FRESH KICKS:

ASICS Drops a Monochromatic "Carbon" GEL-Respector
Just last summers, ASICS dropped a couple of its best GEL-Respectors to date with the introduction of its “LT” pack. This month, however, the brand is looking to give that duo a run for its money with the release of a “Carbon” take on the retro kicks. Whereas the “LT” pack coupled two-toned uppers with white sole units, the “Carbon” drop goes the monochromatic route, adopting what’s essentially a “Triple Grey” motif as the hue hits everything from the suede construction and leather stripes to the molded external heel counter and GEL-cushioned sole unit.
The clean January release is available now via Afew while supplies last.

Nike's "Medium Grey" Sock Dart Returns
After surfacing in the fall of 2015, Nike dropped a clean “Medium Grey” rendition of its Sock Dart in Spring 2016, covering the design’s comfy slip-on bootie in light grey and coupling it with simple black and white accents. Now, just a year later, the design is back for the Spring 2017 season. True to the previous drop, these once again come in a light grey hue and see their upper joined by a fully translucent version of the silhouette’s signature strap while black and white contrasts take care of everything from the midsole and outsole to the Swoosh branding and external heel cup.
Retailing for $130 USD, the “Medium Grey” rendition of the Sock Dart is available now via Rock City Kicks while supplies last.

Sneakers76 & Saucony Pay Homage to Taras
According to Greek mythology, legend has it that Taras — the son of Poseidon and of the nymph Satyrion — was rescued from a shipwreck by a dolphin sent by his father, coming ashore in what is now southern Italy and establishing a Greek colony in his name. Thus, as an homage to Taranto and its own hometown, Sneakers76 has dropped a special “Taras” edition of the Shadow 5000. Hot on the heels of collabs with adidas, Le Coq Sportif, and PUMA, the Italian spot’s Saucony team-up once again takes cues from the sea and, in this case, opts for red, blue, and grey across its premium suede upper. Joining the luxurious construction is a trident-embossed leather tongue badge while a woodgrain external heel counter provides added support. Finally, co-branded leather footbeds complete the package.
Though sold out at Packer Shoes, the limited edition Shadow 5000 can be found now at select Saucony stockists in limited quantities.

The Air Jordan 4 Gets the "Royal" Colorway
The “Pure Money” Air Jordan 4 isn’t the only version of the silhouette Jordan Brand has on tap for a release in the months ahead. Coming soon from the Swoosh imprint is a the tried-and-true “Royal” make-up for the classic Js — with a twist. Decked out in the “Royal” colorway’s usual combination of black and royal blue, these throw in some grey contrasts for good measure, applying the hue to everything from the lining and sole unit to the heel Jumpman and the plastic eyelets.
Though an exact release date remains unclear, the Air Jordan 4 “Black/Game Royal” will hit Jordan Brand stockists in the near future.

Jordan Brand Takes the Wraps off of the Air Jordan 13 "Black Cat"
While nearly all-white Air Jordan 4s are on tap for a release later this spring, Jordan fans won’t have to wait nearly as long to get their hands on one of the cleanest AJ13s of all time: the “Black Cat” rendition of the kicks is just over a week away. Officially revealed today by Jordan Brand, the “Black Cat” take on the silhouette pays homage to one of MJ’s nicknames and comes decked out in black nubuck with a glossy midsole and tonal branding. The only things breaking up the otherwise monochromatic look are the 13′s usual cat eye-inspired branding hits to the outsole and lateral side of the upper with 3M reflectivity is incorporated throughout the shoe’s overlaying padded mesh panels.
Expect these to hit shelves January 21 for $190 USD and stay tuned for more 13 goodness throughout 2017: the OG “True Red” look is set for a return while the “Chutney” Lows are coming back for the first time since 1998.

LeBron James Confirms His First-Ever Nike Signature Is Making a Return
Back on October 29 of 2003, LeBron James hit the NBA hardwood for the very first time, suiting up for the Cavs and filling up the stat sheet with an impressive 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals in his debut. Sadly, it wasn’t quite enough as the Cavs went down 106-92 in Sacramento, but no matter: it was immediately clear that James would more than fulfill the expectations of a number one overall draft pick and one making the jump to the league straight out of high school.
So with LeBron and the Cavs in town today to take on the Kings once again, LeBron took to UNINTERRUPTED to make a special announcement: the Air Zoom Generation — King James’s very first signature Nike shoe — is indeed making a retro comeback. Confirming longstanding rumors and speculation, James showcased the kicks in their famed “First Game” colorway, reassuring viewers that they will indeed be hitting shelves very soon. Given that LeBron has recently been seen sporting a number of other past signatures as well, it seems all but a guarantee that a full-blown LeBron retro lineup is on the way.
Head on over to UNINTERRUPTED to check out the announcement. Speculated to drop January 25 for $175 USD, stay tuned for concrete details regarding availability.