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Source: Brad Barket / Getty
There are more shake up’s at YZY headquarters. Kanye West has reportedly fired longtime footwear designer Steven Smith.

As reported by Nice Kicks the rapper has reportedly asked the veteran creative to exit from his company DONDA. This week Fast Magazine caught up with Smith and confirmed the rumors about his exit back in August. While Steve has historically been supportive of West throughout all of his ups and downs it seems his patience for YE has run out. “He’s lost his mind,” he said in an exclusive statement to the magazine. “The whole of Yeezy is circling the drain and this is just part of it. He has surrounded himself with toxic, C-grade losers.”

While Smith did not touch on any of the recent Kanye happenings including wanting to launch his own adult content channel or is possibly addicted to nitrous oxide he did make it clear he is excited about his next chapter. “I’m in a very happy place with it all,” Smith reveals. “I will certainly be a priceless asset to whoever I work with next. It’s all his loss and the result of his foolishness.”

Steven Smith is a pioneer in the sneaker industry for his work on several iconic releases including the Reebok Instapump Fury, the New Balance 574 and the Yeezy Boost 700. YE has yet to publicly comment on the matter. Back in May Milo Yiannopoulos resigned as Chief of Staff for YZY.

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Source: Supreme / Supreme
For the past few years the Supreme x Air Force 1 Low‘s have been a hot commodity in the sneaker world as they tend to sell out as soon as they restock on the streetwear brand’s website. But will their new Mid’s experience the same amount of hype as the Low’s?

Source: Supreme / Supreme
On Thursday (August 20), Supreme will be dropping their new Air Force 1 Mid’s in both the all-black and all-white color ways with the box logo on the heels. Though Air Force 1 Mid’s haven’t been thee most popular Nike silhouette in, well, decades probably, adding that little Supreme logo on the side may actually be enough to move some merchandise as hype beasts tend to flock to damn near anything that the legendary street brand releases out in these streets.

Per Supreme, the shoe is outfitted with a “full-grain leather upper with perforated leather toe panel, DURAPLUSH lining, co-branded footbed, lace lock, tongue label, embroidered logos at eyestay and debossed printed logo at side.”
If you’re hoping to resell these for a profit, we’d advise against copping these as they’re almost sure to brick. These kicks really are for the heads who grew up loving the Air Force 1 Mid’s and were probably clowned by their friends for doing so. Let them rock, b.
Check out pics of the Supreme x Air Force 1 Mid’s and let us know if you’ll actually be trying to cop a pair when they drop in the comments section below.
Source: Supreme / Supreme

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Source: @upscalecracc / Instagram
Earlier this summer, the sneaker community mourned the loss of well-known sneaker reseller. Javier Osorio-Mejia aka Upscale Cracc was shot and killed in an apparent robbery attempt in Soho this past June.

Now, two months after the tragic event, police have made an arrest in connection to the shooting. Fox 5 New York is reporting that 35-year-old Jayquan Straker was taken into custody and charged with murder, robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon. Though no motive has been revealed for the June 25 killing, many people assume it was a robbery gone wrong as Mejia was shot in the right leg three times, which ultimately led to his passing.
Fox 5 New York reports:

Sources told FOX 5 NY’s Lisa Evers that Straker, who’s accused of killing Osorio-Mejia, left behind his cash and his brand new Range Rover.
Osorio-Mejia was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he died.
Straker then fled in a black SUV, police said.
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.
Known for selling sneakers to hard-to-find sneakers to celebrities, Upscale Cracc was loved and considered a stand-up guy by those who knew him best.
Now that his killer has been arrested, maybe we’ll learn what led to the shooting and whether or not it was a set-up or a robbery gone awry.
What do y’all think of the this situation? Let us know in the comments section below.

HipHopWired Featured Video

Source: CHRIS BERNACCHI / Getty
The sneaker reselling game is not be what it used to be just a few years back (everything is bricking these days), but that didn’t stop one man from stealing some very exclusive sneakers from an NBA legend earlier this month in hopes of cashing out bigly.

