Pimped up 80s..

After a long time not blogging about my soles collectibles, there's a design which caught my eyes. In blue and in a shoe design which I have been a classic and a favorite comfortable design the Superstar 80s. This is my all year round favorite Adidas classic model.

Adidas Originals by Originals by Kazuki Kuraishi x KZK Clot Superstar 80s

Figure 1: An Originals by Originals in blue.

The picture above in figure 1 is a picture courtesy by CROSSOVER, one of my favorite stores to go when I am around the area. This pair of Superstar 80s is has blue mesh body and the contrasty shoe laces that go with it. I have yet to check it out and feel it in my hands till then CROSSOVER.


I am particular with releases made by Adidas Originals with the designer Kazuki Kuraishi. Kazuki is a Japanese fashion designer who sees through street wear as something special and infuses these old Adidas Classics with premium materials and creativity.

A few soles has entered my collectibles but I have not the time to review and produce pictures of it. Hopefully soon if time and schedule permits. 

Monday Blues

Work once again, after just a few days of freedom and peacefulness of the mind. Since it is Monday, and I'm feeling so blue I'll just blog about something blue from my collectibles.

Recently, I manage to try out a new pair of kicks which I opened up from the box and immediately tested out hiking. Fresh out of the box the sneakers is made up of blue dyed suede leather and meshes for breath-ability. 

Figure 1: Back-side.

This is a pair of Adidas x James Bond ZX8000 for David Beckham. David Beckham is cool but the only thing I dig in for these sneakers is that it is designed by James Bond of Undefeated and it is a ZX8000 model. That makes a shoe worth going in to my collection.

Figure 2: Front-side.

These shoes also features 3M accents on the toe-box, side 3 stripes and the hind part of the shoes. The 3M material used will illuminate itself when exposed to light, so when running or walking on the side of the road, it makes you more noticeable when its already dark. 

Figure 3: Out-soles.

These shoes as in all ZX8000 features a torsion bar which stabilizes the runner while evenly distributing the load torque generated by the runner to the out-soles providing ample control. The out-sole of the shoe is excellent for running on the asphalt road  as well as hiking and jungle trekking on stony-muddy hilly trails.

Figure 4: Insides.

The insides of the sole features a very comfortable inner lining and padding specially designed by James Bond. This is standard in all of his Adidas collaborations. It is made of leather and the feel is luxurious to the foot.

I normally don't do justice to my collectibles but just for the sake of testing the capabilities of the Adidas ZX8000 with torsion technology on the trail, this is about how far I go. So this pair of shoes is worthy as an athletic as well as casual wear.

Hopefully more collectibles to come in the future.

Adidas Kazuki

Just back from my off day, was indeed a fruitful and well spent three days, flushed out a lot of toxic in my body and mind. During that time, I manage to take photos of two of my latest 2011 collectibles which comes from the Adidas Originals by Originals line created by famous designer Kazuki Kuraishi of Fragment Design Japan.

First up is the Adidas Kazuki Gipfel, which is an 80s basketball hi cut shoe model made up of premium materials. The colour of the shoes is burgundy, brown, black and white soles. The shoes are made up of premium leather, nubuck and meshes. There is a KZK trademark on the tongue of the shoes as well as the heel pull up.

Figure 1: Adidas KZK "Gipfel".

Figure 2: Adidas KZK "Gipfel".

Figure 3: Adidas KZK "Gipfel".

Next up is the Adidas Kazuki ZXZ "Ian Brown", a running shoe designed for the ex-Stone Roses singer Ian Brown who is Kazuki Kuraishi's best friend. These shoes are in all black colour except for it's white tagging as well as gold lettering and album cover on the tongue. These shoes are made up of premium leather as well as nubuck. Extremely comfortable and durable shoes not to mention limited edition.

Figure 4: Adidas KZK ZX "Ian Brown".

Figure 5: Adidas KZK ZXZ "Ian Brown".

Figure 6: Adidas KZK ZXZ "Ian Brown.

With these shoes presented, this ends my 2011 list of sole collectibles to date and open up a new chapter of collectibles for 2012. Soon, I'll release my list of soles collectibles so far. Hope to get more soles which are limited through out this year soon. Gambate!!!

