Not many running shoes can claim to be a part of history. The adidas ZX 8000 is an exception, as the shoe was worn by Carlos Lopes when he took almost a second off the world’s best marathon time at the 1985 Rotterdam Marathon, the last major competitive race of the 38-year-old runner’s career. Aside from its place in the record books, the ZX 8000 is a much loved style thanks to its classic good looks and trademark Torsion midfoot support. Two upcoming colorways for spring are both dressed with premium leather and mesh at the upper, one in Black/Super Cyan and the other in White/Super Green. Both styles are available for pre-order now through End Clothing.

End Clothing
4-6 High Bridge | Map
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 1EN, England

Having been in the same circle of creative types for a number of years, the only thing surprising about this upcoming collaboration is why it took Eddie Cruz and Hiroshi Fujiwara so long? Right off UNDFTD‘s successes with CONVERSE Poor Man’s Weapon, Cruz unveiled the yet to be named Chuck Taylor All Star on his Instagram. While no details were given, the design looked to be predominantly red, white accents, and with logos from fragment design and UNDFTD. Rumor has it that the design might be a Valentine’s Day edition. But with that special day fast approaching, we doubt that is the case. Whatever it might be and whenever it might be release, there about to be more information to follow soon. via: Eddie Cruz

Nike is celebrating Black History Month with special design treatments across signature collections from the brand’s roster of superstar athletes. The recurring motif of black and vibrantly colored accents in geometric patterns is applied to great effect on the low-profile Nike Zoom KD IV. Featuring a black hued base and “BHM” designation on the tongue and lace tags, the shoe is adorned with splashes of color at the forefoot strap, lining and underneath the translucent outsole. Click through for additional high-resolution images, and look for the shoe to drop on February 11th at select Nike retailers, including Rock City Kicks in Arkansas.

Rock City Kicks
200 N. Bowman Rd. | Map
Little Rock, AR 72211

Release Date: February 11th, 2012 (Saturday)

Nike introduces the Free Gym for women, a sneaker designed for yoga and other mind-body fitness activities that enhances a barefoot workout. Weighing in at just 5 oz., the ultra-light Free Gym has deep multi-directional flex grooves for a full range of natural motion, as well as a rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for superior traction. The split-toe design allows for natural grip and improved balance, while the arch strap enables a nicely secure fit. The Free Gym is meant to be worn without socks, so it’s lined with natural fibers derived from volcanic rock to absorb sweat, and memory foam heel pads and arch support provides comfortable cushioning. It’s in stock now at Nikestore.com.

Feiyue was born in Shanghai in the 1920s as a footwear manufacturer that made simple, lightweight canvas sneakers that only came in two colors. Reintroduced in 2006 as a French brand, the company now boasts multiple shoe styles in a vast array of colors, and has set its sights on expanding into new markets. A prime example of Feiyue’s global initiative is this video shot in South Korea, with a caption explaining that Feiyue has been “growing and exploring new lands, in harmony with its values.” Shot by KS Yun, the 90-second clip shows off some very slick fixed gear riding, as well as a good looking pair of Feiyue kicks. Check it out following the click.

More than a celebration of history, Black History Month is about remembrance of the countless scarf ices made in the past and a commendation of ancestral accomplishments. Its also the reason behind the expansive nature of this year’s Black History Month Collection from Nike. In addition to the tennis ensemble worn by Serena Williams during Australian Open a few weeks back, the collection also encompass several other footwear – Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Max 1, Nike Huarache Free, and Nike Blazer, each designed with an athlete in mind. To serve as the perfect complements, Nike added its Destroyer Jacket, Dri-FIT tee, and a range of accessories to the collection as well. More information about the collection and related festivities to come in the following weeks.

