The First String collection from Converse puts focus back into the original silhouette and modern design. Converse have dug deep into their archives and pulled out the 1970′s classic Matchpoint III and the new 2010 version still maintains the original silhouette. Monochromatic poplin cotton uppers sit on top of off white soles emphasizing vintage aesthetic. Leather heel section has been detailed with cut out Star adding to the premium feel and comfort is achieved by extra foot bed cushioning improving functionality. These models will be available at Concepts in Cambridge Ma, Major in Washington DC and WISH in Atlanta Ga.

The Converse Poorman Weapon can be considered a hybrid of the classic Chuck Taylor All Star High, and the Weapon 86 basketball shoe. It’s versatile shape and design has made the shoe rather popular for collaborations as well. This season, Converse has released a new series of colorways for the Poorman Weapon high and low, and all take a rugged, military cue. The high top version comes in black and white, grey and red, and an olive on olive. Aside from the usual leather and suede, Converse seems to have added a little fabric into the mix as well. The low-top is a cool and easy grey on grey. These are all available on Converse right now.

These may not light up a room, but they will sure light up any sneakerhead’s day– the Nike LunarGlide+2 has officially been conjugated into a rainbow chandelier displayed at Nike Harajuku. A rainbow spectrum of the new Nike LunarGlide+2 (one of the highly technical sneakers Nike is focusing their spotlight on this season to go along with its theme for bringing running back) hangs from the ceiling of Nike Harajuku, defying gravity and living up to its name of gliding on the moon. Perhaps, after the success of the Nike Air Attack displays which were popping up all over the world at Nike stores and flagships, creative store installations will be a recurring trend we can look out for in future seasons to come.

The Air Jordan XIII (13) Retro in the “Flint” colorway is already gaining steam in the most hyped shoe race of 2010. Now the white, black, and true red version will certainly be another XIII worth keeping an eye on. With the dimpled upper that is is the signature component of the XIII in all white, along with the premium leather toebox , this sleek model is a Jordan classic that he wore during his 1997-1998 season with the Bulls. The red hits on the midsole and the panel above it leads into the mod-shaped red portion on the heel. Expect a holiday 2010 release of these, and start allocating your funds for that busy time in sneaker buying. You don’t have to wait that long if you’re willing to pay above retail, as a decent, but VERY limited, size run is available now at MarqueeSole.

Welcome Yohji Yamamoto and adidas’ Y-3 to the world of Facebook! It is official, the Y-3 Facebook fan page is now live, and fans can now get the latest updates from Y-3 through their Facebook feed by “liking” the page. Also, stay tuned for photos, discussions and of course events to come as this will be another platform for Y-3 fans to interact with the label. One of the latest items to be posted on the Y-3 page are images from its Fall/Winter 2010 campaign.

Considering Street Fighter is one of the most popular video games made, it is no wonder that a Street Fighter inspired Nike SB Dunk Pack would garner a good amount of attention from sneakerheads. This season, Nike SB is releasing a pack of Dunk Hi and Dunk Low quickstrikes inspired by Street Fighter characters, Chun Li, and Ryu. Freshness has brought all a preview of the shoes, and now we have a more detailed look at the kicks, especially the printed graphic insoles which were previously not revealed. The insoles are printed with Chun Li and Ryu in traditional black and white manga style graphics. Check out the images and look out for them at select retailers soon.

Smurf meets Tron? Whatever the futuristic blue-green hue and silver Swoosh inspires, the new colorway of the Nike Dunk High should appeal to those who like to play it cool and wouldn’t mind adding a little ostentation to their stride. The new colorway features neon aqua color, with Nike’s special safari print accent on the front, contrasted with patent black leather lace placket and heel to add that extra high-octane shine to the rest of the shoe and to complement the silver Swoosh. These are currently available online via mita, for those who are not afraid of wearing a little color on their feet and enjoys putting their best foot forward.

Japan’s HECTIC and mita sneakers had come together to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the New Balance MT580, which is a Japanese-improved, 2.0 version of the M585 “made in U.S.A.”. Some of the key technical specifications include the ROLLBAR technology which endows the MT580 with added stability, and that the MT580 is super lightweight and has added the shock-absorbent ENCAP.

In ways, its significances are immeasurable. One, its design was entrusted to someone outside of realm of tradition. Second, the product called for re-tooling of the entire manufacturing process. Finally three, the design spawned a new series in the years to come. The “it” was the Zvezdochka, the 2004 collaborative sneaker by industrial design maven Marc Newson and Nike. Named after the Soviet Cosmonaut Program to see the viability of putting living creatures into orbital space flights, the Zvezdochka was a continuation of Newson’s lifelong interest in mode of transport. Furthermore, the creation itself of this unique footwear, with an inner booty, became an experimental odyssey, for those involved, in both material science and manufacturing process. Extremely limited at the time of its launch, of which Freshness documented back in 2004, New York City’s Gagosian Gallery is set to made them available once again ahead of Newson’s new exhibition next week. In colorways Aegean Blue and Mahogany, exclusive to Gagosian Gallery, an untold amount will be available at the Gagosian Shop on 988 Madison Avenue next Monday, September 13th. On hand will be Marc Newson, the designer himself, for a brief meet and greet session. Certainly an launch event not to be miss.

Gagosian Shop
988 Madison Avenue | Map
New York, NY 10075
TEL #: 212-744-9200

Launch Date: September 13th (Monday) | 6 pm – 8 pm

» 2004 Freshess Feature: Marc Newson x Nike Zvezdochka – Part I
» 2004 Freshess Feature: Marc Newson x Nike Zvezdochka – Part II

Ever since Dwyane Wade wore these in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game sneakerheads have been asking Jordan Brand to release this White and Metallic Silver colorway of the Air Jordan 2010. While a number of other colorways have been released since D.Wade rocked these in February, Jordan fans and sneakerheads alike have been patiently waiting on the potential release of this colorway that most are calling the “Silver Anniversary” AJ 2010′s, now it appears Jordan Brand will grant that wish and released these in November, 2010. Check out some detailed images of the Silver Anniversary Air Jordan 2010′s after the jump or pick up a pair now over at marqueesole.

Certainly most attentions in SoHo, New York, these days centered around the brand new The Hundreds New York flagship or the just released Fall/Winter 2010 Collection from Supreme. However, let us not forget the decades old institute that was in the neighborhood long before Supreme and others – Stussy. After a week long intermission, where workers completely swapped the old with the new, the New York chapter of Stussy reopened its doors 2 weeks ago. While the physical aspect of its interior did not change. The store’s product compositions certainly had, with all new items from Stussy’s various brand ventures to the whimsical design of OriginalFake, the only official retailer in NYC. The most notable, however, are the cut and sewn goods from Stussy, some of the most well made products to come from the venerable label in years. So if you’re in the area of SoHo, be sure to swing by the store. You surely will not be disappointed.

Stussy New York
176 Spring Street | Map
New York, NY 10012
TEL #: 212-226-8493

A hybrid of the iconic Air Max 1, and the Air Trainer, the Nike Air Maxim 1 Trainer ND is like a happy middle ground which appeases sneakerheads who want the best of both worlds. This season, Nike proves that black is always the new black with the “Black Pack”, and hence, the Nike Air Maxim 1 Trainer ND is completely blacked out from tongue to sole in tonal black on black on black. The upper is crafted from a mishmash of suede, mesh, Flywire and rubber forefoot strap. The Nike Air Maxim 1 Trainer ND is set for a Holiday 2010 release, and its counterparts in the Black Pack also includes the Nike Air Max 1 and Nike Air Max 90 Current. These are available now for pre-order via mita, and will release on September 11.