My first encounter with the Reebok pumps was watching an NBA VHS called NBA Jam Session, with my cousins. The video was a highlight reel of the best “dunkers” in the NBA, at that time and I vividly remember watching Dee Brown get himself ready for his famous dunk in the ’91 Dunk Contest. I remember seeing him bend down and start pumping up his shoes. My eyes lit up, I’ve never seen anything like it before. I just thought they were the most innovative shoes at the time – I wanted a pair but never had the money. Innovation was definitely the one aspect that drew me to the shoes initially, the second would be nostalgia.
As cliche as it sounds, buy what you like and wear what you like. When you grow up with not much, you learn to appreciate what you have. Honestly, I feel my collection is a good representation of that.
The shoes inspire me. I want to highlight my favourite element of the sneaker I’m wearing. I’m not the best photographer and I’m still learning in that space, but I try to showcase the shoe. Everything I post is for me and it still blows my mind that there are people out there that like it
TITAN and Jordan Brand are teaming up once again for the second time. This time around is to pay homage of the past, present and future. Honouring history and celebrating a legacy that continues to unfold. This timeless take on the iconic Jordan 2 is inspired by the Philippines beloved 1954 Basketball World Championship team, reimagined by the unique vision and style of Chi Loyzaga-Gibbs. Chi is a designer, artist, musician and granddaughter of the Filipino basketball hero, Caloy Loyzaga. “The Big Difference” led the Philippine National Team to a bronze medal finish in that now-historic tournament in Brazil.
Decades later, TITAN helps honour that achievement with the Jordan 2 Low and a six-piece apparel set. The collection is inspired by the 1950’s – an homage to the Philippines greatest basketball team in history and a representation of Chi’s modern signature style, with a play on colours, materials and original illustrations that celebrate the widespread influence that basketball has on art, culture, and everyday life.
Premium suede, richly textured corduroy and crisp leather combine with a speckled midsole in a colour palette that’s straight out of the 50’s. Chi’s trademark tropical aesthetic and original artwork live on the sneaker and in the apparel, connecting the spirit of Jordan, her unique perspective on our nation’s legendary podium moment, and TITAN‘s love of the game. Chi’s interpretation of the Jordan 2 honours history while at the same time creates a new chapter of greatness all her own.
SNKRDUNK is Japan’s leading sneaker and streetwear marketplace. In 2021, the platform’s parent company, SODA Inc, acquired Monokabu, Japan’s second largest operator in the sneaker market, allowing SNKRDUNK to have a significant presence in Japan’s sneaker resale industry. In early 2022, SNKRDUNK expanded its services to global users, accumulating 4.5 million users across the globe.
Its growing user base is a testament to SNKRDUNK’s strict authentication behind every transaction. As SNKRDUNK continues to grow its digital presence, it is also carving a physical portfolio in the form of retail stores. Succeeding two high-traffic locations at Harajuku and Osaka, a Singapore flagship also opened recently on the 15th October 2022 at the premium Mandarin Gallery in Orchard Road.
Expert Authentication: Buy the Real Deal SNKRDUNK has been revered for its stringent authentication system which ensures its leading reputation in the highly lucrative sneaker and streetwear marketplace. The company’s team of expert sneaker authenticators verify the products against a refined database that houses thousands of authentication records, leading to a 99.96% authentication accuracy rate*. (*Calculated from the number of transactions from 1 March 2021 to 31 March 2022.)
The comprehensive SNKRDUNK authentication process ensures that all of its sneakers are 100% authentic. This is crucial in the resale sneaker market due to the issue of replicas and fakes. Buying from SNKRDUNK ensures that customers are not only able to access the rarest of rare sneakers, but also be reassured that they are buying the real deal.
The Global App: Sneakers for Everyone Separate from its native Japanese version, the Global App has a rapidly-growing user base in the Asia Pacific region, including Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The development of the Global App represents the company’s commitment and ambition to extend its honed authentication services to the international sneaker community.
Backed by Softbank Ventures Asia and Vision Fund with a valuation of US$340 million, SNKRDUNK’s C2C marketplace plans to channel its investor funds into improving the experience of its 4.5 million users across the globe. This includes global and category expansion, as well as the development of a selling function for global users to conduct their own sales.
The SNKRDUNK Family: Be the First to Know Alongside its seamless and fuss-free transactions, SNKRDUNK also delivers a vibrant media space where users can receive the latest street culture news and updates, along with in-depth profile features and the spotlighting of diverse personalities and brands. The readers of the SNKRDUNK Magazine get first dibs on everything sneakers and streetwear. All the release details on the hottest sneaker collabs and raffles are condensed into a single application, allowing sneaker lovers to fluidly move from content to commerce in just a few digital taps.
Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date! Stay tuned for more SNKRDUNK features in the near future. For other previous sneaker features, please click here.
After great success of our Sydney event back in January even with the COVID restrictions in place, we knew we needed to do another round in our home town by the end of the year. And hence, the long weekend in October came knocking, so we knew it was the perfect time to get it done.