Year End Soles

As Christmas passed and soon the year to be passed, I remembered that all I do is work and seriously no time or chance to actually celebrate it with family and friends. Well the fact is that I am so faraway from them and I can only have that chance once or twice a year. All this for the sake of work, growing quite weary without the entertainment though.

So since I didn't get a chance to do my own shopping, I decided to just shop online and have my stuff sent to me, among the new collectibles that I've just acquired are the Adidas Trail ZX DB which is a mix of the Adidas ZX8000 and a trail boot.

Figure 1: Adidas ZX Trail DB.

This pair of Adidas Originals by Originals is designed by James Bond of Undefeated and the quality of this boots are awesome and comfortable, still didn't have the chance to use it though. The colour of these soles is black and dark blue suede with a leather inner.

Another pair of soles that I've recently acquired is an Adidas Questar which is a revered running shoes designed and created by Adidas in the 1980s, these comes in a grey suede, white stripes, with silver and maroon accents. 

Figure 2: Adidas Questar 3M.

There are 3M reflective on the front and hind of the shoes which makes it a very safe shoes when travelling on bike at night which I don't. Still I liked the way it flashed, I think it's my first in the collective. Currently I'm wearing these pair to work. Seriously comfortable, grips the surface well and running in it is definitely  feels surefooted. 

There is another pair of Nike SB which I ordered but that is for another day. Next year it will be raining more soles and collectibles. Still I've got to stick to my priorities in life.

Worn out

My daily walking soles  of three years finally gave out during work and I was so disappointed to find a missing sole part when I returned home. I would've pasted it back using super glue to extend the usage of those shoes. I'm going to miss wearing those pair of shoes and during its three years of usage it never let me down, never let me fall from a slip nor bring blisters to my foot during any walking or running condition. 

Figure 1: 3 year old soles.

This pair of shoes has served me up since my university days, so I guess its worthwhile to note that the quality of these shoes is definitely worth my money invested. It never felt the same just switching daily shoes to other shoes, others may jeer at the new pair of shoes and I need time to switch the feel of these 3-year soles to my new pair of walking shoes.

My favorite top shoe brand, the three stripes, Adidas!!! Never disappoints.

Soles Collection Focus

My soles collection or also known as soles addiction started with the Adidas Superstar, which I had the Superstar IIs as my daily walker which I passed on to my cousin, that is where I decided to collect the more vintage Superstar 80s and Superstar Vin - Vintage design. These shoes are basketball shoes of the olden days and they still rock as daily sneakers. To view it, -Adidas Superstar 80s,Adidas Vintage Drawn Pack,Superstar 80s OT-TECH.

Among the other retro basketball shoes that I've collected is the Adidas Forum which I currently have an Originals as well as a pair of Originals by Originals (ObyO). The ObyO version of the Forum is designed by James Bond of Undefeated which is serious footwear. It is so comfortable and made up of superb premium leather. To view it, -Adidas Forum Crafts Pack,Adidas ObyO James Bond.

Running shoes are my main and favorite collectibles, the list is endless, I especially like those vintage runners such as the ZX8000 which features the torsion bar and softcell technologies. ObyO here and there and the Mega Torsion. The ZXZ runner which I have  both ObyO version from KZK. The adidas Questar which is also a famed runner sporting Dellinger webbing. To view it, -Adidas ZX8000.

Enough about my current collectibles, I want to extend it, but unsure whether to explore other brands such as the enticing Nike SB Dunks which I have limited knowledge on or simply extend it within the Adidas family brand which is my current favorite. There is yet to be a conclusion. Still  these modernized running shoes from Adidas shown in figure 1 & 2 are epic. 

Pictures are taken from one of my favorite sneaker news, NiceKicks.com. Am so into runners and the three stripes brand.

Figure 1: Adidas H3LIUM ZXZ front.

Figure 2: Adidas H3LIUM ZXZ back.

Another sneaker worth collecting and wearing. Still haven't made up my mind yet for the upcoming year but maybe focusing on ObyO is a smart move towards more limited collectibles.

Adidas ObyO KZK FELT ZXZ

I've longed to have a pair of Adidas designed by a Japanese street fashion designer, either I keep missing the seasons or I don't have the budget to actually get my hands on a pair of those designer x Adidas collaborations.

