Drake and Nike’s NOCTA Unveil Hot Step 2 Sneaker

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Drake and Nike’s NOCTA have set the sneaker world ablaze with the release of their highly anticipated Hot Step 2 Sneaker in Total Orange. Priced at $200.00, this stylish and innovative footwear option made its debut on Nocta.com yesterday, April 2nd, sending sneakerheads into a frenzy.

The Hot Step 2 is not just another sneaker – it’s a statement piece. Crafted with a synthetic leather upper featuring a reflective finish, this shoe catches the eye with its sleek design and attention to detail. The unique eyestay and textile webbing for lace lockdown add both style and functionality, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for wearers.

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But the Hot Step 2 isn’t just about looks – it’s about performance too. Boasting a NOCTA signature sockliner and a visible Air unit heel, this sneaker provides unmatched comfort and support with every step. The solid rubber outsole with custom NOCTA North Stars offers durability and traction, while the G-TEK outsole technology delivers superior performance on any surface.

For those who missed out on the initial release, fear not – the Hot Step 2 will also be available via Nike’s SNKRS App on Thursday, April 4th, at 7 AM EST. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of sneaker history. Get your hands on the Hot Step 2 and elevate your sneaker game to the next level.

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Nicki Minaj Announces New Sneaker Line: ‘Dream Come to Fruition’

Nicki Minaj Makes History with Epic 'Pink Friday 2 World Tour' Kickoff

Nicki Minaj is entering sneaker culture. On Instagram, she announced her very own sneaker, in partnership with LØCI.

“4/12 = 11 new pairs of my OWN sneaker,” Minaj wrote. “11 completely different designs for you to choose from. An absolute dream come true. I can’t WAIT for you guys to see my 1st collection!!!! Link in bio to SIGN UP NOW!!!!! Thank you to my team for helping me make this dream come to fruition. This isn’t a sponsorship. I’m an owner & partner 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😅 & we will be showing you the first complete collection on 4/12. Love you BARBZ. THANK YOU.”

You can see the announcement below.

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Nike Releases New Sneaker to Celebrate Air Max Day

Nike Releases New Sneaker to Celebrate Air Max Day

On March 26, Nike commemorates the 10th annual Air Max Day, honoring the iconic Air Max heritage. This day pays tribute to Nike’s legacy of Air cushioning technology, showcasing new designs and innovations to propel Air Max forward as a platform.

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Foot Locker remains a steadfast destination for Nike’s Air Max franchise, offering year-round access to the latest releases, including this year’s Air Max Day collection. Among the highlights is Nike’s groundbreaking Air Max Dn, featuring revolutionary “Dynamic Air” technology never seen before. Priced at $160, the Air Max DN silhouette debuts in vibrant colorways like “Volt,” “Black/White,” “All Night,” “White/Racer Blue,” and “Platinum Royal,” available in unisex adult and youth sizes both in-store and online at Foot Locker starting March 26.

As Nike continues to push boundaries with each Air Max release, the Air Max Day celebration marks a milestone in the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.

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Jordan Brand Opens ‘World of Flight’ in Beijing’s Sanlitun District

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Jordan World of Flight (WOF) will debut in China with the grand opening of its Beijing Sanlitun store on March 23. The store, which will occupy a sprawling 1,000 square meters across four stories, promises to be a beacon for basketball enthusiasts and streetwear aficionados alike.

Nestled in the vibrant Sanlitun area of Beijing’s Chaoyang District, WOF Beijing Sanlitun boasts exclusive access to Jordan Brand’s finest streetwear and performance gear. The store offers a wide array of products and unique experiences, including convenient pick-up services, customizable items, and member-only events.

“Jordan Brand has always shared a special relationship with China,” says Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand. “China’s love for the game of basketball runs deep, and we’re thrilled to open Jordan World of Flight Beijing Sanlitun as our pinnacle expression of basketball culture and Jordan Brand at retail. Jordan World of Flight stores worldwide including Milan, Tokyo and Seoul are being embraced by consumers and we are excited to extend this innovative retail concept to our consumers in China. The unveiling of Jordan World of Flight Beijing Sanlitun is a pivotal moment for Jordan’s global strategy, signaling a new chapter for the Brand’s expansion and innovation in China furthering the Brand’s international presence.”

A key highlight of the store is the Wings Collection, a pinnacle of luxury streetwear curated by Jordan Brand. Available for purchase nationwide, this collection epitomizes exclusivity and style.

The store’s design pays homage to Jordan Brand’s legacy and Chinese culture. From incorporating local architectural elements like the iconic 京砖 flooring of the Forbidden City to showcasing the brand’s history through art installations, WOF Beijing Sanlitun immerses visitors in a rich tapestry of basketball heritage.

Moreover, the store engages local artists to infuse their creativity into its ambiance and product offerings. The Jordan Local Artist series, featuring collaborations with Chinese street artists, adds a contemporary flair to the brand’s lineup.

With its premium lounge, The Workshop for personalized customization, and a commitment to fostering community among basketball enthusiasts, Jordan WOF Beijing Sanlitun aims to redefine the retail experience for sneakerheads and sports fans.

