The Nike 6.0 Buzz Aldrin Rocket Hero Mavrk Mid 2. To infinity an beyond! Available at select retailers January 1st.

The Mavrk Mid 2 is constructed with a cold-wrap process, which allows the reduction of material in the outsole for a significantly lighter shoe while reducing the use of harmful solvents. The insertion of a true mid-sole offers increased impact absorption while integrated Nike Free inspired flex-grooves on the outsole allow for torsional flex and board-feel for true lightweight performance. A stitchless toe creates a clean finish and amplifies durability.

Everything You Need to Know About Sneakers in 1500 Words includes a condensed 150 word history of sneakers, an in-depth list of 40 sneaker books/magazines/movies/blogs/forums, biographies of 10 celebrity sneakerheads, mini-histories of 40 classic sneaker models, and 50 cities to buy sneakers throughout the world.

The 150 words of history are below. At The Shoe Buff they also did a great in-depth list of 40 sneaker books/magazines/movies/blogs/forums, biographies of 10 celebrity sneakerheads, mini-histories of 40 classic sneaker models, and 50 cities to buy sneakers throughout the world.

Rubber-soled shoes (plimsolls) are manufactured. Goodyear launches Keds. Converse revolutionizes basketball. ‘Sneakers’ is coined because the soles are quiet. Converse releases the All Star. All Star’s give way to Chuck Taylors. Adidas produces its first tennis shoe. Converse releases the Jack Purcell. Puma is founded. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman launch Blue Ribbon Sports. Vans Launches. BRS becomes Nike. Puma develops Velcro. The Nike Swoosh trademark is purchased for $35. Nike introduces Air technology. Nike releases the Air Force One. Michael Jordan endorses Nike. Nike releases the Air Jordan. NBA fines Jordan for violating uniform rules with vibrant sneakers. Spike Lee directs and stars in Mars Blockmon commercial. Run-DMC releases “My Adidas”. Reebok introduces the Pump. Nike introduces the Air Max. Bill Bowerman dies. Nelly releases “Air Force Ones”. Bobbito authors “Where’d You Get Those?”. Nike acquires Converse. Converse re-issues the Chuck and the Jack Purcell. Sneaker Freaker and Sole Collector launch. SneakerPimps begins touring the world. Jordan celebrates its 20th anniversary. Adidas acquires Reebok. Just for Kicks DVD released.

They’re finally available online! Cipher shoes, the new Subterranean shown here ($120). Give the other models a looksie. I love where this brand is going.

Originally inspired by the fluid, dynamic movement of the fathers of the “Beat” generation; the SUB- TERRANEAN is a manifestation of the underground intellectual movement that stirred the American cultural awakening of the 1950’s and beyond. Our newest interpretation gets a sleeker and more aerodynamic upgrade for 2010.

Some new releases from Adidas in the Rod Laver collection, available at HUF in SF, orders by phone accepted. The first one looks cozy for winter.

Give him some recycled cardboard, paper bag, along with some glue and acrylic paint, and artist Mike Leavitt could create just about anything, including the replica sneakers above.

You can pop by the Fuse Gallery at 93 Second Avenue in NYC to see them.

Via Arrested Motion (with an interview with Mike there as well)… Hat Tip to Amber!

The OeTZI3300 shoe brand is inspired by a prehistoric man named “Oetzi” who has been carbon dated all the way back to 3300 B.C. His mummified body was unveiled from it’s frozen state during “global warming” and he was wearing nothing more than the basic essentials he needed for survival– good gear for protection and warmth, as well as a unique pair of bad ass shoes.

These shoes above (more color-ways after the jump) are inspired by the simple yet functional design of Oetzi’s shoes, our need to be environmentally responsible, and the need to better promote the art of well being. The collection features a pair made of napa leathers and oiled suede, both with an insulating yet breathable stretch inner sock liner– and a cork footbed designed for comfort (it also gradually molds to your footscape as you wear them).

Proceeds of every sale go to the Arthritis Foundation, as it was discovered by tattoo’s found on Oetzi’s body that he too had symptoms of joint disease and was probably treated with a very primitive form of acupunture. The brands logo is inspired by these tattoos.

These shoes were designed by the same guy behind one of my all the favorites for comfort, the Royal Elastics Grata.  Congrats Ludovic!

READ MORE…

The A.P.C. x All Court Sneakers. Some of my favorite shoes lately– I’ve been rocking the red accent ones for a few months, now they’re available in black on white canvas. And, for sale online for 90 Euros. Hat tip to Hypebeast for the heads up.

Bob Cousy All-American, glossy with leather laces. Holiday edition PF Flyers. Yes please?

Yum. New Nike Maharam Blazer’s. Via Hypebeast and available in sample size 9 for $160 here.

Green is the new black and this year companies are definitely heeding the call as more and more of them are adding eco-friendly elements into their product lines. Few though, can compare to El Naturalista, a Spanish footwear company that is built from the ground up as an earth-centric corporate citizen. El Naturalista has some key philosophies by which they operate: focusing on using natural and recycled ingredients and avoiding polluting and toxic substances in the manufacturing of their shoes and packaging. The Fall line is already making its way to retailers worldwide. Women should take a look at the Yggdrasil collection for subdued styling but with details that warrant a double take. For men, I am particularly fond of the Recyclus line which uses recycled rubber in the soles, cork midsoles, hand-sewn uppers and 100% recycled packaging. With a clear focus on nature and a design team that works hard to show that you don’t have to choose between style and sustainability, El Naturalista has this down pat. Look for their FW09 collection in stores now.

Gorgeous looking All Court Premiums designed by Fragment Design (remember that interview). Available August 22nd and August 29th. Via Hypebeast and welcome to enter my closet this season.

Sneakers are an expensive hobby. The cheapest pair of premium kicks you’ll find are $80, if you can find them. Living in a town that only recently got a Quickstrike account, I know what it’s like to stay up ’til 4 in the morning to order a pair of shoes from the other side of the Atlantic. Niche markets benefit from niche sites and that’s exactly what SneakerListing is. Recently launched, the site acts as a free marketplace for collectors to buy and sell sneakers. With the ability to sort and search by brands, keyword, condition, size, and a other criteria, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. As with any new service, it’s success really depends on how many people participate. It’s a Catch 22, because I feel like many people won’t start listing or buying until they see that others have done so successfully. Also, unlike eBay (partnered with Paypal) there are really no repercussions for fraud. Hopefully the pros of having a dedicated marketplace with informed buyers and sellers outweighs the cons.

I’m absolutely loving Nike’s latest push back into their heritage with their vintage lines. This Tennis Classic is 95 Euros, available at Star Cow. Via Hypebeast

Sad part? It’s probably true. From Formula Werks for $25.

Hypebeast has the scoop on some new LIVESTRONG goodies. In addition to the Marc Newson special edition designed Zvezdochka, you get guide maps to the city of Paris, a LIVESTRONG band and an invite to the STAGES art event which opens this weekend (July 17th) in Paris at the lovely Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin.  Very hot.