Sneaks on the Ave: Nike Lebron 9 'Kentucky' Colorway, plus a couple other LBJ 9 colorways

 Late last week, Jason Petrie gave us a first look at the Nike LeBron 9 'Kentucky' during a Q&A video chat session. It features a Royal Blue/Black upper with a white swoosh and outsole for that complete Wildcats appeal, but as we've mentioned before, it's hard not to see this as an 'Air Penny' colorway. We've already seen some of the other NCAA-inspired colorways, like the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Miami Hurricanes, so which of the three do you like best? These are slated for a release at select retailers like Oneness in Kentucky this Friday at midnight, so check out the extra shot of the Nike LeBron 9 'Kentucky'  above and be sure to stick with Sneaker News and BlvdAve for more release updates and information. Bonus: Here's a look at a couple other colorways of the Lebron 9.

Sneaks on the AVE: Air Jordan Retro IV

One of the most anticipated Air Jordan Retros not only of 2012, but of the last decade, is the Air Jordan IV in the original White/Black/Grey colorway. Sneaker News confirmed the Air Jordan IV 'White/Cement' as a February 2012 release, but here we have a solid release date - February 18, 2012. Much like the Air Jordan III White/Cement, these upcoming Jordan Retros will be sure-fire hits and will certainly clean out of the shelves quickly, so be sure to circle your calendar for 2/18/12 and let us know if you plan on copping these when they become available.

Air Jordan IV

White/Black-Tech Grey

                                                                          308497-103
                                                                           02/18/12

$160

Sneaks on the AVE: Nike Air Max 1 ‘Aztec’ – Grain/Sail/Ironstone

Much has changed with Nike Sportswear's Aztec Pack since the initial images were previewed back in early August. Not only did new Air Max 90s and Dunk Highs join the set, but we also saw a significant difference between the first and second looks at the Nike Air Max 1 'Aztec'; will that translate to two separate releases? Here's a closer look at the newer design, one that we absolutely know for certain is destined for retail because that's the origin of these images.

This combination of Grain and Ironstone is softer than the all-chocolate pair we first saw, a look greatly enhanced by the select use of blue along the patterned side panels. Let us know if these are the better AM1 Aztecs and look for yours at Nike Sportswear suppliers like Titolo.

Nike Air Max 1 'Aztec'
Grain/Grain-Sail-Ironstone
308866-203

Sneaks on the AVE: Nike Air Max 95 – Black/ Grey /Blue Colorway

The original Nike Air Max 95 formula of white-grey-black gradient plus a vivid accent color is quite simply perfect.  A design that elegant really can't be so much as improved, but that's not to say that a range of variants can't be equally satisfying in their own right.  We've seen inverted gradients, all-tonal uppers and now this new pair slated to release next month, which has a bit of extra black added in lieu of the white sections for a vaguely Stash-like feel as coupled with blue on the eyelets and Air bubbles.  Have a closer look at this new Air Max 95 after the jump and expect them at Nike Sportswear retailers like Villa starting October 15th.

Sneaks on the AVE: Nike ACG Premium Boot

Models like the Lava Dome, Air Magma and Air Talaria have been with us for so long, they've come to define Nike All Conditions Gear's signature look. From the bold original colorways to their impeccable lines, these designs have so much good will built up that when newer ones hit shelves in conjunction with ACG's Nike Sportswear-housed revival, some sneakerheads didn't know what to do with something as crazy as, say, the Flywire-equipped Ashiko. But with last year's Lunar MacLeay, we got a look at what was to come from the Swoosh's outdoor division, a sleek yet functional design whose molded lines give way to a new kind of sophistication as yet unseen on an ACG Boot.

Fast forward a over a year to today and we're in the midst of a full-on All Conditions revival, upcoming releases like the Zoom Meriweather, Manoa ACG and Air Max Conquer all bearing the signs of a world to come where a model like the one pictured above could just sneak up on you totally by surprise. The new Nike ACG Premium Boot looks the part of its name with a premium VacTech leather upper that gives way to Gore-Tex waterproof lining and rides a full-length Max Air cushion. This first Midnight Fog and Dark Copper colorway looks perfect with khakis and should do just as well with pretty much any shade of denim you could throw at them when you pick up a pair at select NSW retailers including Extra Butter.

Sneaks on the AVE: Crooked Tongues x New Balance M1500

When you first gaze upon this latest New Balance collaboration, you might have the vague impression that you've seen them before, and yet, there haven't been any new 1500s quite like this before.  That's because the first time we saw the Crooked Tongues x New Balance M1500s, both pairs were laid out in their raw materials, unstitched and unassembled, vaguely reminiscent of the various Air Jordan sculptures that were circulating last year.  But those familiar with the 1500 could already see what those 'instructions' were pointing toward, these new pairs relatively heavy on both leather and contrasting colors from a model best known in its OG grey suede edition.  Have a closer look at a bunch of images and expect these at Crooked Tongues on October 15th with select distributors 
worldwide getting theirs in the following week.

Sneaks on the AVE: Air Jordan IV DB Superman

Props to Marqueesole !

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Michael Jordan dunking on you and winning championships. Michael Jordan's superhuman feats on the court are well represented by this year's Air Jordan IV 'Doernbecher', which serves as the unofficial 'kick-off' to the looming Air Jordan IV Retro releases for 2012.

The Air Jordan IV DB 'Superman' features a number of playful colors and details, like the Superman chest logo on the tongue, a comic-book like graphic seen through the translucent outsoles, neon green and blue tones, and most notably, a new 'Mars Blackmon' silhouette on the heel, which matches that of Isaiah, the talented young boy who was chosen to design the Air Jordan IV.