Now, after able to accumulate for sometime, I finally get myself a pair of weird street stuff made of a mix of weird premium materials. These are the sort of collectibles which should be in my collection. Unique, quality and somewhat weird, so basically its not everyone's cup of tea.

Figure 1: Adidas ZXZ.

These pair of shoes are based on a platform vintage running shoe named the ZXZ. The soles has Dillinger webbing which acts as an absorb-er when the runner runs at high speed. The thing I liked the most about these pair of shoes is that, it has great breath-ability, nice premium leather panels and the "COW" felt like material on the shoes.

The designer of these shoes is the famous Japanese street designer Kazuki Kuraishi. I am very impressed at his creativity to design weird shoes but maintain that sense of simplicity and wear ability of the shoes as well as maintaining the quality and collectible value of the shoes.

Great strange Japanese like design with a fabric made of compressed matted animal fibers. Another great addition to my growing soles collection. 

Arigato Gozaimas~!!!

Adidas ZX8000

Figure 1: Adidas ZX8000.

Finally, manage to post my Adidas ZX8000, this is a classic running shoe which was released around the 80s and are my current favorite running shoes. This excellent pair of shoes is one of the few shoes I have which actually have a black sole. I like black soles as it doesn't get so messed up when traversing in dirt.

Figure 2: Adidas ZX8000.

This shoe is great for walks and even trekking as the sole is full of support and grip. It can take a lot of terrain due to the nature of this excellently designed sole. The only thing is to not get the shoes dirty. I start to dislike the nature of this leather even though it does look great, but one spilt of food or dirt on it surely heartbreaking.

Figure 3: Adidas ZX8000.

The sole is seen in figure 4, there is a torsion bar which looks like a yellow bone. This shoe starts the torsion technology which is then further implemented and improve in newer performance shoes. The circular object at the hind of the shoe is the soft cell technology which is also another breakthrough via the ZX8000.

Figure 4: Adidas ZX8000.

This pair of shoe is made up of semi aniline leather upper. This means it is difficult to care for and since it is white in colour, it is surely prone to get dirty. Semi-aniline leathers cannot be cleaned using water or other solubles as it absorbs it into the leather to make it into an ugly patch. To care for this leather, should use specially prepared cleaner.

Figure 5: Adidas ZX8000.

I definitely would like to find a different version of these shoes, in a more easier to care leather. These kicks are very comfortable to bring for long walks or trekking. The design is also very retro and suitable for the modern style. Not too funky like Supras, nor too oldies like Hushpuppies.

Adidas Forum Mid DB by James Bond

Finally managed to actually take pics of the Adidas Forum Mid DB which is my first pair of Adidas originals by originals. This pair is specially designed by Undefeated designer James Bond for Adidas collaboration with David Beckham. This pair of Adidas Forum is mated with new pattern and premium materials. 

This pair is certainly a worthy pair for my collectibles. The pictures below will describe this kicks.

Figure 1: Adidas Forum OBYO.

Figure 2: Adidas Forum DB OBYO.

Figure 3: Adidas Forum DB OBYO.

Figure 4: Adidas Forum DB OBYO (Care Tag).

Figure 5: Adidas Forum DB (Leather insole).

The pair that I've bought is dark blue and the material that is used is soft supple premium blue leather. The inner side of the shoe is also made up of soft leather. I especially liked this pair as it is more comfortable than my last pair of Adidas Forum. The insole of the shoe is also soft and is of leather. This shoe is seriously comfortable.

Figure 6: Adidas Forum DB OBYO (Top View).

More coming up soon. I'm definitely a sole addict, defeating a ladies love for soles. 

Latest Kicks..

Time at work seems limit my time for fun and also updating my collectibles. My shoe collection is growing with new additions mainly from Adidas only. Still haven't got the time to actually appreciate and test on other types of soles.

These are a list of new pairs that I've copped during these 2 months of hardship. Will update with real photos soon.

1) Adidas Originals By Originals Forum Mid David Beckham. Fig 1.

Fig 2.

2) Adidas Originals Mega Torsion RSP II. Fig 2.

Fig 2.  Special gift from my beloved sister.

3) Adidas Originals ZX8000. Fig 3.

Fig 3.

