New Balance Announces New 574 Sneaker Connection at Foot Locker

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Today, New Balance will debut its new 574 lines exclusively at Foot Locker, Inc.

The monochrome color schemes of the collection are inspired by the tools of hype, including televisions, cameras, microphones, and the media. The classic 574 design turns back time to adopt a modern, all-leather aesthetic that hasn’t been seen since the early 2000s. The updated style comes in three straightforward colors and has an all-leather upper with the model’s iconic rubber outsole.

Men’s and children’s sizes of the timeless matte chrome black, unisex and children’s sizes of the pure bone white, and women’s sizes of the sandy beige will all be offered.

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Retailing for $70-$95, the New Balance Exclusive 574 collection will be available at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Foot Locker Canada and New Balance

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Christian Cowan Releases Absurd Teletubby Boots

In the childhood of many, the 90ss TV show Teletubbies had a great impact. Many people nostalgically remember the colorful and animated creatures that were divided into different colors. This was a BBC children’s show made for a preschool audience. The Teletubbies were so popular that they even won multiple international awards. Undoubtedly, they are a symbol of the popular culture of that time. What no one imagined is that some Teletubby Boots would be a fashion statement in 2023. But how is this possible and where does it come from?

Recently, the designer Christian Cowan launched a capsule collection of classic styles inspired by 90s fashion with an exclusive Teletubbies theme. The collection consists of a denim jacket, hoodie, wide-leg jeans, and a t-shirt that features screen prints. But undoubtedly the most striking piece of the collaboration is the high-heel Teletubby Boots. These boots are based on Dipsy’s character, the neon green creature with a horizontal line antenna. What stands out the most is that the boots’ structure has the plush figure of Dipsy on top. It includes the arms and the head, which makes the design something that has never been seen before. But, this is not the first time that Cowan has launched a unique collection like this.

Teletubby Boots Unveiled

Clearly, there are tastes for everything. Within the public, there will be people who like and dislike these boots. But much of the criticism and controversy is due to the fact that this accessory is priced at £2,086.00. Although the designer’s brand and products are usually expensive many users wonder if it is worth acquiring such unique and different boots at such a high price. The Teletubby Boots come in different sizes that can be purchased on the official website of Christian Cowan.

As you can see, fashion is an industry that is constantly changing and never ceases to amaze. This trend of footwear with extravagant designs has been seen before with the Big Red Boots and Mario Boots. If you are not afraid to wear something extraordinary and limitless, then Teletubby boots are a must-have option.

PUMA Hoops to Drop Stewie 1 ‘Four Time’ to Celebrate Breanna Stewart’s Four Consecutive College Titles

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The Stewie 1 Four Time, a new colorway honoring Breanna Stewart’s history-making winning streak, is officially making its debut at PUMA Hoops.

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The Stewie 1 Four Time honors Stewart’s unprecedented run of four straight NCAA titles. Her winning years are written on the left-side inner tongue of the shoe, and on the right-side inner tongue, an illustrated hand flashing four fingers and the bold “4X” emphasize her outstanding accomplishment. This red, white, and blue sneaker with textural grey accents is a winner on and off the court. It features the same statement-making sculptural wraparound heel, intricate outsole, and demarcated formstrip as the original, along with PUMA Hoops tech, including NITRO foam.

Available for purchase on Friday, March 17, the Stewie 1 Four Time is retailing for $125 on PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store, and select retailers.

You can see the sneaker below.

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Nike Responds To Kool KIY’s Counterclaim, Labels Designer A ‘Serial Copyist’

The Air Jordan 1 Receives Federal Trademark Protection The Source

Last month, designer Kool KIY filed a counterclaim against Nike after the sneaker and apparel giant sued the designer for ripping off multiple shoe designs. The designer claimed that Nike’s Air Jordan 1 and Dunk trademarks were “invalid and unenforceable” and that his sneakers had been altered enough so that they did not infringe.

Nike lawyers filed a formal response to the counterclaim earlier this week in a New York court where the discredited the originality of Kool KIY’s designs and labeled him a “serial copyist.”

“Kiy is not a ‘cutting-edge design house,’” reads Nike’s response. “There is nothing creative or ‘cutting-edge’ about stealing Nike’s designs and replacing the Swoosh with Kiy’s logo. Rather, Kiy is a serial copyist who has profited from its intentional theft of some of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes. Kiy’s counterclaim, littered with incorrect and irrelevant allegations, is nothing more than an attempt to distract from Kiy’s own willful infringement.”

Kool KIY responded to Nike’s response on IG, saying that Nike is now stealing colorways from him before announcing that a new sneaker is dropping this weekend.

“This The Response I Get From A Multi Billion Dollar Giant … “Serial Copyist” But They Stealing My Ideas & Colorways Now 😂 , More Like Serial Sold Out Tour Dates , Serial Lines In Every City lol… This Black Excellence Man .. Y’all Will Never Discredit This Shit I Built .. Showing Everybody Like Me That We Don’t Need The Man To Make It .. FUCK THAT ! New KIY DROP THIS FRIDAY .. Download Kiy Studios In App Store !”

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SOURCE SPORTS: Don C Teams with Klarna to Present New Sneakers to Benny the Bull

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Benny the Bull, the enduring mascot of the Chicago Bulls, received a pair of brand-new sneakers from Klarna on Friday, March 3, in collaboration with internationally known designer and artist Don C.

The sneakers were created by Don C and Klarna and were inspired by the team’s 2023 City Edition Uniform. They have a rust color that is reminiscent of Chicago’s bridges and hot pink accents that match Klarna’s pink logo.

“For a kid from Chicago that grew up going to Bulls games with my dad, it’s an honor to be able to design a pair of shoes for the iconic Benny the Bull,” shared Don C. “Even beyond that, I am inspired by the opportunity to work with Klarna to connect fans just like me all around the world with this beloved team through fashion.” 

Limited-edition Just Don Courtside Hi basketball shoes were released exclusively through the Klarna app and are now available at www.klarna.com/us/justdon for $460.

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Speaking with The Source, Megan Gokey, Head of B2C Marketing & Brand Partnerships for Klarna, details the partnership, the Just Don collection, and more.

Klarna has activated in the United Center, specifically with merch. How has the response from fans been, and are there any additional components on the way that we haven’t seen yet?

Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. We are always looking for ways to make a fan’s experience smoother and have found that the community has responded to our innovative tactics. Not only are they eager to get the new merch we collaborate on, but they are also leaning into shopping smarter with our Klarna Smoooth Delivery in-seat shopping experience that allows them to purchase Bulls merch, split the cost into four interest-free payments, and get it delivered directly to their seat, so they don’t miss a moment of the game.

In an executive role, how have you felt about the partnership with the Bulls so far?

We’re now in our second year of Klarna’s partnership with the Bulls and we’re really taking the fan experience to the next level. We are continuing to challenge ourselves to deliver something truly extra to the fans in an effort to bring them closer to the game and athletes they love through unique in-arena experiences like designing and unveiling the limited edition Don C Benny the Bull shoes, delivering a new in-seat shopping experience and introducing shoppable content such as the exclusive Just Don sneakers inspired by the design for Benny.

There are so many integral features to the Bulls – including players, personnel, and announcers. What made Benny the Bull the person to wear this sneaker?

Benny is beloved by everyone, from fans to players. He is such an integral part of the Bulls, both on game day and on social media.This is our second consecutive year partnering with a Chicago artist and designer on new shoes for Benny and it’s a tradition we hope will continue as everyone needs to upgrade their kicks after a while!

The Just Don sneaker was a Klarna exclusive – will additional items be solely available on the platform?

We are constantly looking to bring moments and offerings that will create the best and smoothest experience for fans – including new merch – to fans in-arena and outside. Previously, we worked with Zach LaVine to put together collections of his game-day essentials that fans could easily shop on the Klarna app.

There is basketball family synergy here between your team, the Bulls, and Don C. How hard was it to collaborate across all entities for this specific campaign?

Not hard at all. Especially having Don C on board as Creative Strategy and Design Advisor for the Bulls, it made working together pretty seamless throughout the design process.

What is your favorite component of Benny’s sneakers?

I love how the passion for the team and the city of Chicago really shines through in Benny’s sneakers. The rust coloring is reflective of downtown Chicago’s bridges, and of course, I love to see the hot pink of Klarna in there as well.

As we are heading into this stretch run – what do you hope to see from the Chicago Bulls? and do you have any predictions?

Like all Bulls fans in Chicago and around the world, we’re going to support the team every game. Bulls fans are some of the best in all of sports, and we’re thrilled to be a part of helping them cheer on their team.

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Jordan Brand Announces NIL Sponsorship with Class of 2024 Point Guard Kiyomi McMiller

Jordan Brand Announces NIL Sponsorship with Class of 2024 Point Guard Kiyomi McMiller

Kiyomi McMiller with the Jordan Brand has entered a name, image, and likeness (NIL) sponsorship deal. This is the first high school NIL deal for the Jordan Brand.

One of the top players in her recruiting class is the guard, who was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is renowned for her adept ball-handling and scoring prowess. In order to set the path for the upcoming generation of athletes, McMiller joins the Jordan Brand as its first high school NIL athlete.

“I’m inspired by both of my parents. I get my creativity from my dad and my grandmother, which carries over to my dribbling,” says McMiller. “I’m always in the gym with my mom and dad working on my game. It’s a dream come true being with the brand that stands for the same passion that I have for the game. I look forward to encouraging basketball players to use their creativity and platform to define their purpose.”

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Jordan Brand Announces Jayson Tatum’s First Signature Sneaker, the Tatum 1

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The Tatum 1 is Jayson Tatum’s first signature shoe with Jordan Brand. The Tatum 1 is the season’s lightest shoe in Jordan Brand’s performance line, and it was created for the next generation of athletes.

The Tatum 1 is a product of a his want to wear a shoe connected to his foot and featured a TPU frame, wrapped in ground-contact form acting as an integrated traction pattern. The sneaker has minimal rubber on the toe and the ball of the foot to accent Tatum’s predominantly forefoot game. The forefoot has a sizable, cage-free Zoom Air bag that helps give maximum energy return without compromising court feel. The collar is cushioned for ankle support, and the mesh knit upper is sturdy yet light.

The Tatum 1 stands out for paying special attention to the design for children. Tatum wanted a shoe that young children could easily slip on and off of. Tatum collaborated with the Jordan Brand design team to help shape a kid-friendly version of his iconic sneaker that featured an exclusive, injected TPU tailgate mechanism for simple access.

“I want people to feel like they can connect to me,” says Tatum. “I remember being a kid, walking into the store, and looking for the signature shoes of my favorite players. The moment I saw the shoe or put the shoe on, I felt like I was in sync and closer to them in a way. So, I want this shoe to be a bridge between my fans and me to bring us closer together.”

The Tatum 1 stands out for paying special attention to the design for children. Tatum wanted a shoe that young children could easily slip on and off of. Tatum collaborated with the Jordan Brand design team to help shape a kid-friendly version of his iconic sneaker that featured an exclusive, injected TPU tailgate mechanism for simple access.

The Tatum 1 releases April 7 in full family sizing. 

You can see the sneaker below.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey and Scoot Henderson Star in Foot Locker’s ‘Ball Begins Here’ Campaign

Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey and Scoot Henderson Star in Foot Locker's 'Ball Begins Here' Campaign

Foot Locker is launching its new worldwide basketball campaign, “Ball Begins Here,” today. Before All Star Weekend 2023, the new commercial demonstrates how the passion of basketball and footwear brings together all members of the basketball community, from fans to the next generation of basketball stars.

Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Scoot Henderson of the Nevada Ignite G League all appear in the campaign alongside Foot Locker’s iconic staff, commonly known as Stripers. Each player joins forces on the court with the Foot Locker Stripers and influential members of the basketball community, including Matt Barnes, Lethal Shooter, Crissa Ace, Jordan Kilganon, Brittney Elena, and others, to play friendly one-on-one games, show off their tricks and kicks, and score some Foot Locker gear.

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For decades, Foot Locker has been the destination to shop for all things basketball, from the original Air Jordan 1 to the highly anticipated arrival of the PUMA MB.02, and everything in between. As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2024, Foot Locker has been at the forefront as a significant and cultural figure in the basketball world, and it continues to cement its history globally. Foot Locker’s ongoing engagement in worldwide sports is exemplified by the Ball Begins Here campaign.

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“Ball Starts Here epitomizes Foot Locker’s prominence in basketball over the decades, both on and off the court,” said Holly Tedesco, Vice President North America Marketing. “Our Foot Locker Stripers play an integral role as trusted experts and arbiters of cool – elevating experiences and connecting with Foot Locker customers across the world. When bringing this campaign to life, it was just as important to highlight our real team – all current Los Angeles based Stripers – alongside some of basketball’s brightest stars.”

In addition, during All-Star Weekend, Foot Locker will bring House of Hoops – the legendary Nike and Jordan Brand home constructed by the game – to Salt Lake City for a three-day pop-up. It’s a fun weekend event featuring special releases, sneaker cleaning, art workshops, barbershop and nail setups, and a 2K lounge for fans. For additional information, follow @footlocker and @houseofhoops.

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Tiffany & Co x Nike, ‘A Legendary Pair’

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On Sunday, Tiffany & Co. and Nike officially announced their collaboration on the  Nike x Tiffany & Co. Air Force 1 1837s. The shoe is being produced in honor of the 40th anniversary of Nike’s Air Force 1 and was teased over the weekend in a New York Times print ad of a Nike shoe box in Tiffany’s signature robin egg blue. The ad read  “A Legendary Pair.” Shortly after this announcement, the sneaker collab made its way to social media platforms where that “legendary” sentiment is quite hard to find. 

By Tuesday, sneakerheads and social media users largely dismissed the $400 Nike Air Force 1 Low Tiffany & Co. 1837 shoes– proclaiming them as a huge missed opportunity. The shoe is essentially an all black Air Force 1, already deemed a persona non grata of the shoe world, with a Tiffany blue swoosh and silver plated back. 

Commentary now began to flood comment sections across Twitter and Instagram. Users intervened stating: “They’re not bad if you don’t look at them,” “Is this a joke,” “Just Don’t Do It,” “You are a luxury brand, this looks so cheap” and “The design team was high for this one.” On other pages of youth culture such as Highsnobiety, Hypebeast and on popular archive account @liljupiter, people were even less inhibited. 

American rapper Reese LaFlare deemed the entire collaboration “T R A S H,” going on to state that “Nick Diamonds did it better,” in reference to the Diamond & Co. founder who in 2005 collaborated with Nike Skateboarding on what was later dubbed the “Tiffany Dunk.” That sneaker currently fetches over $3,000 on sneaker reseller StockX and remains highly acclaimed. 

Just a short time after the initial announcement of the shoe, the internet made up its mind. The collaboration, cool in theory, lacks substance and the cultural integrity to pull off what now seems like an uneducated marketing ploy. 

Christopher Morency, chief brand officer of Vanguards and the former editorial director of Highsnobiety summed it up best. “Cultural credibility cannot be bought. And it certainly can’t be reduced to a tired marketing template. Tiffany and Nike’s partnership failed on multiple levels. The bottom line: cultural credibility needs to be earned with respect for sneakerheads and their culture, not on their backs.”

Ultimately, the shoe highlights a lack of synergy and fluency with youth culture. Marketing efforts, while clever, lacked knowledge of sneaker culture and were limited by a great lack of imagination. Other creatives on the internet have reinvented their own version of the shoe, many of which are being celebrated by others. So while the Nike x Tiffany & Co collab is generating buzz that will likely lead to purchases, the general consensus on the shoe reflects a much less triumphant affair.

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Converse Announces Celebration of Black Joy for Black History Month

Converse announced Black Joy, a collective commitment to promote Black voices while also celebrating joy, freedom, and diversity of experience, in honor of Black History Month. Black Joy, like the Mi Gente project, demonstrates the brand’s year-round commitment to serving its loyal communities and helping the next generation of creatives.

Converse is now focusing on expanding access and opportunity within the company and community to celebrate Black heritage and express Black Joy in all forms, via ongoing collaborations with creatives and community organizations that foster youth leadership and innovation. Converse has given approximately $3.7 million in grants to the Black community since 2015.

In addition to the Black Joy pledge, Converse is releasing a new line in honor of Black History Month. This year’s collection focuses on the healing, freedom, and joy that can be discovered by immersing oneself in nature. The 2023 Black Joy line, designed by Converse’s Black colleagues, reimagines well-known sneaker styles and classic-fitting gear. The new collection includes the Run Star Motion CX, Chuck Taylor All Star, and Chuck Taylor All Star Construct—the Chuck Taylor family’s newest cupsole shape inspired by 80s court shoes. Apparel options include an Oat Milk Classic Tee with a colorful, outdoor-inspired center graphic, a Floral Camo Classic Hoodie, and a Women’s Crew Pullover in Dark Obsidian with a botanical camo pattern.

You can see the collection below and learn more about how Converse is amplifying Black joy, creativity, and heritage here.

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