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Google Pixel 4a First Look & Release

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Last year, Google released their first ever mid-range phone, Pixel 3a. It packed impressive specs and an incredible camera. It made the competitors step their game up on the mid range phones. Now, Google has released their next mid range phone the Pixel 4a, to tie in with their Pixel 4 & 4 XL range

Here are the specs on the Google Pixel 4a:
* Display: 5.81″ OLED 1080×2340 display with 60Hz refresh rate
* Processor: Snapdragon 730
* RAM: 6GB
* Storage: 128GB
* Rear Camera: 12.2 MP
* Front Camera: 8 MP
* Battery: 3140mAh with 18w fast charging
* LTE: 4G
* Colours: Just available in Black

With the Australian release of the phone, they are throwing some earbuds in the box. We are only 1 of 2 countries getting them in the box (France being the other). For the most part we’re seeing upgrades compared to last year’s entry-level Pixel 3a. The processor and batteries are bigger, there’s more RAM and double the storage capacity. Unfortunately, just like last year, there is no water resistance for the Pixel 4a.

It’s also true that there will be no XL version this year. This means there’s just one price point — $599. That’s $50 less than the original RRP of the Pixel 3a. This is insane and we’re here for it. It’s also worth noting that once the Pixel 4a 5G variant comes out it will cost $799. Stay tuned for that one.

And if you’re someone who prefers to buy on a plan, the Pixel 4a will also be available on a plan through Vodafone.

Pixel 4a is now available for pre-order in Australia. You can get it from the Google Store, JB Hi Fi, Vodafone and Harvey Norman. It will go on sale from the same places, as well as Officeworks, on September 10.

Everywhere else won’t be stocking the Google Pixel 4a until mid-October.

Let us know what you think, will you get this reasonably priced mid range phone?

ASICS Edo Era Tribute Pack

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The ASICS Edo Era Tribute Pack is a new collection of running and SportStyle sneakers that uses recycled polyester made from PET bottles in the shoe upper material. This collection underscores ASICS sustainability credentials by honoring the eco-friendly practices of Edo (present day Tokyo) from the 17th to 19th centuries. It was during that period that reusing and recycling was integral to life in Japan. People saw everything as a valuable resource, from old clothes and used paper to worn-out pans and broken ceramic items and even candle wax drippings.

The range is in keeping with ASICS commitment to sustainability in various aspects of its business. The uppers of the collection’s five performance running shoe models and four SportStyle offerings employ recycled polyester fibers made from a total of around 300,000 PET bottles. These items represent the first stage of an ASICS drive to switch to 100% recycled polyester fibers in all of its uppers by 2030 to help combat climate change.

In the whole collection, ASICS will be using 100% recycled paper boxes with approximately 10% less material than their other standard designs, and ASICS switches from oil-based inks to water based ones have halved ink usage. These sustainable boxes will expand sequentially from July, 2020. These changes will be switched in 2021, thereby cutting ASICS annual CO2 emissions by approximately 1,200 metric tons.

The graphics for the uppers incorporate a combination of two Edo Era lettering styles
in a nod to that period’s inspiration for the collection. One lettering style is yosemoji,
typically used for posters and flyers. The other is kakuji, which are thick, squared
characters, which often featured on scraps of paper that worshipers often posted on
the gates of shrines and temples.

The ASICS Edo Era Tribute Pack collection was launched worldwide on the 24th of April. The Australian release will be Thursday, the 6th of August and will be available on ASICS.com.

Leaked Images of the Union x Jordan 4

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After the highly successful Union Los Angeles x Air Jordan 1 collaboration. Jordan and Union Studios have seemed to have teamed up again to do the Air Jordan 4.

This is a sample given out by DJ Clark Kent and its definitely got people buzzing.

It’s said to be named the “Brigade Blue” featured with many different mesh materials and precarious colour block patern. If this release is anything like the Air Jordan 1, for sure it’s going to sell out.