These kicks really won my heart but due to my busy-ness I still have no time to actually try them on. I'm really into Adidas releases these days. More coming up towards December and next year, currently slowing down a bit due to large funds will be used for my convocation day so I'll pause for a bit.

Uni days in Superstars

My university days are over, however reminiscing on the challenges faced, which are among them is attending lectures which is about 80% of it are totally boring and not helping. Studying by myself at my crib helps more as I can relax and take my time in digesting the knowledge. Still, university life is a very interesting part of me getting more matured as well as get to know myself more better.

Figure 1: Adidas Superstar - My daily wear.

It is during the university days that I finally ditched wearing boots as it is quite heavy and attracts more attention. Going to lectures using a boot is a total no-no as boots are really classy and I am not that superstar who aces at all the subjects. I'm just a normal students and I need sneakers as I have sweaty foot, so slippers are a total distraction to me and my surroundings.

Finally, I bought a pair of sneakers at the end of the year 2008, which are a pair of decent Adidas Superstar II. It wasn't a fancy pair, looks rather like white school shoes as it is almost all white except for the golden trefoils accents. However it is so comfy to wear whenever I walk to my lectures and studies at the library. I can stand wearing it the whole day.

I've been hooked to the Adidas Superstars ever since, even though I'm not a superstar, nor a basketball player, but I'm a transformed sneaker collector. My girlfriend doesn't really like the superstar nor does my sister but there's something about this sneaker that has grabbed my attention. These sneakers just simply fits in and never fails me. Beauty and collectibles are indeed in the eye of the beholder.

As for now I'm still wearing these Superstars, I gave the gold trefoil to my cousin as I do not have the leisure of space to bring all my things to Bintulu. Still I've enjoyed wearing them and I do hope he has a good experience wearing it too during his college days. Adidas certainly has given me the best impression on footwear quality which haven't deteriorate since the olden days.

Figure 2: Adidas Superstars - My favorite for any occasion.

I'm hoping for more and more Adidas Superstars coming in to my collectibles as well as other models which I see fit to be worn. I'm also wearing Adidas Superstar to jog and they give the perfect grip as well as comfort for me at every terrain I meet. I'm not pro Adidas and I certainly love other brands, still I haven't seen a pair which can fit perfectly into my imperfect foot. If there is, I'll definitely opt for one..

A pair of Stan Smiths..

The Adidas Stan Smiths are a great pair of shoes. I have my first pair of Adidas Stan Smith a tad bigger size than my foot and it wasn't great wearing a shoe one size greater than your foot. So, after some time wearing it, I sold it off without much memories of wearing it. Since then, I've only had Adidas Superstars and the latest an Adidas Forum. 

Figure 1: Adidas Stan smith 80s.

Still searching for a well worth pair of next sneakers, the Adidas Stan Smith 80s which are shown above are iconic reproduction shoes of the vintage model. These pair of shoes which are basically made up of premium leather upper is indeed a shoes which is a must have for every sneaker head. These pair of shoes basically match up either shorts, khakis or a pair of cool jeans.

I'll probably get one soon, if it is permitted and if the design is worth for my collectibles. I have to make sure to get  the correct sizing of course. Cheers.

Had my latest pair of kicks!!

After some adventures, I left my blog outdated, just got a new pair of Adidas Forum Mid RS "Crafts Pack". Haven't tried it on for walks yet but its going on soon. I find this pair as a very light replacement of my old pair of nu-buck Timberland boots. These pair of shoes sports really thick soles not to mention boot like design. Loving the aesthetics, next is to basically break into it.

Figure 1: Leather trefoil on the tongue.

Figure 2: Nu-buck like leather and tough looking soles.

Figure 3: Comfy leg support and blue mesh innards.

Figure 3: More nu-buck and the trefoil on the soles.

Figure 4: These soles are excellent and boot-like.

Figure 5: Soles of the Adidas Forum Mid RS.

These pair of shoes are indeed a fresh warm welcome of high cuts into my soles collectibles. Its the first Adidas Originals high cut which I've been able to get my hands on to. More to come soon.

Adidas Superstar 80s Black& White Colourway

Figure 1: The vintage pair of Adidas Superstar 80s.

