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McGee, Stephenson Headline Summer Jam

Julian Pauncz
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McGee, Stephenson Headline Summer Jam

Melbourne, get ready because Australia’s biggest streetball festival is back and turning up the heat. From 20 to 22 February, the Summer Jam Championship 2026 takes over Peanut Farm Reserve, bringing world-class basketball, music, fashion, food, and street culture to St Kilda.

Founded in 2011, Summer Jam has evolved from its grassroots origins into a worldwide cultural hub, celebrating the dynamic mix of basketball, music, and street culture. Backed by Jordan Brand and Foot Locker, the festival has welcomed basketball legends while providing a platform for emerging athletes and creative talent.

Headlining this year’s Championship is NBA champion JaVale McGee, bringing championship pedigree and global star power to the Summer Jam courts. A three-time NBA Champion known for his athleticism and rim-rocking presence, McGee adds serious credibility to an already stacked weekend.

Joining him is the dynamic Lance Stephenson, streetball favourite and festival veteran, famous for his flair and larger-than-life personality. After his standout appearance alongside Drake last year, Lance returns to cement Summer Jam as the home of authentic streetball culture where global stars meet fans and inspire the next generation of players.

Over three action-packed days, fans can watch JaVale and Lance in the Jam Elite Showcase, Creator Cup: World vs Australia, and enjoy exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities. The Championship offers more than just competition with Men’s, Women’s and Under 21 tournaments, the World Dunk Contest, Creator Cup battles, live music, headline performances, and a festival atmosphere that extends across the precinct.

Off the court, Jordan Brand and Foot Locker bring exclusive pop-ups, customisation stations, and select product drops. Maybelline Square Garden offers an immersive beauty experience with interactive makeup, photo moments, and arcade-style fun. Jam Alley, the Food Court, and Coca-Cola Chill Zone keep fans fuelled and front-row to the action.

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Tickets are almost gone, so secure yours at summerjam.com.au. Follow Summer Jam on Instagram and Facebook, and get involved with #SpreadTheJam. Summer Jam Championship 2026 is where basketball, culture, and community collide — don’t miss it.

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Review: 361º JOKER 2 HIGH

Derrick Narciso
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Review: 361º JOKER 2 HIGH

The 361º JOKER 2 High is here—and it’s a serious step up.
Today, we’re breaking down three key upgrades that make Nikola Jokić’s latest signature shoe a standout performer.

We have the 361º JOKER 2 High in the “Joker” colorway, now available at 361sport.com.
Retail is $129 USD, but with my code DERRIC, you get $10 off every $100 spent.
Yes—even on discounted items.
That brings this flagship signature shoe down to $119 USD, which is unreal value.

Fully Customisable Lockdown System

First, lockdown gets a massive upgrade.

Out of the box, the JOKER 2 High comes with furry velour-style laces. These loop through rope-style lace holes along the side panels. The result?
A seatbelt-like lockdown that secures the forefoot, midfoot, and heel.

Heel slippage is virtually eliminated.
Your foot and the shoe move as one unit.

But it doesn’t stop there.

361º also includes a second set of purple flat laces. Remove the velour laces and angled lace holes appear, perfectly designed for traditional lacing.
Even better, you can mix and match lace systems to dial in your exact fit and lockdown preference.

Elite Protection and Stability

Next, protection goes to another level.

A lateral Serbian floral-inspired TPU shank plate works alongside a detached medial midfoot TPU panel. Together, they deliver excellent torsional support and help prevent ankle rollovers.

Pair that with full-length QUICK FOAM, and you get:

  • Strong impact protection
  • Excellent shock absorption
  • A smooth, responsive ride straight out of the box

No break-in needed.

Diamond Grip Traction That Lasts

Finally, traction delivers where it matters.

The Diamond Grip rubber outsole features a herringbone traction pattern designed for maximum bite.
It provides elite grip across all court surfaces, whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

Final Verdict

The 361º JOKER 2 High delivers elite performance right out of the box.
No break-in.
No compromises.

It’s a huge upgrade over the original Joker line.

As a bonus, the design is stunning. The shoe keeps signature elements like the harness system and intricate Serbian symbols, while the purple and neon green Joker colorway absolutely pops—on and off the court.

At $119 USD with code DERRIC, this is one of the best value flagship signature basketball shoes available right now.

What are you waiting for?
Go grab them.

