Takin' it Back

Takin' it Back

TV Special: Swoosh! Inside Nike

A number of us at OSD decided to have a little get together this evening so we could talk about politics (yes, sneakerheads do VOTE), the latest debacle of Jay-Z getting pissy with Rihanna at the Grammy’s, the economy and, of course, sneakers.

So, we just finished watching the CNBC special-“Swoosh! Inside Nike”-and it was good to see and hear people weigh in on the good products that Nike produces, as well as hear about some of their challenges, such as poor working conditions in Vietnam and the blow back from their half-hearted initial foray into the world of skateboarding.

A few things that we noticed is that for a company that was started by Bill Bowerman’s desire to make running shoes lighter, while offering good traction, for his track athletes, it was Phil Knight that had the vision to take some risks and go after German-based Adidas, that was top-dog in the early ‘70s.

From the beginning, the company focused on producing great performing products to then signing a young Michael Jordan from the University of North Carolina as a key endorser, to marketing Bo Jackson as a do-it-all athlete and Charles Barkley as a powerful basketball player that bucked the trend by saying that athletes were not role models; Nike seems to have always “Gone Hard” with it.

A point that a couple people brought throughout our conversation was the lack of coverage or mention of Nike’s charity work, the donations or the rebuilding of parks to allow kids to play and get exercise. Maybe, just maybe, that story is on the DVD that CNBC began hawking at the end of the special. Let’s hope so.

Hearing Michael Jordan say that he wore Converse while at UNC-Chapel Hill, but wanted to sign with Adidas was monumental and the person or persons that chose to “pass” on MJ are certainly still trying to get their foot out of their ass(es).

The hype for the Air Jordan XX3 has been in fever pitch, which, after watching “Swoosh! Inside Nike”, will not be the finale of the Air Jordan line of basketball sneakers. Why would Nike and Jordan Brand walk away from a line that has been so successful 5-years after MJ played his last NBA game? They’d be silly, to say the least.

Darren Rovell did a good job interviewing Phil Knight, even though we can’t get over the fact that Buck wears those damned sunglasses for every interview. Who does he think he is? Just because he’s worth $9 billion, does that negate the fact that we like looking a man in the eyes?

When Milo Rosario was interviewed, it felt good to see a sneaker connoisseur whom we know and is truly passionate about sneakers. He’s a true stand-up guy that we’ve had the opportunity to hang out with at a few events in Chicago, Seattle and Las Vegas.

Seeing the footage from the lines to purchase the titanium Air Jordan XX3s, the Dunk Exchanges and the hand-to-hand exchange of cash for sneakers is something that we’ve become accustomed to see, but at some level it still is amazing to see a pair of sneakers-made of leather, rubber, nylon, suede, etc. - being coveted by so many people.

So the piece was good, but we have a good inclination that the upcoming sneaker documentary from New York- Know You Got Sole- is going to give viewers an entirely different perspective that CNBC didn’t cover nor could they cover it well.

TV Special: Swoosh! Inside Nike

The Official release: Air Jordan XX3

So the official unveiling for the Air Jordan XX3 took place yesterday (01/08/08) in New York City and a number of people were on hand to share the stories behind the 23rd iteration of the Air Jordan sneaker.

For those of you that have listened to the OSD talk show you already know how some folks feel about this sneaker, but if not, listen to last week's show here and previous shows about the state of the sneaker culture.

For those that want the details about the Air Jordan XX3, here you GO:

In 1985, the entire world stood on its ear with the release of the AIR JORDAN—a white, red and black fashion statement that revolutionized the athletic footwear industry. Much like Michael Jordan in his rookie season, the original AIR JORDAN was the beginning of something legendary. From Rucker Park to Park Avenue, from Hollywood to Wall Street, the AIR JORDAN sneaker has consistently been the most sought after athletic luxury basketball shoe. Sneaker enthusiasts have credited the shoe as the impetus behind “sneakerhead” collectible market. Twenty-three shoes later, the Jordan Brand introduces a product truly worthy of being called the “Greatest Basketball Shoe Ever,” the AIR JORDAN XX3, is poised to tilt the world once again.