It was good once again to see the Sydney community back out in force with one of our biggest turnouts to date. The vendors came out in their numbers as well with an unqiue diverse range from sneakers to pop culture items.
The biggest highlight of the day was from our good sponsors at eBay bringing along a basketball arcade shooting machine to allow people to win sneakers, storage solutions and many more prizes based on the best shooting score over 30 seconds.
Once again, we cannot thank our sponsors enough for their continued support for the events. Be sure to give them a follow and support:
Next up is Perth, Western Australia on the 15th of October. Last time we were there was in 2019. For more details about vendor bookings or entry tickets, head over to our website. Make sure 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.
After a successful first collaboration with the Thermo-Reactive Thongs, Havaianas and MARKET are excited to team up again on the Zip Top, the first 2-in-1 puffer flip flop. Continuing to draw on the brands’ bold and playful spirits, the partnership sees the cult L.A. brand apply its innovative eye to Havaianas’ signature design to create another ground breaking flip flop.
The Zip Top transforms the flip flop from a summer staple into a cozy winter sneaker. Although at first glance it might look like a regular flip flop, the Zip Top features a zip along the edge of the footbed and on the base of the upper, allowing you to attach or remove the adjustable puffer upper depending on how you want to wear it. The co-branded Havaianas x MARKET logo appears on the strap, footbed, and stitched on a label on the upper.
Through their partnership, Havaianas and MARKET have pushed the boundaries of flip flop design, reimagining not only what the product looks like, but also what it’s for. Flip flops are considered by most as the go-to summer footwear, but this collaboration flips that premise on its head and repositions the thonged sandal as a warm winter option.
The MARKET x Havaianas Zip Top slides launches on the 21st of October at havaianas.com.au. The 2-in-1 Puffer Flip Flop MARKET will retail for $160 AUD. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other Havaianas features, click HERE.
Philips has announced its launch into a new category of appliances with a first-of-its-kind Philips Sneaker Cleaner GCA1000/60. A portable, one-stop solution to make cleaning sneakers effortless, quick, and efficient. The automated cleaning device will help sneakerheads keep their beloved sneakers spotless, dazzling and fresh as new.
With the growing sneaker enthusiasts and the sneakerhead community in Australia, there is a need for solutions that help consumers take care of their shoes and collectables. The new Philips Sneaker Cleaner GCA1000/60 is a portable device that makes cleaning your sneakers a seamless, hassle-free and affordable experience. No more money spent dry cleaning your shoes or keeping your sneakers wrapped up, far from. The Philips Sneaker Cleaner GCA1000/60 comes with three different and effective bristles and a water-resistant head to give your sneakers a spotless fresh look, all at a touch of a button.
● Fast and efficient cleaning: The Philips Sneaker Cleaner GCA1000/60 outperforms manual cleaning methods, reducing time and effort by automating the rubbing and scrubbing. Offering optimal multifunctionality, the device comes with three different brushes. The Soft Brush is for multipurpose use, ideal for mesh and canvas. The Hard Brush for thorough cleaning of tough surfaces like textured rubber or shoe soles. The Soft Sponge for delicate materials like PVC, leather, and suede. It also has a water-resistant head that protects the device during use.
● Advanced Technology backed by a powerful battery: The Philips Sneaker Cleaner GCA1000/60 rotates at 500 RPM, and it has an IPX5 waterproof rating. The device has a 6V efficient 4 X AA battery with an 80-minute run time. Designed to function quickly and effortlessly, this device is an ideal must-have for all sneakerheads.
● Light and Cordless: The Philips Sneaker Cleaner GCA1000/60 weighs 0.35 kg and is cordless which allows you to carry it around easily. This is the perfect tool to make the process of cleaning sneakers seamless and quick. It is ideal for on-the-go students, job seekers or travel enthusiasts.
Introducing the new UA HOVR™ Phantom 3: a neutral, responsive running shoe that maintains the Phantom’s reputation as Under Armour’s most versatile running shoe. It delivers the speed and propulsion that athletes demand from a performance running shoe while maintaining the comfort and stability needed from a training shoe.
The UA HOVR Phantom 3 is the latest evolution of the Phantom franchise. The UA HOVR Phantom 3 offers move HOVR, more breathability and improved fit when compared to its predecessor. The implementation of the latest evolution of HOVR midsole technology now runs the full length of the midsole in the Phantom 3, meaning a plush feeling underfoot without compromising on propulsion thanks to the now full-length HOVR midsole technology. The soft, high-performance and highly textured UA Intelliknit upper improves breathability through its unbelievable stretch and targeted flex. A new, secure heel counter combined with pillowy but firm panels delivers sturdy, foot hugging support. Finally, moulded detailing in the midfoot and lower contour around the ankle not only improve fit, but offer stability and ease of entry benefits.
HAL STUDIOS® and ASICS are uniting once again for the second instalment of their collaborative partnership. Presenting the GEL-1130™ MK II ‘Forest’ — a celebration of ASICS innovative technology fused with the HAL STUDIOS® Design Thinking ideology.