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Reebok Collaborates with Cam Hicks on Exclusive BB4000 II Sneaker Collection

Reebok Collaborates with Cam Hicks on Exclusive BB4000 II Sneaker Collection

Reebok and creative director Cam Hicks reveal their highly anticipated footwear collaboration, centered around Reebok’s iconic BB4000 II basketball lifestyle shoe. The HICKS x Reebok BB4000 II, priced at $150, debuts on March 27 exclusively on hicks.fm, followed by a global release on April 5 via Reebok.com and select fashion outlets.

“It’s going to sound cliche, but family was the driving inspiration for this collab on the BB4000 II,” explained Hicks, a sought after creative director by way of Maryland and Virginia. “Following that, I wanted a classic basketball sneaker to give a shout-out to my life before all the creative endeavors.”

Inspired by Hicks’ Virginia roots and passion for basketball, the collection boasts a timeless design with nods to Hicks’ personal style. The shoe features a chalk, orange, and turquoise color scheme, premium leather upper, suede detailing, and exclusive branding. Each pair comes in a custom sneaker box, reflecting Hicks’ brand language and reimagining Reebok’s classic Union Jack packaging.

“When it comes to the shoes, the materials were extremely important,” emphasized Hicks. “And then I had to let it be known where they came from, of course, adding the big logo hit on the heel and “Reebok by Cam Hicks” on the tongue – standing on the design and being proud of it with the branding.”

The HICKS x Reebok BB4000 II launches on March 27, exclusively on hicks.fm, before its broader global release on April 5 via Reebok.com and select fashion stores. Stay tuned for further releases from HICKS x Reebok later this year.

You can see the product below.

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Report: Touring Giants Live Nation and AEG Decline Kanye West for a Tour

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Kanye West hoped to take his Vultures album with Ty Dolla $ign on the road. Unfortunately for him, Live Nation and AEG won’t assist.

According to Hits Daily Double, insiders state neither touring company will move forward with requests on a Ye tour that is being pitched by his agent Cara Lewis. The decision comes despite Ye moving over 10,000 tickets for his events, like the one in Chicago.

It is noted that Chicago companies Jam Productions and SPKRBX collaborated on the United Center booking days before the release.

Ye and Ty Dolla $ign are being sued by the Donna Summer estate for using the icon’s “I Feel Love” in the creation of “Good (Don’t Die).”

The suit is led by Summer’s husband, Bruce Sandano, stating the interpolation was not approved due to Ye’s “controversial history.”

Ye submitted a request for clearance, but it was denied on Feb. 3, 2024, in both written and phone communications. The song was submitted for clearance at Universal Music Enterprises as an alternative but was once again denied.

The estate is now seeking damages of $150,000 for each infringement.

Earlier this week, after Adidas announced a new stock drop of Yeezy sneakers at the end of the month, Kanye hit the net with a message stating he was sued.

“Not only are they putting out fake colorways that are not approved, they are suing me for $250 million,” Ye said. “And they also not paying me for these shoes they are putting out that has my name on it.

“They are using contract clauses and 50 years of business experience to rape an artist – one of y’all favorite artists – right in front of y’all in broad daylight.”

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Mallet London and The Smiley Company Unveil Their Collaborative Capsule Collection

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Mallet London, renowned for its British luxury footwear, and The Smiley Company, an iconic symbol of positivity, have joined forces to launch their first collaborative capsule collection. The dream team just released their collection which introduces the Neptune style, infused with the vibrant spirit of Smiley.

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This collaboration marks a fusion of fashion and positivity, as Mallet London and Smiley aim to spread joy and encourage people to embrace a lighthearted approach to life. The Neptune silhouette, available in black and white variations for both men and women, embodies this philosophy with unique baubles integrated into the design, creating a playful interaction with each step.

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At the heart of the collaboration lies a shared ethos between the two brands. Mallet London’s Founder, Evren Ozka, expresses his excitement about partnering with Smiley, emphasizing the alignment of values centered around positivity and creating meaningful connections with consumers.

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The design team at Mallet London drew inspiration from childhood nostalgia, incorporating Smiley icons reminiscent of ball pits and pinball machines. The result is a whimsical yet stylish sneaker that incorporates Smiley’s signature motifs while staying true to Mallet’s sleek aesthetic.

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The attention to detail is evident throughout the collection, with Smiley slogans discreetly integrated into the design, inviting wearers to discover hidden messages that evoke smiles. Each pair of shoes is accompanied by a commemorative box, a Smiley branded keychain, and an exclusive Mallet jewel adorning the laces, further enhancing the unique charm of the collaboration.

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Callum Ruane, Head of Marketing at Mallet London, reflects on the collaborative process, describing it as a joyous campaign that seamlessly merges Smiley’s brand narrative with Mallet’s identity. The result is a collection that exudes positivity and resonates with consumers seeking not only stylish footwear but also a meaningful connection with the brands they support.

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Ross Wilson, Chief Product Officer – Fashion at The Smiley Company, praises the collaborative effort, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that infuses fun and playfulness into every aspect of the Neptune collection. From the placement of Smiley icons dancing on the shoe’s bubble to the inclusion of hidden slogans, each element contributes to uplifting spirits and spreading smiles with every step.