 The entire Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle VIII will be unveiled on October 8th, so stay tuned to Sneaker News for more updates and release information for this charity-driven capsule of sneakers, and let us know what you think of Isaiah's design.

Sneaks on the AVE: New Balance ML574 – Fall/Winter 2011

It's not a runner-turned-trail shoe like the MT580, but the New Balance ML574 has indeed taken on a rugged look for fall. 

 Four new colorways are split between the classic navy or black plus grey and white look that the New Englanders are famous for, while the other two actively co-opt outdoorsy aesthetics with a couple of distinct palettes finished off with corded boot laces.  

Do you prefer the traditional look or something with the look of an all-in-one footwear solution for tough conditions? 

 Click through to see more of each pair, let us know what you think and stick with Sneaker News and BlvdAve for updates on the US availability of these sneakers. 

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Sneaks on the AVE: Jordan Spiz’ike ‘Knicks’ – Orange – Black – Blue | New Images

Props to Kicks-lab

Sneakerheads have wanted to be like Mike for a quarter-century now, but in the last few months, we've noticed a growing sentiment to look like Spike. We're not talking about the Brooklyn auteur's smart tortoiseshell glasses, however spiffy, but rather the fact that upon our first viewing of these New York-inspired Jordan Spiz'ikes, only the biggest Knicks fan had both colorways of what appeared to be something of a 'PE' for his namesake hybrid. 

But news of the blue nubuck and orange leather Spizikes has us expecting even more heat in what is building up to be the biggest holiday season on record; will these make your personal shopping and/or wish lists? Have a closer look at the orange Spizikes after the jump and stick with Sneaker News & BlvdAve for the US release date info.

Sneaks on the AVE: Air Jordan 1 Dave White

Props to Kicks-lab !!! very rarely do we get a treat of this magnitude. The Air Jordan 1 and Dave White, collaborating on a limited edition Air Jordan sneaker, pulling out all the stops with the sick shoebox and all the Jordan-centric detailing done in Dave White fashion.

The 23 pairs he did for the WINGS For The Future back in February was amazing in itself, but these right here? These will actually release and become attainable to the sneakerhead who has heralded the original Air Jordan and Dave White's signature sneaker artwork for years. The Air Jordan 1 DW has no shortage of detailing, like the special labels behind the tongue, the elephant print, the Jordan WINGS logo (that famous poster that most you probably have hanging up on your dorm-room wall), and so on.

Check out these new detailed images and stick with BlvdAve for more info on this upcoming release!

Air Jordan 1 DW
464803-001

Sneaks on the AVE: atmos x Asics Gel Lyte III

Ronnie Fieg's latest GL3 designs are building quite a bit of buzz amongst the cult following he has directly helped to expand, but there's another Asics collaboration on the way before either the 'Leatherbacks' or 'Salmon Toes'.  We're speaking, of course, about the atmos x Asics Gel Lyte III, a model first previewed on Sneaker News and on BlvdAve just under a month ago, and one that's sure to have US sneakerheads dialing up their overseas connects.  This black and gold design features the same classic suede and mesh construction that made Fieg's collabos such a hit with old school running fans, but the colorway offers a glimpse into the higher contrast possibilities.  Your best bet to get these outside of Japan is likely the 'bay, so click through to see more angles and let us know if you'll try to procure a pair.

Sneaks on the AVE: Nike ACG Air Max Conquer

Nike All Conditions Gear has its fair share of tank-like boot designs.  Models like the Goadome and its Foamdome offspring come to mind as examples of bulky weather-killers featuring Max Air cushioning, but can either of those or any other ACG model measure up to the Nike ACG Air Max Conquer?  In terms of sheer size, the answer appears to be a clear no, the Air Max Conquer ACG offering the highest silhouette we've seen on a Swooshed boot.

 They're crafted with WaterShield material to keep moisture out and a simple yet bold silhouette means that high-contrast colorways like the bred edition pictured above will attract plenty of attention.  Click through to see more angles and expect these at Nike Sportswear dealers starting in October.

Niceeeeeee !

Sneaks on the Ave: Nike Air Max 95 – Tour/Yellow Now Available

Props to Extra Butter !
Nike named its Tour Yellow shade in honor of the Tour de France general classification leader jersey. It became synonymous with Lance Armstrong's amazing comeback from cancer and subsequent domination of the sport of cycling, over 80 million (!) LIVESTRONG bracelets increasing awareness as they sparked a global fad. Lance's seven consecutive Tour victories remains one of the great achievements in the history of modern sport, so how impressive is it to consistently churn out hit after hit for over sixteen years in a row?! The Nike Air Max 95 in its OG 'grey-dient' look could be a dictionary exemplar for the word 'impeccable', this new Tour Yellow edition a twist on the ever popular bright yellow 'Neon' edition.  The Neons have been retroed a few times over the past several years and sold out each time, so act fast if you want to grab a pair of these Air Max 95s from Nike Sportswear spots or go ahead and get yours right now on eBay.
 

Nike Air Max 95
White/Tour Yellow-Netural Grey-Medium Grey
609048-105

Sneaks on the Ave: Nike Air Trainer SC II High – ‘Blackout’

 

The Nike Air Trainer SC II High (and most of the 90's Trainers) are attributed to bright neon colors, like the OG Neon/Teal and the Infrared versions that made this shoe so popular.


Along comes the tonal black (what we in the sneaker community like to dub 'blackout') colorway brings the shoe back down to its barest form, emphasizing the design of the shoe without being distracted by superfluous (although admittedly pleasing) colorways.

The 'Blackout' colorway of the Air Trainer SC II High just recently dropped, and it's certainly a worthy pick-up as a hold-over until the true OG colorways hit stores. More images await you below, so take a look and pick up a pair now from 95soleman on eBay.