Rumours state that it has a release date of August 15 for $250USD but since nothing has been confirmed by both brands, its hard to tell if it will eventuate. Keep your eyes peeled on your socials for a confirmed release date.

The Kickz Stand’s Top Hit List #27

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“To this day, sneakerheads still get surprised when I tell them Jordan 12s are my favourite Jays. Basically, Jordan 12s are the first Jordan Brand shoe I fell in love with and were my gateway drug to other silhouettes. Next came the Ones.

Interestingly enough, both share 3 very important elements to me. They fit well with almost anything, they are built like tanks which make them very durable and have timeless appeal.”

— @bctninja

Nike Dunk SB Low
‘Orange Box’
@benjjii


Nike Tailwind ’79
‘University Gold/Team Red’
@malishoez1


Nike Air Max 2 Light x @atmos_japan
@sweetbeats_23


Jordan 6 Retro x @travisscott
@krip2nyt3


Nike Air Max 90
‘Infrared’
@ashcatcheemm


Nike Dunk Hi
‘Oregon’ ‘Gatorade’
@matthewgoodwin__


Asics Gel lyte 3
‘Daytona Custom’
@rawthomato


Asics Gel – Quantum 360 6
‘Techno Cyan’
@caitlin.potts


Saucony Grid SD x @sneakerfreakermag
‘Kushwhacker’
@vno03

Follow us on IG @thekickzstand and keep using #thekickzstand and #itsmorethanjustsneakers to be featured in our next top hit list!

Havaianas Tradi Zori Sandals

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Havaianas introduces the reinvention of its classic silhouette, Tradi Zori. Last month Havaianas collaborated with mastermind Japan showcasing this model.

In 1962, inspired by the Japanese sandal known as Zori which has soles made of rice straw, Havaianas invented the world’s best-selling thong, known as The Traditional, by changing the sole to a resistant rubber material that could adapt to Brazil’s warm climate and beaches.

Almost 60 years later, Havaianas has tapped into its roots to release a new and innovative, unisex silhouette. A play off the original Havaianas traditional style and the Japanese Zori sandals, the Tradi Zori merges designs from two diverse cultures to offer a unique thong that can live beyond the beach and cater to the fashion-forward, urban consumer. Featuring a unique, square-shaped silhouette, the Tradi Zori boasts a triple-layer EVA and rubber sole and fabric strap that provides superior, all-day comfort and increased stability.

Tradi Zori represents the future of Havaianas. We’re challenging the idea that thongs are just for the beach and igniting a change in perception,” says Fernanda Romano, Global Marketing Director at Havaianas. “While paying homage to the brand’s heritage, this new silhouette is a drastic departure from Havaianas’ classic styles and really introduces a new form of cultural expression.”

“The creative process started during a trip to Japan where I saw several people wearing Zori’s with traditional kimonos in the middle of Tokyo. Considering Havaianas’ origin and organic link to Japanese culture, I was immediately inspired to recreate the Zori for the brand and bring the concept to other major urban cities around the world. Tradi Zori is a true reimagination of the category. – Leonardo Boin Fujisaka – Shapes & Footwear Design Manager at Havaianas.

Release date will be on the 31st of July and will be available in seven colours, inspired by the most popular colour combinations over the course of Havaianas’ history. Retail price of $120 and will be available exclusively at havaianasaustralia.com.au.

ASICS Gel-Lyte III Purple and Teal

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The ASICS Gel-Lyte III is going huge in 2020. This year marks it’s 30th anniversary of the legendary silhouette.

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.

ASICS brings back another original colorway, the Purple and Teal. This sneaker features a white base highlighted with teal suede overlays on the toe and heel. Other features includes purple hues on the tongue, collar, and laces atop a white midsole and black rubber outsole.

The ASICS Gel-Lyte III Purple and Teal will be available on the 31st of July at asics.com, Above the Clouds, Laced, Subtype Store, Sneakerboy, Up There Store and Urban Street Gear.

