Top Take Tuesday: Top Sneaker Shots from My Followers Week 2

@funkmasterkicks

Welcome back to the "Top Take Tuesday" series featuring pictures from those who follow me on Instagram. Remember, you must be a follower. I always add a short remark about why I liked the picture, and tag your page in the article.  Here we go with week #2!

@june_yur

The focus on the Huaraches is perfect. The colorway matches the background beautifully. Must have had some balance to maintain that position too! Great shot.

@rezrection

I hated on the Kobe 7 a little bit last week when I said it was one of the 5 reasons the Mambacurials were the best release of the year. This picture is the perfect argument against me.

@jbo_5ly1feva

The wheat colored Foot Patrol Gel Sagas are nice. Clean in colorway and form, they are captured well here showing the difference between the medial and lateral sides.

@kansas_city_816

The poster celebrated not only the release of this weekend's Jordan X "Steel", but also his daughter's 10th birthday when he wore these Stealths. The filter does a good job of smoothing the lines.

@yaya21hunna

With the season about to begin, the Jordan XII Playoffs are a good way to prepare, and the creases on the back of the upper show that these have served their purpose--to be worn!

@spense2

If you have been following my Twitter then you know I missed out on these. Pictures can't do this shoe justice, but this picture comes pretty dang close!

@weaverthegreat85

Its his birthday week, and he always supports the blog, so salute to him. Plus, he never posts to Instagram, so if we can get him some followers maybe he'll show us more of his heat.

Nike's Focus on SB & What It Means to You

For a company as large as Nike, growth must be your primary focuses. Once you've reached the level of Nike, as the largest sportswear company in the world, finding places in increase revenue are sometimes hard to find. One area that Nike has been able to find a soft spot in the marketplace is in the "Action Sports" business.

Action Sports at Nike includes all things Nike SB, Nike 6.0 and snowboarding. The Action Sports segment at Nike was originally started in 1997 as the company began to manufacture a few skateboarding shoes, but it wasn't able to make an impact in the marketplace until 2002 with its introduction of the Nike SB brand. As a compliment to the new push into action sports, Nike also purchased Hurley in the same year. Since Nike SB's inception, the company has invested millions of dollars in the brand's marketing, research, sponsorships, and events.

The investments paid off for Nike too as the company saw exponential growth through its first decade of Nike SB. In 2010, CEO Mark Parker, stated that Nike expected to see its Action Sports business double in size from $390 million to $780 million by 2015. However, recently, those plans seems to come to a screeching halt with the announcement of Nike's first decline in revenue in the Action Sports segment since Nike SB was introduced. Nike reported revenue of $495 million for their Action Sports segment for Fiscal Year 2013, a decrease of $2 million from 2012 earnings.

Now $2 million dollars, or a decrease of .4%, might now seem like much to a $25+ billion company, but to Nike it means everything. Nike told its investors to prepare for an increase in revenue to $780 in 2015, only 2 years away, and they took a step back. In its progression, Nike should be seeing profits in the high $500 millions to reach their stated goal. So what did Nike do?

Walk into your nearest Footaction (a Footlocker owned company), and take a look around. You're most likely to see at least one Action Sports segmented item. You wouldn't have seen Braatas or P-Rods in the store so prevalent in the composition of the stores very long ago. Now, remember, Footlocker owns CCS too. CCS has historically been the be all, end all for skateboarding for Footlocker, but it isn't anymore. Coincidence that the company decided to change its business model after Nike started seeing its Action Sports sales decline? I think not.

Also, take a look at Nike's website. It currently has 71 different shoes listed under skateboarding shoes. For the first time we are seeing a larger number of Nike SB Dunks available on their website. In the past, if you wanted a premium Nike SB Dunk you used to have to go to your local skate shop, or scour around the internet looking for the phone number for possible locations. That's changing. There are four Premium level Nike SB models on Nike's website, and you can expect to begin seeing even more release online (*possibly* starting with the Jordan 1 x Nike SB).

Expect to see more in-house collaborations using Nike SB as the base. The company will be trying to draw as many cross-over customers as possible to catch back up to pace for their revenue projections. So don't get used to the way that you deal with Nike SB merchandise; the shift has begun, and it's not stopping anytime soon.

Thanks for reading--please feel free to comment and share!

@FunkMasterKicks

The Founding Brothers-- of Two Separate Sneaker Companies

It's well known that the athletic shoe (sneaker) business is highly lucrative and competitive. From the recent disputes between Adidas's Primeknit and Nike's Flyknit, to the dispute over replica sneakers, the marketplace is filled with competition and fueled by innovation and marketing. But when you get a spoiled sibling rivalry into the mix, you'd never know what you'd get...or do you?

Adolf (Adi) and Rudolf Dassler were brothers who later become business partners in Germany during the time around between World War I and World War II. Together they formed the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory, drawing inspiration from their father who worked in a local shoe factory. The company even equipped Jesse Owens with his shoes.

