ANOTHER NIKE CLASSIC WITH THE PREMIER II SALA

Unlike any other major sport, Soccer and by extension futsal, share a symbiotic relationship with street fashion. Shirt, shorts, shoes…simple really. It only makes sense then; that what we often see on the pitch and court is what we continue to rock off it. To focus on the latter, Nike has hit yet again with another indoor classic, the Premier II Sala collection.

Continuing a tradition of timelessly clean boots, Nike keeps it classy yet functionally forward with this latest release. Starting with color: the shoe comes in a clean “Desert Sand” and “Midnight Navy”, to which would virtually complement any fit. As for comfort, the shoes upper is rugged and sturdy, built for the countless courts it will be played on worldwide, and features lightweight mesh alongside supple suede accents. To bring it together, Nike has instilled its Lunarlon technology, a soft and durable foam core base that’s both lightweight and resilient.

The Nike Premier II Sala Collection arrives at an interesting time, as fashion is hearkening back to the many styles seen throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s. Baggy pants, eccentric shades, flashy color palettes, and oversized tops are but a few of the trends currently dominating the street landscape to where we’ve seen other sportswear giants, such as adidas, dropping its own set of historical and modern kicks with the recent release of the Predator Accelerator TR Ultraboost and forward thinking Sobakov.

Like its German counterpart, Nike also pays its homage to its past by blending the right amount of history with just the right amount of modern technology, where the shoes just feel right and will feel right for a very long time.

Images from soccerbible.com

THE KFA TAKES A STYLED APPROACH TO THE WORLD CUP 2018

Although the on pitch play of the Korean National Football team has been lackluster at best, the team came correct off pitch for this years World Cup in Russia. Partnering up with design firm H9PITCH STUDIO, the KFA created a special collection of items that appeal to the world that lives outside of the game. From limited edition patches, skate decks, rings, air fresheners, bluetooth speakers, and bracelets the collection has something for everyone. Not until recent has repping your national team crest been looked at as stylish, but with the younger generation of fans emerging, the clubs and countries must keep up with the popular sense of style. The best part of this entire collection is the federation did it all private label. Avoiding the headache and red tape of the “big brand” the KFA was able to lean on a design group directly connected to the streets of Korea, in turn creating a collection that sends a message to the streets.

The inspiration behind the product stems from an ever growing need for “cool” in the soccer space. With so many small pop up brands entering the market, it seems only fitting that the big clubs and countries start to grasp the new wave of soccer. No longer is soccer tiro pants with the track jacket, or the mom in the mini van, as the key teams begin to take notice of the off pitch style, the growth of the sport will accelerate beyond anything can imagine. Tapping into the movement of the urban community will allow so many more people to be aware of how beautiful the game genuinely is. A gate way to the gam through the world of style.

When it comes to being first, Korea was not the first ones to do this, back in 2014 the USMNT teamed up with the likes of legendary artist Futura, Kayo skate, and Nike to create a players only collection and PSG created a full collection of product for its US Tours in both LA 2016 and Miami 2017,  but what Korea did do was break the mold for a federation and open this open to the masses. Allowing the fans of the national team to rep the country with pride and style is one thing, but when the fans of other countries are supporting, you know you have done something correct.

In my opinion, the collection is well rounded, creative and a step in the right direction. Hopefully sooner then later the powers that be inside the clubs and federations will take note. Until then you get one option. You can pick up the full KFA collection now at H9Pitch.

Peep the full collection below.

 

NIKE PRESENTS THE NEYMAR JR MIXTAPE

Taking inspiration from Neymar Jr’s playing style and love for music, Nike has linked up the Barcelona artists Ernest Desumbila (director), Flavio Rodríguez (International DJ) and Ba $$ ilones (producers) to create the Mixtape Volume 1 by NJR and to produce an exclusive video clip. The compilation of tracks from around the world was assembled to mimic Neymar’s eclectic personality.

 Flavio Rodríguez brought together the talent of up-and-coming young artists from various countries who are provocateurs and remixing different styles of music.  The mixtape features 17 songs by artists such as Yas Weneck, StartRap and DJ Thai from Brazil; Ba$$ilones, Yung Beef, Maikel Delacalle, Bad Gyal, Indigo Jams, Afrojuice and Dellafuente, from Spain; Dark Polo Gang from Italy; Josman from France, Donae’o, Paigey Cakey and Young T & Bugsey from the United Kingdom and They and Swoosh God from the United States.

An accompanying video features the aforementioned artists and Neymar Jr dancing around defenders on a futsal court. Dancers from Tribu Urbana Center School in Badalona also make an appearance. 

Check out the video below and check the soundcloud link for the mix tape.

 

Mixtape via Soundcloud:

Tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Ba$$ilones – Hat Trick (ES) (00:00)
2. Yas Werneck – Coméki (BR) (00:30)
3. Donae’o – Bingo (UK) (01:34)
4. Swoosh God – Ain’t No Way (US/NYC) (02:42)
5. Yung Beef – Dinero De La Ola (ES) (04:18)
6. Dark Polo Gang – Streetwear (IT) (05:31)
7. DJ Thai – Fight feat. Duarte & Manfrim(BR) (05:51)
8. Dellafuente – Para Que Quieres El Dinero (ES) (06:21)
9. Bad Gyal – Fiebre (ES) (07:38)
10. Paigey Cakey – Boogie (UK) (09:04)
11. Young T & Bugsey – Gangland feat. Belly Squad (UK) (10:11)
12. StartRap – Por Mim (BR) (11:15)
13. Josman – Doobie (FR) (12:23)
14. Maikel Delacalle – Tus amigas (ES) (13:18)
15. Afrojuice – Afrotwerk (ES) (14:44)
16. Indigo Jams – Insomnia (ES) (15:43)
17. They. – U Rite (US/LA) (16:40)

ADIDAS SOCCER LAUNCHES THE NEMEZIZ

HERE! HERE! Sound the trumpets, roll out the red carpet, call in sick, kiss a loved one or just do whatever it is you do to celebrate a most glorious occasion. Soccers Messi-ah has received a new boot. All joking aside one of the greatest to ever do it has been given an entirely new silo inspired by his genius.

