Nike SB has featured the Blazer model, which was originally crafted for use on the hardwood (as we chronicled in our initial installment of our Re Fresh segment), in many different forms. The traditional Blazer high has seen some interesting applications, like the quilted leather used on the uppers of the Supreme Blazer SBs, and the low top models have proven to be useful when skating as well. This model, known as the CS (Custom Series), is called the chopped off model, as it looks like a high top with a chopped off collar. The detailing here is unique as there is a suede upper contrasted by dueling swooshes–blue on the inside and red outside. Check your local SB retailers soon, as they have already been popping up at stores like Shelta.

If you saw the ESPN 30 For 30 special on Reggie Miller, then you either learned about or remembered the huge impact that Spike Lee had on the post-seasons of yesteryear, as he either got in the heads of opponents or sparked them to push themselves a bit further than they may have gone without Spike’s taunting. His legacy as a fan and sneaker icon doesn’t lag too far behind his day job reputation as a prolific and sometimes incendiary director. After a stint as Mars Blackmon in the famous Air Jordan ads, Spike got his own fusion model from Jordan Brand that has seen many releases and enjoyed consistent success. With the Knicks back in contention, this New York Knicks team has re-invigorated the Big Apple, and just in time, Jordan Brand hooked up Spike with both an orange and a blue pair of Spiz’ikes for the playoffs. Don’t be surprised to see these on Spike’s feet on Sunday, when the Knicks will play at home for the first playoff games in many years. via Spike Lee // Complex

Carmelo Anthony, who we interviewed for a feature a while back when he was still a Denver Nugget, just played his first playoff game as a New York Knick. The result was heartbreatking for Knick fans, as he missed a three pointer with just over a second left that would have likely won the game for New York. There is still much more series left to play, and ‘Melo has a new, lighter shoe for the playoff run, the M7 Advance with some tweaks on the original M7 model. The most significant change is the addition of Flywire to the upper, a first for a Jordan Brand sneaker. In this uniquely-assembled pack that was a gift to family and select media, there are subway-styled coins that have some significant locations for the man wearing #7 in New York. The slogan is “Born in Brooklyn, Made in Baltimore, and Refined on the Hardwood,” which charts his travels and omits his time in Denver. Also included in the set is a “Melo State of Mind” shirt, and one pair of Knicks-colored M7 Advance kicks. The shoe, without all the bells and whistles in the pack, will release on 6/1 in three colorways–two Knick-themed and one in black and white. A total of only 1,500 pairs will be available and they will be available at select retailers like House of Hoops and Niketown.

It wasn’t long ago, about two years now, that the last release of this Air Jordan III in True Blue was released. This year, on Independence Day, the latest incarnation of the True Blue retro drops, to the delight of fans of the Jordan series. While the recent drops of the Black History Month and Cement Air Jordan IIIs have eaten away at bank accounts, the forthcoming Stealth colorway that we just showed you promises to do the same.  But more than all of the above, the True Blue has the potential to be more in demand with its iconic elephant print on the heel and toe and simple colorblocking of the blue hits above the midsole, on the collar, and on the lacelocks. Keep it here for more detailed images as they emerge.

Nike ID has released some tempting customization options of late, ranging from the Air Max 95 to the new Jordan Fly Wade, both of which we previewed for you recently. Now adding a limited edition option to the mix for the Zoom Kobe VI, Nike ID has introduced a complicated camo design on the upper. There are 6 different camo uppers to choose from, ranging from more tonal options like the purple and black models to the more mottled versions in blue, green, yellow, and red. Each allows for the wearer to control other options like the sole and heel to make a shoe that is truly unique. Only 240 pairs are available at $165 each, so if you want to mix up your color palate, head to Nike ID and get started on your design. Via Facebook.com/nikeid

In what has been shaping up to be a big year for the retro releases of the Air Jordan V (5), a White and Midnight Navy pair jumps into the fray for a July release. This Olympic-like, patriotic colorway is decked out in a pristine white upper in leather like that found on the Fire Red Air Jordans last seen in the Countdown Pack. Still preserving the reflective tongue and red lacelocks, one detail that this model features is tow linings–the red lining on the tongue and navy lining of the collar. Stick with Freshness for more information on this relasee, and click after the jump for more photos of what will be sure to be a big summer release.

