I'm Still Alive..

Sorry for the delay of posts everyone.

Been busy with work, the company league and the releases.

I promise the Performance Review of the Air Penny Vs will be coming out, plus some new articles on Sneaker Tech and Guides for Purchasing.

Be back REAL soon!

Sneak Peek: Air Penny V Performance Test

Giving you guys a Sneak Peek at what's to come.

Gave these kicks a go on-court. And I'd like to say, they're great on court. Even if they come in a Nike Sportswear Box, they perform as well as some of today's Performance Models.

Stick around to get the full review of the Air Penny V's.

Cheap Thrills: 5 Performance Basketball Shoes Under 4000 PHP

Working too hard to be ballin' on a budget?

Sometimes we all don't have enough to afford the more expensive, yet tech-loaded performance models  that can help us go all out on the courts. 

Luckily, there are some good performance models on sales at the different stores (not including the Factory Outlets) and retail shops. I'll be running down some of the best performance models already on sale for less than 4000 Pesos but first here are a couple of brands which I think you avoid (based on experience). 

You Might Want to Consider

1. AND1 

Image from Google

Also in the early 2000s, AND1 was a major player in the Shoe Game. It went head-to-head with Nike, Adidas and Reebok, but has taken a dip since then. They're slowly coming back to where they were before, but it may same some time before they get there.

Their recent releases are of good quality and prices seem fair. You can find these in most Athletic Stores, such as Toby's and Sports Central.

2. Reebok

Image from Google

Much like Fila, Reebok is seeing a surge once again with the releases of the Question, Shaq Attack, Kamikaze and Shaqnosis. Aside from these Retros, Reebok hasn't seen much success. Their Zig Encore series has had some pretty awful reviews and hasn't seen a lot of time on-court.

On another note, though, they have some other pretty solid performance models for less than 4000 and you might want to give them a go on court.

Here's the Real Rundown:

1. Adidas Crazy Fast

Image from Google

One of the better on-court performers, the Adidas Crazy Fast features a Lightweight-Build with Sprint Web, EVA Midsole for Cushion and Torsion System for Support. It's a great Team Shoe that will suit any player for any position. 

2. Nike Hyperdisruptor

Image from Google

Another solid team shoe, the Nike Hyperdisruptor is a Lightweight Basketball shoe containing some of Nike's best sneaker tech. Full Length Herringbone, Zoom Air for Cushioning, Fuse Upper, TPU Heel Cup and Shank Plate for Support. What's not to like about this shoe? It's a great all-around performer.

3. Jordan Super.Fly Mid/Low

Image from Google

A Jordan Brand shoe for less than 4000?! Yes, I have seen these Performance Beasts hit the Sales Shelves due to the release for the SuperFly II, but they still pack a punch on court. Lunarlon and Zoom Air for Cushioning, Synthetic Upper and Targeted Herringbone with a Non-traditional traction Pattern, this is a steal for an item on sale.

4. Nike KD V

Image from Google

Since the release of the KD V Elite and the KD VI, the KD V has hit outlets and the Sale Section of the Sport Stores and Department Stores. Synthetic Upper, a story telling Traction that works, Air Max and Zoom Air for Cushioning, this an all-around shoe that can fit multiple play styles. Plus, it's a Signature of Kevin Durant himself.

5. Nike Hyperfuse 2012 High/Low

Image from Google

This is built for anyone...I mean anyone. The Hyperfuse 2012 has been around for sometime and it's already at Outlets and Sale Shelves. A Fuse Upper, Zoom Air in the forefoot and Full-Length Herringbone, this is definitely a shoe worth buying. They're built tough and you can use these Indoor or Outdoor.

A Few To AVOID:

1. Accel 

Image from Google via (http://personalvirgo.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/p1020217-500-x-375.jpg)

Accel used to be one of the better brands in the Philippine Market during the early 2000's. PBA Players such as, Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Asi Taulava were the Signature Athletes of the brand, but since then, the quality of the shoes have dropped significantly. 

How? I've seen an Accel Basketball Shoe actually fall apart and tear during a game. Maybe it was coincidence, but from then on, I've never looked at the brand the same way again. 

2. Fila 

Image from Google

Overseas, Fila is showing success with the  retro releases of the Fila Spaghetti and the Fila '96, but here in the Philippines, the brand is On-Sale the whole year around. Yes, their shoes are way below 4000, but if you feel the shoe and look at the quality, it's nowhere near the quality of what they used to produce. 

