Before the spread of the internet, collaboration was different. Information was exchanged gradually, scenes and subcultures grew slowly and often remained confined to their cities. The original sneaker retailers formed at the heart of these subcultures and did more than simply sell shoes. They became meeting points; places for style, art, music, and urban culture to collide.

New York City’s Alife opened in 1999. Over the past 18 years it has formed a clothing label, grown central to the city’s footwear scene, and helped establish a blueprint for the generation of sneaker boutiques that followed. During a similar timeframe, Starcow has achieved comparable status in Paris, where since opening in 2001, it has become the store and hangout for the city’s skate and streetwear community.

adidas Consortium paired them together for the Sneaker Exchange 2017 fully knowing that both partners would dig deep into their huge wealth of knowledge and experience to create a sneaker pack. Together, Alife and Starcow present a suede Gazelle and leather Stan Smith – two style staples stripped right back to the basics.

There is a scrupulous approach to both models: quality materials, clean design and low-key detailing. The Gazelle is delivered in shades of grey, the Stan Smith in white and off-white. The only small injections of color are the red, white and blue of the US “Stars and Stripes” and French “Tricolore” which adorn the heel of both models and are understated, but patriotic nods to each other’s cultures. Placed next to each other, the core idea for this pack becomes evident: the execution on one is inverted on the other. While white leather – embossed with both partner’s logos – appears on the upper of the Stan Smith it was used for the lining on the Gazelle. Conversely, the sand-colored lining of the Stan Smith is the Gazelle’s upper.

This pack celebrates clarity of vision, when executed like this, the classics are hard to beat.

This SF AF-1 Mid covertly adds a military look to the classic hoops silhouette. Durable nylon wraps up and around the ankle, while a double-zip in the back lets you slip in and suit up easily. A sleek, Black leather vamp lends a touch of luxury against the utility-inspired design.A dark hazel colorway is the latest to join ranks with the Force of the future.

Nike SF AF1 Mid “Dark Hazel”
917753-002
BLACK/BLACK-DARK HAZEL

CLOT and Nikelab have collaborated to launch the Air VaporMax, to create this year's hottest toxic red shoe. Staying true to CLOT’s bold style, the bright crimson Flyknit shoes, unique imprinted transparent air cushioned soles of the Air VaporMax and subtle tonal Nike Swoosh on the sides makes it different from any other Air VaporMax released. For extra impact, the design team has featured a black Flywire and tongue on the joint logo for a strong contrast. "dense clouds of smoke and toxic vapor" is imprinted on the inside of the transparent air cushion soles and to the right, a definition of vapor can be seen; "a substance diffused or suspended in the air".

NikeLab Air Vapormax Flyknit x CLOT
AA2241-006
BLACK/BRIGHT CRIMSON-WHITE

The Nike Flyknit Trainer first debuted in 2012, and its return speaks for itself. Featuring the same tooling and construction as the OG shoe, the Flyknit Trainer is back and fresher than ever in the original White-and-Black colourway. Featuring a super lightweight & breathable Flyknit upper. Dynamic Flywire technology and a sock-like ankle collar that provides extra comfort to the feet. Signature sole unit and rubber outsole complete the look.

NikeLab Flyknit Trainer
AH8396-100
WHITE/BLACK-WHITE

In May 2012, Nike and artist Tom Sachs partnered to release the NikeCraft Mars Yard, a shoe inspired by Sachs’ interactions with NASA’s highly specialized scientists, and designed as high-performance equipment for the building of his SPACE PROGRAM 2.0: Mars exhibition (mounted at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City). Just five years later, the NikeCraft Mars Yard shoe will re-launch in 2.0 form with a material update informed by Sachs’ long-term trial of the original that revealed an unknown.

“It passed the abrasion test. It passed the strength test. It passed the folding test. It passed all the tests, but when we started using it, it didn’t meet our expectations,” explains Sachs. “It's not until you really wear something and realize…We used a new material, and we expected better.” Even though Vectran is lighter and stronger than typical polyester fabrics, it's susceptible to failure on fatigue.

Guided by Nike designers, Sachs took the next five years to test the shoe, during which he learned things one could only learn through thorough daily use. The result was a new, improved NikeCraft Mars Yard 2.0, and its build is indicative of the design ethos shared by Sachs and Nike: Working to advance human potential, we believe there is no finish line.