You can check-out our last feature here.

SKINARMA x Machine56: Cyberpunk Style Returns

Julian Pauncz
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SKINARMA x Machine56: Cyberpunk Style Returns

If you’re not familiar with them yet, SKINARMA is a Singapore-based tech accessories brand known for blending street aesthetics with real-world protection. Think utility-driven design, clean branding, and materials that are actually made to be used daily. SKINARMA approaches phone protection the same way streetwear approaches footwear, it has to look good, feel good, and survive constant wear.

Americana Punk, Rewired

Following the strong reception of their first collaboration SKINARMA and Machine56 continue their creative partnership expanding on the momentum and a solid foundation set by the original release across Singapore and Indonesia.

More Than Protection, the latest drop keeps things tight and intentional with a single iPhone 17 Pro Max case landing in two colourways designed to perfectly complement Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro lineup. This time around the design language pushes harder into Machine56’s racing and cyberpunk roots with sharp angles and high energy detailing taking centre stage. Balanced by SKINARMA‘s unmistakable street ready sensibility the result is a case that feels equal parts engineered and expressive built for everyday use without playing it safe.


That contrast is brought to life through Americana punk-inspired visuals which anchor the ultra-futuristic aesthetic in a raw, old school attitude influenced by urban subcultures. Built to protect, but also to make a bold statement, the case represents an ongoing push to rethink everyday functionality through confident and unapologetic design, the same mindset that drives sneaker culture, underground motorsport, and DIY streetwear now.

The SKINARMA x Machine56 Cyberpunk collection is now available at www.skinarma.com, www.skinarma.id and selected retailers.

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

Mizuno Wave Prophecy Moc – All Black Returns

Jay Mijares
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Mizuno Wave Prophecy Moc – All Black Returns

Two years after making waves, Mizuno Sportstyle is bringing back the Wave Prophecy Moc in its purest form — all black, head to toe, leather and suede luxury. Originally dropping in 2024, this silhouette blurred the line between sneaker culture and smart casual, instantly becoming a must-have for early adopters.

For SS26, Mizuno revisits the OG vibe: sleek, understated, and effortlessly versatile. The classic all-black upper is paired with black cotton laces and a secondary rope lace system for a modern twist, echoing the detail-first approach of their Gore-Tex releases. Underfoot, the legendary Infinity Wave sole delivers the comfort and support that made the original so coveted.

This is more than a sneaker, it’s a second chance to own one of Mizuno’s most celebrated modern silhouettes. Whether you missed out the first time or are a die-hard collector, the Wave Prophecy Moc is back to redefine your rotation.

The Mizuno Wave Prophecy Moc drops on Friday, 13th February 2026. To secure a pair, make sure to enter via the Raffle Page — don’t miss your chance before they disappear again.

The release will also be available at Above The Clouds, Up There, Highs and Lows, and Laced, so be sure to check in with your local store for release details.

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

Review: ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0

Derrick Narciso
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Review: ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0

The GR version of the ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 may actually outperform the initial release. And there are good reasons why.

Today, we’re checking out the ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 “Graphite Grey / Black”. This colourway is built for the streets. It retails for $240 AUD and is now available at asics.com.au.

Despite the chunky appearance, the fit runs true to size but snug. If you have average or wide feet, going half a size up is highly recommended.

So, what makes the GR pair stand out?

1. Heritage Aesthetics with a Y2K Edge

First, the design.
The upper takes heavy inspiration from the ASICS GEL-1050 from 2000. However, this update feels more refined.

Suede overlays meet silver reflective panels. Lightweight, breathable mesh ties it all together. As a result, the sneaker delivers a strong heritage runner look with a modern Y2K twist. Clean. Timeless. Street-ready.

2. Upgraded Midsole Comfort

Next, the cushioning.
Unlike the original ASICS GEL-NYC, the 2.0 now features FF BLAST+ foam.

This upgrade creates a noticeably bouncier and more responsive ride. Heel-to-toe transitions feel smooth and plush. In addition, exposed GEL pods in the forefoot and heel absorb impact, while the TRUSSTIC Guidance TPU shank improves stability.

Comfort is a clear win here.

3. Lifestyle-Focused Traction

Lastly, the outsole.
The sole design borrows from the ASICS GEL-LYTE DS II.

