The GEL-GLIDELYTE™ III model is an embodiment of ASICS technology and craftsmanship, merging two of their most iconic silhouettes; The GEL-LYTE™ III and the GLIDERIDE™ models – famed for saving runners energy via its GUIDESOLE™ technology present within the curved sole.
This shape minimises lower leg movement through each stride, giving the runner a feeling of seamless coasting. The upper design language is inspired by the GEL-LYTE™ III shoe with the split tongue and the asymmetric toe window near the front of the model.
A PU part, inspired by the GEL-NIMBUS™ 5 model, runs across the upper with a back counter construction of overlaying mesh, reminiscent of the GEL-HOCKEY TYPHOON 2 model. The GUIDESOLE™ technology rounds off the design element of the sneaker, providing an increased feeling of comfort, stability and a cushioned ride for the wearer.
Last Thursday (5th November 2020), the NBA Players association confirmed its representatives tentatively approved a 72 game season that will commence on December 22nd. This will mean the training camps for players to resume will take place 3 weeks prior on the 1st December.
Unfortunately, with the shorten season means the 2021 NBA All-Star Weekend will be scrapped. As for when fans would be allowed back into the stadiums to watch their teams play, this is still an ongoing question.
The league believes that a December 22 start that would include Christmas Day games on television and allows for a 72 game schedule that finishes before the summer olympics in mid-July is worth between $500million and $1 billion in short-and long term revenues to the league and players.
There are some players however now considering sitting out the start of the season from the Lakers due to the quick turnaround. These are simply rumours at the present and may in fact be not true.
Not every team was in the same position as the Lakers and Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, though. The eight franchises that didn’t travel to the Walt Disney World Resort bubble haven’t played since March, and those that didn’t make deep postseason runs will have had a slightly more traditional offseason in terms of length.
So what are your thoughts on this? Christmas Day games are definately a must (good boxing day viewing here in Australia) but no All Star Weekend is upsetting. 72 games is close to the normal season, however more games will be played in a short timeframe.
When the first pictures of the Nike SB Dunk Low x Ben & Jerry’s appeared I knew I had to have em!!!! UPS Skate Shop had a raffle, I made a funny picture of me wearing them (it looked pretty average lol). I posted that picture every day on my instagram and was so lucky to win the raffle!!!
To me it’s such a fun collab and such an out there sneakers—just right up my ally!!
Super Instagrammer and photographer@jnywkz and myself had a full day sneaker shooting and he had the idea to put them in the freezer! My partner Luke ran to the store and bought more Ben and Jerry’s to complete the Shot and this was the result
Collaborating once again following the 2018 ‘Wasabi’ sneaker, British retailer END. and ASICS share the latest precious gem, the GEL-LYTE™ III ‘Pearl’.
Traditionally given as a 30th wedding anniversary gift, the pearl symbolises something that takes time to grow – the perfect source material in the year that marks the 30th Anniversary of the iconic GEL-LYTE™ III sneaker and the 15th Anniversary of the retailer.
The GEL-LYTE™ III original designed by Shigeyuki Mitsui and released way back in 1990 when both the technology inside and the construction were both cutting-edge. Rich with history of going against tradition and subverting stereotypes, with this new iteration being no different.
Cast in a cascade of colours to reflect the iridescent nature of pearls, this bold interpretation of the legendary split tongue structure sees END. and ASICS combine purple, lavender grey, pink and ivory hues. Constructed with plush suede uppers and tumbled leather, this instantly recognisable silhouette encapsulates the aesthetic properties of the rare object.
Looking as if it were shucked from an oyster merely moments ago, the striking silhouette features Mother of Pearl sock liner, a clear outsole and co-branded detailing to the heel. This bold, conceptual sneaker is presented with three sets of laces to allow for subtle customisation.
Housed inside a bespoke shoebox detailed with pearl graphics and END. branding, the ‘Pearl’ truly encapsulates the advanced nature of the GEL-LYTE™ III and its status as a long-standing silhouette within the world of sneakers.