With Hilter coming to power, the two brothers joined the Nazi Party, but took different paths. Rudolf was drafted and later captured by the Americans, while Adi stayed behind and produced boots for the foot soldiers. The American troops eventually charged Rudolf with being a part of the Common Core. Adi was accused of leaking this information to the Americans, and thus the fallout began. **Additional information also became available that Rudolf was having sexual relations with Adi's wife, which could have influenced Adi to give the information, true or false, to the Americans.

After being released by the Americans, Rudolf left the company and established a new shoe company on the other side of town. When Rudolf left, Adi Dassler changed the name of the Dassler Shoe Factory to Adidas. Rudolf went on to name his company Puma, and the rest is history.

Kicks Review: Cncpts x New Balance 998 "C-Notes"

Cncpts is usually 'money' when it comes to their collaborations, with past efforts like the Asics Gel Lyte III "Three Lies," Nike SB Dunk High "When Pigs Fly," and New Balance 999 "The Kennedy." Such success is taken even a step further with the Cambridge-based shop's recent release of the New Balance 998 "C-Note." Inspired by the new $100 bill, the "C-Note" delivers a huge bang for your 'buck'.

Featuring the same subtle colors as the new Benjamin, the "C-Note" reminds you of what true luxury is all about; yet, the hits of silver 3M that are precision-placed provide enough flash to catch any eye. And the buttery suede that encompasses the upper is something that you'd expect to find from a $1300 Jimmy Choo.

Starting from the bottom (no, we are not now here), the "C-Note" features a durable black rubber outsole, with a grey inlet of New Balance's Abzorb material mid-foot. (Abzorb is a blend of Dupont Engage Isoprene rubber and proprietary foam materials which was engineered by New Balance specifically for comfort; when hitting the ground, the material is designed to take the energy and disburse it throughout the foot so that one area is not constantly shocked.)

The midsole itself is composed of a thick layer of Abzorb as well, providing superior comfort and wearability. On the lateral side of the midsole we see a white-blue-white-tan color scheme that plays well off the upper and maintains consistency with its inspiration. On the medial side, the front of the shoe begins with the same white and blue, but the grey Absorb that breaks up the outsole wraps up through the mid-foot and extends through the back. Layering on top of that is the tan color that wraps around from the lateral side, through the back and extends onto the medial side.

The upper starts in the toebox as a traditional 998 would, with a light khaki suede in a crescent shape over the toes, and a mesh top. The light khaki extends symmetrically through the shoe towards the back before it meets a swarm of different colored materials: a medium gray plastic, dark olive suede, bronze plastic, and dark grey mesh. As the suede and bottom grey plastic wrap around the heel, the mesh and bronze are met with a silver 3M material, providing that bit of flash necessary to most sneaker lovers.

The back tab of the shoe features the traditional "NB" logo stitched in silver over the light khaki suede seen throughout the shoe. The other seemingly required New Balance "N' is located on the upper mid-foot in white leather with the dark olive suede shadowing. Lastly, the tongue of the shoe features metallic silver 3M at its based, and the tri-colored branding stitched on the upper tongue tops this shoe off as what is sure to be a classic.

Extras: The "C-Notes" were available in two different packages, a Cncpts exclusive box and a traditional New Balance blue box. Unfortunately I was only able to get my hands on the traditional box. The shoes also came with 3 different colored laces: white, light khaki, and bronze. I've chosen to go with the bronze because I enjoy the extra bit of contrast against the upper.


Tell me what you think about the Cncpts x New Balance 998 "C-Notes" by posting a comment below!

Thanks for reading--please feel free to share!

@FunkMasterKicks

Top Take Tuesday: Top Sneaker Shots from My Followers

@funkmasterkicks

Every Tuesday I'm going to create a new post in the "Top Take Tuesday" series featuring pictures from those who follow me on Instagram. You must be a follower. I'll add a little note about why I liked the picture, and be sure to tag your page in the article.  Here we go with week #1!

@toddhitchcock

I've always like the Powerline Frees, and Todd captures them superbly in this photo against the hard hardwood floor. The background brings out the contrast between the outsole and the upper, while the lighting gives you a glimpse of the metallic gold. A great shot as always.


 

@lil_kenny_18

This picture is an aerial view of the ECP Knicks Asic GL-III. I liked how bright the colors remained in the picture, and that you still get just enough of a glimpse of the Asics logo to be able to confirm their maker.


 

@wormdoes

The best part of this picture is the shoes. That's why I liked it. The grey tones on the ground would wash away most grey-uppered kicks, but not the South Beach 9s. The midsole gives that burst of color which makes this shot so great.


 

@headheathenincharge

This is an unDS picture; my favorite kind. Plus, the Fear pack works well for an October post. There isn't any more that needs to be said about this simple, yet perfect shot.