Flex grooves and pod-style traction improve flexibility and grip. Because of this, the GEL-NYC 2.0 feels ideal for everyday lifestyle wear, especially on urban surfaces.

Final Verdict

Respect to the ASICS design team.
The ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 is a well-developed sneaker that balances comfort, style, and functionality. It’s a worthy successor to the original GEL-NYC and a strong lifestyle runner for 2026.

These are easily getting heavy rotation this year.

You can check-out our last feature here.

New Balance and Hype DC

Derrick Narciso
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New Balance and Hype DC

New Balance and Hype DC brought the community together to celebrate local legends and their extended team. The event lit up Backwoods Gallery in Melbourne, Australia, with striking photography and authentic storytelling.

More importantly, New Balance unveiled its latest silhouettes. The street-ready ABZORB 2000 stole attention. Meanwhile, the heritage-inspired 2010 delivered timeless appeal. To finish, the refined 740 balanced lifestyle comfort with modern design.

As a result, the night felt electric. It became a living moodboard where sneakers, streetwear, art, and music collided. More than a launch, it served as a reminder that culture is built collectively. Every voice matters. Every story counts.

Make sure you check out these new New Balance silhouettes now, available at Hype DC.

You can check-out our last feature here.

The New GEL-NYC™ 2.0: Where Heritage Meets Innovation

Julian Pauncz
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The New GEL-NYC™ 2.0: Where Heritage Meets Innovation

The ASICS GEL-NYC™ first arrived as a lifestyle-focused runner that blended heritage performance design with modern streetwear appeal. Drawing inspiration from early-2000s ASICS running models, it used breathable mesh, structured overlays, and GEL™ cushioning for reliable comfort and support. Celebrated for its versatility, the sneaker worked equally well on city streets or casual wear, proving that ASICS’ running technology can be re-imagined for everyday use and setting the stage for the GEL-NYC™ 2.0.

One of ASICS’ most recognised silhouettes is back — and it’s been rebuilt from the ground up. The GEL-NYC™ 2.0 returns with layer upon layer of performance-driven upgrades, designed to enhance comfort, movement, and versatility for everyday wear.

Officially launching February 6th, 2026, the GEL-NYC™ 2.0 represents the next chapter in ASICS’ ongoing evolution of lifestyle performance footwear. Designed in Kobe, Japan, this refined update continues to blur the line between heritage running DNA and modern street-ready function — a balance ASICS has perfected over decades.

Inspired by the archive, refined for today
Rooted deeply in the ASICS archive, the GEL-NYC™ 2.0 draws inspiration from iconic running silhouettes while introducing a more contemporary, streamlined aesthetic. The design pays homage to the brand’s legacy, while subtle layering, technical overlays, and engineered materials reflect the influence of New York’s fast-paced, ever-moving energy. Developed in collaboration with the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, the result is a sneaker that respects the past while pushing confidently into the future.

Lighter. More Responsive. More Comfortable.
Underfoot, the GEL-NYC™ 2.0 receives a significant performance upgrade. The integration of FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, paired with strategically positioned GEL™ technology units, delivers a noticeably lighter feel with enhanced impact absorption. The refined midsole geometry improves stability and responsiveness, while the updated fit ensures all-day comfort without sacrificing structure. Every step feels supported, smooth, and effortless — whether you’re on the move or on your feet all day.

Built for everyday movement.
More than just a lifestyle sneaker, the GEL-NYC™ 2.0 is engineered for real-world wear. Designed to transition seamlessly from pavement to gym floors, it offers durability, versatility, and comfort across a wide range of daily activities. This release showcases ASICS’ ability to adapt elite running technology for everyday use, staying true to its founding philosophy: A Sound Mind in a Sound Body. A modern classic, re-imagined, the GEL-NYC™ 2.0 is performance heritage made wearable.

The GEL-NYC™2.0 shoe will be available online and at select retailers from February 6, 2026, for $240. For more information visit ASICS.com.au

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Review: DLO 1 ‘JAY FLOW’

Derrick Narciso
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Review: DLO 1 ‘JAY FLOW’

Here are three reasons why the Way of Wade DLO 1 remains the best-performing value sneaker for guards in 2026.

Today, we’re breaking down the Way of Wade DLO 1 in the “Jay Flow” colorway. Priced at $119 USD on wayofwade.com, this shoe continues to punch well above its weight.

