I was at Trinoma last weekend and saw a couple of Js you heads might be interested in. The Jordan Rare Air and Flight 9 (olympic) are now available at most Stadiums, Parks and JB retailers around town.  For fans of the brand, these are ok, just enough to keep you through the early ber months before you pick up your FTL 6s, Flint XIIIs or even the Cool Grey XIs. The Rare Air is another one of those hybrid Js. I’m not too fond of it but if you want to rep Jordan, then go ahead. I personally don’t like the work they did on this pair as it seems rushed and the paint job’s poor. Oh, and let’s not even bother with the stitching on the heel tab. This is one original pair that definitely looks fake (well, at least the word AIR looks fake). But again, to each his own. I got on someone’s case for the Jordan Fusions. Well, to each his own, but those wi’ll never be on my feet. Ever.

As for the Flight 9s, these aren’t so bad but because of the Olympic cw-influence on them (including MJ’s no.9 for the Olympics on the lace loop), or how they used the olympic colors, these got a bad review on most sneaker sites. They actually don’t look as great though I did see a cw online that might be worth my money.Anyways, they’re now available. Enjoy!

What would happen if the Air Max LeBron VII and the Hyperize had a baby? My guess is as good as yours and it would be the Air Max Hyperize. The shoe’s POP cw also dropped along with the ZKV POP this week and here’s a closer look. Obviously these were done in the Jazz’ colors. The shoe features the key elements of both pairs- the flywire tech of the Hyperize (which is also available on most LeBrons) and the Air Max 360 sole from the LBJ VIIs. They are a bit clunky but would serve well for cats who like to prowl the paint. Many have said they’re as heavy as the Hypermax’. And similar to the Kobe POPs, they also feature the snowflake-y design on the upper. The tongue features the triangular “bracket”. Not quite sure what it symbolizes but you can infer they represent the teams in the postseason. From the colors, you can pick up LA, Cleveland, Portland, Utah, Orlando, and Boston (it’s Boston, right?).

My question is– do we really need another variation of a shoe that’s quite similar to what’s already out? Nike Basketball’s pairs for this season with similar silhouettes- LBJ VIIs, Hyperize, Hyperdunk, Hypermax, and now an Air Max Hyperize? I dunno guys. I think someone fell off the deep end with this one. But, on the other end, if you’re a fan of the Hyperize but wanted more stability and cushioning, then it makes sense. The Air Max Hyperize then solves a need. Anyhoo, the shoe’s now available at most Nike retailers.

Looks can be deceiving. When I first saw bootleg photos of Manny’s latest trainers, the Trainer SC 2010, I wasn’t too impressed. Yes, it’s the 20th anniversary of the Trainer SCs that’s why it got the flywire treatment and the upgraded look. To a certain extent, I just thought Nike slapped on the RP colors on it and just branded it to be Manny’s new PE for the revamped trainers. But as more photos (and better angles) of the shoe surfaced, they’re actually nice. I spoke to a couple of sneaker conoisseurs and they all changed their opnion on them. The detail on this is fantastic. Obvjously you can’t see the heel in full detail but the words PAC (on the left shoe) and MAN (on the right, obviously) are stitched on it. At least Nike didn’t scrimp on that. A print on would’ve been a letdown. The tongue has the Swoosh and the MP logo on it as well. The shoe comes with multiple laces, which is similar to the last MP trainers (the Trainer SLs). The shoe actually came out on most Nike stores last Wednesday and stocks are flying off the shelves! If you haven’t picked up your pair and tee for tomorrow’s fight, you might regret it.  The shoe retails for P5,295 and a whole lot more on eBay. So be wise, drive to your nearest mall- whether it’s Trinoma, BHS, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Megamall, wherever. Pick ‘em up and wear them tomorrow with pride!

By the way, the SC 2010′s footbed design, a collage of icons portraying Manny came from the same artist of the Pride Tee- AJ Dimarucot. Homegrown artists rule! Check out his site, www.ajdimarucot.com for his artworks/tees. Cheers bro!

I’ve featured a lot of basketball, running and special issues on the site. For this post, let me focus on another popular shoe that was all the rage way back in the late 80′s/early 90′s. These are the trainers. Cross-trainers, XTrainers, Trainers, whatever. The Trainer was popularized back in the day when it was being endorsed by multi-sport star Bo Jackson. That was also the time when Nike pushed the campaign “Bo Knows”.  Well, that was that. Bo used thr Trainer 1s and immediately after the SC Trainers. 20 years after, Nike has produced a revamped version of the shoe, now on sale at Nike stores nationwide. At first, they looked horrible to me. It felt like it was a stretch to use flywire (again) and place a visible air window by the heel. But the more I look at it, the more I’m gravitating towards it.