Over those five years of wear, Sachs discovered the limitations of the initial NikeCraft Mars Yard build and worked with Nike designers to improve upon its durability. On the upper, the Mars Yard 2.0 replaces the original Vectran with a polyester warp-knit tricot mesh (a more breathable material that induces fewer internal hotspots — not sexy, but honest). The shoe’s red donning straps are now adhered with a stronger X box stitch. On the outsole, the tread of the SFB, originally protruding for use in the desert-like Mars Yard, has been inverted for more appropriate wear in urban environments. Finally, the Mars Yard 2.0 comes with two insoles, mesh and cork (which is optimal for sockless wear).

The shoe is thus the result of continuous adjustments — a common circumstance of Sachs’ work. In fact, nothing Tom Sachs makes is ever finished. That philosophical premise is buoyed by the practicalities of his art practice — every screw, seam, stitch and joint remains exposed. These reveal Sachs’ complete embrace of showing his work, not only physically but also in the intellectual underpinning of how an object (Sachs gained fame as a sculptor, reimagining modern icons, but now works with a variety of media) came into being.

Sachs’ interest in everyday materials is evident in the NikeCraft Mars Yard 2.0 and its predecessor. The materials are largely employed in their natural state — no dyes — with Sachs’ flourishes (his signature) coming in the red pull-tabs and Swoosh.

“I have always embraced flaws. The natural polyurethane midsole shows wear. The shoe shows evidence of experiences, even the little bits of tongue that may flake off are like forensic bread crumbs,” notes Sachs. “People wear their scars with pride, so that's another reason why we don't polish the materials away — it’s storytelling. Rock your shoes dirty to say, 'I wear my shoes. I do things with my life. Behold the evidence of my actions.'”

In this spirit, the NikeCraft Mars Yard 2.0 releases in conjunction with the Nike and Tom Sachs’ Space Camp, a unique consumer experience based on Sachs’ studio practice.

“People wear their scars with pride, so that's another reason why we don't polish the materials
away — it’s storytelling.”

- Tom Sachs

Daniel Arsham is a contemporary artist born in 1980, based in New York.
Informed by Arshsm`s fascintaion with concepts of aecheology, adidas Originals by Daniel Arsham is a process of reflection, radiscovering adidas as an enduring cultural symbol. With his unique lens.
Arsham has unearthed a way of seeing the familiar objects of today as future artefacts - taking the past, and making the present .

Arsham fittingly chose the adidas New York to work with, crating a creative and contemporary feel for the archival running shoe. Partly inspired by Arsham’s fascination with the concept of archeology and 20th-century cultural artifacts, the New York is presented in a “deteriorated” canvas upper with frayed edges in a completely tonal white colorway. Subtle and even hidden details are then added, with dual branding on the top of the tongues with screenprinted ‘Daniel Arsham’ and ‘Past’ details on the underside, and the model’s classic dellinger mesh midsole treated with an ultraviolet ink print that reads “THE PAST IS PRESENT” when hit with UV light.

The Daniel Arsham x adidas Originals New York will release July 22ND in very limited quantities at limitEDitions.

In celebration of the one-year anniversary of the FOSS Gallery at Parkview Green in Beijing, FOSS and ASICS Tiger jointly launched the FOSS × ASICS Tiger GEL-LYTE III – FOSS GALLERY.

The cobranded design is the based on the ASICS Tiger GEL-LYTE III model. Launched in 1990 by ASICS Tiger, a marquee model in global sports lifestyle market, GEL-LYTE III has gained great popularity among sneaker aficionados with its timeless silhouette and remarkable comfort.

Combining inspiration from FOSS Gallery’s anniversary celebration and the concept of Gallery museum, the new FOSS × ASICS Tiger GEL-LYTE III FOSS GALLERY showcases high-quality leather texture and extraordinarily sophisticated details, highlighting a departure from the traditional black and white block-color design.

The large white section of the upper pays tribute to the interior colors of FOSS Gallery, providing a striking contrast to the black extending from the heel tab straight to midsole. Similar contrast can also be seen between the straight borderline of black and white as well as the decorative curves. This innovative double juxtaposition is a testimony to FOSS’s everlasting pursuit of artistry in design.

