https://www.kicksology.net/about daily 0.75 2015-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412497673889-6EB8SCCEI0L5G37ALRI3/ko_logo_inset_210w.png About https://www.kicksology.net/about/2014/9/21/63biyws2tfbwwoq7k1bxwlu31hbwm3 monthly 0.5 2022-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1426537594401-5HFFBIXJIXL8NKPMXDN8/image-asset.jpeg About - About Kicksology.net This rather dramatic photo shows me presenting at a product launch in Beijing, China, in the spring of 2014. Photo courtesy of Nike, Inc. https://www.kicksology.net/blog daily 1.0 2024-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412496871083-8APM772UVMUV60K137M8/ko_logo_inset_210w.png Kicksology.net https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2024/5/10/i-started-a-podcast monthly 0.5 2024-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/dcbcf983-6c35-44db-ab28-191cbdd08a8d/Episode_Artwork-LML001.png Kicksology.net - I started a podcast... - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2018/12/30/farewell-to-an-epic-year monthly 0.5 2024-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1546242778212-AMUQGY9F4Z0T03VSC70S/epic_year_shanghai_screenbehind.jpg Kicksology.net - Farewell to an Epic year... Here’s a literal look behind the screen. It would be interesting to know how many miles of cable are required to get this monster up and running. It looks crazy, but it ran perfectly through a full day of presentations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1546242095900-1IQA1LGGHNYQN8L5F2XD/epic_year_seoul_presentation.jpg Kicksology.net - Farewell to an Epic year... Here I am earning my keep at the Nike React launch event in Seoul. As a presenter, I pretty much get to just show up and be made to look brilliant thanks to the efforts of an army of people who do all of the actual work behind the scenes. Photo credit: Riley Wolff/TEMPO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1546242417883-5T344Y5IUFT17X7QRKFJ/epic_year_shanghai_screen.jpg Kicksology.net - Farewell to an Epic year... Here’s the presentation venue for the Nike React launch event in Shanghai. You don’t really get a sense for the scale from this photo, but this screen was HUGE—I mean, nearly the size of an IMAX screen huge. It looked amazing, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, it put off a ton of heat. The venue itself was pretty chilly, but, by the end of my presentation, I was in a full sweat—not because I was nervous, but because standing next to that screen was like standing next to the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1546241469305-7DU1QXRL3YURMNTYLAO4/IMG_8653.JPG Kicksology.net - Farewell to an Epic year... Inside the event venue in Seoul, just before our first round of presentations. This was the screen that I presented in front of. In fact, it was two screens, each of which was on rollers. At the point where the event photographer is walking above, the screens split open, allowing the audience to walk through into… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1546242902558-2LKER9LDEEQZDLQW221C/epic_year_shanghai_experience.jpg Kicksology.net - Farewell to an Epic year... Like the event in Seoul, the Shanghai launch event included experiential elements as well. Here, a room bordered by video displays and filled with balloons brought to life the cloud-like cushioning offered by Nike React. These images don’t do the experience justice, but hopefully they give you at least a taste for the amazing work done by Nike’s brand & communications teams in support of product launches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1546241674437-QUKBRJPZMEQ8IYZH0Q7K/IMG_8878.jpg Kicksology.net - Farewell to an Epic year... The experiential half of the presentation space at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul. This side of the presentation space offered several interactive experiences that attendees could engage with, each of which highlighted a key benefit of Nike React. I snapped this just a few minutes before our first presentation, so it was very much the calm before the storm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1546240716268-9TIX3M52UC00J6SIGK73/epic_year_seoul_ddp.jpg Kicksology.net - Farewell to an Epic year... Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, South Korea, lit up to mark the launch of the first running footwear models to feature Nike React cushioning. Photo credit: Nike, Inc. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2018/12/15/roma-is-phenomenal-and-demands-to-be-seen-in-a-theatre monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1544939765855-EZCNXW4HYVMCVY255SFQ/roma_nursery.jpg Kicksology.net - “Roma” is phenomenal & demands to be seen in a theater. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2018/1/9/gear-hub-city-vintage-watch-rolls monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2017/12/23/an-in-depth-look-at-the-nikelab-veil monthly 0.5 2017-12-24 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2017/5/4/why-cupertino-should-hit-the-reset-button-on-apple-watch monthly 0.5 2021-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493951942651-S8AT09MT84BTR8O2MHEQ/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Of the automatic watches I’ve purchased since falling headlong into the world of mechanical watch enthusiasm, this is my favorite: The Seiko 6117-6400 World Time circa 1972 (for the strap junkies in the house, it’s shown here on a dark clay calfskin strap from Hodinkee). I managed to find this gem via a site called Watchuseek, which features an incredibly popular forum for veteran and aspiring watch geeks alike. Rather than going into detail on the 6117-6400 here, I’ll direct anyone who’s interested to an excellent backgrounder published by yet another fantastic site for watch enthusiasts called Analog/Shift. I can’t help but smile every time I look at this beauty—it just makes me feel good, and that’s the real job most anyone buying an analog watch today is hiring it to do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493951644261-AP7017EBYUUATUHPQVE0/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Of the various straps I purchased to customize my Watch, Apple’s “Classic Buckle” in saddle brown came the closest to winning me over. The quality of Apple’s straps and bracelets is beyond reproach, and the mechanism Apple developed to enable quick strap changes is fantastic. Unfortunately, Apple’s non-standard lugs and the need to keep the back of the Watch unobstructed to retain line-of-sight for the device’s optical heart rate sensor significantly limits strap options. As many a watch enthusiast will tell you, you’d be amazed at the difference a new strap can make, and changing out straps, bands and bracelets is half the fun. In its attempt to fulfill the role of a watch, Apple Watch definitely falls short on this criteria. (Image credit: Apple, Inc.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493951989054-FRU2WBJJA91MAQXWWLIH/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Jim Dalrymple hasn’t shared any before-and-after photos of his Apple Watch and HealthKit-aided transformation, but I was able to pull together this comparison via a photo from before his life change on the left (I wasn’t able to pin down a date, but it’s definitely pre-Apple Watch) and after on the right. As Dalrymple notes in his review of Apple Watch, “People have asked if those two Apple technologies [Apple Watch and HealthKit] have really helped me lose over 40 pounds … I am responsible for losing the weight, but I couldn’t have done it without the information provided by Apple Watch and HealthKit.” (Images via Jim Dalrymple) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493951716488-XWQBZFKHF064PP5LHJQK/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Here’s the watch I fell in love with at first sight on a fateful night in November: The 41 mm Shinola Runwell Chrono with a cool grey dial and brushed stainless steel case. The Apple Watch feature I used most frequently was its countdown timer to time the steeping of my morning cup of tea and my afternoon cup of joe (brewed via a French press). As someone who knew nothing about watches at the time, I never even considered that an analog timepiece could fill that role without forcing me to perform mental gymnastics until I encountered the beautiful Runwell Chrono. I should note that the watch is shown here on a killer aftermarket NATO strap from a company called ToxicNATOs—at just $18 USD, it was an incredibly cost effective way to personalize the watch to suit my style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493955087542-AM7OKFDWS437A6Y620H4/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Here’s what Apple’s Health app looked like in its first incarnation: It offered an interface only an actuary could love. Unfortunately, while the app’s front-end has become friendlier, it remains little more than a dashboard for information that, on its own, is of almost no value. To unlock the sort of world-changing potential that Tim Cook talks about, Health must evolve from a dumb data repository to a smart, individually tailored health advisor. While that’s no easy task, Apple is among the few companies with the engineering chops and appreciation for human behavior necessary to deliver on this vision—but it’s going to take a much bigger commitment to software and artificial intelligence in the health space. (Image credit: Apple, Inc.