The adidas Nemeziz takes its design cues from the ritual of taping limbs for increased stability and strength. Every inch of the new boot is built for players who heavily rely on agility. The brilliant tech starts with the unique AGILITYBANDAGE which employs super lightweight TORSIONTAPES technology to keep the foot locked down for an unrivaled fit, while a dual-lock collar secures the ankle in place for explosiveness. The new AGILITYKNIT 2.0 interlocking yarn structure provides a soft direct touch and a lightweight adaptable feel.

“Disruption is a part of my game. A player must attempt to make moves that their opponent isn’t expecting and needs to do so as quickly as possible. To be able to do that, you need complete confidence in your boots and the flexibility to move and adjust easily. The design of these boots is perfect for my game.” – Leo Messi

La Pulga will rock the brand new NEMEZIZ this Saturday at the Copa Del Rey final at the Calderon on May 27th.  You will also be able to see the likes of Lindgard, Firmino and Renato Sanches in the upcoming 2017/18 season.

For more on the new adidas Nemeziz  go to adidas.com/us/soccer

THE TERRACE CLUB X AVIATA SPORT DOPP BAG

Inspired by vintage goalkeeper bags and the dopp kits soccer players haul around when traveling to or from a match, The Terrace Club x Aviata Sport Dopp Bag is a versatile piece steeped in footy roots. According to Ben from the Terrace Club the idea was always to blend the two concepts. In wanting to pay homage to goalkeepers TC naturally reached out to makers of fine goalkeeping wear, Aviata Sport. Not only does the dopp stylistically mimic vintage goalkeeper bags, but the inner lining is made of old black and white photos of goalies making iconic saves. 

More design concepts stemmed from seeing players over the decades carry their toiletry bags en route to the locker room or bus on game day. The bag was built with that versatility in mind as the entire outer is made of a durable wax canvas which repels water and ages well. Lastly, one thing that the Terrace Club and Aviata Sport are both staunchly proud of is that their dopp bag is made from front to back in the U.S.A.

For more on the Terrace Club x Aviata Sport Dopp Bag  had over to theterraceclubco.com

FC DORSUM X LINE HOTEL

If you know anything about the boys behind FC Dorsum, then you know that they are synonymous with two things: Koreatown and Hennessey. The Mothmen are also creatures of habit and as such, they love a good Henny fueled night at longtime K-Town hot-spot, The Line Hotel. “We’ve spent fu*k loads of money and had many memorable nights there. I think they felt bad and just threw us a bone, ” said the folks from FC Dorsum. And thus the FC Dorsum x Line Hotel collab was born. The capsule features a tee, hotel robe, and slippers. The moth emblem is ubiquitous but subtle throughout with the collection releasing just before their S/S 17 range drops.

For more on the FC Dorsum x Line Hotel collaboration head over to FC Dorsum.com.  

COPA 17.1 ULTRA BOOST

Just when you think the BOOST technology is everywhere, adidas proves they can incorporate into even more and silos with the new COPA 17.1 Ultra BOOST. Similar to the earlier COPA 17 Tango model with a Copa Mundial-inspired upper these bad boys sit on a midsole made from arguably the most comfortable cushioning system the sneaker game has to offer. Stayed tuned for more info on the drop date for the COPA 17.1 Ultra BOOST. 

Imagery via Sole Collector.

DIADORA SS17: ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Diadora takes it to the terraces with their latest SS 2017 campaign: On The Brightside/80s in the UK. The lookbook shot on location in the streets of Hackney shows influencers Charlie Baker, Chuck Achike, Sydney Lima, James Magee and Luke Storey rocking classic B. Elite sneakers combined with 80s style jackets and crewnecks. The new line also features sweats and tees in the same colour palette. The new On the Brightside collection drops today at select Diadora stockists.  

PALACE SKATEBOARDS S/S 17 LOOKBOOK

Last week Palace Skateboards teased us via Instagram with a retro inspired Juventus kit that read ‘Palazzo 17’ across the back. Today, we have the full blown lookbook of the British brand’s spring/summer 17 collection.

Palace has long been a brand near and dear to us as they always brilliantly inject the beautiful game into their ever progressively expanding repertoire. Their latest line is no different as give us a robust selection steeped in versatility, from a cowboy shirt, to a  knitted sweater, to a track-jacket, a letterman and even a racing jacket with cheeky branding. But for us, the stand out pieces are two Juve and Inter inspired long-sleeve retro soccer kits. Thick stripes, a bold Palace sponsor branding across the chest and a big collar, an homage to the classic footy shirt done proper.

The Palace Skateboards spring/summer 17 collection will be available Friday February 24th at the Palace shop and online Friday March 3rd 8 am PST for now check out the rest of the lookbook at Palaceskateboards.com  

LA GALAXY UNVEIL THEIR SECONDARY KIT #OUTOFTHEBLUE

The LA Galaxy are the latest MLS team to unveil their 2017 secondary kit today with a clean and classy adidas strip that fittingly suits the clubs #outoftheblue campaign. The navy-blue dominance serves as the perfect backdrop to accentuate the Herbalife sponsorship, adidas branding, team crest and other unique details like the “This is LA” blast on the bottom left corner of the jersey. Another cool detail to note is the single gold star which sits above the team crest. It honors LA’s league best five MLS Cup titles. 

For more on the kits or to purchase go to lagalaxy.com