sneakers
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For the past few years, Nike has made it a point to go after any and everyone who’s been banking off their products whether it be through bootlegging, patent infringement or even biting their silhouettes.
Even sneaker customizers aren’t safe from Nike’s high-powered and well-funded attorneys. Revered sneaker customizer, the Shoe Surgeon, just became the Swoosh brand’s latest target as he’s been hit with a lawsuit over the custom remixes he’s created over the years.
According to Sneaker Legal’s official Instagram page, popular sneaker customizer, the Shoe Surgeon (Dominic Ciambrone, pictured above) has some explaining to do in a court of law as Nike has just slapped him with a trademark infringement complaint over the customizations he’s created over the years.
Accusing the Shoe Surgeon of counterfeiting and misleading customers who may think his creations are actual collaborations with the company, Nike wants to put a stop to Ciambrone’s bread and butter. The lawsuit also claims that they’ve tried multiple times to straighten the situation out without having to resort to legal action, but apparently Ciambrone would simply remove the customized Nike’s from his website only to resell them on other platforms.
Nike even singled out Ciambrone’s Shoe Surgeon Academy, which is problematic because it teaches people how to customize sneakers on their leading to more bootlegging out on these streets.
Nike doesn’t just want the Shoe Surgeon to shut down his operation, but they are also seeking $60 million, or the profits the defendant garnered from his work, along with their attorney fees. Lord knows how much Nike is paying their attorneys, but if they are constantly winning these kinds of cases, it’s no small fee.
Speaking to Complex about the matter, Nike explained why they take such measures when it comes to their sneaker products.
Per Complex:
“Our goal is to make sure consumers are not misled and have access to authentic Nike, Inc. products that are authorized and created according to our high standards with the performance benefits they expect. It is unfortunate that after many attempts to resolve this matter privately, we’ve had to take legal action against the Shoe Surgeon for counterfeiting, mass customization, and trademark infringement. In order to safeguard our brand and IP, and aligned with Nike’s commitment to protect the consumer from counterfeit Nike product, we are left with no choice but to seek a legal solution to address how the Shoe Surgeon is constructing counterfeit ‘Nike’ footwear from scratch and selling it as officially branded product. Further, the Shoe Surgeon is teaching others to create counterfeit ‘Nike’ sneakers. These activities are illegal, deceive consumers, and create confusion in the marketplace around source, authenticity, and quality of Nike products.
“We valued our relationship with the Shoe Surgeon and do not have any issues with the limited, one-of-one customization he’s been doing for us or his clients, when allowed under Nike-sponsored athletes’ contracts. In fact, we value opportunities for our athletes, consumers and partners to express themselves through their own style and creativity.”
Looks like the Shoe Surgeon has his work cut out for him.
What do y’all think of Nike’s latest lawsuit against a well-known sneakerhead in the game? Fair or foul? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: @CookSheriffIL / x
The sneaker reselling game definitely isn’t what it used to be, but that’s not keeping people from continuing to flip somewhat sought after merchandise, even if it means running afoul of the law.
Unfortunately, for one particular hustler and his right-hand man, authorities caught on to their operation and now the two men are facing some serious consequences.
According to WGN TV, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office of Maywood, Ill., uncovered a retail theft operation led by Flee Club owner Darris Kelly and his employee Jerry Walker, which they say led to authorities recovering $2.4 million worth of stolen sneakers, designer clothes and even some guns. Amongst the stolen merchandise were numerous pairs of the unreleased Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympics” (which aren’t going for much on the resale market as no one’s really checking for these), the Louis Vuitton x Air Force 1s, and some other Air Jordan 11s that were sure to brick.
Still, a buck’s a buck. Unfortunately, for Kelly and Walker, the jig is up.
WGN TV reports:
The Sheriff’s Office says sheriff’s police executed a search warrant at a store in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Chicago’s Near West Side. According to authorities, employees of the store purchased stolen items and resold them to customers.
Dart explained Thursday how authorities set up the bust.
“This was, as they say, an undercover operation where we were sending people in to sell things that we told them was stolen,” he said. “We would then go back in with a different undercover officer and buy the stolen stuff we had just sold them.
“So we were recovering the stuff that everyone knew was stolen. We were getting tips from the people that operated (the theft operation) — the two people charged — on what they wanted us to steal, and they directed us in that way, as well.”
If Kelly and Walker are maintaining their innocence in the operation, that can only mean they’ll be flipping on someone else sooner or later and with the investigation still active, don’t be surprised if they start naming names.