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493952416957-LKFWTNCL44S5Y1TBZ9PN/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Shown here is the Today screen as it appears now in iOS 10. This currently under-utilized real estate would be a great place to surface contextual recommendations related to your health and fitness. (Image credit: iDownloadBlog.com) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493952296291-2Y0TAUKJY7N38V7PZ2CU/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Because the ability to track strain and recovery across the entirety of a wearer’s life—day and night—is a key element of WHOOP’s value proposition, the company had to come up with a way to enable charging of their WHOOP Strap while it was being worn. The solution they devised is quite clever: Rather than charge the Strap directly, users charge an external battery pack that can stay plugged into your nightstand while you’re away from home. At night, when the pack is fully charged, you unplug it from the outlet and slide it directly onto your WHOOP Strap, enabling you to charge the Strap without ever taking it off. This is somewhat similar to the charging mechanism Apple developed for their AirPods wireless headphones—like the WHOOP Strap, they aren’t charged directly but via a charging case. Of course, truly wireless charging over a distance would offer the greatest convenience, but WHOOP’s concept is a good intermediate approach that Apple should consider for a next-gen activity-tracker. (Image credit: WHOOP) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493951788330-RDFKF2TTI7CJLDAZP2UT/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493951576736-DJRBAFTPYN45Y76YC822/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch Here’s a look at my first generation 42 mm Apple Watch in stainless steel with a white fluoroelastomer band (note that the Bluetooth headphones were not included with the Watch). This combination retailed for $599 USD when it launched in April of 2015, but the price of this configuration was dropped to $549 with the launch of Apple Watch Series 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1493952091770-3MQ6AW3P2MVRWHJWK2GV/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why Cupertino should hit the reset button on Apple Watch The image above shows Apple CEO Tim Cook at the unveiling of Apple Watch Series 2 this past September. It cites data from a third-party research firm indicating that, with only three calendar quarters of sales for Apple Watch in 2015, Apple had already become the world’s second biggest watch seller by revenue. Some pundits interpreted this as a positive and others as a negative, but it certainly reinforces the notion that Cupertino conceived Apple Watch around the assumption that their competitive set was—and still remains—other watchmakers. The problem is, when viewing Apple Watch through the lens of Clayton Christensen’s customer-centered jobs-to-be-done ethos, it becomes evident that buyers aren’t hiring the device for its “watch-y-ness,” but for its capabilities as an activity tracker. For a product manager, this sort of mis-alignment between your job description—aka the brief—and the actual job people out in the real world are hiring your product to do is a red flag signaling missed opportunity. (Image credit: Apple, Inc.) https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2017/3/5/snorkeling-two-step-on-the-big-island-of-hawaii monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1488702268711-QES0PG9IQ6LAGFGWEH3Y/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Snorkeling Two Step I’m already at work on reviews of the snorkeling gear we used on this most recent trip to the Big Island and hope to have them posted soon. In the meantime, for the curious, these were the key elements of our kit, starting from the bright orange bag and going clockwise. That orange sack is a fully submersible “Ocoee” dry-bag made in the US by a North Carolina-based company called Watershed—it worked like a charm, and I’ll explain how I used it in my review. Next to it, in the background, is my SeaVision 2100 dive mask with a prescription CR-39 lens and a magenta color correcting filter—I’ve had this mask for two years and couldn’t be happier with it. Just in front of that is my wife’s “Easybreath” full-face snorkeling mask—she did experience a couple of small issues with it, which we’ll cover in our review, but still far prefers it to a conventional mask-and-snorkel combo. Both masks are sitting atop fins that we rented from Snorkel Bob’s for $12 per pair for the entire week. Finally, at the front of the shot is the Sony HDR-AS300 Action Cam that I used to capture the underwater footage in the video embedded above. I’ll be reviewing the AS300 as well, but, by way of a preview, I can tell you that I far prefer it to the various GoPro models I’ve used in the past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1488702094285-WYS466B5VTJGCQXZFP8D/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Snorkeling Two Step https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1488702184329-M8REQIYSFETXB4YA27G0/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Snorkeling Two Step Here’s what the surf looked like when we arrived at Mahukona Beach Park—far too rough for snorkeling. I should note, too, that whoever named Mahukona Beach Park had a good sense of humor, because there’s not a beach in site—at least nothing resembling a sandy beach. Instead, the park is built on what used to be a shipping harbor for the now defunct Kohala Sugar Company. From what I’ve read, industrial equipment and even an old shipwreck share the sea floor with the reefs here, contributing to a unique vista. A small ladder offers easy access into and out of the water, and I look forward to returning to Mahukona Beach Park on a day when the sea is more welcoming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1488702289786-CZKO8HZM9921QRZ87L8P/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Snorkeling Two Step I can think of no better way to close out a visit to Two Step than with a stop at Ka’aloa’s Super J’s for an authentic and deeply delicious Hawaiian meal. To describe Super J’s as rustic would be putting it mildly, but don’t let the humble surroundings fool you: The food here is fit for royalty, and the family that runs the place is unbelievably warm and welcoming. Shown above at left is their storefront, which is situated on Mamalahoa Highway (if you’re heading back north towards Kona, the store is on the left side of the road, and they do have their own parking lot). At right is their pork laulau, which is extraordinary, but somehow matched by their kalua pig. If you’re planning to stop in, keep an eye on their Facebook page to make sure they’re open. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2016/12/29/kevin-delicious monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1483073471745-6JQES81I5CL4XXBJEXCM/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Kevin Delicious https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1483073738515-I4CZLBBWA9T48V4LMY36/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Kevin Delicious figure 2. Here’s the shoe that knocked me off the sneakerholic wagon, the stunning Kobe 9 Elite. It’s shown here as a low, but its ultra-high-top execution is the defining version of the model. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1483074106895-1V7E8DCI30D7MDNZPK8H/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Kevin Delicious figure 4. These cutaway images of the Zoom KD 9 (left) and LeBron XIII Low (right) from Fastpass.cn aren’t controlled for scale or the angle of the photos, so they can’t be used for a direct comparison of midsole heights between the two shoes. But they’re instructive nonetheless in that they reveal the flat, uniform top and bottom surfaces characteristic of Nike’s Zoom Air vs. the rounded, irregular topology of a Max Air unit. The latter must be topped by a moderating layer of foam to be made wearable, invariably resulting in a taller, less inherently stable—but also more cushioned—underfoot platform. The greater cushioning afforded by Max could be worth the trade-off for bigger, heavier players, but I’ve always preferred the lower profile feel of Zoom. As an aside, note the pronounced hump of foam added atop the midfoot region of the KD 9. This sits right behind the metatarsal heads, supporting the foot’s transverse arch, which is the arch that spans the width of the foot. This might seem like an inconsequential detail, but I absolutely loved this feature of the KD 9 and believe it meaningfully contributes to the shoe’s overall comfort and performance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1483074235557-FKKPONCDMXCJRBF2N99G/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Kevin Delicious figure 5. I didn’t have a chance to mention this in the main story, but the Zoom KD 9 provides exceptional traction. It seems like such a basic thing, but so many high-end basketball shoes fall short in this critical area. This outsole shot also reveals the small tube that links the primary Zoom chamber to the smaller chamber under the toes. This link is important because it allows the nitrogen gas captured within