There are currently two colorways available for the Trainer SC 2010s, with a third one on the way, coming out on Wednesday. Now, the March 10 release is a special one, as it is Manny’s 4th exclusive shoe. Unlike the previous releases, the SC 2010 MPs should be out at other stores- Parks, Stadiums, and the like. Just make sure to pick ‘em up when they’re out. But don’t sleep on these two CWs as well. I actually like the Whte/Orange/Purple ones as they are reminiscent of the shoe that came out way back when. The white/blue version is for all you square safe dudes that don’t want to push the envelope with your sneaker look.I’m just sayin’, but both CWs are dope as hell. If you’re not down with it, it’s cool. You’re entitled to your opinion. All I’m saying was that I thought they were fugly. But once I saw them up close, it’s a whole different ball game.

Now, if you’re not feelin’ the SC 2010, here’s another Trainer 1 SL low that might be to your liking. Colors are safe, the blazin’ orange is not out there and should work well with any gym get up. Once again, the Flywire, Max Air and Diamond FLX come together on this shoe to give you superior comfort and flexibility while workin’ out. There are a couple of colorways for the Trainer 1 SLs but this is one of my favorites. I can’t seem to find the other photo I took, but I should have it up one of these days.

So there, Trainers from Nike are as cool as you can get. If you are workin’ out with the sweltering heat, might as well look good while you’re at it.

Alright guys, here’s a couple of Love/Hate pairs from the Jordan Brand. Obviously the Oreos came out early this week but here are two pairs that should get more love than people are giving them. The Air Jordan 1 Dark Obsidian’s dope. Among all the colorways (and I do mean the hundreds of Js coming out of the woodwork), this is one of the better ones for early 2010. The only knock I have with the 1s is that it came out with all the other releases. It came out the same time with Oreos, Six Rings MS, the other 6s, you won’t have enough money to cop these. These are straight.

They also released the Black UNC 2010s as well. Now, this I can take. Even though they still have the clear window on it, it’s a better shoe and colorway. I know the first one’s classic Jordan, but this meshes so well. It can double up as Melo’s alternative road shoe but I like these better than the first release as well as Wade’s Welcome Home cw. Anyways, the shoes are available at Parks, Stadiums and other stores alike. You feelin’ em?

I’m sure if you step out this weekend, you’ll see this Tee along with the 4 others around town. And by next weekend, the whole Philippines will be filled with these Red, White, and Blue Tees. Nike Philippines suits up Pacquiao fans with the introduction of new Manny Pacquiao inspired Tees – Nike Pride, Pac-Man Knows, and Fight Night tees and the release of the MP Trainer SC 2010 Low. The new Nike tees are out today while the MP Trainer SC 2010 Low is scheduled to drop on March 10 in select Nike stores nationwide. The effort is a testament of Nike’s continued support for the pound-for-pound king.

On March 13, 2010 (Mar 14 Manila time0), Manny will step into the boxing ring to take on Joshua Clottey and this time, he won’t be the contender as his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title is on the line. All eyes will be on Manny Pacquiao again as he takes on another historic battle and Nike Philippines continues its commitment as it rallies the entire nation to support this amazing athlete.

“Nike is proud of all of Manny Pacquiao’s accomplishments,” said Mae Dichupa, Nike Philippines Country Marketing Manager.  “He serves as an inspiration to athletes around the globe and especially to the youth of the Philippines. His dedication to training, which is how he builds his physical and mental strength, plays a key factor in his success.”

Manny Pacquiao fans can express their support for the boxer with the release of three new Tees: Pride Tee, Pac Man Knows Tee and Fight Night Tee (Poster Tee). All Tees will retail for Php 1,195.

The Nike Pride Tee banners the special Manny Pacquiao graphic introduced in his last bout against Miguel Cotto. The graphic depicts icons, symbols and defining moments that have been significant to Manny’s rise as the world champion. This Tee was actually designed by my friend, AJ Dimarucot. AJ’s created a lot of designs that I’m sure you’ve seen before (he actually designed the crest for Nike’s Team Pilipinas uniforms).

Inspired by the “Knows” campaign that was originally created back in 1986, the Nike Pac Man Knows Tee continues to communicate authentic training experience and maximizes the energy of sport.

