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.

The post Converse Announces Celebration of Black Joy for Black History Month appeared first on The Source.

PUMA Hoops Reveals New ‘Jade’ Colorway of LaMelo Ball’s MB.02 Sneaker

23SS BB MB02 JADE LAMELO BALL 377590 01 235 RGB

The MB.02 Jade is the latest generation of LaMelo Ball’s signature shoe from PUMA Hoops.

LaMelo Ball’s MB.02 Jade celebrates the Lunar New Year with marbleized gradients of pale green reminiscent of the sacred stone. The shoe also has gold-tone foil outlines of Melo’s iconic wings and his “1 of 1” marking for an ultra-premium finish. To commemorate water as the Chinese zodiac’s element for 2023, the ornate two-tone design is enhanced by a newly dipped droplet look at the midsole.

This fully playable sneaker is as precious as its namesake, featuring innovative PUMA Hoops technology such as NITRO foam. Because of its full-coverage designed nonslip rubber compound and feather (a tribute to Melo’s characteristic wings) tread pattern for better durability and traction, the shoe is also great for rapid cutbacks and spot-up jumpers. Finally, the fit features a revolutionary upper design comprised of engineered woven mesh and multizone blended materials for targeted support, comfort, and breathability in a lightweight package.

The MB.02 Jade will be available for $150 on Friday, Feb.3, through PUMA.com, Foot Locker, Foot Locker Canada, and Champs Sports.

You can see the sneaker below.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

The post PUMA Hoops Reveals New ‘Jade’ Colorway of LaMelo Ball’s MB.02 Sneaker appeared first on The Source.

PUMA Hoops Releases New Edition of Breanna Stewart’s ‘Stewie 1’

22AW PR BB Stewie1 ReIntroduce 03 1920x1080px

The Stewie 1 Reintroduce, Breanna Stewart’s iconic sneaker, is getting a new incarnation from PUMA Hoops.

This new colorway, the third release of Stewie’s signature shoe, has a bespeckled gum sole and an upper that is flecked to resemble the geological formations on Washington State’s magnificent Mount Rainier. It is inspired by glacier rocks. The great forward’s dazzling presence on the court is symbolized by the neon yellow accent that breaks up the otherwise neutral color scheme.

The Stewie 1 Reintroduce, which has a suggested retail price of $120, will go on sale starting on Jan. 16 through PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and other select retailers around the world.

You can see images below.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

The post PUMA Hoops Releases New Edition of Breanna Stewart’s ‘Stewie 1’ appeared first on The Source.

Sneaker Studio FCTRY LAb Acquires $6 Million Fundraise; One of the Largest Investments in a Black Founder in 2022

FCTRY LAb Entrance 1

FCTRY LAb is a BIPOC-led, LA-based footwear prototyping lab and venture studio that aims to democratize sneaker production and open-source innovation for emerging and established designers and brands of all sizes. FCTRY LAb’s fundraiser for their launch on December 15th is one of 2022’s largest investments in a Black Founder.

The independent innovation studio was founded by the former head of Yeezy-Adidas Innovation Lab, Omar Bailey and the former Wall Street and private equity executive, Abhishek Som. The studio is based out of the U.S. to avoid supply chain disruptions and delays. This reduces product development time down to 1-3 months, which would otherwise fall at 8-12 months. 

FCTRY LAb Co Founders Portrait Omar Bailey Abishek Som 2
FCTRY LAb Co Founders Portrait

Much like the eyewear industry that borders monopolization, large sneaker corporations often hold on to an overwhelming majority of profits that are fueled by the creative vigor harnessed by minority designers, influencers and athletes. FCTRY LAb is working to change this reality by pushing for equity and transformative techniques that overthrow the mechanisms that made this truth possible in the first place. 

The original $6 million subdivision included a diverse array of venture capital firms, top professional athletes and a myriad of pedigreed angel investors. The Investors include the Co-Founder of Tinder (via Time Zero Capital), Co-Founder of WeWork, the West Coast Head of Warburg Pincus, and a consortium of NBA & NFL stars via Chicago-based Aurelien Capital.