The news comes almost a year after thieves crashed an SUV into Chicago’s Flee Club and made off with $100,000 worth of exclusive merchandise. Maybe Darris Kelly wanted to recoup what he had lost in that jux? Just sayin’, allegedly.
What do y’all think about this latest sneaker bust? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Rihanna is ready for back to school season with her newest collaboration Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty “In Session” sneakers. This new version of the Creeper sneaker is bigger and bolder, featuring a chunky sole, a Corduroy upper, and a leather Puma Formstrip on the side, making them the ultimate statement piece for any outfit. The new drop is now available in three different colors: Black, Classic Red or White Corduroy.
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Rihanna‘s role as creative director shaped the campaign, which was shot by Phillipa Price. In the campaign the singer featured a diverse cast representing different high school stereotypes, from theater kid to nerd. Euphoria‘s Chloe Cherry took the role of the emo girl, while Award-winning actress, Angelica Huston played the principal.
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Whether you’re looking for comfortable sneakers, getting ready for back-to-school shopping, or simply in search of a fashion-forward piece, the Fenty x PUMA Creeper Phatty “In Session” sneakers have you covered. This collaboration offers both exceptional comfort and a bold, stylish design. “Your whole school will be wearing the Creeper Phatty’s and this campaign plays with that vision. We chose these colors and material very purposefully for back-to-school. The black-on-black corduroy remind me of my very own childhood, a uniform approved shoe with the twist I always wish I had,” Rihanna shared in a statement.
The FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty In Session is now available at PUMA.com, Footlocker, and JD Sports.
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FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty “In Session” Sneakers
The FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty “In Session” Sneakers retails for $120 and is now available at PUMA.com, PUMA Stores and global retailer. You can also find the sneakers on resale sites such as StockX.
Get ready for class in style and channel your inner Rihanna with these uniform-friendly sneakers.
For more product recommendations, check out these Snoop Dogg & Skechers Drop Limited-Edition Sneakers, Bad Bunny’s Latest Adidas Collaboration, and Nicki Minaj’s First Sneaker Collection.
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Ages ago the Nike Air Foamposite One was easily one of the most popular silhouettes out on these mean streets and though these days many sneakerheads ignore them for Jordans, Dunks, and even Crocs, Nike seems ready to try to reestablish the hype behind its late 90’s gem going forward.
Source: Nike / Nke
With OG sneakerheads patiently waiting for the re-release of the classic “Galaxy” Air Foamposites next year, Nike has decided to make a new iteration of their timeless creation which also pays homage to a hugely popular video game franchise that also blew up in the mid-90’s.
According to Hypebeast, Nike will be introducing the “Tekken 8” Air Foamposite One sometime in the future, and truth be told, we’re lowkey feeling this colorway and design. Similar to the colorway of the classic “Eggplant” Foamposites, the “Tekken 8” boasts some pretty cool details that will make them stand out amongst the rest and is sure to be a hit amongst video game enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike.
Source: Nike / Nke
Per Hypebeast:
An iridescent shell kicks off the look, with a thematic print covering the shiny finish. From there, black arrives at the leather eyestays, laces and tongue. Special Tekken motifs enter the mix at the tongue and sockliner branding, while a red “FIST” graphic adorns the icy translucent outsole. That’s not all — a special box featuring the game’s cover art of Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama is included too.
At the time of writing, Nike has not confirmed when this Tekken 8-themed take on the Air Foamposite One will be releasing. Stay tuned for updates as we currently expect it to arrive this September via Nike SNKRS and select retailers at a starting price of $250 USD.
Source: Nike / Nke
The box itself may be enough to get heads to line up for these, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Source: Nike / Nke
Would you cop the “Tekken 8” Air Foamposites or are you still cool on the classic silhouette these days?
Check out pics of the kicks themselves and let us know if you’ll be picking up a pair or passing in the comments section below.
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Photo: Nike
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Source: @salehebembury / Crocs / Instagram
Crocs are really coming to take their cut of the footwear market and to help them bolster the buzz on their latest Salehe Bembury silhouettes, they’ve enlisted the talents of Hip-Hop super producer, The Alchemist.
According to Sneakernews, the man who’s helped craft hit songs for the likes of Mobb Deep, Snoop Dogg and Nas has been tapped to star in Crocs latest Salehe Bembury campaign and truth be told, we’re not mad at it one bit. Styling in a pair of blue Crocs Saru Mule, the popular producer couldn’t look more comfortable as Crocs are known for their cozy feel and durable materials.