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This exclusive capsule collection embodies the essence of Mallet London and The Smiley Company’s shared vision of positivity and creativity. With its unique blend of style and optimism, the Mallet & Smiley Neptune collection promises to captivate fashion enthusiasts and spread joy one step at a time.

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Ye Leaks Adidas ‘Yeezy Talking Points’ For Their Employees

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Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has taken to social media to warn his fans against purchasing the upcoming Adidas Yeezy sneakers. The rapper and fashion mogul revealed that Adidas is no longer paying him and has initiated a lawsuit against him for a staggering $250 million, all while continuing to sell his signature shoes.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ye took to social media last night to leak internal talking points shared by Adidas with their employees. These talking points are designed to address concerns from hesitant buyers regarding the ongoing controversy.

According to the leaked memo, Adidas is instructing its sellers to assure buyers that the upcoming Yeezy sneakers are not new designs, but rather existing Yeezys that were initiated in 2020. The memo emphasizes that Adidas owns the copyrights, designs, and colorways of these sneakers, despite Ye’s involvement in their creation.

Furthermore, sellers are instructed to inform buyers that Adidas fulfilled all contractual obligations to Ye and discussed the release of the product with him prior to making any public announcements. The memo advises employees to keep conversations with customers brief and to the point.

In a surprising analogy, Ye likened his situation with Adidas to his relationship with his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian. He claimed that Adidas disregarded his opinion, much like Kim allegedly disregarded his preferences regarding their children’s education.

This public dispute between Ye and Adidas has sent shockwaves through the fashion and sneaker communities. Fans and consumers are left wondering about the future of the Yeezy brand and whether this rift will have lasting implications on Ye’s collaborations with Adidas.

As the saga continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Adidas will navigate this controversy and how Ye will respond to the ongoing legal battle.

Thoughts?

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WATCH: Kanye West’s Paris Fans Chant ‘F*** Adidas’

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Kanye West and Bianca Censori are currently in France for Paris Fashion Week. While leaving The Ritz on Wednesday, the adoring crowd outside supported Ye, chanting “F*ck Adidas.”

During the moment, Ye riled up the crowd to be louder and even signed an autograph.

You can see the moment below.

Kanye West is not here for the sale of the new Yeezys. After the brand announced a new stock drop at the end of the month, Kanye hit the net with a message, stating he was sued.

“Not only are they putting out fake colorways that are not approved, they are suing me for $250 million,” Ye said. “And they also not paying me for these shoes they are putting out that has my name on it.

“They are using contract clauses and 50 years of business experience to rape an artist – one of y’all favorite artists – right in front of y’all in broad daylight.”

According to Complex, Adidas announced the remaining release of its Yeezy stock on Feb. 29. The “Steel Grey” Yeezy Boost 350 V2 will be available for $230 by using the Confirmed app, Adidas app, or Adidas.com.

Adidas also teased additional sneakers, showing an image with silhouettes of the Yeezy Foam Runner, the Yeezy 500, the Yeezy Boost 350 V2, and the Yeezy Slides.

Meanwhile, Kanye West delivered a message to fans to not buy them. “Anybody who loves Ye would not buy these fake Yeezys [.] I never made these color ways [.] I’m not getting paid off of them and adidas is suing me.”

You can see his full statement below.

In Sept. 2023, Ye received words of support from Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. In an interview, Gulden stated he doesn’t believe Kanye West is a bad person.

“And then as creative people he did some statements which wasn’t that good,” Gulden said. “And that caused Adi to break the contract and withdraw the product. Very unfortunate because I don’t think he meant what he said and I don’t think he’s a bad person it just came across that way.

“That meant we lost that business. One of the most successful collabs in history — very said. But again, when you work with third parties that can happen. It’s part of the game.”

Adidas reports a revenue of $437 million in the first release of leftover Yeezy sneakers from their nixed deal with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The first run of shoes hit online in June, selling out. The second run began to sell on Wednesday.

The sale of the sneakers was the efforts to empty their inventory responsibly. After the first launch, CEO Bjørn Gulden said, “We will continue to carefully sell off more of the existing Yeezy inventory,”

Adidas has also announced the donation of over 10 million euros to groups like the Anti-Defamation League, the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.

According to Billboard, 20% to 25% of the stock was unloaded in the first sale.

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Nike Unveils Devin Booker’s Mirage V2 Sneakers in Ashen Slate Colorway

Nike Unveils Devin Booker's Mirage V2 Sneakers in Ashen Slate Colorway

Nike introduces the Mirage V2 sneakers, a departure from the bold Mirage edition, now sporting an Ashen Slate blue/grey hue. Designed for elite basketball performance and inspired by Devin Booker’s personal style and journey, the Mirage V2 incorporates lifestyle elements.

Drawing from the desert’s mirage effect, the sneakers feature a contrasting orange tongue and insoles reminiscent of the desert sky. Available in men’s sizes, the Mirage V2 will hit Foot Locker stores and online platforms on Thursday, Feb. 29.

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