The underside of the FOSS × ASICS Tiger GEL-LYTE III FOSS GALLERY is also full of surprises. The GEL provides the comfort to the wearers. The translucent rubber outsole depicts a starry pattern – a conceptual interpretation of the Gallery theme. Just like a starscape masterpiece hangs soundlessly around the corner in a white small space.

FOSS GALLERY X ASICS GEL-LYTE III drops in-store this Saturday 22nd at limitEDitions.

Asics Gel-Lyte III x Foss
HK704-0101
WHITE/WHITE

From the middle of the 20th century to the present day, adidas has been at the vanguard of performance footwear. For summer 2017, the Thre Stripes present ‘Run Thru Time’ – a contemporary running pack inspired by classic performance silhouettes from the adidas archive.

Both the UltraBOOST Mid and the Energy Boost utilise the latest footwear innovations to provide the wearer with stability, comfort and support. The uppers are one-piece Primeknit and the soles use BOOST™ technology. While a cuffed ankle sock on the UltraBOOST Mid provides additional protection, it is the heel cage on the Energy Boost that offers high-level stability – technical features that were only recently made available to both footwear designers and runners themselves.

The high-tech materials used in 2017 may bear little resemblance to the footwear of the past, but at its core each model – over the decades – has carried the same competitive spirit that adidas has built its strong and lasting heritage on. Long distance running was the source for inspiration and the task to to apply modern design- and production principles to create two contemporary interpretations for this supreme discipline.

The colorways pay homage to the Boston Super and the Marathon TR, two road running classics originally constructed in pieces of individually-colored suede and nubuck. For the ‘Run Thru Time’ pack, the classic uppers were revolutionised using Primeknit fabric. Shapes, models and technologies may have changed but quality colour combinations remain timeless, embracing the future while still celebrating the brand’s past.

adidas Consortium ‘Run Thru Time’ pack launches 19th July 2017 at limitEDitions.

adidas Ultraboost Mid “Run Thru Time”
BY3056
BLUE/BLUE/WHITE

adidas Energy Boost “Run Thru Time”
S81135
GRANITE/GRANITE/CLEAR ONIX

Reebok continues their Alien Stomper series with a special two-pack of the shoe worn by Ripley in the 1986 film Aliens, inspired by the epic final battle scene. Unveiled today for Alien Day (4/26 has been designated ‘Alien Day’ due to the colonial moon in Aliens being called LV-426), the Alien Stomper is featured in a special two-colorway pack, in one yellow and black striped colorway inspired by Ripley’s Powerloader robotic cargo suit and the other in a glossy finish referencing the Xenomorph Queen. The shoes will be packaged inside an ornate box with multiple references from the Alien series’ folklore and details from the loading dock where the final battle takes place.

The Reebok Alien Stomper “Final Battle” pack release on July 18th, 2017,paying homage to the original film release date for the Aliens movie.

Reebok Alien Stomper “Aliens The Final Scene Pack”
CN2182

adidas Originals and White Mountaineering reunite for FW17, with a collection that features a range of footwear and apparel.
The adidas Originals by White Mountaineering collection showcases a commitment to creating striking street-ready designs with an uncompromised performance edge.
The Stan Smith Comfort receives a premium update from White Mountaineering and will come in three colourways.
There will also be two colourways of the NMD Trail Primeknit and NMD_R2 Primeknit.

adidas WM NMD Trail Primeknit
CG3646
CBLACK/FTWWHT/FTWWHT

adidas WM NMD Trail Primeknit
CG3647
TRAOLI/FTWWHT/FTWWHT

adidas WM Stan Smith Comfort
CG3650
CBLACK/FTWWHT/FTWWHT

adidas WM Stan Smith Comfort
CG3651
FTWWHT/FTWWHT/FTWWHT

adidas WM Stan Smith Comfort
CG3652
NGTCAR/NGTCAR/FTWWHT

adidas WM NMD_R2 PrimeKnit
CG3648
CBLACK/FTWWHT/FTWWHT

adidas WM NMD_R2 Primeknit
CG3649
TRAOLI/FTWWHT/FTWWHT

Reebok’s classic Instapump Fury comes re-imagined for a new generation.

We welcome the Instapump Fury Ultraknit, and at first glance, it may seem familiar, but delve a little deeper and you’ll see that Reebok have switched it up!