If you're able to get your hands on the Retros, I suggest you stick with those. Other than that, you may wanna skip it.

QUESTIONS? http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek

Spotting Fakes: The Nike LeBron X

In today's sneaker game, "'B'" Grades"/fakes/imitations of latest performance and sportswear models have been hitting the markets and it's pretty safe to say that these imitations are coming very close to the real deal.

So, to help you avoid purchasing these "B" Grades or High Quality Imitations or whatever you want to call them, I'll highlight the characteristics that really standout.

Our first feature: The Nike LeBron X

1. The Cushioning System

This where you'll definitely know the difference between the Originals and the Imitations. 

The Originals have a Visible, 360 Zoom Air Unit while the Imitations have a 360 Air Max Unit. 

A Visible 360 Zoom Air Unit has small "pillars" within the Unit that look like little threads spread within the unit., while a typical 360 Air Max Unit has large pillars all around.

What's the difference between the two? Look at the Images below:

The Original (Image from Google) 

The Imitation/"B" Grade (Image from Google)

2. Colorway

The LeBron X came out with a whole bunch of colorways, from the All-Black/"Carbon" Colorway to the All-Star Game (ASG)/"Area 72". But, if you spot them in colorways that belong to older models, such as the "Miami Vice" Colorway that belonged to the LeBron 9 Elite, be wary. You're looking at "B" Grades. 

Need an idea to what they'd look like? Here's a sample below:

A LeBron X imitation in the "Sprite" Colorway that belonged to the LeBron 8 V/2 Low

Unless you were able to go and NikeID your self a pair of LeBron Xs in these particular colorways, then most likely, you're looking at Fakes.

3. The Box

People often overlook the shoebox, because, well...they're just shoe boxes. But one thing to note, is that the shoebox is a way of telling fakes. 

The regular release LeBron Xs, along with the Nike+ versions, come in a new, big black box:

The LeBron X+ Shoebox (Image from Google)

If the box doesn't look anywhere as close to the image above, you may be looking at an imitation (unless you bought your pair from a TRUSTED Reseller and they provided a replacement box). 

The box also has the tag containing product information: Colorway, Product Code/Number, etc. This is one way of verifying the authenticity of the shoe. 

3. The Gloss

Original LeBron Xs, generally have a sort of "glossy"/"shiny" look, even for the dark colorways. These are what differentiate the Originals from the "B" Grades. 

An example (re-using the images above):

The Original (Image from Google) 

A LeBron X imitation in the "Sprite" Colorway that belonged to the LeBron 8 V/2 Low

4. Weight

How is weight related to determining authenticity? Well, simply put, it is related.

The LeBron Xs are a pretty hefty shoe. Whether if its putting them on or grabbing from your shelves or off the floor, you'll definitely feel some weight.

Imitations don't have this feeling. If you try and simply pick up the shoe, you'll notice they'll be lighter.

The materials in the originals play a role in the shoe's weight, something that "B" Grades couldn't get right. 

Try fitting the shoe and see how they feel. If they feel "clunky", relatively lightweight and just don't feel right, then you have an imitation.

5. Craftsmanship

This is another obvious.

Ugly stitching, a weird silhouette and shape, excess glue and uneven edges are some signs of "B" Grades.

Be sure to look at the shoe carefully.

Questions? : http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek

6 Things To Consider When Buying Your 1st/Next Pair of Basketball Shoes

Having trouble deciding what your 1st pair or next pair of Basketball Shoes will be? Not sure what brand to run with? Or what Line (E.G. LeBrons, Kobes, KDs, Crazy Series) to run with? 

I hope this 1st Article will help you run down your choices and help you decide your next of pair of performance shoes to lace up on the courts. 

Here are some of the things to consider:

1. Your Body Type/Built

Your body type/built will help determine the perfect shoe to suit you. More often than not, a shoe will provide you with features that will compliment your body type. 

For example smaller and compact players, getting a shoe that's low to the ground and has great traction will definitely compliment you in many ways. Kobe 8's, KD V Elites, KD VI's, CP3.VIs and the Crazyquicks are just some of the  great on-court choices out there that will definitely be able to keep up with you on the court.  

But if you're like me, more of bulky, bigger-type player, they you might want to stick to something with good amounts of cushioning and excellent lockdown. Shoes such as the LeBron X's, Hyperposites, Hyperdunks and Melo M9s might be they way to go.