For each iteration of AIR JORDANs created, inspiration is everything. The F-22 stealth fighter jet served as inspiration for the XX2. The muse behind the design of the XIII was the Black Panther and the XIV paid homage to the Ferrari 550 M. The AIR JORDAN XX3 simply embodies the belief held by Michael Jordan and Tinker Hatfield, Vice President, Innovation Design & Special Projects, that the AIR JORDAN XX3 must be the best ever. To accomplish this, new technological advances were built into the shoe to create the first Nike Considered, high-performance basketball shoe in NIKE, Inc. history in a beautiful handcrafted silhouette the world has ever seen.

In the spirit of sustainability, the AIR JORDAN XX3 is the first basketball shoe for Nike to embrace the Nike Considered design ethos, where details in the development and design of the shoe seek to reduce waste and allow for the use of environmentally preferred materials wherever possible—all without compromising athletic performance. The Nike Considered design ethos is one of several company-wide corporate responsibility targets that NIKE, Inc. has implemented to sustain long-term growth and innovation.

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AIR JORDAN XX3 Technical Components

Nike Considered:
• AIR JORDAN XX3 is the first basketball shoe in Nike’s history to be designed according to Nike Considered ethos.
• The design of the AIR JORDAN XX3 minimizes waste and use of solvent based cements.
• Automotive quality painting process on the backside of the Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU) chassis is completed by an efficient robot arm to maximize the quality, consistency and durability of the paint and component.
• Outsole uses environmentally preferred rubber that reduces toxics and incorporates Nike Grind material from footwear outsole manufacturing waste.
• The construction of the shoe emphasizes the use of environmentally preferred materials.

Upper:
• A newly engineered, patent-pending, stitching machine stitches the upper in 3-D form.
• Dual density sock liner.
• Internal dual density slow recovery foam around the heel conforms to foot shapes to create a more custom fit.
• One shot compression molded phylon midsole.
• Full length sleek internal bootie maximizes comfort while complimenting the sleek profile.
• Nu-foam collar/tongue lining package for sleek low profile comfort.
• New quilted pattern molded sock liner that provides quality arch support.provides quality arch support.
• Reinforced quarter panels to form and hold the exact shape of the last to provide the best fit possible.
• Breathable tongue allows air to escape helping to keep the foot cooler.
• The upper is bladder pressed on the last two times during the construction to form the upper shape exactly to the last shape.

Midsole / Outsole:
• Full length Zoom Airsole unit for superior cushioning.
• Carbon fiber/acrylic weave shank plate adds structure and support in key areas.
• High performance TPU chassis built for stability and support.
• Light weight - 15 ounces.
• One of the lowest midsole profile thickness made for a basketball shoe (19mms in the heel and 9mms in the forefoot) allowing for players to be as close to the ground as possible and feel the court.
• The shank plate is inserted into the TPU chassis mold and the TPU is directly shot over the entire plate. This process is the most efficient for production because it enhances durability, reduces waste, and minimizes our solvent cement usage. It is a new innovation for performance footwear.
• Advanced cushioning system contains a low profile IPS system with a large pillar in the heel combined with a low profile modified IPS in the forefoot.

AIR JORDAN XX3 Unique Design Features:
• An imprint of Michael Jordan’s finger print traction pattern on outsole.
• Precise stitching to reveal external heel moccasin stitch.
• Michael Jordan signature on toe cap.
• High performance TPU chassis.
• Michael Jordan thumbprint on back of tongue lining.
• Handcrafted MJ stitch pattern offers beautiful detailing and function.

An exclusive limited release of the AIR JORDAN XX3 will launch on Friday, January 25, 2008 with a suggested retail price of $230. An All-Star release will launch on Saturday, February 16, 2008 with a suggested retail price of $185. The nationwide launch will be released on Saturday, February 23, 2008 with a suggested retail price of $185. Retailer information can be found at www.Jumpman23.com.

The Official release: Air Jordan XX3

The Culture: Revisted

A blast from the past:



It's too bad that Grandmaster Caz repped the AF1s while holding a pair of white-on-white mids to the camera. I'm not being an asshole, but since when did an AF1 Mid become the staple of the culture? That's right, it wasn't until 1999 when Nike continued to pump out the crappy mids that folks adopted and made cool.

Give me some lows like Malone any day! Ball for real!

The Culture: Revisted