Venture capital investment was led by the LA-based, Pay-Pal-backed Slauson & Co, with additional investment from Relay Ventures, Elysian Park Ventures (the private investment arm of the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group), Level One Fund & Fog City Capital amidst others.

FCTRY LAb Design 4
FCTRY LAb in Los Angelos

Omar Bailey helped transition the gap from trailblazing conceptual design into functionally wearable footwear during the $1 Billion revenue growth of Yeezy-Adidas. Bailey has developed footwear for entertainers and athletes such as Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and Karim Benzema. With over twenty years of experience under his belt, he has also worked alongside culturally impressive brands like Supreme, New Balance, K-Swiss & Timberland. 

The post Sneaker Studio FCTRY LAb Acquires $6 Million Fundraise; One of the Largest Investments in a Black Founder in 2022 appeared first on The Source.

Vans and Timberland Reveal First Collaboration

ho22 half cab timberland group 01 3irtp8az 2022 12 13

Vans and Timberland are launching their first capsule collection together in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the former label’s iconic “Half Cab.” ‘Half Cab,’ first released in 1992 and Timberland’s sturdy ‘Euro Hiker’ boots were created in 1988. The original silhouette is most known for its firm construction that guarantees performance in cold-weather (great for metropolitan terrain trotters) and its clean earthy appeal. The duo is teaming up on an entirely new hybrid silhouette that’s half skate shoe and half hiking boot, dubbed the Vans Skateboarding x Timberland Half Cab Hiker.

The pair have described the collaboration to be “entirely unique” while still upholding familiarity. The ⅝ cut upper placed on top of a Euro Hiker boot outsole alongside two-tone round boot laces reflects that statement. The ‘Half Cab Hiker’ is made up of canvas, Timberland’s premium leather, and a ReBOTL™ lining made from at least 50 percent recycled plastic. The shoes also contain padded leather collars, rubber lug outsoles and dual iconography. The colorways available include Wheat and Chocolate/Olive. 

ho22 halfcab timberland lifestyle 13 kamwbk61 2022 12 13

In addition, the ‘Half Cab Hikers’ is a reimagined take on Timberland’s premium 6-inch Waterproof Boots born out of 1973. The Vans team modernized the shoe by taking inspiration from streetwear, workwear and skate aesthetics. The new model stays connected to the Vans aesthetic with an appearance of the signature checkerboard print. More developments can be seen in the all-black updates that mark the release of the Vans Skateboarding x Timberland 6-Inch Boot.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

Infusing the DNA and legacy of these footwear brands unveils a classic yet contemporary take on two treasured silhouettes. The Vans Skateboarding x Timberland collaboration launches on December 20 via select Vans & Timberland retail stores. The collaboration is also available on Van’s website and Timberland’s website. The Half Cab Hikers are priced at $160 USD while the 6-Inch Boot retails for $230 USD.

The post Vans and Timberland Reveal First Collaboration appeared first on The Source.

Tyler, the Creator and Converse Team for GLF 2.0 in All-White Colorway

image001 4

This Fall, Converse and Tyler, The Creator’s GLF 2.0 make a comeback with a clean, all-white rendition of the latest model from the partnership.

The GLF 2.0 completes the Converse x GOLF le FLEUR* collaboration’s five-year journey, which first debuted in June. The silhouette, which evolved from the original all-suede GLF design, combines a vintage court appearance with modern design. The shoe’s all-white coloring replaces canvas with leather for a more upscale appearance.

image002 4

As an homage to the Gianno, the scalloping and fluid lines that have come to characterize Converse x GOLF le FLEUR collaborations are on display. A bright outsole recalls Tyler, The Creator’s previous releases, and retro allusions, including a remixed Converse brand license plate, add a nostalgic touch. The silhouette takes its shape from the Pro Leather, giving an homage to the skate aesthetic that has helped define much of this partnership’s history.

The GOLF le FLEUR colors are still present in the GLF 2.0, but the floral motif from the first version has been replaced with triple-white color blocking. Finally, a lightweight CX liner and cup sole design provide an all-day level of comfort.