2. Your Play Style

This may go hand-in-hand with your body-type, but nevertheless we all have our own play styles. Your play style will definitely play a role, because certain shoes will have certain attributes/technologies suited for different play styles.

Do you like playing the point? Are you more of the Post-Up, Power Player? Or do you like playing the Wings and Attacking the Rim whenever you get the chance?

Determining your play style will help narrow down your choices of performance sneakers. The norm, for example, for Guards (Point Guards/Shooting Guards), are shoes that are low to the ground, offer great traction and have a secure fit. You'll need something that will be able to keep up with quick movements (cutting, laterals, curling off of screens, crossovers and hesitation moves) and at the same time, keeping your foot in place. 

On the other hand, Forwards and Centers may want to get shoes that have a secure fit, higher profile and a good cushioning setup to reduce the impact on the legs when going up for blocks, rebounds, layups, and attacking the basket.

3. Foot Width and Sizing

It's always best to run with your actual size. Why? Running with your actual/normal sizing will keep your feet comfortable and prevent hotspots and calluses. When purchasing your next pair of shoes, always make sure to know your proper size and be sure to different models in-store. Fitting before purchasing will determine whether your feet are too wide or too narrow for certain models.

Some  performance models, like the KD Line, have a history of running narrow. People with skinny feet or those with regular foot width would definitely enjoy these type of sneakers or would have no problems going down half a size, because they wouldn't be sacrificing the overall fit. Wide footers on other hand, may have to go up half a size to compensate for the width. 

Generally, going up half a size isn't the best way to go because you'd be sacrificing that one-to-one fit that will keep your feet comfortable and it would allow your feet to slide within the shoe, no matter how tight you tie your shoes or how many socks your wear. 

The best way to go, is it to know your size and try different performance models in-store.

4. Budget

This is probably one of the most important things to consider when purchasing your next performance shoe. But it does have it trade-offs, and more often than not, you get what you pay for.

Today's "top-of-the-line" performance shoes such as the, LeBrons, Kobes, KDs, will definitely run you a lot of money, unless you can buy them at outlets or at discount. But these are today's premium performance shoes that will offer the best technology and will definitely give you a lot to offer. They are the Signature Line of these Signature Athletes, so if you want the same tech as they do, you'll have to be willing to shell out money. 

Mid-to-Top-Tier performance lines, such as the Hyperdunks and Crazyquicks, offer premium performance much similar to the Signature Lines, but at a fairly reasonable price.

Entry-Level Shoes such as the Nike Dual Fusion BB or Overplay VII, won't hurt your budget as much and offers some of the attributes higher-tier models would, but won't be as "tech-loaded" as the more expensive models.

The best place to go would be outlet stores and store-hopping for discounts. Most of the time, you may find older, premium performance models, but you may just find the newer models at 10-off. So get off your seat and start looking.

5. Going 2nd Hand?

Buying 2nd Hand Shoes is definitely an option for most people, especially the budget conscious. More often than not, Resellers will sell certain performance models at a reasonable 2nd hand price but the major trade-off would be the condition of the shoe. 

When we wear our shoes, the initial lacing or fitting of the shoes gives the materials a mold of our feet that allows it to flex and bend according to the shape of our foot. The more we wear and lace up our shoes, the more it contours and molds to our feet. 

The problem of 2nd Hand Shoes is that they may have already molded to the previous owner's foot. Whether they've used it on courts or just casually, the materials may have already molded to someone else's feet and it will sacrifice that perfect fit.

If you're going 2nd Hand, it's probably best to purchase something that has only been fitted once or never been used/kept in the box since purchase. That way, you can still achieve that 1:1 fit without punching a hole in your wallet.

6. Personal Preference

Okay, okay. I know. This is probably a terrible factor to consider when purchasing Basketball shoes, but admit it, we all have our brand preferences.

Some people will only purchase Nikes, Jordans and Adidas  Sneakers and some will only stick to one brand in particular. Others will only go for Signature Lines.

If you only want to stick with one brand, then by all means, you may stick with your preferred brand. 

The trade-off? This will further limit your selection to what's available within the brand. Would you prefer Nike Tech over Adidas Tech? Will you only buy shoes from the Jordan Brand because they're Jordans? (Although the Jordan Brand does have some of the best tech in the market. Hehe.)

There are lots of good brands with some awesome performance models such as Li-Ning and Under Armor. 

It's always best to explore different brands and see what each has to offer.

Questions? : http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek