Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Jordan Classics Remastered

In the spring of 2015 the Jordan Brand will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. Along with the epic milestone, the brand will be remastering the entire retro line of shoes made famous by Mike himself, starting with the Jordan IV, VII, and X. The remastered Jordan Classics will be re-released in a completely different manner with an emphasis on quality construction and materials as well as a focus on producing a product that is more accurate in appearance with the original design.

This announcement has only affirmed the dismay of many collectors and sneaker heads alike, who already questioned the quality of retro releases in the past decade. There have been numerous complaints of the increasingly poor quality of Jordan Brand shoes, along with the continued price increases over the years. Complaints about poor quality and craftsmanship are one thing, but to have a shoe completely fall apart or bottom out altogether is a whole different story. See for yourself as just last year in a Philadelphia 76ers game, Tony Wroten wearing the Air Jordan 10 'Varsity Red' has the sole of the shoes completely come off in the middle of a game.



Perhaps, the remastering of these Jordan Classics will prevent any future mishaps. Along with such major changes in quality will obviously be further price increases, which we have already seen this year in the $190 range. The 10% - 15% price increase doesn't have many people surprised, as the Jordan Brand has already been seen of one driven by hype, supply and demand. Nonetheless, consumers still continue to line up in the mornings or flood the internet on release dates to get their hands on a pair of Jordan Retro Classics.

What do you think of this remastering concept? Is this just another great marketing tactic from Jordan or is this an attempt to right the wrong and address the consumer complaints? Will you be spending another $10 - $20 more for a pair of these classic retros? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

For an inside look on the new concept from the Jordan Brand, read the exclusive interview from Sole Collector with Dave Schechter, VP of Jordan Footwear, and Jeff Atienza, Jordan Brand Product Line Manager.

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Nike 2015 BHM Collection Cont'd - Part 3

Our final post on the Nike 2015 BHM Collection features some of Nike's most popular men's and women's lifestyle footwear and one release only available through the Nike Soccer App. Nike continues to use it's platform as one of the world's most recognized footwear companies to inspire, recognize and empower people across the world.

Sports remind us what history has long revealed. That courage is contagious. That the actions of a single individual can impact those whose faces they will never see. That a single voice can resound through generations. This month, we honor those who have let their actions and their voices speak. Not only for themselves, but for us all. To the challenges that we face, with the courage, the conscience and the power that resides in each of us.

THE POWER OF ONE


A portion of proceeds from the sale of the Nike 2015 BHM Collection will go to the Ever Higher Fund, which supports organizations that leverage the power of sports to maximize the potential of under served youth. The fund’s mission is to assist communities with knowledge, resources and tools for the next generation of leaders.

Nike Air Force 1 Duckboot BHM - $175, Jan. 29, 2015

Nike Air Force 1 Duckboot BHM

Nike Air Max 1 BHM - $125, Jan. 29, 2015

Nike Air Max 1 BHM

Women’s Nike AF1 Ultra Force BHM - $140, Jan. 29, 2015

Nike AF1 Ultra Force BHM

Women’s Nike Air Max 1 Ultra BHM - $150, Jan. 29, 2015

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra BHM

Nike Mercurial Superfly BHM FG - $300, Jan. 29, 2015 - Exclusively in the Nike Soccer App

Nike Mercurial Superfly BHM FG

Monday, January 26, 2015

Nike 2015 BHM Collection Cont'd - Part 2

In honor of Black History Month, Nike went all out with their 2015 BHM Collection of basketball shoes. Nike is featuring all four of its signature basketball shoes in the specially designed styles and prints in honor and recognition of the courage, actions and impact of African Americans throughout history.

A portion of all proceeds from the Nike 2015 BHM Collection will be donated to the Ever Higher Fund, to support organizations that leverage the power of sports to maximize the potential of under served youth. Ever Higher Fund’s mission is to assist communities with knowledge, resources and tools for the next generation of leaders.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite BHM - $250, Jan. 19, 2015

Nike Kobe 9 Elite BHM

The innovative and ultralight Nike Kobe 9 Elite Men's Basketball Shoe moves naturally with your foot while providing the lockdown and responsiveness Kobe demands. A virtually seamless, formfitting Flyknit upper integrates areas of breathability, stretch and support, while super light, super strong Flywire technology cables lock your foot down. The result is a lightweight, locked-in feel unlike any other. The ultra lightweight, springy Lunarlon cushioning delivers soft yet responsive shock absorption from tip off to final buzzer. Made with less outsole rubber than traditional basketball shoes, the Kobe 9 Elite from Nike offers enhanced flexibility yet maintains the traction required for quick cuts and sprints.

Nike Kyrie 1 BHM - $130, Jan. 19, 2015

Nike Kyrie 1 BHM

With advanced traction, zoned support and lightweight cushioning, the Nike Kyrie 1 Men's Basketball Shoe is designed to engage forward motion while keeping a tight grip on the ground, allowing a quick first step. The durable rubber outsole features a modified herringbone pattern that wraps up the sidewalls for maximum traction. Three layers of material are Hyperfused together to produce a nearly seamless upper, creating zones of durability, breathability and support, right where you need them. A Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot provides low profile, responsive cushioning for a quick first step, while lightweight Phylon foam in the heel delivers extra cushioning on impact.

Nike LeBron 12 BHM - $220, Jan. 24, 2015

Nike LeBron 12 BHM

Previous LeBron shoes have harnessed LeBron's power and now the Nike LeBron 12 Men's Basketball Shoe unleashes his explosiveness. With ultra responsive, ultra flexible cushioning directly underfoot, this is the most dynamic and agile shoe in the LeBron series. Four visible Nike Zoom units in the forefoot deliver ultra responsive cushioning, and a maximum volume Nike Zoom unit in the heel provides excellent impact protection. New Megafuse technology comfortably locks down your foot while letting it move. Plus, super strong, ultralight Flywire cables adjust with your foot's natural motion, creating even more lockdown through the midfoot. Hyperposite wings are fused to the sides of the shoe to provide greater support during sharp cuts. One wing cradles your midfoot while the other cups your heel.

Nike KD7 BHM - $170, Jan. 24, 2015

Nike KD7 BHM

The Nike KD7 Men's Basketball Shoe is made for the player who excels in the paint and on the perimeter, offering natural motion and cushioned support with a data informed shank and 180° Nike Zoom unit. Flywire cables and a Hyperposite construction work together to stabilize the foot and provide dynamic changes of direction. Flywire design and midfoot strap provide lightweight lockdown. Hybrid design blends flexibility and support to give you speed and strength on every step. Visible Nike Zoom Unit delivers ultra responsive cushioning.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Nike 2015 Black History Month Collection - Part 1

February is designated as Black History Month or National African American History Month in the United States. During this annual celebration the achievements and endeavors of African Americans in United States history are recognized, remembered and honored. This past Monday on January 19th, 2015 we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. one of the most recognized leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

This year, Nike is celebrating Black History Month with a collection of footwear across basketball, running, soccer, skateboarding and football. Nike is honoring six athletes and coaches who have positively impacted sports with their courage and determination. The Black History Month Collection of BHM Collection will recognize Theotis Beasley, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jerry Rice, Brianna Rollins, C. Vivian Stringer and John Thompson.

Nike will be donating a portion of proceeds from the sale of the 2015 BHM Collection to the Ever Higher Fund, which supports organizations that leverage the power of sports to maximize the potential of underserved youth. The fund’s mission is to assist communities with knowledge, resources and tools for the next generation of leaders.

Because the Nike BHM Collection includes so many different shoes, 13 pairs to be exact, we will be splitting up the collection into separate posts by release date. Below you will find the first launch of shoes that make up the 2015 Nike BHM Collection released on January 17th, 2015.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High BHM - $130, Jan. 17, 2015

Air Jordan 1 Retro High BHM

Girls Air Jordan 1 Retro High BHM - $120, Jan. 17, 2015

Girls Air Jordan 1 Retro High BHM

Air Jordan 29 BHM - $225, Jan. 17, 2015

Air Jordan XX9 BHM

Nike Dunk Low Premium SB BHM - $135, Jan. 17, 2015

Nike Dunk Low SB Premium BHM

Friday, January 16, 2015

Hottest 2014 Nike Holiday Releases

Happy New Year to everyone! Wishing you all nothing but joy, prosperity and good health this year. 2015 is here and 2014 is in the books. Every year the holidays always seem to speed by and are over in a blink of the eye. With all the festivities, feasting, family time and of course shopping, the busyness of the season causes us to miss out on a lot of the latest news and rumblings in the world, especially the shoe world. Being the biggest season for retail, shoe companies have bought in to the trend and love to release special styles around the holidays. Here is a quick look back at some of the HOTTEST 2014 Holiday Releases from Nike.

Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Black/Infrared23' - $185, Nov. 28, 2014

Air Jordan 6 Retro

The Nike Air Jordan 6 is back in its original colorway and arrives just in time for the holidays. Capitalizing on the new shopping craze "Black Friday", these shoes were released the morning after Thanksgiving. Jordan’s first championship shoe features a black nubuck upper with eye-catching pops of Infrared on the heel and Jumpman logos. For the first time since the original release, a reflective underlay shines bright on the courts or in the streets. Check out the official release page for the Air Jordan 6 Retro Black/Infrared.

Alejandro's Nike X Doernbecher Air Max Penny - $145, Dec. 6, 2014

Doernbecher Air Max Penny

Alejandro Muñoz was born with kidneys that have never worked well and eventually will fail. He spent his first 12 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Trips to Doernbecher have become a frequent part of his life. At eight you just want to play. Now. Today. It’s pretty simple.

Alejandro’s canvas is the Nike Air Max Penny, inspired by his love of football. Alejandro loves nothing more than hanging out in shorts and tees – and now he has designed one of each. Personal drawings and designs are imprinted all over the reflective base of the Air Max Penny, and his own logo is inspired by his favorite football team: the 49ers. Look closely and you’ll see a self-portrait of Alejandro playing football on the tongue of his very own Nike X Doernbecher Air Max Penny.

Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Legend Blue' - Dec. 20, 2014 - $200

Jordan 11 Retro Legend Blue

The Air Jordan 11 has become a cult classic and is now a legend. Released back in 1996, the Air Jordan XI is regarded as one of the best Air Jordans ever. This original colorway, known back then as "Columbia", is a mix of patent leather and smooth leather in all white, with a tongue tag, Jumpman logo and translucent outsole tinted in Legend Blue. Tinker made it shine. Mike made it fly. You made it iconic. Check out the full release details for the Air Jordan 11 Retro Legend Blue.

Air Jordan Ultimate Gift of Flight Pack - Dec. 23, 2014 - $500

Jordan Ultimate Gift of Flight

The Air Jordan Ultimate Gift of Flight Pack features the newest Air Jordan and one of the best Air Jordans ever. The two pack features the Air Jordan 29 and the Air Jordan 11, celebrating performance, innovation and Legend Blue. This is one of the most anticipated Jordan Packs to be released to date and will be sure to have fans and collectors in a frenzy. Check out all the full details here for the Jordan Ultimate Gift of Flight Pack.

Released back in 1996, the Air Jordan 11 was ahead of its time. Form and function melded perfectly together for a great look on the court and off. The Air Jordan 11 features Legend Blue on the patent leather and smooth leather upper, and a white midsole and translucent outsole tinted in Legend Blue.

Today, the Air Jordan 29 is the lightest Air Jordan ever with a re-engineered Flight Plate and one piece woven upper that moves naturally and comfortably with your foot. The Air Jordan 29 features Legend Blue highlights with elephant print, framed with a white upper and translucent grey midsole.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Welcome to Sole Opinions

Mission:

Our mission at Sole Opinions is to offer the most informed opinions, reviews, thoughts and updates on the newest and latest shoes and footwear across the industry. From men's and women's shoes to comfort, dress, casual and athletic shoes; you name it, we love it and want to share them with you. If you don't see something that you would like to see more of, please don't hesitate to let us know. We would love to hear from our readers!

Vision:

To be an online resource for shoes and footwear information, technology, style and more. If it's about shoes and footwear, we want you to be in the know.

Values:

  • V - add VALUE to your footwear choices.
  • E - provide EXPERT opinions and feedback.
  • I - to INSPIRE and share new styles and trends.
  • F - have FUN with our readers and community.

Women's & Men's Shoes
WE LOVE OUR SHOES!

Our passion is shoes and footwear and we want to share it with all of you. There's just nothing that can describe the feeling you get when putting on the perfect pair of shoes for whatever the occasion. It's as if you're walking on air and feeling like a million bucks! Whether it be for style, comfort, functionality or just because, footwear is much more than just an accessory. Footwear has become part of our culture and it is here to stay.