According to ESPN, a man decided to go for the gusto and broke into the $4.25 million dollar Memphis home of Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and rolled out with boxes of limited edition Nike sneakers that are said to be rare “Friends and Family” pairs and even 1-of-1’s that could fetch thousands of dollars on the resale market. Luckily police were able to apprehend the suspect this past Thursday (Aug. 22) and announced that 42-year-old Ronald James had been booked and charged with theft of property.

Looking more like January 6th insurrectionist than your everyday sneaker head, James was caught on surveillance video rolling up to Penny’s home with a shopping cart and leaving with boxes stacked up higher than his own height. After police released Jame’s picture which was captured on the surveillance cameras, he was subsequently arrested and booked for the robbery.

ESPN reports:
Hardaway told Memphis TV station WREG this week that 26 pairs of “one-of-kind” Foamposite shoes had been taken from his home.
Nike’s Foamposite line, made famous by Hardaway when he starred for the Orlando Magic in the 1990s, is still popular today. Hardaway and Nike still have a lucrative partnership years after the former NBA All-Star last played in the league.
Last year, Nike released the Nike Air Max Penny 1 Lester Middle School editions to honor Hardaway’s Memphis middle school.
It’s unclear when James will have his first court appearance related to the theft, and his bond has not been set. Police did not say whether they had retrieved the merchandise.
While we don’t know if the man was able to flip the sneakers before his arrest or if they’ve been recovered, one has to wonder how he knew which sneakers to go for and how it was so easy for him to pull off the heist. Penny might have a turncoat in his inner circle. Just sayin.’
What do y’all think of this latest sneaker heist in Memphis? Was it an inside job or did the tattooed white man just know his sneakers? Let us know in the comments section below.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Throughout the year, Nike has been re-releasing a number of new Air Jordan sneakers in the lead up the the brand’s 40th anniversary in 2025. If you ever wanted to pick up a new pair of Jordans, now is the best time to shop — especially since drops come in new styles and colorways.

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Retailing for $190 at nike.com, the lightweight Nike Air Jordan 11 Retro Low “diffused blue” sneakers — which were originally released in high tops in 1995 — are designed for playing basketball and for everyday casual use, thanks to their strong lines and iconic silhouette.

The uppers of the sneakers are made from a blend of genuine and synthetic leather for shape and durability, while they even have a strip of premium diffused blue leather running around their toe caps to round out the style of the shoes.

Trending on Billboard

Nike Air Jordan 11 Retro Low “Diffused Blue”

Additionally, they also feature the iconic “Jumpman” logo on the back of each heel with a “hidden” No. 23 placed just above the logos. The design and silhouette are iconic, while the style of the sneakers are very late ’90s basketball — one of Michael Jordan‘s most poplar shoes. Plus, these sneakers come in a white, diffused blue, football grey and midnight navy colorway.

Meanwhile, if you want more from Nike, the sports and fashion apparel company also dropped new Air Jordan 6 Retro “Reverse Oreo” sneakers, as well as new Team USA Air Max men’s sneakers for the Summer Olympics, a pair of new men’s slides and a new mini-crossbody for smartphones.

The Nike Air Jordan 11 Retro Low “Diffused Blue” sneakers are come in men’s and women’s sizes for $190 at nike.com.

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

HipHopWired Featured Video

Source: Nike / NIke
We still have a while to go before Nike finally releases the coveted “Galaxy” Nike Air Foamposite Ones, but until that release date rolls around in 2025, Nike is once again steadily building hype around the Foamposites and to do so have recruited Wale to promote their latest exclusive edition to the classic silhouette.