Jordan Jumpman Logo to feature on NBA Statement Jerseys

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The NBA & Jordan Brand announced that as of next season (2020-21) the Jumpman logo will be on every statement edition jersey for all 30 teams.

The Statement Edition uniform is one of the league’s alternate jerseys, worn for big games or rivalries, usually featuring an alternate colourway scheme.

The Jumpman logo will appear on the right shoulder of the jersey & left leg of the shorts replacing the Nike swoosh. The jerserys will start to hit retailers from October 2020.

Over the past 3 years, Jordan Brand has designed the NBA All Star game jersey along with the Charlotte Hornets uniforms due to Michael Jordan being a majority owner of the Hornets franchise.

At the college ranks, the University of Michigan is sponsored by Jordan Brand, as is the University of North Carolina, where Jordan attended college. In addition, the soccer club Paris Saint-Germain also has partnered with Jordan Brand.

In the meantime, it looks like MJ gets the W over Detroit again!

Are you looking forward to getting your hands on some new jerseys? Let us know your thoughts. As we see the jersey designs come to hand, we will continue to update you.

Jordan 5 “Alternate Bel-Air” First Look

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The original “Bel-Air” Jordan 5 is an instant classic amoung sneakerheads. Its always been a sort after sneaker since its original release back in 2013 which paid tribute to Will Smith and the iconic sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air“.

Fast forward to 2020 and it appears we might now have a release date for the upcoming “Alternate Bel-Air” which is due to hit the shelves around the middle of August.

Here is the first look at the upcoming sneaker. It appears to feature a similar theme to the original Bel-Air release, however the upper will be white. The purple on the midsole is set to pop with speckled detailing and the pink & green 23. Each shoe will have the mismatched/flipped theme while the jumpman will be either Green or Pink and the details on the midsole to be done in Blue or Pink.

Let us know what you think sneakerheads? Planning on copping this one?

Air Jordan 4 PSG “Paris Saint-Germain”

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There has been rumours for months about another PSG x Jordan collab around with the Jordan 4 shoe. We have now have the first look at these below.

But rather than opting for the FC’s traditional red, white and blue stripe seen throughout their previous capsules, the two have opted for a very-Parisian “Bordeaux” approach in a palette that matches the football clubs impending Jordan-branded third kit. It arrives blocked similar to the famed “Fire Red” with white leather uppers, black textiles beneath the midfoot caging, and black wings, with some accentuations, flipped, and switched, with red-toned down to the more cooling maroon, and the overall appearance arriving in a mark darker aesthetic. Interesting additions include the use of a lightly-sueded neutral toe cap, a forefoot tag displaying “PANAME” — the surname for the City of Love —and a giant co-branded rubber heel stamp in the rear.

The release date for these is currently penciled in for September 1st in the US, however with all the delays caused by COVID-19, this might be later in the year. Will these hit Australia stores? We hope so.

Let us know if you’re planning on copping these once released

JD Sports Blacktown Grand Opening

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TKS got invited to another JD Sports store opening this time around in the western suburb of Sydney of Blacktown. This store makes becomes the 11th store in the Sydney network with another 2 on the cards before the end of 2020

With the store opening always comes some sort after Jordans that have been released and sold out. With the Blacktown opening, they managed to get the Fire Red 5s, Reverse He Got Game 13s, Volt Green 4s, UNC 3s (which werent put on the shelf due to limited numbers!) and a few others.

JD Sports are very rapidly expanding around Australia and are becoming the true kings of sneakers in Australia. They were able to keep their stores open during the lockdown of COVID-19 and sales have been strong for them during the past few months.

Here is a look around the store. If you’re in and around the Blacktown area, be sure to head down there and check it out. The store itself is a bit more unique then the other ones around Sydney due to the store size but it definately works.

Check out the live video from the opening here

JD Sports Blacktown
Shop 3047
Westpoint Shopping Centre
Patrick Street
Blacktown, NSW, 2148