Third collaboration project between ASICS and Berlin fashion label GmbH, began with the GEL-QUANTUM 360™ 6, and was first debuted in GmbH’s Autumn Winter 2020 fashion show in Paris in January earlier this year. This radical departure for a ASICS classic, has been rendered almost unrecognisable through a unique methodology of colour, composition and materials.
GmbH cut and sliced the shoe apart, deconstructing the upper into an open flat artwork, coloured in asymmetrically, making each shoe of a pair seem unique and mismatched.
Executed in 3 highly contrasting colour combinations: white, red and black, purple, blue and black and finally off-white and gum, the sneakers features GmbH’s signature play with glossy and suggestive surfaces. The slick renderings, appear both ominous and seductive.
However, all the functionality and technology of the GEL-QUANTUM 360™ 6 have kept its integrity, uniting the fluidity of its technical components with a progressive look. 360-degrees of GEL™ technology-based cushioning circulates the midsole for lasting comfort.
GmbH creates fashion through storytelling, craft and technology. Both brands further promote an importance in originality and craftsmanship within sportswear.
Apple held a very low key event for its upcoming releases this week. The event was simply known as “Hi, Speed” where it unveiled 4 new iPhones along with a new HomePod Mini. The event was held later due to COVID putting a delay on manfacturing and Apple also released the iPhone SE 2nd Generation back in April. So lets dive in and check out what the fussed is about with one of the largest tech giants.
The 4 new phones included in this line-up were the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro & iPhone 12 Pro Max. This is Apple’s first round of phones that are compatible with 5G celluar service (welcome to the party pal!)
The iPhone 12 range feature a new design with flat edges that harkens back to the iPhone 4 & 5 days. The lineup also has a new “Ceramic Shield” glass cover that Apple claims will make the screen more durable. All 4 models have a Super Retina XDR display & IP68 Water & Dust Resistant. It also features the A14 processor which we first saw on the 4th Gen iPad Air.
Now this one will definately divide Apple fans, the new 4 phones do NOT come with Wired Headphones or a charger in the box. The new iPhone 12 lineup are moving to the Magsafe charging method which is similar to the Macbook. Apple has also announced 2 chargers which will be available at time of launch which are the MagSafe for 1 device and the MagSafe Duo for 2 devices including a flip-up spot to charge your Apple Watch. The phone will come with a USB-C to Lightning Cable instead.
The new HomePod Mini is smaller than the original model with a new rounded shape. Like the first generation HomePod, the mini has touch controls on the top, integration with Siri, and comes in 2 colours (Space Gray & White). It’s powered by the S5 chip which was first used on the Apple Watch Series 5.
The pricing on the new iPhone 12 range isnt cheap by all means. Here is the costing of the new models for the Australian market
* iPhone 12 Mini – $1199 * iPhone 12 – $1349 * iPhone 12 Pro – $1699 * iPhone 12 Pro Max – $1849
The iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 Pro pre-orders begin Friday 16th October and will be available for sale on Friday 23rd October. While the iPhone 12 Mini & iPhone 12 Pro Max pre-orders begin on Friday 6th November and will be available for sale on Friday 13th November.
So what do we think Apple fans? Do these new iPhones make it worth upgrading? Are they slowly catching the likes of Samsung in the smartphone market or still well behind the times? Let us know what you think below
Another player added to the Puma roster is LaMelo Ball. We all know him for his on the court performance and also off court actions with his Father’s lifestyle choices.
Melo states, “Puma’s been making waves since their comeback to basketball, not just on the court but for the culture,” Ball says via e-mail. “They’re doing big things and are the new wave of hoops.”
Melo also goes on to say that he likes the fit of how Puma ties in basketball, music and fasion all together. This way he can freely be more himself with his creative vision.
Finally Melo states that there are big things coming for Puma and that he also can’t wait to get into the NBA.
A few days ago (sorry for the delay in getting this out), Google held its annual Launch Night to unveil some tasty new products about to hit the market later this year. Normally we see a new Pixel Phone, however this time we saw that plus some new products.