 

@dryuhmudder

Surprisingly, I picked another LeBron this week.  The monotone color background doesn't hold back these Sprites. The view through the air unit detailing the pillars is great.

 

 

 

@gilky115

All I have to say is "Fly-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y" *in my 3-6 voice*


 

@humbly_solo

The picture captures the essence of the details of the shoe. You can see the individual pieces of 'bamboo' on the medial side of the sneaker, as well as the detailing on the liner. 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading--please feel free to share the love by commenting below and following the sneaker lovers above!

@FunkMasterKicks

Kick Sale- Why You Should Purchase the Extra Butter x Asics Gel Saga "Cottonmouth"

It was recently announced by Extra Butter that their first collaboration with Asics will be dropping in-stores on Thursday (8pm ET; Lower East Side location only) and Online on Friday (Noon ET). This marks another one of many collaborations with sneaker boutiques across the country as of late. A limited release, the "Cottonmouths" won't be easy to come by, but they're worth trying for. Here's why:

The Sell

Using the timeless classic of Asics' Gel Saga as their canvas, Extra Butter has created a design that is both explosive and subtle. Starting with the front of the shoe, it features a deep purple suede that wraps around the toe box and is highlighted by the white of a color-alternating outsole which creeps up the front of the shoe, as would a snake's tongue. Deeper into the toe box, nylon is used for the topside, and is used as the undercarriage for the rest of the upper through to the back heel of the shoe.

Working our way over the shoe, your eyes are first drawn to the midsole, which features white speckles draped over deep purple hues that slowly fade into white, as does the upper nylon and eyelet trimming. 

Precluding the nylon on the upper mid-foot is the traditional Asics logo. The attention to detail given to the logo is something that could not be admired from afar, but rather, as you draw closer toward the shoe you begin to see the the snake-like scales that have been added onto the leather's surface.

As we move towards the back of the show we gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the amount of thought that went into its design, as we see the material was chosen. The purest of white tumbled leather engulfs the heel, wrapping around the shoe as if it were trying to fight against the deadly purple.

Encrusted with the traditional Asics font in bright white, the heel solidifies Extra Butter's first partnership with the footwear company. 

Topping the shoe off is its modest pink inner lining that could very well represent the flesh of the Cottonmouth itself, but is sure to represent the overall completeness of the shoe. Not missing a single detail, the Cottonmouth stands out among the competition; we can only hope that the rest of the Death List 5 pack turn out as comprehensive as this one has.

Thanks for reading--please feel free to comment and share!

@FunkMasterKicks

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Nike and Breast Cancer Awareness

The Good

Nike is one of the founding members of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a foundation that actively funds research efforts towards the cure for cancer. Named after the late North Carolina State basketball coach, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund also focuses on extending and improving the quality of life for those battling the disease. Concentrating mainly on those affected by breast cancer, the 'reverse' pink ribbon has become the trademark of the company and can be found on thousands of Nike products--predominantly being released during the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Nike even extends their pink collection into its partnership with the NFL by offering NFL branded items with pink themes. Doing so creates even more buzz for breast cancer awareness. So, basically the Kay Yow Cancer Fund receives free marketing through Nike's partnership, as well as proceeds from merchandise sold.

The Bad

Although most of the Kay Yow branded Nike products are released in large quantities, such as the NFL logo items, some items are extremely limited and create a stronger buzz in the sneaker world. Many society-conscience sneaker lovers have long talked about how the Doernbecher Collection could raise a lot more money for the hospital if the collection was distributed in larger quantities. Well, sometimes, the same goes for items in the Kay Yow collection. For instance, last year the highly popular KD IV model was released in what was known as the "Aunt Pearl" colorway. Laced with Kay Yow branding on the tongue, the shoe was released in typical 'Quickstrike' amounts. Some would argue that the "Aunt Pearls" wouldn't have been as popular without the limited availability, but the KD IV was a model that sold out in almost all available colorways throughout stores and was rarely available at below retail prices. A more accessible shoe could have led to more sales for not only Nike, but also a larger contribution towards the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

The Ugly

The amount of proceeds from the sales of Nike's Kay Yow merchandise, back to the foundation is astounding...and not in a good way. According to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund website, the foundation received a total of $215,000 of total royalties from Nike in 2011. Yes, $215,000 is a great amount toward such a vital issue that impacts millions of people, but is $215,000 a year enough? In that same year, 2011, the total revenue reported by Nike was $20,117,000,000. So, Nike donated a total of .001% of their total revenue in 2011. Putting that into perspective it's the equivalent of someone making $50,000 a year donating $.50. Yes, that's fifty cents. So, is Nike really as responsible and charitable at it seems? That's for you to decide.



Thanks for reading--please feel free to comment and share!

@FunkMasterKicks