Paying tribute to the classic design of the traditional fight-night boxing poster, Nike’s Fight Night Tee showcases different icons relevant to Manny’s boxing career, chronicling his journey to success.

Alright, guys. It’s Manny Fever once again. I’ll have more on the Air Trainer SC 2010′s sometime this weekend (if I get a hold of a pair). But yes, the shoe will come out next week. It will also retail for Php 5,295. So this weekend, make sure to cop your new Pac Man Tees for next weekend’s big event.

Fight Night (Blue)

Fight Night (Red)

Pac-Man Knows (White)

Pac-Man Knows (Blue)

Last week, we got our fair share of All-Star colorways and some of the good stuff. I’ve been holding some of these kicks to make way for some of the stuff you must pick up. Here’s the rest of the best from the past few weeks.

This Air Max LeBron VII colorway is the best in my opinion. I always believe in clean color blocking and this LBJ VII is tops for me so far. LeBrons are known to look bulky, but this one cleans up real good and gives that great illusion that they’re not as bulky as they seem. I won’t wear ‘em, but if I were to recommend some signature joints to some friends, I’d recommend this one. The black shrouds the white just right and the metallic gold accents on the emblem, swoosh and lace hooks are straight. These do not fit any of LeBron’s unis this year but if they fit your everyday get up or your team’s uni, grab em. The triple black version of the LBJ VII is also out but I didn’t have the chance to take a pic of it. These however are so fresh, so clean!

All the Dunks here I’ve posted before but I just had to take a shot once again. The only new Dunk here are these women’s release. Nike’s been loving the hue as I’ve noted time and time again. They released a white/grey/purple (or violet) pack that also contains a Dunk Lo, High, and an Air Max 90. There maybe more, I just didn’t see ‘em. They are pretty nice and the tinge of purple speckle by the midsole definitely gives the shoe some additional character. The Cortez below just looks great. It’s like cutting Kermit’s feet and makin’ ‘em your own. OK, that was pushing it.

Last weekend I also saw these kicks lying around at the nearby Nike Stadium. Ofcourse these are LeBron’s alternate/off season sneaker for balling. I’m not quite sure what this is for, especially if he has the VIIs for the Regular Season and the Soldier for the Playoffs. Anyhoo, you might be wondering why Lebron has a shoe done in the Charlotte Hornets’ colorway. He’s not chiming on Kobe’s draft day nor did he play a single minute with Grandmama’s crew. LeBron, however, played AAU ball for the Summit Lake Hornets (which took Charlotte’s teal and purple garb). So there. That’s why they’re done in this colorway. The purpley black suede here is a dirt and dust magnet, which isn’t too great for the shoe. But if you just need a decent looking shoe to rock while balling, this is an option.

Well, not in 2010, though. But yeah the Knicks rule! Haha, ofcourse these Dunks aren’t directly Knicks-inspired, but it works, right? This combination has been done so many times before and this just adds to the collection. I’m not as into Dunks as I was before but this would definitely work. Aside from the Knickerbocker reference, the shoe would be a permutation of the 2002 Danny Supa SBs. Lately, Nike’s been releasing simpler/classic Dunk colorways that are so for 2010. None of the speckles, none of the polka dots and other variations of flash.

Cop these at Nike stores nationwide. They should be available. and one more thing– Knicks Rule! (yes Noel, this one goes out to you and you undying love for the Knicks)

I was at Rockwell Tuesday and decided to check out the kicks at Nike Rockwell. This was really the calm before the storm. Ofcourse we all know the Kobe V dropped Friday and the AJVI Black/Reds dropped today, but here are the kicks worth copping ASIDE from the aforementioned pairs.

The AM90 you see on top is for the ladies. Nice colorway, and that’s all you need to know and take from this post regarding it. AM 90s are classic and this is no exception.

The Jordan 2  Retro is part of the 25th or Silver Anniversary of the Jordan line. All 25 pairs will carry the white/metallic silver/natural grey and this ofcourse is no exception. I always felt the 2s were too chunky. Jordanheads will harp on these regardless. Detail is great here as you can see the close ups of the heel and the tongue.

The last shoe I got from this visit were these AM1s. They’ve been out for quite some time but this is the only time I’ve seen ‘em in person. Most of the S/S 201o AM1s will have this color blocking- a grey quarter with a swoosh, tip, overlay and mudguard in one color. The shoe’s colorway (white/black/Scuba-blue) is just neat, perfect and safe for whatever occasion. All these kicks SHOULD be available around town. They’re clean, safe and perfect for everyday use.