Google revealed the new Pixel 5 alongside the Pixel 4A 5G, Google Nest Audio and a new Chromecast with Google TV embedded. Unfortunately this year, there was no Pixel 5 XL which was a bit of a disappointment to those wanting larger phones.
The Pixel 5 has definately got people talking. Its somewhat of an upgrade to the Pixel 4 but in other ways a downgrade according to a few experts like TechRadar. Lets get into the Pixel 5 now so you can make your mind up!
The Pixel 5 is set to hit shelves from October 15th 2020. Pricing is what you would expect from Google $699US, £599 or $999AUD. The phone will come in only two colours that have some odd names. Sorta Sage (a green colour) and Just Black (yep…its Black!). The body of the phone is made from recycled aluminum, which is notable as most phones on the market have a glass or plastic back.
The phone is IPX8 water-resistant, weights only 151 grams and has dimensions of 144.7 x 70.4 x 8mm. The Pixel 5 comes with a 6″ Full HD Display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340, which is 432 pixels per inch. Its an always on display along with being an OLED panel. While the phone doesnt have 120hz refresh rate like some of the more high-end iPhones & Galaxy Phones, Google has gone with a 90hz refresh rate to keep it nice and smooth and fast. Charging is done via USB-C port at the bottom and the 3.5mm headphone jack has gone from this model as most phones are heading down the wireless headphones path.
One feature missing from the Pixel 5 is the 3D Face Unlock that was housed in the top bezel on the Pixel 4. Google has opted for the simple fingerprint scanner on the rear of the phone. The Camera on this model features a 12.2MP dual-pixel shooter along with a 16MP ultra-wide shooter. This replaces the telephoto shooter on the Pixel 4. Google’s impressive Night Sight & Portrait Modes return.
There’s 8GB of RAM in the phone along with 128GB storage. No microSD support on this one and Google hasnt announced any plans for more storage. A 4,080mAh battery powering the phone in which Google claims will last a full day from a single charge is a bit of an upgrade from the Pixel 4.
So Google Fans, let us know what you think of this phone? Will you upgrade you’re current one or wait for something out?
Puma basketball has been experiencing a resurgence of sorts. The last two years brought hoopers some memorable performance on court kicks from the company with the leaping cat logo. They started us off with the Puma Clyde Court Disrupt and followed up with the fan favourite Puma Clyde Hardwood. The man responsible for masterfully combining Puma’s heritage DNA with the lastest RS (Running System) is Puma Hoops head designer Jeremy Sallee. Check out his sketches and current projects at his instagram account @jeremy.sallee .
Since then Puma hoops hasn’t looked back and it’s latest offering in collaboration with hiphop legend J.Cole — the Puma RS-Dreamer looks to be another street and on-court banger. Spotted in late 2019 on J.Cole’s feet during, the RS-Dreamer kept the online sneaker community abuzz for months until it finally made its official debut on the feet of NBA players Kyle Kuzma and Marcus Smart during the NBA 2020 bubble in Orlando.
We were fortunate enough to get our hands on the sold-out RS-Dreamer x Super Mario 64 collab and give it a proper run on court. Check out our review!
FIT: 4/5
The uppers are made up of a combination of breathable textile mesh, suede and synthetic leather. A unique lockdown feature of the RS-Dreamer is the horizontal cord that runs along one end of the midfoot, heel and the other side. It’s meant to combine with the present conventional lacing system to pull your heel in further for a complete lockdown. Suede panels are also strategically placed on both sides of the forefoot, providing containment during quick movements and stops. We found this to be very impressive for a mid to low top ball shoe. They fit true to size.
CUSHIONING: 3/5
A combination of ProFoam and RS Foam is the primary setup used for cushioning. Despite the blocky midsole, on court feel is very excellent. Perfect for guards and small forwards. However, we did find the responsiveness of the set-up quite lacking. If we have any gripe with this sneaker it was this. Don’t get us wrong. It does its job, but perhaps this is something Puma Hoops can improve upon its next basketball performance release.
TRACTION: 4/5
A reliable tough and durable solid rubber compound was used for the outer sole. A unique feather design was used to create the traction threads that runs upwards in the forefoot medial area. They provide a very stable push-off base for quick lateral explosions. They did quite an excellent job of gripping both hardwood and concrete surfaces.