According to Sneaker News, Nike is releasing a “DMV” exclusive version of their Air Foamposite Ones, and to help create some buzz around the drop they got Wale to star in their campaign commercial, which hit social media yesterday (Aug. 19). One of the Hip-Hop game’s most well-known sneakerheads, Wale, stunts in a pair of the rose-colored Foams while we watch a collage of scenes, which showcase what life is like in the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area where other people in the community are blessed with a pair of their own.
Per Sneaker News:

In addition to playing a role in the marketing promo around the shoe, Wale is also conducting a special giveaway that looks to reward the most loyal Foamposite fanatics. To enter, submit a photo of yourself wearing your favorite Foamposites HERE. The giveaway is in partnership with his music label UMG and not via Nike.
Although Wale has never released an official collaboration with Nike, he has been relied on as an unofficial “first look” source. As mentioned earlier, Wale would often be spotted in upcoming Nike footwear as he wears the standard sample size 9. Although the rapper’s tastes in shoes ranged across all categories, his affinity for Nike Trainers, Foamposites, and classic Nike Basketball was the most apparent.
If you want a pair, you might want to enter the giveaway as these sneakers are going to be releasing exclusively at retail stores around the DMV area. So good luck getting a pair.
Check out the promotional clip for the new “DMV” Nike Air Foamposites, and let us know if you’ll be trying to snag a pair in the comments section below.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Whether you’re sprinting to your next class, standing in line for coffee or strolling across the quad with friends, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. But finding the right footwear can be challenging. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of five comfortable sneakers to wear back to school.

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For those looking to replicate celebrity looks, you might want to consider getting Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty sneakers to channel a fresh and youthful look. If you’re looking to add more variation into your wardrobe, Nike, Lululemon, Puma and S Sport by Sketchers have designs that are great for walking through campus.

Nike

Nike Dunk Low Women’s Sneakers

If you’re looking to upgrade your sneaker collection, consider these Nike Dunk Low Women’s Sneakers. You can find these sneakers in eight different colors from pink to teal. You can also design and customize your own pair. All you need to do is click on the “Design Your Own” button.

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Lululemon

Lululemon Cityverse Women’s Sneakers

These Lululemon Cityverse sneakers provide 3D-moulded support and cushioning, so you’ll feel supported wherever you go. You can get it in Lemon Chiffon, White, Raw Linen and Jade Whisper. As one Lululemon customer pointed out, “These shoes are so comfortable and great for my wide feet.”

Puma

Puma Mayze Sunflower Embroidery Sneakers

For those looking for a standout piece, add these cute Puma Maize Sunflower Embroidery Sneakers to your cart. With its trendy platform and sunflower designs, this is one you won’t want to take off. It’s available in sizes 5.5 to 11.

Nike

Nike Air Max 90

These Nike Air Max 90 sneakers is not only a great back-to-school option, they’ll look fresh in fall. If you use code FALL25, you can get up to an extra 25% off. The shoe is available in eight different color combinations.

S Sport By Sketchers

$23.99

$29.99

20% off

Let’s be honest: We all need a pair of shoes that make our lives easier. These pull-on S Sport by Sketchers provides ultimate comfort. With its easy slip-on casual style, you’ll be ready to go about your day. All you need to do is slip and slide your feet in. It’s available in sizes 5.5 to 12.

For more product recommendations, check out these Hoka Mach X: Everyday Sneakers and alternative Nike sneakers.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Japanese electronics company Roland manufactured the TR-808 Rhythm Composer drum machine — aka the 808 — in 1980. This iconic rhythm machine was instrumental (no pun intended) in the development of hip-hop, R&B, rock and dance music throughout the decade and beyond, including on hit songs such as “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston, “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads, “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child and others.

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And now, nearly 45 years after its release, Roland is collaborating with sports footwear and apparel company New Balance and Brazilian pro skater Tiago Lemos on the new NB Numeric Lemos 808 sneakers — which retail for $119.99 and drop on 808 Day, which is on Thursday, Aug. 8 at, 12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT (Wednesday, Aug. 7).

Made from suede, mesh and synthetic pigskin, the NB Numeric Tiago Lemos 808 sneakers feature the company’s “REVlite” midsole for cushioning and bounce, with round white laces for stability and security.