Style: 136027-103
Color: White/Midnight Navy-Varsity Red

Release Date: July 2011

The folks at the ever-collaborating NY institution, ALIFE joined forces with artist Craig Costello aka KRINK for an exhibition called Spray Paint the Walls. With walls bathed in the trademark KRINK vertical ink lines in varying shades of blue and yellow, the party goers were treated to a set by Nina Sky & Erin Magee (MadeMe). Other guests included, of course the ALIFE crew, including Arthur Soleimanpour and JEST, Costello himself, Dee & Ricky, and musicians like Le Tigre and Nick Zinner. The Casio G-Shock and KRINK watch, the DW6900KR-w was on display as well. This exhibition will be on display beginning April 9th from 12 pm to 6 pm at 18 Wooster Street.

Photography: Yu-Ming for Freshness

Craig Costello “Spray Paint The Walls” Exhibition
18 Wooster Street | Map
New York, NY 10013

Jordan Brand’s Tokyo center is called, appropriately, Jordan Tokyo 23. And while the shop is still under construction, there is no better way to get the hype train fired up than releasing photos of two models crafted to celebrate the shop’s release. The main draw will be this yellow suede Air Jordan V (5) Retro, as its striking black and yellow (just try to not hum along to the Whiz song!) colorway already has people stateside begging for a domestic release. The outsole on the bottom even features a yellow jumpman, while the shop’s logo is embroidered onto the heel. The second release is a predominantly gray Chris Paul model, the CP3.IV with yellow accents on the midsole and heel. The rumor is that these will release in late April, but rest assured that we will have the information for you as soon as they become available. via SN

Gucci, whose Mark  Ronson-endorsed sneakers injected excitement into more casual options for the luxury brand, now gets into the chukka/ boat shoe fray with this seriously detailed model. Decked in fine suede and with a interesting weld above a crepe sole, this model is minimally branded. The tongue features the trademark Gucci flag, and the forefoot features one tonal embossed brand. This model comes in three colors–army green, light blue, and light gray. Get your credit cards ready–these are Gucci after all–and head to the online store to scoop up a pair of refined minimalism.

In yet another fresh colorway from frequent-collaborator Ronnie Fieg, this Clarks Desert Boot gets a simple, yet distinctive makeover. After recent collaborations with Sebago and three colorways on Clarks Desert boots last November, Fieg’s latest colorway is ready for the rolled-up, tapered denim and chino wear that accompany the Spring. With a muted blue in a matte nubuck, the upper can handle the Spring’s precipitation. Along for the photo shoot are Theopholis London, Morgan of the Saturdays, and Greg Weinstein, each sporting the limited edition model with a few different looks. On Friday, April 8th, only 300 pairs will be released at $92 a pop at David Z.’s flagship location on Broadway and online at the David Z site.

David Z.
556 Broadway | Map
New York, NY 10012
TEL #: 212-431-5450

Release Date: April 8th (Friday) | 10 am EST

This has shaped up to be the year of the Air Jordan VII (7) retro. Adding to the well-received Year of the Rabbit Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 2011, what better paring of animal and shoe than the “Hare” and this model that bore that name twenty years ago? This limited release features a monochromatic tongue, unlike that of the Bordeaux colorway due out soon, and a simple, direct colorway of white, red, grey, and gold. This has a more than slight resemblance to the Hare model first released in 1991, apart from the multicolored tongue and the red detailing on the jumpman, heel tab and laces, which are replaced by a dark gold/bronze.

LeBron and the Miami Heat have righted the ship and seemed poised to fend off the Celtics and retain the number 2 seed in the playoffs. Though this colorway of the LeBron 8 isn’t quite the perfect match for the Heat’s uniforms, it’s taken on the ‘Sprite’ nickname more for it’s lime green/yellow lining and full air unit. This low top model has a Summer-ready colorway that already has LeBron fans excited. While there is no solid information for the release of this model yet, MarqueeSole has some photos that show the details of this model that will supposedly be out during the summer.