Following the approach of the GEL-1130™ MK I ‘Earth’ release in April 2022, the MK II iteration continues the ‘maximal minimalism’ ethos by stripping back the usual characteristics and aesthetics of a traditional sports shoe, instead choosing to accentuate the retro-futuristic form and shape of the archival running silhouette through the pairing of contrasting textures and tones.
Inspired by the natural world, the palette references the forests of Japan and the Shinto shrines that are often found within them. Wide open breathable mesh and hairy suede panelling coated in shades of green are contrasted against brown leather accents and antique white midsoles. The Shinto shrines are highlighted by striking hits of orange found on the GEL cushioning heel unit, insoles, and collaborative rubber hang-tag.
The ASICS GEL-1130™, first released in 2008 has preserved its TRUSSTIC™ support system to provide underfoot stability, while the iconic GEL technology cushioning in the heel unit absorbs shock to offer easy-wearing comfort – core to the sneakers’ original identity.
PRODUCT DETAILS: • Wide-open breathable mesh upper • Hairy suede & faux leather overlays • GEL technology cushioning • TRUSSTIC support system • Moulded EVA sole • Rubber outsole • Co-branded faux leather insole • HAL STUDIOS® transparent TPU tags on heels • Two silicon-dipped lace options • Co-branded box and rubber hang-tag
RELEASE DETAILS: This time around HAL STUDIOS® decided to do it differently. Advance orders were taken for the HAL STUDIOS® x ASICS GEL-1130™ MK II ‘Forest’. Opened from the 5th of October to the 7th of October 2022. The 48-hour period will be the only opportunity to secure your pair, prior to a public release.
All successful advance orders will be delivered in Q2 (April – June) 2023, ahead of the project’s public release. HAL STUDIOS® advance order platform was thoughtfully designed to be a safe and fair space for customers to secure their purchase in a stress-free environment. The platform helps to minimise wastage, only producing the supply that is necessary — a solution that is better for our planet. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other ASICS features, click HERE and for sneaker features, click HERE.
To celebrate rag & bone‘s 20th anniversary, the iconic New York brand has partnered with CASIO to launch a collection of limited-edition watches that embody elements of both brands. Pairing rag & bone’s uncompromising ideals of individuality with CASIO’s timelessness, the collaboration styles are simple yet elevated.
About rag & bone Since its origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone has established itself as a critical and commercial success in the international fashion world. Combining English heritage with directional design, the brand has become synonymous with innately wearable clothing that has an edgy yet understated New York aesthetic. rag & bone offers a full range of men’s and women’s ready to wear, denim, accessories and footwear collections. www.rag-bone.com
Taking components of one of CASIO’s earliest digital watches, the A1000 collaboration with rag & bone showcases both brands’ commitment to functional yet beautiful design that transcends generations. With a thin profile and clear LCD screen at the face’s centre, the styles feature a monochromatic band and case, and a five-row solid metal band that ensures comfort for its wearer. The styles will also be the launch of CASIO’s new and on-going Premium Range.
These styles highlight both brands’ commitment to individuality and epitomise the elevated quality of the CASIO Vintage Premium Range.”
The rag & bone x CASIO A1000 series are set to release in October 2022. The A1000RCB-1B and A1000RCG-8 will retail for $399AUD and be available for purchase through casiowatches.com.au, as well as select Australian retailers. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other CASIO features, please click here.
ASICS has announced that they are launching the new GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 sneaker. Emitting just 1.95kg CO2e across its life cycle, significantly lighter than the lowest CO2e sneakers currently available on the market, it represents a significant leap forward by ASICS in its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 is the result of over 10 years of research and development by ASICS, beginning when ASICS first partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) back in 2010 to find a better way to accurately measure the CO2e impact across the entire life cycle of a product.
In continuing to finetune its research and reapply the findings, ASICS has been able to make hundreds of incremental gains across the four key stages of the product life cycle (Materials & Manufacturing, Transportation, Use and End-of-life), identifying all the small differences that combine to make a big impact. The result is the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 – achieving new levels of sustainability without compromising on quality.
Among the sneaker’s series of innovations is a new carbon negative foam, which features as part of its midsole and sock liner. Made from a fusion of bio-based polymers3 derived partly from sugarcane, these combine to deliver high-level comfort and quality in a sustainable way.
Other key design details in the shoe include the use of recycled and solution dyed polyester in the main upper material and the sock liner mesh, reflecting ASICS’ target of sourcing 100% of its polyester from recycled sources by 2030. The shoe features a new structure utilizing tape that enables less material usage, and 100% renewable energy used throughout the manufacturing phase.
The result of all these innovations and changes coming together is the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95. The ground-breaking new sneaker is a milestone in ASICS’ long-term ambition of achieving net-zero emissions as a business by 2050, helping conserve the ability of future generations to continue experiencing the uplifting power of sport on the mind.
The ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 sneaker will be widely available to buy instore and online at asics.com from 2023. To find out more about the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 and ASICS’ sustainability commitments, please visit https://asics.tv/cm195. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other ASICS features, click HERE and for sneaker features, click HERE.