One of Reebok’s most enduring models, the Instapump Fury has just been reimagined for a new generation, transforming the epitome of radical mid-90s design into a masterpiece of contemporary tailoring.

The update retains that instantly recognizable aesthetic, while adding a mid-cut bootie for even more precise fit. Spun from Reebok’s new Ultraknit technology, the durable yarn envelops the foot and ankle, adding a dynamic textural element to the Fury’s wild proportions.

As with the original Instapump Fury, the unique inflatable bladder system remains intact, allowing wearers to fully personalize their on-foot experience. Hexalite is also retained in the sole unit, supplying equal parts comfort and cushioning.

Remixed in the striking colour combo of Hyper Green and Vibrant red that helped Reebok launch the first release, the Instapump Fury Ultraknit is still an outrageous and discombobulating vision of futuristic intent.

The Reebok Instapump Fury Ultraknit will be launching at limitEDitions on Saturday 15th of July.

Reebok Instapump Fury Ultraknit
BS6367
BLACK/HYPERGREEN/RBK RED/WHITE

Diadora and Roberto Baggio, long time partners, recapture the 1994 FIFA World cup vibes with an exclusive ‘Made in Italy’ apparel collection composed by a track jacket, a sweater and a t-shirt, all embroidery signed by the legendary Italian player. The collection brings a cool urban slant, with materials and fit but also original colours and prints that echoes the Italian brand’s proud heritage.

To complete the pack and linked to the sportswear of the 90’s, constructed at Diadora’s Caerano di San Marco factory, the “Espresso ristretto” Intrepid OG returns in its original colorway featuring Vibrassorb inserts and Impact control system adding maximum cushioning effect and a superb support during all foot motions.

The Diadora x Roberto Baggio collection launches 15th July at limitEDitions.

Diadora Signature Track Jacket x Roberto Baggio
173036-20002
OPTICAL WHITE

Diadora Signature T-Shirt x Roberto Baggio
173037-60040
OLYMPIAN BLUE

Diadora Signature Sweatshirt x Roberto Baggio
173038-60063
BLUE CORSAIR

Diadora Intrepid OG x Roberto Baggio
171517-20006
WHITE

Nike present the Air Max 1 Premium SC “Jewel”, a 90’s original sneaker which keeps things clean by staying true to its original design aesthetic.

The much-loved sneaker is crafted from premium leather in a distinctive white with University Blue overlays. The silhouette features a miniature “Jewel” swoosh which sees its colour mirrored in the heel counter, Air Max unit, and tongue, whilst the translucent outsole showcases full-length swoosh branding.

Nike Air Max 1 Premium SC Jewel
918354-102
White/University Blue

What unites all the portrayals of death across cultures and time is the same thing that unites all people past, present, and future as a fact of life. Death is universal and inexplorable. Everyone is going to die, and everyone means everyone. The king and the pawn will be swept off the board in the end, without distinction between the two.

The GEL-MAI model is a thoroughly late 1990s tech design, a notable departure from familiar ASICS classics like the GEL-LYTE® III or V models. The upper is one piece, with a totally external, asymmetrical lacing structure, with the standard ASICS Stripe design relocated to a two dimensional logo on the midsole, towards the heel of the shoe.

Choosing a techy, performance model deliberately suggests the dynamism of human movement, and the skeletal structure as the foundation of this physical vitality. Even the colorway recalls the athletic roots of the GEL-MAI more than it does a creepy cemetery.

By presenting the skeletal imagery in anatomical form, the skeleton is presented as two sides of one coin, as an agent of motion and mortality; It is a visual representation of the juxtaposition between one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and the legions of human bones beneath its streets.

The more universal message is that no matter who you are, or what journeys you take in life, everyone ends up as a skeleton in the end.

The ASICS GEL-MAI x Bodega ‘Underground’ launches 11th July at limitEDitions.

Asics Gel-Mai x Bodega “Underground”
H7F0K-0170
WHITE/FROSTY GREEN

END., alongside footwear and clothing institution Bodega are brought together to collaborate as part of the 2017 Sneaker Exchange series. The challenge: to find common ground and reinterpret two adidas models, together building a pack with a defined concept that would result in two outstanding sneakers.