If you’ve been staying tuned to Freshness, you know by now that fifteen different retailers around the globe are cranking out a special version of the Reebok Workout for the silhouette’s 25h anniversary. The shops included so far have been a murder’s row of sneaker boutiques, accounts that have long since proved the wonders they can work with collaborative models. In that group, mita sneakers must be included, and indeed they are with this superduty version of the Reebok Workout in a rugged wheat canvas. The gum bottoms and the understated boot-lace hit towards the tongue cement the inspiration, making this another hit from the Reebok Classics line. Continue reading for the extra shots and stick with us for more looks from the Reebok Workout 25th Anniversary collection. via HS

mita sneakers
4-7-8 Ueno | Map
1/F & 2/F Ameyoko Center Building
Ueno, Tokyo Japan

Release Date: February 15th, 2012 (Wednesday)

Getting away from the VNTG look on their retro releases for a minute, Nike opts instead for a premium treatment of the immortal Blazer. A basketball shoe that first hit the hardwood in the 1970′s, the Blazer has long since occupied the realm of lifestyle wear. On this WMNS releases, the sneaker sees some premium treatment, with a good amount of extra padding injected into the tongue and lining. Beyond the boosted comfort, the sneaker goes for the suede look on top in a lush green to match the laces. The off white sail provides the pop in what is all around a great spring sneaker for the ladies. Follow us after the jump for the full look at the Nike WMNS Blazer Mid PRM in lush green and pre-order a pair for yourself now from end clothing.

Nike WMNS Blazer Mid PRM
Style: 403729-300
Color: Lush Green/Sail

If a video game design start-up asked about the secret to success in the gaming industry, then they need to look no further than designer Shigeru Miyamoto. With a fairy tale plot line and cutesy caricatures, Miyamoto’s Super Mario Bros. franchise continues to be the best selling titles some 25 years later. In honoring such legacy, CONVERSE and CONVERSE Japan will introduce the third iteration to the Super Mario Bros. x CONVERSE collection, the CONVERSE One Star – Super Mario Bros. Edition. In all leather, white or black, the special design features a pixelated Mario around the exterior heel panel.  The CONVERSE trademarked star logo is now inlay with a “Mario Star” in yellow. And a complement to the game’s classic color scheme, accent in red leather tip the interior liner.  Originally announced last year as part of the Super Mario Bros. x CONVERSE Collection, the Super Mario Bros. x CONVERSE One Star Ox will be available this coming March at select CONVERSE Japan retailers. via: HS

Release Date: March 2012

A look at the latest from the Reebok Workout 25th Anniversary Celebration collection reveals what is definitely the most straightforward design inspiration we’ve seen yet from the pack. Going hand in hand with the intended goal of fitness promoted by this OG sneaker from the Reebok Classics line, the Solebox team decided to embark on a mission to see who among them could shed the most pounds by the February 15th release date. And what better way to do that than to switch up your eating habits, like sticking to some fresh fish for protein. Riffing off their dietary choice, the sneaker gets a beautifully scaled fish leather upper in a burnt brown tone, a first for a pair of Reeboks. Follow us after the jump for the full look for this Solebox edition of the Reebok Workout 25h Anniversary. via HS

Solebox
Nürnberger Straße 16 | Map
10789 Berlin Germany
TEL #: 030-91206690

Reebok is not well known for their boot-like footwear, yet this Night Storm HLS is a great product that fuses the athletic aesthetics with hiking boot style. These high-cut sneakers are made from genuine leather and mesh materials on its upper, in a neutral gray tone. Splash of blue can be seen on the shoe laces, heel panels, outsoles and tongue tags, giving it a visual appeal. Conventional lace holes are replaced by metal hooks and plastic loops to enable secure fastening when worn. Fitted inside the heel portion of the midsoles are the Hexalite cushioning unit, providing increased comfort. These sneakers are available through SneakersNStuff right now.

SneakersNStuff Stockholm
Åsögatan 124 | Map
116 24 Stockholm

SneakersNStuff Malmö
Davidshallsgatan 19 | Map
211 45 Malmö

As far as fabrics and materials are concerned, you can bet that VANS have tried almost all. However, they have found an unlikely candidate for sneaker construction. The neoprene material is commonly used on wetsuits, though if the end result is anything to go by, VANS have pulled it off nicely. All three styles in this Neoprene Pack is made with the classic Era model, each sporting a wetsuit-like three color break up. There is Gray, Black and Blue versions available at VANS DQM General in NYC right now.

The VANS DQM General – New York
93 Grand Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-7776