The guys at Nike Harajuku in Tokyo have graced us with shots of this new colorway of the Nike Kobe VII in an interesting iridescent colorway. Be sure to click through and view the gallery containing images of the shoe finished in a sparkling purple hue, as well as the blueish-green above. Yep, they’re the same shoe. The Flywire-infused upper reflects back differing colors depending on the angle and lighting, making this most innovative of basketball sneakers even more so. It’s proving to be a big year for Kobe — in terms of his signature sneaker, not so much for his Lakers — but this is one release that might be contained to just the Asian market. Stay tuned for word on a stateside drop.

More than just a partnership, the Brazilian National Football Team and Nike share a common ethos of tenacity on or off the pitch. That bond is also evident in the latest Brasilian National Football Team kits for the 2012-2013 season. In reference to Jeitinho Brasileiro, or The Brasilian Way, a spirited motto which has made the Brazilian National Team the most successful in modern history of soccer, the new kits encompassed the Brazilian national colors of bright yellow, royal blue, hints of white and green.

For the home kit, its the Amarelinha, or Little Yellow One, a signature beloved by the team’s fans. Similar to the previous kits by Nike, plenty of hidden accents meant to be inspirational statements for the players. Along on the inside of its green cuff, the jersey pronounced Nascido Para Jogar Futebol, or Born To Play Football, in the form of Pichacao, a graffiti born out Brazil’s inner cities. Another hidden addition is the Brazilian football federation crest designed by artist Don Torelly. Strategically printed on the inside back of each shirt as a show of support from the federation to its players.

Not limited to the graphic aspects, designers at Nike took the liberty to apply innovative construction on the kits as well. Lessen the company’s environmental footprint, each jersey is made from at least 96% recycled polyester while the shorts is 100%, a total equivalent to 13 recycled plastic bottles. A new double-knit construct means the new kits are 20% stronger than the previous editions. Yet, its still 23% lighter.

In addition to the new National Team Kits, there will be a complement of accessories, training gears, and products for fans available too. Look for the new Brasilian National Team kits at soccer specialty retailers near you in the coming weeks.

The fireworks have been long gone. So are the lion dancers and other Chinese New Year festivities. But there is still an opportunity for you to partake in the celebration once again with Freshness’ current giveaway – a pristine pair of Nike Air Force 1 – Year of the Dragon in US Size 11. To enter for a chance to win, simply follow the 3 easy steps after the click. A friendly reminder though, the contest will end tonight when the clock strikes 11:59 pm EST.

Contest End Date: February 3rd, 2012 (Tonight!) | 11:59 pm EST

Sarah Reinersten is the first woman on a prosthetic leg to complete an Ironman Triathlon (that’s a 2.6 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run, back to back to back–which is tiring enough just to write out), so she knows a thing or two about her craft and the challenges other amputee athletes face. Now, thanks to a collaboration between Nike, the prosthetic innovators at Össur, and Reinersten, amputee athletes have one less obstacle to overcome with the addition of the Nike Sole, which takes running shoe technology and makes Össur’s Flex-Run even better. Using a thermal plastic urethane called Aeroply, which is made of recycled Nike Air Bags units, and nine nylon plastic tabs, the impact-absorbing Sole attaches to the carbon fiber Flex-Run blade allowing for a smoother ride compared to Flex-Run alone, ultimately taking less out of the athlete. Check out the unveiling of the Nike Sole after the jump as well as additional shots of Reinersten in action.

Our early preview of Nike’s Black History Month collection for 2012 revealed the general aesthetic that would permeate throughout the pack. And now that we are officially in February, some more complete looks are starting to show up from the most anticipated pieces from the range. Last night we gave you a look at the Nike Zoom KD IV ‘Black History Month’ and now we’ve got a look at the Nike Zoom Kobe VII bearing the same theme. Kobe’s entry dons the textiled look in a more complete sense, letting the colorful graphics dominate where other silhouettes have pushed them to the sidelines a bit. Follow us after the jump for a full look at the Nike Zoom Kobe VII ‘Black History Month’ and be on the lookout for these at premium spots like Rock City Kicks come next Saturday, February 11th.

Release Date: February 11th, 2012 (Saturday)

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.

Produced by: Dan Hwang
Written by: Poe

Creativity speaking, it was a way to escape from the daily grind and to tap that original inspirations which started it all. Of course, that “original inspirations” could be anything and everything, from a simple leisurely stroll on the beach to something as outrageous as a trip around the world. For Matt Stevens however, it was to reconnect with his love of illustration, its process, and his fascination with Nike Air Max. Those were the premises behind Stevens’ first project, AirMax1-a-day. But when and where there is a conjuncture between art and sneaker, there is sure to be interest from other sneaker aficionados, and a lot of it. In a short order of time, this commune of shared interest became such that Stevens took this once personal project forward a bit more and made it public. With help from crowd funding site KICKSTARTER, it became known as MAX100.

Fascinated by its origination, we recently asked Matt Stevens for narrative guided tour on how MAX100 got its start. Our conversation led off as the newest installment of Fresh & Creative…

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.

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

Since information of it came to light two weeks ago, there’s been a deluge of interests from both die hard sneaker fans to the fashion conscious type. The wait is about to end in 10 days as Cole Haan finally announced the release date of its LunarGrand Wingtip. Constructed in suede and accordingly to Cole Haan’s traditional methods, the LunarGrand Wingtip pushes the boundaries of innovation, design, and fashion by incorporating the lightweight cushioning technology, the Nike Lunarlon. With it, the LunarGrand Wingtip is more than just a comfortable dress shoe. Its one which redefine the classification as a whole while still retaining its authentic feel.

In five colorways, each made of premium suede and with leather welt, the Cole Haan LunarGrand Wingtip retails for US$ 248. Available on Friday, February 10th, exclusively through Cole Haan SoHo flagship store in New York City. via: Sneaker Freaker

Cole Haan SoHo
128 Prince Street | Map
New York, NY 10012
TEL #: 212-219-8240

Release Date: February 10th, 2012 (Friday)

Cement, concrete, elephant… call it what you will but the affection it invokes are all the same. Just minutes ago, the Cement/Elephant Skin design option on Nike iD is finally available. Select from either Air Force 1 High iD and Air Force 1 Low iD, with the opportunity to appoint the iconic pattern as its upper. Furthermore, as NIKEiD hinted earlier, two additional colorways are also available. Aspiring sneaker designers and Air Force 1 aficionados can now select the original Neutral Grey/Dark Grey scheme plus Midnight Navy/Neutral Grey and Varsity Red/Neutral Grey. As with all limited design options, Nike iD will only permit 750 pairs of Air Force 1s. So act fast and purchase your design now.