsmanship and toy culture. ASICS has always been part of that journey, not just the sneakers, but what they stand for: movement, purpose, and creation.”

Jay’s connection with ASICS runs deep. Over the years, the brand has supported his creative projects and community-focused events, forming a relationship built on shared values and respect. On a more personal level, Jay also has a connection to Shigeyuki Mitsui, the legendary designer behind the ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III, adding a deeper sense of meaning to the collaboration.

At the centre of ‘Jemed Kickz‘ is the ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III, first released in 1990 and recognised for its innovative split-tongue construction and tri-density sole. The silhouette continues to bridge performance heritage and modern sneaker culture. Its design language mirrors the collaboration itself, balancing form and function, past and present. The split tongue subtly reflects the duality of this partnership, two creative worlds coming together.

From late-night messages to a fully realised sculpt, ‘Jemed Kickz‘ embodies the idea of creating without forcing outcomes. Whether viewed as a designer collectible, a reflection of sneaker history, or a moment of nostalgia, it reinforces the connection between sneakers, art toys, and storytelling.

Product Information
Tanavit23 x The Kickz Stand ‘Jemed Kickz’ Figure
Size: 20cm
Material: Resin
Edition Size: 35 pieces worldwide

*Includes sneaker box style packaging, The Kickz Stand stickers, and keychain.

The Tanavit23 x The Kickz Stand ‘Jemed Kickz’ collectable is available in very limited quantities at thekickzstand.com.au

Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest releases and features. You can explore more features here, and discover other pop culture features here.

Jordan 1 Retro Low OG ‘Chicago’ 2025

Derrick Narciso
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Jordan 1 Retro Low OG ‘Chicago’ 2025

The retro we’ve been waiting for—without the forced vintage look.

The Jordan 1 Retro Low OG ‘Chicago’ 2025 is finally here, and this time it delivers a clean, authentic throwback. No pre-aged midsoles. No artificial yellowing. Just crisp white leather panels, slick toebox and a pristine finish that stays true to the OG DNA.

Despite a slower year for sneakers—especially Jordan 1s—this release still sold out instantly. That alone says a lot. Even better, resale prices remain far more reasonable compared to the wild numbers the 2016 version once commanded. Big win for true collectors.

One major upgrade stands out immediately: real leather is back. While overall build quality remains typical mass-produced Jordan Brand fare, the leather choice is a clear step up from the 2016 release. My pair did arrive with minor paint marks on the toe box, but nothing a quick shoe wipe couldn’t fix.

Out of the box, you get black laces installed, plus extra white laces for versatility. The oversized OG Swoosh makes a welcome return, adding that classic Chicago edge. Even better, the Jordan Wings logo on the heel is now debossed, not printed—another subtle but meaningful upgrade over recent Jordan 1 Low releases.

Most importantly, this pair avoids the overdone “vintage” trend entirely. Clean midsoles. Bright whites. Pure retro energy. With so many archive-heavy Nike and Jordan drops this year, the Jordan 1 Low OG Chicago (2025) was a definite must-cop for me.

Does it crack my Top 10 pickups of 2025? I’m still deciding.

If you secured a pair, let me know—where does it rank in your 2025 pickups?

You can check-out our last feature here.

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