On September 27, a constrained global release of the white GLF 2.0 will be offered at Converse.com and GOLF le FLEUR.

The post Tyler, the Creator and Converse Team for GLF 2.0 in All-White Colorway appeared first on The Source.

Reebok Reveals the New LX2200 Scheduled for Sept. 1 Drop

GY1533 FLT eCom 1 1

Reebok has officially announced a September 1 release date for the brand-new LX2200, a contemporary take on one of its most recognizable running shoes, the LX8500.

In 1985, Reebok released the LX8500, a high-end runner. The all-new LX2200, which debuts in autumn 2022, is inspired by that same design and features a modern silhouette with aspects of today’s fashion, such as a soft leather upper, buffed EVA midsole, suede and mesh overlays, and a chalk white rubber outsole.

While this first release features subdued autumnal tones, upcoming LX2200 models will offer a variety of vintage and upscale material implementations and color schemes throughout the season.

Starting September 1, Reebok.com and a few stores will sell the LX2200.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

The post Reebok Reveals the New LX2200 Scheduled for Sept. 1 Drop appeared first on The Source.

The Shoe Surgeon Releases ‘TS AJ1 Lux Reverse Mocha’

Screen Shot 2022 08 09 at 10.10.08 AM

The hottest summer shoe has a new custom luxury rendition thanks to designer Dominic Ciambrone aka The Shoe Surgeon. The Lux Reverse Mocha is made from the best exotic leathers, including crocodile and python, and has metallic red-foil embossed logo hits all throughout. A sole that is frosty brown and cream in hue pairs back with an exotic, cream reverse swoosh on the lateral sides.

The Lux Reverse Mocha retails for $6,500 and is now offered at www.TheSurgeon.com. The first 100 purchasers will also receive a commemorative limited edition puff print Surgeon t-shirt.

You can see the new sneaker below.

Screen Shot 2022 08 09 at 10.06.30 AM
Screen Shot 2022 08 09 at 10.10.08 AM 1
Screen Shot 2022 08 09 at 10.10.08 AM 1

The post The Shoe Surgeon Releases ‘TS AJ1 Lux Reverse Mocha’ appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: DeMar DeRozan Re-signs with Nike, Vanessa Bryant Denies He Will be Face of Kobe Line

DeMar DeRozan Re-signs with Nike, Vanessa Bryant Denies He Will be Face of Kobe Line

Chicago Bulls All-star swingman DeMar DeRozan has renegotiated a deal with Nike. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the deal would place DeRozan in the face role of the Kobe division of products. DeRozan often wears Kobe sneakers while playing on the court.

Following the announcement, Vanessa Bryant provided an update to Charania’s report, citing there is no face of The Black Mamba’s line. “False. He is not the face of the Kobe line. No one is,” Vanessa Bryant wrote.

Specifics of DeRozan’s deal with Nike were not revealed. However, he is expected to continue to wear Kobe’s on the court.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: DeMar DeRozan Re-signs with Nike, Vanessa Bryant Denies He Will be Face of Kobe Line appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Two Minors Surrender In Deadly Attack Of 73-Year-Old Philadelphia Man

Screen Shot 2022 07 12 at 10.30.10 AM

Two minors ages 10 and 14-years-old wanted in connection with a deadly attack on a 73-year-old man in Philadelphia last month surrendered to police Monday afternoon.

The gruesome incident took place at 2:38 a.m. on Friday, June 24, on the 2100 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philadelphia. Police say 73-year-old James Lambert was attacked by four males and three females. The suspects who brutally beat Lambert with a traffic cone are believed to be in their early to mid-teens. Action News has learned two of the suspects are minors and are siblings.

The question remains–why are young children resorting to violence? Is it anger, idle minds, lack of parenting or activities? What can we do to help rehabilitate these neighborhoods?

Watch the video below.

The post [WATCH] Two Minors Surrender In Deadly Attack Of 73-Year-Old Philadelphia Man appeared first on The Source.