LOOKS: 5/5
This is were the RS-Dreamer earns its stripes and perhaps its place in the top ten sneaker releases of 2020. It’s been ages since the top 2 brands have come up with a certified head-turner ball kicks. It’s no wonder the RS-Dreamer has been constantly selling out during release day. From the inconspicuous form stripe on the midsole, the fun hits of 3M, the feather traction down to the other dope colorways that have come out, they are indeed a certified dope sneaker. Puma Hoops and J.Cole did an amazing job with the sleek and modern design of the sneaker all the while paying homage to its roots.
OVERALL: 4/5
Puma just needs to get back to the lab and improve their cushioning formula and we guarantee the RS-Dreamer will be in the conversation for the top basketball performance sneaker of the year. Coming in at $170 AUD, the price is definitely on point. The design element and versatility is head and shoulders on what’s currently out there. And with more fire colorways coming, the RS-Dreamer is set to be a staple street and court wear.
Explore the latest New Balance ‘Urban Islander’ Collection by SBTG and Limited Edt. The capsule collection marks New Balance’s first-of-its-kind collaboration with two of Singapore’s most formidable streetwear authorities that have revolutionised and shaped the sneaker subculture, both locally and regionally. Where tropical fun meets urban grit, the ‘Urban Islander’ Collection embodies the free-spirited nature of world-renowned Singapore streetwear designer, Mark Ong, who goes by the moniker Mr Sabotage, and the tenacity of leading local niche sneaker boutique, Limited Edt.
Defined as an inhabitant of our sunny island with a deep interest in style, music, art and subculture, the ‘Urban Islander’ is highly creative and makes playgrounds out of the streets and paths less travelled. The concept also epitomises the contrast between Singapore being an urban city that is at the same time, the perfect tropical beach getaway.
“The Urban Islander collection is inspired by our beautiful country, which is both a metropolitan city and a tropical island. I wanted to transfer the unique feelings and impressions from the opposite spectrums onto this collaborative project, hence the name Urban Islander.”, said Mark Ong, founder of SBTG.
Headlined by the New Balance 327 sneakers and 900 sandals, the ‘Urban Islander’ Collection is the re-imagination of New Balance’s iconic footwear through the eyes of Singapore’s OG sneaker artist. Having designed for the likes of American musician, Mike Shinoda, and basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, the collection stays true to Mark’s signature military and vintage style, which sets the tone and elevates the identity of the ‘Urban Islander’.
Mark Ong and Mandeep Chopra
Mandeep Chopra and Mark Ong
The flagship 327 sneakers is a re-invented classic, with its distinguished silhouette inspired by the New Balance 320, the most sought-after running shoes of the 1970s. The lightweight upper makes the 327 extremely comfortable for all-day wear, cementing its position as the ultimate athleisure shoe. The soft EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning with a grippy rubber tread for traction that keeps ‘Urban Islanders’ grounded on the streets.
Its open-toed counterpart, the 900 sandals, is perfect for those on-the-go with its cushy yet featherweight VersaLite midsole technology and NB Comfort insert. With a BOA closure system for quick fit adjustments, this multi-strap sandals will get you moving in no time. Splashed with motifs inspired by our urban island, this summer essential is up for any adventure, be it treading the urban jungle or indulging in that fun getaway to the island beach.
The ‘Urban Islander’ Collection also comprises of other merchandise including shirts, towels and a tote bag in summer-inspired motifs, camo prints and bold colours that complete the look, character and experience of an ‘Urban Islander’.
“Mark and I go back a long way – we’ve charted our individual paths, but are intrinsically linked in our goals, which are to always do what we love, and shine some light on our tiny island to the rest of the world. Now, we finally get to team up for New Balance – a brand that is close to our hearts and doing great things. This is our most ambitious project thus far, in terms of the scope and collection of products, so I’m super excited to unveil this collection not just to Singapore, but also to a global audience.”, says Mandeep Chopra, founder of Limited Edt.