This is the first pair of vintage Adidas Superstar 80s which I have my hands on, this pair is an excellent pair of shoes to be out on whatever type of occasion you're in. I simply just love this shoe's simplicity, comfort as well as the quality of the material used to construct these shoes.

When I see that it has been released once again for the year 2011, it was a really great vintage colourway which I really loved to have and own, however my pair still looks great and I believe will definitely last me a long time as I really love these shoes and take extremely good care to it as they are a part of my collectibles.

My Adidas Superstar 80s OT-TECH

It's been some time since I've blogged, been struggling to balace my time with final year project as well as family as well as building up my relationship with the Creator. Since I've got a sometime to burn, I'll just write a simple review on one of the newer superstar 80s in my collection which is an original by OT-TECH, this pair of shoes inspired me that even vintage designs can be implemented in this modernized world.

Figure 1: Superstar 80s OT-TECH (Front).

This is definitely a pair of shoes for those who loves streetwear, it's simplicity definitely suites my personality, where all my favorite colours are defined in every part of the shoes, the main colour which is black is defined in the leather upper, which shows the toughness of the shoes. The leather is really tough and durable.

The white colour is defined in the white EVA sole which provides the grip and sawtooth style which is really a eye candy for an electrical engineer such as me, as I'm only used to seeing those sawtooth waves in digital signal transforms and such, really sophisticated styling which is also simple in a sense of design. These styling is rare.

Figure 2: Adidas Superstar 80s OT-TECH.

Blue which is my favorite colour is defined on the laces and also on the back part of the shoe, definitely striking and interesting contrast and mix of colours, I've only had those shoes for about a month, yet they are easily break in and are very comfortable to wear.

The Adidas Superstar 80s OT-TECH is a wonderful addition to my Adidas superstar 80s collection, shelltoes may not be everyone's cup of tea, still due to it's definition of toughness, timeless vintage design as well as an entity of art in these modern days, I've decided to collect these shoes for my personal wear and collectibles.

Figure 3: Adidas Superstar 80s OT-TECH (Hind).

The Adidas Superstar 80s which has been an original since 1969, it hits my theme of vintage collectibles and for sure more, art savvy and theme shoes of these type will be coming into my collection  .

Adidas Superstar 80s

Figure 1: Adidas Superstar 80s. Market price is RM400

Last September, due to my current vintage collection fever, I bought a pair of Adidas Superstar 80s, in which I used to dislike the appearance of shell toes and also referring it as unwearable, but after trying out a pair of Adidas Superstar II, I liked the feel of walking in a pair of those shell toes and till now it is one of my daily shoes.  

Figure 2: My pair of Adidas Superstar shell toes.

 Now this Adidas Superstar 80s are made of fully leather upper and a vintage looking rubber sole. Well, you might always guess that leather shoes are heavy and will keep your toes hot and sweaty but this is the opposite with the Adidas Superstar 80s.

Figure 3: Back view of the Adidas Superstar 80s.

The Adidas Superstar 80s are light and supple and the grip from the soles material is really good. It is a shoe that you’ll feel relaxed wearing. Since it is my first vintage superstar, there is indeed a difference wearing the Superstar II and the Superstar 80s.

Figure 4: The shelltoes of the vintage Superstar 80s.

Adidas Superstar is actually meant for playing basketball which is manufactured since 1969 and released first as a low top version of the Pro Model basketball shoes. The adidas superstar is also known as the shell toes and shell shoes for its signature rubber shell toe piece which protects the frontal part of the feet.

When the Adidas Superstar is first introduced, it was the first low-top basketball shoe to feature an all leather upper and a rubber shell toe. The shoes has caught the attention of some of the best players from NBA due to its rubber toe protection and non-marking sole.

Now the Adidas Superstar have advanced from the court to the sidewalk and have been styled and regarded as a symbol of art. The Superstar shoes have become a part of popular fashion culture and also a popular casual footwear due to its leather upper which have been developed into a wide variety of styles and colours.

So that is a little bit of history on the famous Adidas "Shell toes" which has shocken the footwear industry due to its many unique collaborations with designers and also artists. So here is my first Adidas Originals Superstar 80s which is my first collection of vintage Adidas Superstars.

Figure 5: Adidas Superstar 80s, definitely a choice for vintage collectors.