the Zoom unit to flow from one chamber to the next, contributing to the KD 9’s perceptible springiness underfoot, and also giving its midsole a more uniform, consistent feel from heel to toe compared to shoes featuring smaller, discrete Zoom Air units (i.e. separate units under the heel and forefoot). The downside to this design is that the tube represents a single point of failure that can compromise the entire Zoom Air unit, and I’ve seen numerous reports of Zoom bag decompression failures on the KD 9 after repeated wearings. See the section below to learn how to get a refund if this happens to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1483073618202-G1QXIDC7II7EX90H3BXS/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Kevin Delicious figure 1. The Zoom KD 9 is surprisingly restrained in its application of overt athlete branding, with this KD logo at the heel representing the only easily visible callout to the shoe’s namesake (the iD version shown here is a stealthy black-on-black, but most inline colorways “pop” the KD logo to make it more visible). But, as highlighted in this excellent interview with the shoe’s designer, Leo Chang, the shoe is rife with more subtle cues. For example, “the texture on the heel, it’s actually inspired by the texture on a handgrip from a camera, because [Durant’s] gotten really into photography.” The shoe’s performance is also deeply informed by Durant’s unique needs, as noted below in the section regarding the shaping of the KD 9’s all-new Zoom Air platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1483074043113-HWC2AQ61AI71KBCMXVTJ/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Kevin Delicious figure 3. In this profile view of the Zoom KD 9, the rows of synthetic fibers that hold its pressurized Zoom Air unit together are clearly visible. Also visible is the deep forefoot groove that contributes to the KD 9’s terrifically smooth, natural feel underfoot. In my experience, this is the best execution of Zoom Air that Nike’s ever offered in a basketball shoe, and I hope we’ll see more of this configuration in other hoops models. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1483074363459-GRMZ0TQSU3JKWPR3AMJG/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Kevin Delicious figure 6. Here’s the view of the Zoom KD 9 that you’ll get when it’s on your feet. The front half of the shoe is constructed of Flyknit that’s reinforced with webbing straps (the same straps that you lace into) captured between the Flyknit and a smooth inner lining. This package is engineered to eliminate stretch, but the combination of materials is much more pliable than Nike’s previous generation of “fused” constructions, which is a good thing because I found the upper to run quite narrow through the forefoot. As someone with wide feet, this meant my first wearing wasn’t particularly comfortable, but it felt great thereafter. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2016/11/12/a-rare-opportunity-to-see-product-management-in-action monthly 0.5 2021-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1478997793937-6VBI5NOAGI5TH8RWPW9N/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A rare opportunity to see product management in action. Dipko builds his presentation around the classic three act structure, with the first act introducing his target customer—the Urban Adventurer—and the second, which starts just after the 24 minute mark, introducing the unique new product solution that will change that customer’s life for the better. Most big-brand concept reveals these days skip right to the product, so I was surprised and impressed to see Dipko start, instead, with his target user. Every single successful product creation program I’ve been a part of was built on a crystal clear definition of the customer. Conversely, I’ve seen consistent failure in programs in which the customer definition was muddled, or where the needs of the customer were subsumed by other criteria, such as the needs of a retailer or an attempt to match a competitor’s latest offering. Putting the customer first might sound patently obvious, but corporations aren’t the most logical of organisms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1478998037845-G6FTF32RAD97CAYLN3WM/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A rare opportunity to see product management in action. The concept of a vehicle with the size and comfort of a car and the utility of an open pick-up bed isn’t new. In fact, in Australia, this hybrid species, which locals call a “ute,” is among the most popular body-styles available. But in the U.S., car-based pick-ups have come and mostly gone over the past several decades. One of the more recent entrants here was the Subaru Baja, which was introduced in 2002 and remained in production for only four years. But the Baja wasn’t Subaru’s first offering in this segment: that distinction belongs to the BRAT, which has an origin story as wacky as its looks. When Dipko notes in his presentation that past offerings in this segment had “design issues,” I’m guessing he had the BRAT in mind (as an aside, many journalists have compared Santa Cruz to Honda’s aesthetically challenged, but moderately successful first-gen Ridgeline crossover pick-up, but the Ridgeline was a far larger vehicle, so I think the BRAT offers a more appropriate basis for comparison). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1479006719989-XA5YCW6AKAPD7FIQF1RX/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A rare opportunity to see product management in action. Image courtesy Hyundai Motor America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1478997286622-D17A776VBYO803E7VR27/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A rare opportunity to see product management in action. Hyundai Motor America president and CEO, Dave Zuchowski, sets up the reveal of the Santa Cruz Concept with a refreshingly candid look at the challenges faced by the company circa early 2015. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2016/11/11/arrival-made-me-cry monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2016/4/7/this-one-goes-to-eleven monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460065875751-HATKCRBAU30PKBZLE9PW/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460073186043-C8C7FAPT9Z6ZO0XY9GUL/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven figure 5. It’s not only in profile that the Kobe XI Elite defines a new silhouette for hoops. Look at the shoe from above—what industry folks refer to as the “toe-down” view—and you’ll notice that it wraps around the foot in a way that’s more akin to a form-fitting soccer cleat than a conventionally clunky basketball shoe. I think this sleek fit contributes to the XI Elite’s agile, natural feel on court. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460187781378-2LGOQ4CLSVNP1VTUZQ7U/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven figure 3. Nike’s Kobe line has changed in fundamental ways from its start with the Zoom Kobe I to its latest incarnation in the Kobe XI Elite. Along the way, it’s also changed many ballers’ definitions of what a basketball shoe can and should be. To my eyes and feet, the magnitude of this shift is as profound as the leap made by BMW from their flagship 8 Series launched in 1989 to the current generation i8 flagship launched in 2014. Both the XI Elite and i8 represent breaks from the past and bold statements of intent for the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460073055398-AS8NYQHY2RU9TZCTUC27/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven figure 2. This is where Bryant’s signature collection with Nike officially kicked off back in 2005: The Nike Zoom Kobe I. Pictured here is the Midnight Navy/White-Varsity Red colorway, better known as the USA. It drew heavily from the shoe Bryant had worn the year prior, the Air Zoom Huarache 2K5, but with a streamlined upper and more extensive use of carbon fiber. It retailed for $130 when it launched, which translates to just under $160 in today’s dollars. It was a fantastic playing shoe and would, I think, compare favorably to many of the hoops offerings on the market today from a performance perspective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460073145652-QSHJY4Q956XOOMXORUYH/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven figure 4. As you can see clearly in this image, the Kobe XI Elite is very much a true low-top. And yet, thanks to the exceptional containment provided by its upper, its relatively low-profile midsole and its artfully designed outsole—complete with outriggers alongside the lateral forefoot and cuboid regions of the foot—it feels reassuringly stable during hard cuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460073235158-QC8C4G9NPLH7LR4QQJZ1/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven figure 6. The concept of an interchangeable, “drop-in” midsole isn’t new—it debuted in the Air Jordan 2011 and first appeared in the Kobe line later that same year—but, to my feet, the implementation in the Kobe XI Elite is the best yet. It does a great job balancing the often dueling benefits of comfort, court feel, impact attenuation and responsiveness, and introduces the added benefit of customization. Pictured here is the “Responsive Full Length Zoom” drop-in, which offers fantastically springy cushioning that lasts. Bear in mind, though, that this full-length Zoom option demands a $20 premium over the existing $45 uncharge associated with the Kobe XI Elite iD, meaning your wallet will be $265 lighter after all is said and done. Even as a big fan of the shoe, that’s tough to justify. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460065948565-4N900FQDE55AUUUWPSYK/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven figure 1. Really, what is there to say—the Nike Kobe XI Elite is a stunner. As you can see on the tag affixed to the collar lining in the shot above, this is a colorway I created via NIKEiD. You’ll pay beaucoup bucks for the privilege, but the results can be pretty damn compelling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1460073267302-IV21XTVD9TDKPED42668/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - This One Goes to Eleven figure 7. Beautiful outsoles have been a hallmark of the Kobe line, and the Kobe XI Elite’s rubber holds to that tradition. What I particularly like about this iteration is the artful blending of lateral outriggers along both the forefoot and cuboid regions of the foot. This is a very elegant way to enhance lateral stability without adding a lot of bulk or weight to the shoe. I haven’t spent enough time playing in the XI Elite myself to comment on traction, but the performance reviews I’ve read suggest that it can vary greatly based on your playing surface, with the XI’s tread not faring particularly well on dusty courts. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/10/2/one-geeks-take-on-the-martian monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1443771082002-ZK8E9IAE31CC2GVJROU5/ko_martian.jpg Kicksology.net - One geek’s take on “The Martian” https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/9/16/a-generalists-review-of-apple-watch monthly 0.5 2015-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442390964741-OY6GD0AZ8KDUVWY71E7M/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review An important feature of the Watch that isn’t well understood is that it can display any notification that currently appears on your iPhone without the need for a specialized Watch app. So, in this case, the location-based notification that you’re seeing above isn’t coming from an app on my Watch. Instead, the Watch is simply displaying a notification that’s been “passed through” from an app on my phone. This may sound confusing, but the bottom line is that you don’t need to wait for Watch-specific apps to get the benefits of notifications on your wrist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442391109835-DK4WWTRC709LRKVKGHME/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review Although it’s only occasionally useful, the most magical feature of Apple Watch I’ve experienced thus far is its application of haptic feedback (i.e. buzzing on your wrist) to enable eyes-free navigation. This works whether you’re driving or walking, but is most effective when exploring a city on foot. I used it frequently while on a recent holiday in Copenhagen and it made me feel like I had some form of extrasensory perception; I was able to navigate streets I’d never encountered before without once looking down at my phone’s screen for directions. This is an experience that can only be delivered by way of a wearable computer, and it makes me hopeful for the future of Apple Watch as a platform that enables use cases wholly distinct from today’s smartphones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442391057644-BZZU1LU9S4RZ1A6898GG/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review At the top of this review, I included a photo of my Watch in action at my local climbing gym. One of the main reasons I chose the more expensive stainless steel Apple Watch over the aluminum-based Apple Watch Sport was the former’s inclusion of essentially scratch-proof sapphire cover “glass” (it’s technically crystal, but cover crystal sounds like a karaoke bar). Knowing that I’d want to use my Watch while climbing, scratch-resistance was an important consideration and, four-plus months in, I can report zero scratches on the sapphire. In addition, as the photo directly above shows, Apple Watch can take quite a bit of punishment. This was snapped at the finish of a Warrior Dash event, during which I repeatedly submerged my Watch into mud pools of varying viscosities. While it did lock me out on a couple of occasions because mud lodged between my wrist and the Watch’s heart rate sensors (this made the Watch think that I had taken it off), it nonetheless logged my entire run and worked perfectly after a quick rinse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442391080797-39KCTA4RTLYUXIZRSD60/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review While I didn’t have a chance to mention it in the body of my review, Siri seems to be more accurate and effective when invoked via my Watch versus my iPhone 6 Plus. I rarely use Siri on my phone, but find myself using the service multiple times a day on my Watch to do things like set timers, play music and dictate text messages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442390991458-HFONLLXHYKG473ZDG1SX/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review What you’re seeing here is something Apple calls a “Glance.” That’s a bite-sized chunk of information that I can quickly access by swiping up from the bottom of my Watch’s display. Unlike notifications, Glances do require an underlying watchOS app. In this case, an Alaska Airlines app I have installed on my Watch is offering me this Glance of read-only information related to my flight. Tapping on the Glance would launch the Alaska Airlines app on my Watch, enabling me to get more info or perform some simple actions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442391137919-Q2DYYHX0LQJV9N19ALSZ/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review For those who might be wondering, neither the Sport Band, shown here, nor the Milanese Loop, depicted in a few photos above, has scratched the palm rest on my MacBook Pro. I’m also happy to report that neither of the bands has caused me any wrist discomfort while typing. Furthermore, I've had no problem at all with either band pulling on my wrist hair. On the contrary, I've found both to be terrifically comfortable: the Milanese Loop drapes around the wrist as though it were made of fabric, giving it the edge in terms of pure comfort, but the Sport Band gets the nod when I work out because it retains a consistent fit, whether I'm running, climbing or even in the pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442390855374-LBMJW99E76XHQP3YCZER/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442390930734-WWKOQT0RMYVZK18PN2NY/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review As dull as this may sound, after four-plus months of using Apple Watch, my favorite feature is the ability to instantly see the time along with a summary of my next meeting. As someone who works in a meeting-intensive corporate environment, the latter is a huge benefit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1442391169649-SN6CJ73L28QHFM2V4B8G/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Apple Watch: A generalist’s review If you’re struggling to pick a gift for an active person in your life who already owns an Apple Watch, consider a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Even many Watch owners don’t realize that it’s possible to store up to 2 GB of music directly on an Apple Watch (the process is a bit cumbersome to set up—see this Apple support note for details). This means that if you pair your Watch with a set of Bluetooth buds, you can leave your phone at home or in a locker and still listen to music while tracking a workout outside or at the gym. I purchased a pair of JayBird BlueBuds X Sport headphones because they sounded so much better than any of the other Bluetooth-based earbuds I was able to trial at my local Apple Store (and my comparison included Beats’ Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear model, which sounded terribly harsh and tinny to my ears), and I’ve been quite satisfied. Note, however, that BlueBuds recently released an updated model, the X2, which they claim sounds even better. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/4/19/go-see-ex-machina monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/3/13/wtf-is-a-product-manager-follow-up-part-1 monthly 0.5 2021-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1426315665187-YNZ36JIWHVC03YICM6P4/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - WTF is a product manager?: Follow-up, part one... If you’re a product manager in search of filmic inspiration this weekend, I’d strongly suggest BALLET 422, which is in theaters now, and Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview, which is available on Netflix streaming. Images from BALLET 422 (left) and Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1426319410160-RTAADEBMKPDUPLJ0FSZW/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - WTF is a product manager?: Follow-up, part one... Spend any time studying Apple’s product cycles and it quickly becomes evident that the company maintains a highly structured approach to its cadence of evolutionary and revolutionary updates. The strong sales of established lines enables investment in new, high-risk products that start at low volumes, but grow to subsume previously established franchises. Their offset invest/harvest/divest cadence also helps to mitigate any downside impacts associated with weaker-than-anticipated adoption within any one product line. This willingness to invest in new concepts and, just as importantly, divest of older ones, is a critical contributor to Apple’s continued success in the hyper-competitive consumer electronics space. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/3/3/why-carplay-is-a-dead-end-and-how-apple-can-turn-it-around monthly 0.5 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1425607418831-U3BX7LUDU28FSDSW1R36/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why CarPlay is a dead-end & how Apple can turn it around. With each passing model year, cars are becoming less mechanical and more digital. And while purists may bemoan “advancements” like electronic stability control, electric power steering and in-car infotainment systems, there’s no question that the transition to digital has led to improvements in safety, efficiency and convenience. Electronics have become so pervasive, in fact, that it wouldn’t be an overstatement to describe the modern car as a computer on wheels and, like any computer, your car needs an operating system. The in-cabin OS of choice for most automakers today comes from a company called QNX, which is a subsidiary of Blackberry (yes, that Blackberry). Illustrated above is a high-level overview of QNX’s real-time operating system, called Neutrino. As you can see, it’s designed to be highly modular, working atop a range of processing architectures and supporting a wide array of user-facing inputs and outputs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1425462016600-NHHKWEJXHXH6I677X89Y/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why CarPlay is a dead-end & how Apple can turn it around. The chart above is based on data from a rigorous study published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in October of 2014, and titled Measuring Cognitive Distraction in the Automobile II: Assessing In-Vehicle Voice-Based Interactive Technologies. I highly recommend downloading the full study if you want to dig into the details, but, in a nutshell, this infographic depicts the levels of in-car cognitive distraction associated with several of the most widely used automotive infotainment systems. It’s important to note that all of the systems, including Siri, were used in fully hands- and eyes-free mode, meaning that they were entirely voice driven. Higher bars are worse and, as you can see, Siri fared very poorly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1425454244568-L4QR0SVFW6HZAZQDMXWK/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why CarPlay is a dead-end & how Apple can turn it around. Apple has been polling location information from iPhone users for years to support the real-time traffic feature of the Maps app bundled with iOS. This means that, so long as you have the “Routing & Traffic” setting turned on (it’s on by default), your iPhone can determine that you’re in a moving vehicle, and know the road you’re traveling along. As far as I can tell, however, Apple is not using this data to inform the performance of Siri, which is a big miss, as this added layer of context could significantly enhance the utility and usability of Siri while driving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1425453347025-O1AIDPS7E9H8Q0QDQL82/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Why CarPlay is a dead-end & how Apple can turn it around. This image, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, shows an as yet unreleased implementation of CarPlay that should be available in C-Class models before the end of this year. Note that all incarnations of CarPlay demonstrated to date require a wired connection to an in-car USB port, as illustrated here. I think many will find this to be a step backwards from existing Bluetooth hands-free systems, which are completely wireless. Worse yet, unless the manufacturer of your ride offers a post-purchase upgrade to in-car WiFi (something that’s laughably unlikely), you’ll be stuck using CarPlay with a wired connection for as long as you own your vehicle. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/2/17/ice-and-fire monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/1/31/symphony-no-9 monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1422737786415-PLL4LNU5VR0XZFHH98HF/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Symphony No. 9 figure 4. The KOBE 9 would get my vote for most beautiful outsole of any basketball shoe, stretching back to the original Converse Chuck Taylor. And the great thing is that its beauty runs more than just skin deep. Molded from an ultra-thin layer of rubber, the KOBE 9’s underfoot pressure map-inspired outsole design delivers tenacious grip, while also contributing to the shoe’s excellent court feel and feathery weight. But, unless you have an unlimited budget for shoes, I’d limit game time exposure to less abrasive indoor surfaces (note, however, that an ultra-durable XDR outdoor outsole option is available via NIKEiD). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1422737491173-0BM8NCYU1MECE18NLKG9/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Symphony No. 9 figure 5. Kobe’s signature shoe line has featured removable midsole construction since the VII, which was introduced in late 2011. There are pros and cons to this approach, but I’m a big fan because it enables a degree of court- and cushioning-feel that can’t be matched by more traditional midsole constructions. I can understand why some reviewers have said they would have loved a full-length or heel Zoom Air unit to augment the Lunarlon insert, but I’m partial to the purity of this foam-only approach. My favorite feature of the midsole is its textured surface, which gives my toes something to grab onto and helps keep my feet awake and active. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1422737725535-VCOA19M1QHH833TBMX6G/review_kobe09_medial_750.jpg Kicksology.net - Symphony No. 9 figure 3. The medial view above provides a good look at the different stitch and fiber applications that Eric Avar references in his quote below. You can see that the toe box area of the KOBE 9 Elite features a much tighter knit to help keep the forefoot planted on the footbed during hard cuts, while the midfoot features a more open knit geometry to allow the upper to move with the foot through that crucial fit zone. Among the many cool features of Flyknit is the ability to engineer “tunnels” into the regions of the upper where the designer wants to deliver added lockdown by way of dynamic Flywire (in the shot above, you can see Flywire cables tunneling through the upper along the medial arch). The net result is great fit around the midfoot without the “board-y” feel sometimes associated with more traditional, multi-layer applications of Flywire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1422737376582-H3HYJ9RQ26CRCCYLK8RS/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Symphony No. 9 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1422737657112-CV3WG4C9O3V3SJM285PH/review_kobe09_heel_750.jpg Kicksology.net - Symphony No. 9 figure 2. Among the many customization options available for the KOBE 9 Elite Low via NIKEiD is the ability to add an embroidered message to the inner side of the tongue. You can add a large, two-character “Short iD” (useful for jersey numbers or initials) and a smaller, eight-character “Long iD.” In my case, I’ve opted for the Long iD only, and included a reminder to myself to “Dream By Day.” This shot also offers a good look at the KOBE 9 Elite’s beautiful carbon fiber heel counter and lateral support wing. Given the relatively high cost of carbon fiber, the material is limited to the primo priced Elite versions of the shoe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1422737624974-P9XI1THL8YYWE6U9Y3ST/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Symphony No. 9 figure 1. Sneaker design legend Tinker Hatfield described the KOBE 9 as “one of the most iconic, most beautiful shoe designs I’ve ever seen.” Who am I to argue with greatness? One of my favorite aspects of the KOBE 9’s design are the subtle ridges molded into the rubber sidewalls that wrap up around the base of the toebox. To my eye, their organic curves echo the shoe’s beautiful, pressure map-inspired outsole, while also evoking the many threads that comprise the KOBE 9’s innovative Flyknit upper. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/1/17/stratecheryandincentives monthly 0.5 2015-01-18 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/1/15/why-steve-prefontaine-would-have-loved-urban-meyer-or-why-the-meyer-haters-have-it-upside-down monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1421362035114-PPSWQHGWICCU9L822OLL/steve-prefontaine-quotes-day-47-10-great-running-quotes-and-short-reflections-on-each-25612.jpg Kicksology.net - Why Steve Prefontaine would have loved Urban Meyer... Image source: The RUN5KADAY Blog https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2015/1/11/wtf-is-a-product-manager monthly 0.5 2019-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1421005050060-YO7NGI7EZRDZIXKJYU4K/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - WTF is a product manager? The product manager role sits at the intersection of three key domains of knowledge and expertise: your marketplace, your target end-user and your company’s brand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1421011650759-93ERVX518ZVRA8627KRL/pm_lgfocusgroup02.jpg Kicksology.net - WTF is a product manager? The fundamental insight that enabled the success of the original Nike LunarGlide+ was the outgrowth of countless hours of engagement with our target runner. As an aside, I mention in the accompanying piece that the product manager’s primary deliverable is a brief, but that is by no means his or her only responsibility. For example, as the frames above depicting me in “talking head” mode illustrate, the product manager must serve as the evangelist-in-chief for their product, both inside their organization and out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1421004797323-5MYNB5M3JVM6QQ9XPS3C/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - WTF is a product manager? My business card from my first stint at Nike, during which I served as a global product line manager, or PLM, in the company’s Running Footwear category. FYI: My phone number has changed since this card was issued—if you want to get in touch, the best way to reach me is on Twitter @edotkim. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1421005716981-NBDOZH1AGB0UEQ1JU6ZT/pm_iphonekeynote.jpg Kicksology.net - WTF is a product manager? This is a screengrab from Steve Jobs’s introduction of iPhone at the MacWorld exposition in 2007. Jobs was a fan of the 2x2 segmentation matrix and used it to great effect here to illustrate—some might say exaggerate—the benefits of iPhone relative to its competition. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/12/31/a-look-back-at-2014-in-pictures monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021061721-5P4AJTITNZTZQPYVATRU/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures March: Christian Veron for Reuters (Caracas, Venezuela) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021115234-3ZSW2OIRGP90H8L2IRNS/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures August: Robert Cohen for MCT/St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Missouri, USA) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021152372-GCABSBSK832MYK3R05DB/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures August: Xu Kangping for EPA (Hangzhou, China) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021213894-DPHNKHX8TWXCH5IBMMAC/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures October: Toby Melville for Reuters (London, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420020948252-7MRC9RBJYXZEHICKGFQK/news_2014inpics_nyt01.jpg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures January: Tyrone Siu for Reuters (Hong Kong) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021090132-VFMOY0QRDV5DXBWRBMDM/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures July: Damon Winter for The New York Times (New York, USA) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021177508-16YP5P05RWL8D82NS5M6/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures September: Béatrice de Géa for The New York Times (New York, USA) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021243565-AO45IAQKWT65JNR6JOLL/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures October: China Daily (Jinhua, China) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021282983-8X6HV74L1PKL2JFMZB1I/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures November: Yves Herman for Reuters (Brussels, Belgium) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021305360-W9HEVVVTFNWUNV242NVK/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures November: Al Bello for Getty Images (New Jersey, USA) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420020991818-NNOD11M1MMQUD8BDTCQC/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures March: Ben Nelms for Reuters (Kamloops, Canada) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1420021030076-SEYL9DV2SHO1FD641UFK/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - A look back at 2014 in pictures March: Bulent Kilic for Agence France-Presse/Getty Images (Istanbul, Turkey) https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/12/23/can-a-shoe-have-a-soul monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1419382502641-GQRSTCB3JWIAKDH2JV5Q/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Can a Shoe Have a Soul? figure 5. Pictured here is the Air Jordan XI in Black/Varsity Royal–White, which is colloquially referred to as the “Space Jam” colorway, a reference to the 1996 live-action/animated film of the same name starring MJ and Bugs Bunny. Note that the XI’s traction is unusually good for a shoe that features a mostly translucent rubber outsole. Note also that the translucent portions of the outsole will yellow, especially if left exposed to heat or sunlight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1419382376782-T89UW4SVUN2YKJCX5LHD/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Can a Shoe Have a Soul? figure 2. Here’s the Air Jordan XI in its wickedly clean White/Columbia Blue–Black colorway. Note the use of synthetic leather in place of the ballistic nylon mesh employed on the upper of the White/Black–Dark Concord colorway pictured at top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1419382534253-X7T1C4QPYRGFBHLQE2EY/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Can a Shoe Have a Soul? figure 6. Here’s a bonus pic to help keep you warm through these frosty winter months: The Air Jordan XI in Black/True Red–White. As the kids might say, “It’s straight fire!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1419382471027-EL9JDEG4CR82VAR5O1IS/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Can a Shoe Have a Soul? figure 4. Visible here is the Air Jordan XI’s translucent rubber outsole and its innovative full-length carbon fiber “spring plate,” which helps boost support and responsiveness underfoot. This shot also highlights the shoe’s speed lacing system, which does indeed help to speed the process of getting the shoe on and off. Just make sure to pull the laces tightly if you want to maximize fit and support—particularly on colorways that feature the more minimal ballistic mesh-based upper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1419382315319-5OOSCTDGGGX5EYKQRGAX/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Can a Shoe Have a Soul? figure 1. The Air Jordan XI in its most iconic White/Black–Dark Concord colorway. Sneaker fans have come to love its trademark patent leather rand, but try to imagine how shocking the XI would have been when it first hit store shelves in 1995. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1419382403396-HVCPS4EJOIGDRDPRQVGV/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Can a Shoe Have a Soul? figure 3. And here’s the Air Jordan XI in Medium Grey/White–Cool Grey, which debuted as a retro release in 2001. If there’s such a thing as a low-key colorway of the Air Jordan XI, this is it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1419372424673-1YXQJSAB3N2L9VO3MKAZ/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Can a Shoe Have a Soul? https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/12/4/prime-time-or-past-its-prime monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1417743416189-BOXBUKIS4HQD4XXPKECA/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Prime Time or Past its Prime? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1417743382400-IJY8X4H4X2BG7RH3SDKO/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Prime Time or Past its Prime? figure 1. Translucent rubber looks great, but often leaves a lot to be desired in the traction department and, unfortunately, the Air Jordan VI doesn’t depart from the script: Traction is very poor on hardwood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1417747992761-9X1DXOBKEQ8SDOA4Y3WM/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Prime Time or Past its Prime? figure 3. The dreaded mark of the retro! Original iterations of the Air Jordan VI featured an embroidered “Nike Air” logo at the heel, so the Jumpman logo is a sure sign that a shoe is a re-issue. In my opinion, the Jumpman looks pretty damn good, so I’m not complaining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1417743480568-R077IONKVX9S4KZ9C8MM/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Prime Time or Past its Prime? figure 2. Even though it’s 10-years-old, the design of the Air Jordan VI remains remarkably modern and fresh. And, to my eyes, this limited-edition navy/varsity red-white (aka Olympic) colorway is particularly sweet. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/11/19/if-man-were-meant-to-fly monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1416453369154-NUUMSW41WA4VA8XJNWPF/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - If Man Were Meant to Fly... figure 3. In profile, the Nike Air Jet Flight is reminiscent of a running shoe. And, much like a good running shoe, the Jet Flight is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. A wonderful design detail that’s just barely visible in the photo above is that the molded Swoosh logo is bordered by a thin strip of chrome—not the sort of attention to fit-and-finish that you typically find in a $90 hoops shoe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1416452302337-RF7KVGOL0OF25LX85DV4/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - If Man Were Meant to Fly... figure 1. The Air Jet Flight’s high wrapping midsole is visible here, as is the shoe’s strategically placed TPU-support brace (the TPU is embedded within the strip of red material that extends along the base of the ankle). Both contribute to the Jet Flight’s excellent on-court support and stability. On the bottom of the shoe, an internal TPU midfoot support shank is visible through the oval cut outs in the Jet Flight’s outsole, which, by the way, provides epic traction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1416452657664-A6NQW3U1BH3S72NFCXQ1/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - If Man Were Meant to Fly... figure 2. The red areas of the Air Jet Flight’s upper act like an outer cage, providing the support and stability that the lightweight mesh and Lycra portions of the shoe (seen here in light grey) lack. The combo delivered the perfect blend of comfort and lockdown. Speaking of lockdown, the Jet Flight’s oversized midfoot support strap also contributes to the shoe’s fantastic fit, while delivering the added benefit of quick tune-ability: pull the strap tight to maximize agility or open it up to maximize comfort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1416452172078-9W4SB2AUQAZRH171NINK/review_jetflight_34_750.jpg Kicksology.net - If Man Were Meant to Fly... https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/11/6/interstellar-review monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1415314492978-IW11TWHRGDR7SV218ZMB/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Interstellar review At left is a bust of Costanza Bonarelli by Gianlorenzo Bernini, circa 1635—a masterwork of representational sculpture. At right is a sculpture from Pablo Picasso’s Cubist period called Head of a Woman, circa 1909. Both are powerful and affecting works, but they deliver their impact in fundamentally different ways. Whereas a movie like Gone Girl benefits from David Fincher’s Bernini-esque hyper-reality, Interstellar is more in the vein of Picasso’s visceral symbolism. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/27/dear-gopro-you-can-do-better-than-this monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414399257620-8RIGL1BRM4E7P4DVPH1K/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Dear GoPro: You can do better than this. figure 1. Here’s every item contained within all of that packaging, shown at scale within the footprint of the box picured above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414400400420-AC3WEP4N2AEY5JCGLRWS/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Dear GoPro: You can do better than this. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/24/return-of-the-king monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414283900102-TTVOTVQKZ64JJDADGHKF/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 5. I mentioned above that the Air Zoom Generation is linked in my mind’s eye with the Air Jordan III and IV—particularly in profile. That could all just be in my head, but it’s not an entirely outlandish thought considering that Tinker Hatfield—the design legend behind every Air Jordan shoe from the III to the XV—participated in the creation of the AZG. Also involved in its design were Aaron Cooper and Eric Avar. Talk about a footwear design dream team—that trio has more juice than Tropicana! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414220270458-AYFRTOW2LPZEG90KRVEP/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 8. This shot provides a good look at the large “bumper” built into the heel of the Nike Air Zoom Generation. It helps lock down the rearfoot and is a major contributor to the shoe’s overall stability. Made of thermoplastic urethane (i.e. heat formed plastic), the bumper and prominent chrome accents scuff very easily, but any damage will be purely cosmetic—the structure is beefy and built to last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414283876860-MYW6HB1E07H73J0LFOV5/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 2. The circular dimpling visible along the inner surface of the ankle collar is the visual signature for Nike’s Sphere technology. First introduced in apparel, Nike Sphere creates a “personal atmosphere” against the skin, keeping you cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold; it also helps to accelerate moisture-wicking. This marks its first application in a shoe and, in my experience, the tech actually works, as I believe it did contribute to the Air Zoom Generation’s beaucoup comfort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414283922033-GDPU7F954OIYU3S40CTB/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 7. From this head-on view, you can see the clever engineering of the Air Zoom Generation’s outsole. The subtle outward flare, or outrigger, along its lateral (pinky-toe side) edge helps to enhance stability, while the sweeping curve, or radius, along its medial edge contributes to a more natural (i.e. less clunky) feel underfoot. In terms of both traction and overall feel, the terrific design of the Air Zoom Generation’s outsole elevates the entire shoe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414219984555-Z0HZGQ4AO7WD1UN3PN7S/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 4. Visible here is the Air Zoom Generation’s hidden eyestay lacing system augmented with metallic “lace rails” over the midfoot. Lateral lockdown was generally good, but I experienced more front-to-back movement within the shoe than I would have liked. Note also the very low-key, tonal LJ23 logo embroidered onto the tongue. All of the LeBron specific signifiers incorporated into the Air Zoom Generation are surprisingly subtle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414219506598-NOEK4APZFW96PH9SZO3J/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414220466927-3JTGPEIQB3JMXCNZ9URK/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 3. It’s clear that heat and moisture management were key concerns in the development of the Nike Air Zoom Generation. First there’s the Sphere inner bootie built into the shoe, but the materials and design of the outer also maximize airflow. An obvious example is the large vent cut out of the medial arch of the shoe as pictured above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414283945052-K2EWINFNVORWK8VRYPXF/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 9. Here’s a last look at the Nike Air Zoom Generation in its wheat/wheat–gold colorway. Note the subtle contrast between the rough leather accents at the heel and topmost tip of the tongue, and the buttery smooth main body of the upper. The net result is an interesting mix of rough-and-ready construction boot and luxe high-fashion. It’s not for everyone, but I’m a big fan and, of all the colorways of the Air Zoom Generation, I think it best represents LeBron James’ diamond-in-the-rough persona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414219805139-HXJN3QZGTDVLSKGTTGZ1/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 1. Pictured at top is the Air Zoom Generation in its work boot inspired wheat/wheat–gold colorway released in advance of All-Star weekend (and worn by LeBron in the Rookie Challenge). Shown directly above is the very limited white/white–midnight navy–varsity crimson version, better known by sneakerheads as the “First Game” colorway. For me at least, seeing the AZG in profile conjures up visions of the Air Jordan III and IV; there seems to be something in the overall silhouette and eyestay treatment that links the shoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1414220162378-BNFWZNHA8IBTZDBZUU7I/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Return of the King? figure 6. This shot provides a good look at the outsole of the Nike Air Zoom Generation. The shoe employs a slight variation on the tried-and-true zig-zag herringbone pattern. The difference is that the ridges on the Generation’s outsole have a flattened surface, whereas the ridges on a traditional herringbone outsole are sharply angled. Traction provided by the outsole was good. Also visible here is a portion of the Air Zoom Generation’s full-length carbon fiber spring plate (it’s the checkered structure visible through the cutouts under the midfoot). See the full review for more on the plate’s performance. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/19/siri-lovable-sidekick-or-robot-overlord monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1413722757648-HT2S2VZD5E5N27C4IG5D/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Siri: Lovable sidekick or robot overlord? https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/15/silence-is-golden monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1413419884597-0ZABB2W4HM0MWI5EFWQM/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Silence is Golden Figure 2. Here’s a look at the backside of the inline remote/microphone module. The remote buttons are big and easy to press, but the module as a whole feels awfully cheap and plastic-y for such an expensive product. That button on the side of the module triggers “Aware mode,” a clever new feature that I didn’t have an opportunity to cover in my full review. When you activate Aware mode, the QC20 lowers the volume of your music and pipes in the sound from your surroundings. So, for example, you can hear an inflight announcement without having to take the QC20’s tips out of your ears—a very thoughtful and genuinely useful feature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1413419591731-VYGFR3ZZDY1Z6V2CWKKM/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Silence is Golden Figure 4. Here’s a look at the Bose QC20’s control module with the included USB charging cable plugged in. According to Bose, a fully charged battery will last for 16 hours of playback and my experience with the QC20 was consistent with this claim. Charging from empty is said to take two hours and, again, this was consistent with my own experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1413357243821-Q19JDY9R75V2NBCF6C1U/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Silence is Golden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1413419508842-PRIM3IM2DI79TC79T1UV/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Silence is Golden Figure 1. Here are the key components of the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone. For my fellow Apple device users, note that Bose offers an iPod/iPhone/iPad-specific model called the QC20i—you’ll need this version if you want to be able to use the inline remote controller and microphone with your Apple devices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1413419800111-GB9EVGYZNAXEFQ0RLS7L/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Silence is Golden Figure 3. Here’s a close-up look at Bose’s proprietary StayHear+ silicon ear tips. The unique design of these tips is such that they don’t insert into your ear canal so much as they sit just outside of it. Even if you’ve sworn off in-ears in the past, the QC20 is worth a try because its comfort and fit are an order of magnitude superior to any other in-ear headphone I’ve tried. Also note that the QC20 comes with three sets of StayHear+ tips: in small, medium and large. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/9/rare-apple-prototypes-on-display-in-pdx-tonight monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412895475151-V0XRVA02SUHAJ7N683KY/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Rare Apple prototypes on display in PDX tonight! Photo credit: Jim Abeles https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/9/back-to-the-future monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412844640332-S2GBT2ZJLDN27H8LUJHQ/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Back to the Future figure 2: The Nike Air Foamposite One was an instant classic and the OG remains a grail for many a sneaker fanatic. As you can see above, in addition to its striking dark neon royal hue, a key distinguishing characteristic of the Foam One is its lack of a Swoosh on the lateral quarter panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412844422068-DTU4319ITZS0Q2II3G6G/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Back to the Future https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412844887025-EKHJ3TGS1FNJF22O2ME6/review_foampositeone_heelblk_1500.png Kicksology.net - Back to the Future figure 1: Pictured at the top of this review is the Nike Air Foamposite One in its iconic dark neon royal colorway; directly above is the Air Foamposite Pro in black/black/grey. The Foam One and Foam Pro are functionally identical, but feature some significant aesthetic differences. Most prominent is that the Foam One lacks the Foam Pro’s honking huge lateral Swoosh. More subtle are the “1 Cent” logos featured on the Foam One’s tongue, heel and outsole—the One features these logos because it was effectively Penny Hardaway’s signature shoe for the ’97 season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412844838698-H5K8FZ4EL6VLKJ3TLK3B/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Back to the Future figure 3: This shot from behind provides a good look at Penny Hardaway’s fantastic “1 Cent” logo. It may seem like a distant memory today, but there was a time when Penny was seen by many as MJ’s heir apparent. Unfortunately, a string of injuries has prevented Penny from reaching those heights, but he can still deliver flashes of brilliance on-court and in TV spots (this also happens to be my second favorite Nike spot of all time). https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/7/may-the-forest-be-with-you monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/5/the-bullshitters-trick monthly 0.5 2014-10-17 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/4/do-sweat-the-technique monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/10/1/lucky-thirteen monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412165885047-1TXTYSQXQIZPKWY31STM/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Lucky Thirteen figure 1: In profile, the undulating sculpting of the Air Jordan XIII‘s Phylon midsole is clearly visible. This sculpting allows the midsole to cradle the foot and contributes to the shoe’s exceptional lockdown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412167485370-7ZQFTJU3SNLKBLXH6NDM/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Lucky Thirteen figure 2: The unique, podular design of the Air Jordan XIII’s outsole is visible in this bottom view. This podular geometry—and particularly the pod under the cuboid region of the foot—did seem to contribute to the shoe’s lateral stability, but I found myself wishing the bottom flexed more naturally and that the outsole gripped the court more tenaciously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412165845901-QQNPXYNFO20JGLQU917N/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Lucky Thirteen https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/9/29/bof-interviews-mark-parker monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1412036735984-9499UUUGW8JVX1I9RUT7/image-asset.jpeg Kicksology.net - Mark Parker on empowering design Photo by Jeff Dey for Business of Fashion https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/9/29/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-memories monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/9/28/tokyo-time-lapse monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/9/22/amazing-street-art-from-rio monthly 0.5 2018-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411375599230-X7ZCTCR9L1SFF2KK8H1A/art_brazil_2014_brown.jpg Kicksology.net - Beautiful street art in Rio - Along the Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411375601822-J1IVFR7LN6LI1QHZWQXA/art_brazil_2014_green.jpg Kicksology.net - Beautiful street art in Rio - In the Rocinha neighborhood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411375602682-RHUDISZ9LBQOXHHKY0VD/art_brazil_2014_grey.jpg Kicksology.net - Beautiful street art in Rio - In the Rocinha neighborhood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411375604050-7PE0K2G3XPUH76WT38VN/art_brazil_2014_pink.jpg Kicksology.net - Beautiful street art in Rio - Along the Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411375604275-UULGCH0P8VF8M3B04F6P/art_brazil_2014_red.jpg Kicksology.net - Beautiful street art in Rio - In Ipanema, a few blocks from the beach https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/9/21/flights-of-fancy monthly 0.5 2018-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411355155159-B22O8M5W3I2GRGJNN134/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Flights of Fancy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411355019867-5RTNXDI197D0GO4VOYML/review_flightposite_heel_600.png Kicksology.net - Flights of Fancy figure 1. The beautiful, organic design of the upper is carried down into the design of the outsole, but the beauty of the outsole design is more than just skin deep. The forefoot flex grooves, visible as the deeper channels in the forefoot area of the shoe above, allow the shoe to be flexible precisely where you need it to be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50389232e4b00cf0e8ce2ce0/1411367963688-0FEFT1D72PZ40ICREGQL/image-asset.png Kicksology.net - Flights of Fancy figure 2. The Flightposite was offered in a number of interesting colorways. Above is the Navy/White/Silver colorway, which was not widely available. https://www.kicksology.net/blog/2014/9/21/dont-call-it-a-comeback monthly 0.5 2014-10-17 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Design monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Tech monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Reviews monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Sneakers monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Events monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Updates monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Life monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/category/Business monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/tag/Product+Management monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/tag/Interstellar monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/tag/Compilation monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/tag/Incentives monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/tag/Ben+Thompson monthly 0.5 https://www.kicksology.net/blog/tag/Film monthly 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