Per Sneakernews:
In case you missed our initial coverage of the Saru, the Saru Mule is an understandable evolution of the Pollex traction pattern that’s marked his Classic Clog & Slide output. Maintaining the brain-like layout underfoot, the top of the shoe is what’s transformed most radically, cutting out the “Sport Mode” strap and raising the foot entrance to ensure security despite the new mule life. Also in typical fashion, monochromatic executions remain in the spotlight; sunny “Citrine” and oceanic “Geneva” are the fourth and fifth colorways to grace the burgeoning silhouette.
Just as anticipation is sky-high for the Salehe Bembury New Balance 530, demand will no doubt carry over to this latest collection, so prepare for a contentious drop or aftermarket prices if you’re aiming to grab either shoe.
Don’t sleep. Crocs do be selling out immediately when there’s some hype behind specific releases. These will be no exception. So if you like what you see, prepare for the drop as they’ll likely fly off shelves especially at a reasonable price of $75.
Check out pics of the Crocs Saru Mule’s and let us know if you’ll be trying to pick up a pair in the comments section below.
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Source: SNKRS / NIke
When the Air Jordan 6 “Aqua” colorway released last year many sneakerheads began to call on Nike to just re-release the classic Air Jordan 8 in the “Aqua” colorway as it’s been almost 10 years since we’ve seen them.
Apparently Nike heard our cries loud and clear and according to Nice Kicks the “Aqua” colorway to the Air Jordan 8 is set to return in 2025! With 2025 already jam packed with classic Air Jordan retros such as the “White Cement” 4’s, “Metallic” 5’s, and of course the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred”‘s, Nike is trying to ensure that next year is a banner one for the company as 2024 is proving to be, well, a dud.
Now that heads will be getting a chance to get their feet in some classic Air Jordan 8’s (which originally dropped in 1993), once can only wonder what else Nike has up it’s sleeve for 2025.
Per Nice Kicks:
Re-released in 2007 and again in 2015, the Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” captured the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts and will return in Summer 2025, a decade after its last appearance.
The Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” releases in Summer 2025 for $210 via SNKRS and select retailers.
Easily a double-up or triple-up if you got the funds.
Check out pics of the kicks and let us know if you’re as excited as we are for 2025 in the comments section below.
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Source: Nike / NIke
After a lukewarm rollout in 2019, Nike has decided to fallback and retire their “revolutionary” auto-lacing Nike Adapt sneakers that no one asked for and fewer people even wanted.
According to Sneaker News, the Nike Adapt will be retired in 2024 as the innovative silhouette never really took off in popularity as they might’ve expected. Having launched in 2019 with an accompanying app, Nike announced on their FAQ pages that they would no longer be dropping new versions of the sneaker going forward. Unfortunately, for Nike, the Adapt will not be missed (no shots).
Sneaker News reports:
The first self-lacing sneaker available to the larger market was the HyperAdapt 1.0 in late 2016; with an MSRP of $720, this state-of-the-art sneaker came housed in premium packaging came with an AC adapter, charging pucks for the internal motor that ignites the automatic lacing system, and a handy quick-start manual so you’ll know how to use the brand new tech. From that point on, several different colorways of the HyperAdapt 1.0 were brought to market until its final documented release in late Spring 2018.
Nike quickly pivoted to bringing Adapt tech to performance basketball with the Adapt BB 1.0 in early 2019. This performance basketball shoe was fully capable on the court, but featured the same hands-free technology and even a companion App that allowed for remote control of the lacing, the lightning, and power on/off capability.
Nike plans on removing the Adapt App from Apple and Android stores by Aug. 6.
What this does for resale value is anyone’s guess, but truth be told, we weren’t mad at the sneakers. Just seemed a bit too high maintenance for our taste.
What do y’all think about Nike ditching their Adapt silhouette? Will you miss them or nah? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: @wutangclan / Nike Sportswear
With sneaker companies dropping so many retros, a criticism is that the novelty of an OG shoe’s rarity and the feelings they evoke are now being lost. One shoe that has managed to duck the re-release treatment for years, and thus had its legend only exponentially grow is the famed Wu-Tang Clan x Nike Dunk.