Trending on Billboard

Meanwhile, New Balance took inspiration from skateboarding sneakers from the late ’90s and early 2000s for style, with a black upper and pops of orange, red and white — like the 808 itself. In fact, the sneakers even come with a little 808 charm for additional flair.

New Balance

NB Numeric Tiago Lemos 808

“Hip-hop has been the soundtrack for my skating, and at the heart of many classics was the 808. To have a collaboration with the legendary Roland 808 on my shoe is an honor,” said Tiago Lemos in a press release.

Available on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 12 a.m. ET, the NB Numeric Tiago Lemos 808 sneakers come in various unisex sizes in black; a pair goes for $119.99 at New Balance.

Want more deals? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

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Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty
Back in the day it was most athletes’ dream to get a signature sneaker from the Swoosh brand, Nike, but as of late it seems like adidas has been stealing a lot of their thunder. Now, an Olympic Gold medalist seems to prefer three stripes to a swoosh, if he can have it his way.

According to Nice Kicks, Noah Lyles let the world know that he wanted his own signature shoe with adidas right after he took home the gold medal In the Paris Olympics 100-Meter sprint. Beating out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just tenths of a second in a pair of adidas Y-3 track spikes, the new fastest man in the world expressed his desire for a signature sneaker with the three-stripe brand in a post-race interview.
Nice Kicks reports:

“I want my own trainer,” he said. “Dead serious… I want a sneaker. There ain’t no money in spikes. There’s money in sneakers.”
If adidas were to make Lyles a signature shoe, he’d join the history books once more, this time in the world of sneakers joining legendary Michael Johnson and Allyson Felix as the only American sprinter with a shoe.
Johnson, who released the Nike Air Zoom JST in 1998 following the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and Felix, who left Nike and started her own footwear brand Saysh, set enough precedence for the Three Stripes to meet the demand of fans and athletes alike who aspire to performan at the highest level.
adidas would be fools to pass up this opportunity. Not only has the man earned it, but he bluntly stated he wants adidas over any other brand as his home. Not many athletes would say such a thing.

What do y’all think? Should adidas welcome Noah Lyles to their family? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Source: Annie Wells / Getty
For the past few years Nike stocks have been tumbling as the hype behind most of their releases have been tepid at best (resellers out here going broke! LOL). But with the numerous classic retro silhouettes set to release in 2025, Nike seems primed for a market comeback. Now, they’ve added another jewel to their treasure trove of drops for next year.

According to Nice Kicks, Nike is planning on re-issuing the classic and elusive “PlayStation” Air Force 1 that originally dropped in the mid 2000s in extremely limited numbers. While Air Force 1s have also seen a drop in popularity in recent years, there are a few iterations of the silhouette that hardcore sneakerheads still hold in very high regard, and this particular pair happens to be one of them.

Whether this new generation of sneakerheads will understand the allure behind the colorful patent leather, older heads will definitely be feeling nostalgic when laying eyes on these and will be hoping to snag a pair should they actually hit the digital shelves in the new year.
Per Nice Kicks:
The lore of the PS x Nike AF1 Low is transcendental across gaming culture and sneakers. The sneaker debuted in 2006 as a friends & family exclusive for the NBA’s “The Life” video game. With only 150 pairs in existence, each sneaker is numbered with a special tag on the inside.
Aside from its rarity, the PS x Nike AF1 Low was favored by many due to its gradient design, OG PS logo on the heel counter, purple lace, baby blue outsole, and eye-catching glossy patent leather upper.

Kobe was loving them joints.
The news comes after word broke that Nike would also be re-releasing the classic Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboards” in 2025 as well. Originally retro’d in 2015, these grails would go on to resell for over $1000 in following years as heads loved the orange and black color blocking on the Air Jordan 1s.

Between these two sneakers, along with the Air Jordan 1 “Bred,” “Galaxy” Foamposites, Air Jordan 8 “Aquas” amongst many other highly anticipated sneakers, Nike is coming for all the money in 2025, and you know what, they’re going to get it.
Which kicks are you looking forward to the most in 2025? Let us know in the comments section below.