The END. x Bodega ‘Boro Denim’ pack examines adidas’ rich history while simultaneously questioning the future of athletic footwear. Vintage sneaker connoisseurs will be thrilled by the revival of the Haven – a 1970s running classic – which here receives a luxurious makeover in a soft suede.

adidas Consortium Sneaker Exchange END. x Bodega Haven
Colour: White/Blue
Style Code: BY2103
Launch Date: 08/07/17

Another model making a big impression this year is the brand new Iniki Runner, which deliberately toys with the juxtaposition of a classic aesthetic with modern elements such as BOOST sole and an ultra-contemporary silhouette.

adidas Consortium Sneaker Exchange x END. x Bodega Iniki Runner
Colour: Multi
Style Code: BY2104
Launch Date: 08/07/17

In the 70’s, Converse introduced their One Star sneaker to the world. Originally designed as a basketball shoe, the One Star was given a new lease of life when it was adopted as the sneaker of choice by the skateboarding community. Fast forward to the late 90s and the silhouette really began to shine, growing into a sports lifestyle staple for the brand.

The silhouette resurfaced in 2015 under the moniker CONS One Star Pro, and again year later with the One Star ’74 iteration. For 2017 we were given the opportunity to work together with Converse on the iconic model.

The surrounding streets of Soho became the Footpatrol crew inspiration for the collaboration, adding intricate embellishments found around the area into their design. Opting for a seasonal palette, The One Star’s upper is dressed in a premium Vanilla Custard suede with contrast White stitching throughout. Additional embroidered details feature on the tongue, toe-box and lateral heel panels.

The embroidered details featured on the toe-box and tongue are reminiscent to the markings found on the kerb stones around Soho. The inner lining is made up of luxury White leather with a Vanilla Custard footbed complete with dual-branded logos on the heel.

The Converse One Star logo on the medial and lateral panels has been re-interpreted as an translucent 3D rubber star jewel. Sitting on the medial side of the midsole are the words ‘THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL’. Permission Orange details can be found on the woven heelstay, the rubber license plate on the midsole and outsole.

Completing the shoe are the additional set of spare laces in White and Vanilla Custard, featuring the repeat print text ‘THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL’.

Converse and Footpatrol also produced a coaches jacket to accompany the Footpatrol One Star. This consists of a 100% cotton canvas shell in a matching Vanilla Custard colour with a snap closure, while a white satin lining features in the body and sleeves. Converse and Footpatrol logos are embroidered on the front chest in tonal thread. The back graphic utilises the Footpatrol & Converse logos with the FP Gasmask Star lockup logo embroidered in tonal thread. Other details include grosgrain heelstay tape on the back neck, adjustable drawcord at the hem with reflective ticking, and an inside pocket.

The Converse x Footpatrol One Star 'Jewel' is now available in limitEDitions store.

Just as the Converse One Star represents subcultural roots far beyond its original basketball intent, London’s Footpatrol celebrate the foundation of their home city as well as the sneakers that they love.

The long-established sneaker boutique has reworked that familiar simplicity to pay homage to Soho’s mysterious curbstone markings and London’s love for footwear.

Premium materials and unique detailing makes this a true product of the streets that made it legendary.

Suede upper and leather lining for an extra premium feel.

‘Curbstone’ logo embroidered on the toe box and heel, and printed on the outsole.

Unique jeweled take on the classic star branding.

Embroidered and debossed Footpatrol branding, including a set of custom printed laces.

Converse One Star x Footpatrol
158895c
Vanilla Custard/White

Hanon and Diadora team up for Autumn ’16 and are proud to release the ‘Tuscan Racer’ - a collaborative edition of Diadora’s V.7000 running shoe and a favourite silhouette of ours from their ‘90 archive.

The inspiration for the Tuscan Racer was to parallel the attention to detail and craft of Italian-made road bikes from the 70’s and 80’s with Italy’s world renowned production of leather footwear.

Constructed at Diadora’s San Di Marco factory our V.7000 Tuscan Racer features a premium build of super soft kangaroo leather, pigskin nubuck and old-school mesh. The upper is a rich mix that depicts Celeste mint green whilst the cream and white overlays mimic the white-walled tyres and handlebar tape of the iconic racing bikes.

Lux leather laminated footbed with printed racing stripes, whilst branding is featured via our flame logo screened on both tongues, and dual branding embroidered on opposing heels. Final details include a soft microfibre fabric applied to the collar lining, and a 3M reflective underlay on the side stripe.