Well, the black and yellow basketball shoe is finally getting the retro treatment. On Sunday, June 30, the official Wu-Tang Clan Instagram account (and Nike Sportwear’s) teased the return of the ultra grail-level sneaker with the caption “BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ” and a shoe covered in bees. Originally released in 1999, the Wu-Tang x Dunk High LE was gifted strictly to friends and family of the Staten Island Hip-Hop group. The shoe is a high top Nike Dunk in a yellow and black colorway (release sneakers consider it the “Iowa” colorway), with the familiar Wu-Tang Clan logo on the heel.
Word is only about 100 pairs of the sneaker were ever created. Finding a deadstock pair has become increasingly rare, and pricey—for example, an alleged deadstock promo sample is going for a smooth $45,000 on eBay right now.
The retro will cost less coin, but depending on how many Nike decides to actually manufacture, you can bet the aftermarket price will skyrocket since resellers and bots will be itching to get their hands on as many pairs as possible to cash out. Meanwhile, sneaker civilians will pray for the best via raffles and quick fingers, and strong wi-fi, on drop day.
No word on a proper release date, yet (and surely it will be sometime in the Fall), but I need two pairs, at least.
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Source: AAron Ontiveroz / Getty
Donald Trump’s attempt to court black and brown voters by dropping limited edition gold sneakers might’ve failed miserably as mostly white MAGA cult members purchased the $400 bricks. It seems like one of his most loyal followers in Congress couldn’t get herself a pair and was relegated to copping a pair of bootlegs.
According to Raw Story, controversial congresswoman Lauren Boebert recently celebrated her surprise Republican primary win in Denver, Colorado by wearing a pair of the MAGA grails, but interestingly enough she admitted they weren’t an authentic pair. Apparently Donald Trump had no problem endorsing her for the 4th Congressional District in eastern Colorado, but stopped short of blessing her with an official pair of “Air Con’s.”
Still, her devotion to her orange overlord is so deep she felt the need to rock a pair by any means necessary on her “big” night and settled for a pair of fugazi “Insurrection 6’s.” Now as disturbing as that is, it pales in comparison to the fact that this transphobic/Beetlejuice “enthusiast” continues to convince swaths of people to keep her employed as a congresswoman of the United States of America. But that’s neither here nor there.
Raw Story reports:
“These are very China, but I’m okay with that,” Boebert said, laughing. “If I could’ve bought the OGs, I would have.”
The originals have already sold out, according to GetTrumpSneakers.com, and remain on pre-order status with an estimated shipping date of sometime next month.
Trump announced the launch of 1,000 custom limited edition “Never Surrender High Tops,” which are reflective gold and feature American flag uppers, with metallic stars on the back and a “T” embossed in the leather, at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia in February.
Not for nothing but we feel like fake Trump sneakers are actually more in-tune with who the man actually is. MAGA hats made in China and fake Trump sneakers should be the everyday attire of his hardcore cult followers. Just sayin.’
What do y’all think of Lauren Boebert’s admission to rocking fake Trump kicks? Did she play herself or was she right on brand? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: @upscalecracc / Instagram
Sad news coming out of the sneaker community as well-known sneaker reseller to celebrities Javier Osorio-Mejia of Bayonne, NJ was reportedly shot and killed on Tuesday (June 25) in what police assume was a botched robbery attempt in New York City.
According to Fox5NY, the shooting occurred around 5:15 am on Greene Street in Soho and though it seems like a robbery attempt gone wrong, the men who accosted Meija shot him and fled the scene without taking any of his cash or his brand new Range Rover which was left behind at the scene. According to reports, Javier Osorio-Mejia was shot three times in the right leg before he was rushed to Bellevue Hospital where he passed away.
Known for selling exclusive high-end sneakers to celebrities and everyday sneakerheads alike, Meija built a name for himself over the years in the sneaker community, so when news of his shooting hit the internet, many eyebrows were raised and hearts broken.
Fox5NY reports:
NYPD detectives and crime scene investigators spent many hours going over the scene in search of clues. Sources told FOX 5 NY’s Lisa Evers significant ballistic evidence was recovered from the apparent ambush.
Detectives also recovered cash that was left on the ground, along with the victim’s trademark lime green Nike sneakers.
“I’m just devastated and I just want everyone to know he was a good person. He wasnt involved in no foul stuff, he was a humble dude, he helped a lot of people,” one of Osorio-Mejia’s friends said.
No arrests have been made. The motive behind the shooting was unknown at the time.
As detectives continued their work, friends gathered to mourn the loss of a rising businessman and support each other.
When news of his passing hit social media many of Meija’s friends and colleagues in the sneaker community took to his last post to express their love and condolences as he was beloved by many in the game.
Rest In Power, King.