First, let’s talk fit.
The DLO 1 runs true to size with a narrow profile. However, wide-foot players should size up half a size for better comfort.

1. Full-Length BOOM Midsole = Elite Responsiveness

The DLO 1 uses a full-length BOOM midsole, caged at the heel by a Light Foam Ultra heel carrier. As a result, the shoe feels highly responsive while absorbing impact efficiently.
Even better, the midsole sits low to the ground. This delivers excellent court feel, making the DLO 1 ideal for quick, shifty guards who rely on speed and control.

2. PRO LOC BAR for Lockdown and Stability

Next is the PRO LOC BAR system. This extended shank plate, paired with a TPU support cage, creates elite foot lockdown.
More importantly, it prevents ankle roll, improves torsional rigidity, and keeps your foot secure during hard cuts and explosive moves.

3. TUFF RB Outsole with Top-Tier Traction

Finally, the TUFF RB outsole seals the deal. It delivers reliable traction, even on dusty courts.
What really sets it apart is durability. The rubber compound is tough enough for outdoor play, making the DLO 1 one of the most versatile guard shoes on the market.

Final Verdict

In short, the Way of Wade DLO 1 still offers elite performance, durability, and value in 2026.
Add in the graffiti-inspired “Jay Flow” colorway, and you get a shoe that looks just as good as it plays.

If you’re a guard looking for your next basketball kicks, the DLO 1 deserves a serious look.

You can check-out our last feature here.

Converse SHAI Ares Gray

Derrick Narciso
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0
Converse SHAI Ares Gray

On Thursday, January 30 at 10:30am, Converse officially launches the latest SHAI signature colourway, ARES GRAY. This release marks a powerful new chapter in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s debut signature sneaker with Converse.

Moreover, the ARES GRAY colourway draws direct inspiration from Shai’s son, Ares. The design reflects the soft grey tone of his eyes, while a fully tonal execution delivers a sleek, fluid look. As a result, the sneaker feels refined, modern, and effortlessly wearable.

In addition, Converse balances sharp lines with understated detailing. The muted grey palette enhances versatility without sacrificing personality. Simply put, this colourway speaks to both performance and lifestyle wear.

Most importantly, fans can now purchase the Converse SHAI ARES GRAY both online and in-store, giving sneaker collectors the chance to experience the craftsmanship up close.

Availability

  • Converse.com.au
  • Converse Chadstone – Melbourne
  • Converse Emporium – Melbourne
  • Converse Sylvia Park – Auckland, NZ
  • Foot Locker AU & NZ (in-store & online)
  • Rebel Sport AU (in-store & online)
  • Courtside Melbourne (in-store & online)

RRP: $260 AUD

UP THERE x adidas Consortium ‘MELBOURNE’

Jay Mijares
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UP THERE x adidas Consortium ‘MELBOURNE’

UP THERE and adidas Consortium link up for their first ever collaboration and it’s a love letter to Melbourne in sneaker form. Introducing the ADIDAS MELBOURNE, a brand new silhouette created specifically for the legendary City Series. Built from the ground up, this release proudly represents UP THERE’s hometown with a deep dive into adidas history and a sharp eye on modern wearability.

The design pulls from two key pieces of adidas heritage. Breathable mesh is taken from the iconic Rod Laver tennis shoe, while detailing is inspired by a rare running spike used during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Unearthed from the adidas archives during the research phase, this historical reference anchors the sneaker firmly in the city’s past while pushing it forward as something entirely new.

The clean white and green palette comes straight from the original 1956 spike, finished with subtle shading to mimic the natural patina seen on vintage pairs that collectors have carefully stored and treasured for decades. It feels aged in the best way, nostalgic without trying too hard.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. A padded leather lining teams up with a performance insole borrowed from the adidas skateboarding line, delivering everyday wearability with a premium feel. The foam tongue nods to the vintage Australian made adidas ROME and is finished with a special label reading MADE BY UP THERE, sealing the collaboration with quiet confidence.

Branding stays tasteful and understated. Bright green lace tips and insoles act as subtle signatures, giving those in the know a clear nod to UP THERE’s creative role in shaping the model.

The UP THERE x adidas Consortium ‘MELBOURNE’ drops at UP THERE with in store release on January 29 at 10:00AM AEDT and online release on January 30 at 6:00PM AEDT.

This is Melbourne through an adidas lens. Thoughtful, archival and built to be worn. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.

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