Latest news with #sneakerhead
Forbes
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Nike Dunk X LEGO (43008) Review: A Strangely Satisfying Set
The Nike Dunk x LEGO 43008 set is a joy to build, and looks great anywhere. When the Nike Dunk x LEGO (43008) set was first revealed in late May, one question immediately came to mind: who is it actually for? According to Nike and LEGO, it's for everyone — and after you've built it, you'll find it hard to disagree. As one of the more overtly promotional LEGO creations in recent memory, this modular, three-part Nike Dunk x LEGO (43008) set for ages 10 and above — the first of several builds launched as part of the duo's summertime partnership — kicks off the pair's joint initiative to promote youth sport and creative play, unsurprisingly complementing this drive with co-branded apparel and bricks. However cynical you may be about this set, it isn't LEGO's first collaboration with a massive sportswear brand. It presumably signals the end of its work with Adidas, which reached a high and/or low with the bizarre and somewhat ugly Adidas Originals Superstar (10282), complete with actual laces. It bore only a passing resemblance to the shoe (even the 40486 miniature LEGO Superstar promo set was more recognizable); LEGO 10282 will be remembered as an 18+ set for a niche audience of Run-DMC fans and anyone else who liked street clothes popularized over 40 years ago (guilty!). Unlike the LEGO Superstar, and whether you're a sneakerhead or not, the Nike set isn't just great to look at — it's an absolute pleasure to build. Three's no crowd The Nike Dunk x LEGO (43008) set comes in at 1,180 bricks, separated into three separate builds over ten bags: the Nike Dunk shoe (bags one to three), the Dunk stand (four to seven), and the rotating basketball (eight to ten). With three separate instruction booklets, it's a good project for families or groups to work on together. Choose your weapon. Straight out of the box — thankfully, another sliding-lid package that avoids you having to tear it open — you realize that LEGO is still in a transitional phase with its sustainable packaging. The excellent Mario and Standard Kart (72037) set went all-in on the paper-style packets, but the Nike LEGO set still has plastic polybags. Still, there's a sustainability advert in the instruction booklets, which themselves are wrapped in a new-style paper pack. One thing immediately worth noting about the build as a whole is that it comes in at around 8.5 cents per block, which is great value for a branded set — especially a debut collaboration with another major label like Nike — but from the first moments of the build, it's surprising how many large pieces there are, particularly with the 'DUNK' stand. Giving it the boot The star of the show — the Nike Dunk — is first up. You know it's going to be a good build when the first bag has only four stud bricks. Over these three packs, you get to appreciate a combination of clever design and outright simplicity. The build itself is surprisingly quick, and the only part of the set that requires stickers. There are 18 in all, with eight for each set of laces, and a further pair for the top strap eyelets; the toecap, tongue, rear, and foothole cover are all printed. It's a steady but occasionally tricky build. The tongue uses a Technic-style hinge to reveal the central compartment, but you never feel like you've placed it back correctly. The Nike swooshes are a bit hard to attach until you realize they line up with the back design. The heel cap, too, is prone to exploding in your hands due to the force you need to put on two side-by-side 90-degree-curve towers, which are only connected at the top and bottom. The toe and heel caps connect perfectly. The most impressive technical feat of the entire Nike Dunk x LEGO build can be found on the toecap and heel connectors: incredibly clever, light-touch solutions that combine the classic modified 1x2 horizontal clip (6313116) with the 1x2 hinge clip (6266209), providing just enough resistance to keep it in place while allowing for easy separation with minimal force and no wiggling. Admittedly, though, the 'storage' chambers are a little silly. The toe cap seems purposefully reserved for the bonus extra teal-sea-colored laces for 'custom color swap-outs,' which I personally don't think match the set. You also can't use it as a pen pot. Luckily, the instructions and promo videos suggest wireless headphones or keys; Nike suggests 'championship rings.' Hmm. The Nike Dunk x LEGO 43008 set's Dunk shoe from above. The Nike Dunk's biggest strength is its symmetry. Whereas the much larger Superstar was modelled after a right foot, this keeps things simple, meaning it's gorgeous from any angle. Making a stand The real value of the set comes with the DUNK display. Building up from a subtle exclamation mark base, the Nike Dunk x LEGO (43008) set's middle four bags are full of chunky pieces, but they're still delicately used to deliver the effortless italicization of the 'DUNK' letters. The DUNK stand taking shape. It takes you a little while to fully appreciate it, but by bag six, you really respect the cleverness of the display — it's a feat of engineering, and you see where the LEGO team has carefully prioritized sturdiness while simultaneously preserving the final finish. Topping things off is the basketball's mechanism, which is tucked away at the back and overlaps the stand's brace piece. It doesn't work until the final stage, and you've got an ironically deflating finish to the build before you see it in action. Not having a ball The Nike Dunk x LEGO 43008 set ends on the most boring part of the build. The basketball looks great once everything's said and done, but it's repetitive and technical, with multiple smaller pieces that demand your full attention — I don't make building mistakes often, but I had three during this final section. The Nike Dunk x LEGO basketball build is tricky. The center of the construction is a surprisingly strong six-way Technic spoke, which makes the build look more like an orange TIE Fighter after you've completed the first two panels. Still, you once again appreciate the design of the basketball's iconic black lines, and a single hole for the connector piece, which slots straight into the stand without affecting the ball's design. Much like the Dunk shoe, this section is surprisingly heavy, but it feels safe and secure, and no amount of fast spinning will throw the build off its center of gravity. The rear of the set. Fun for everyone When it's all said and done, the Nike Dunk x LEGO (43008) set is stunning to look at, and just about the right size — given the DUNK lettering already makes it a statement piece, you wouldn't want it any bigger. There are a couple of criticisms. The storage elements of the Nike Dunk are remarkably limited, so don't buy this if you expressly hope to use it as a desk tidy. Similarly, it's hard to understand why Nike and LEGO have emphasized the ability to swap four blue, three-piece laces for a quartet of slightly different green ones, which themselves don't look all that great on a high-top that's essentially perfect in a two-tone finish. Finally, if you're building it as a group and you're the sole adult, let the younger ones build the shoe and stand — those final three bags are a bit of a chore. Still, my head's been turned by this one. The Nike Dunk x LEGO 43008 set is a joy to build and looks great anywhere. It'll be interesting to see where the Nike x LEGO partnership goes next; Air Jordans may be too similar, and Air Max may be a little dull. The NBA may be an obvious next step — both for collectible team-based minifigs, or maybe we'll see something like the Icons of Play (40634), but on a basketball court. The minifigure from this Nike Dunk set would fit right in.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nike Announces Release Dates For Jordan Gamma 11s and Bugs Bunny 8s
Nike Announces Release Dates For Jordan Gamma 11s and Bugs Bunny 8s originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The king of the sneaker world announced two highly anticipated releases scheduled for the vague 'Holiday 2025'. As it turns out, the Air Jordan 11 'Gamma' will be released on December 13 while the Air Jordan 8 'Bugs Bunny' is scheduled to release seven days later on December 20. Advertisement On the surface this should seem like sneakerhead catnip. With so many shoes being released in 2025 by Nike, one would think this is great news. The potential of scoring the Gamma 11s and the Bugs Bunny 8s absolutely moves the sneakerhead needle. The concern is that it does not allow consumers to recover. Grails are typically what gets someone into becoming a sneakerhead to begin with. For the uninitiated, a 'Grail' (as in 'holy grail') is a shoe an individual sneakerhead puts an irrationally high value on. In many cases a shoe will have limited quantities, usually high priced, rare or hard to find. It also suggests an all consuming need to find and purchase said shoe. In either case, the Gamma 11s or the Bugs Bunny 8s are both models most sneakerheads will want to buy. With many of those millions of people viewing either or both as a personal grail. Think Captain Ahab pursuing Moby Dick. The Space Jam connection is curious. Neither shoe technically falls under a colorway from the 90s film. However, there is a connection. The Jordan 8 began an affection for Looney Tunes, which many have speculated was a test balloon for a future Warner Bros project. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Advertisement The 8s have two primary colorways that lead the rest. The Aqua (releasing in July) and Bugs Bunny. The ones tied to the affectionate animated rabbit is essentially the 8s white version with reds and greys throughout. The Aqua is the mostly black version. Three years later, Nike would release the Jordan 11. Related: Hornets' Final Decision on LaMelo Ball Top Priority After NBA Draft Which would go on to become the single most iconic sneaker in human history. In the movie Space Jam, the mostly black Jordan 11s seen in that movie would take on that name. 'The Space Jam 11s'. The Gamma is not that exactly. The outsole and logo details are 'gamma blue', but the rest of it is almost the Space Jam 11s. Making this release date quandary interesting to say the least. Related: Hornets Projected to Trade Up in Latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft Both grails, the Bugs Bunny 8s and the Gamma 11s, will assuredly sell out virtually immediately due to the demand of these specific colorways. If regular sneakerheads hope to secure these, it will be a rough November-December and they are advised to prepare for what feels like a double release or a 'pack' release. Come December, sneakerheads have the opportunity to check two grails off their list of must haves. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
CNET
14-06-2025
- General
- CNET
Clean Your White Sneakers So They Look Brand-New With These 7 Easy Steps
I'm known for being quite a sneakerhead and for wearing a colorful array of Adidas Gazelles and Nike Air Force 1 shoes. But that doesn't mean I don't also appreciate my trusty white sneakers. In fact, I wear my all-white Pumas almost every day. Why? Well, they're comfortable and supportive and they work with just about any outfit, making them my go-to travel shoes. In the past year alone, I've taken my white sneakers to bustling London, rainy Scotland, chilly San Francisco, peaceful Savannah, Georgia, and eight states in the southeast of the US. Although my shoes have gotten me around the world comfortably, my once pristine white kicks are now a gross dishwater gray. Although I'm one of those people who will wear sneakers until they're literally falling apart, sporting dirty white sneakers isn't always the bold fashion statement I want to make. Instead of throwing my shoes away and buying another $60 pair, I can clean them for much less so they look as close to brand new as possible. I can't permanently remove crease lines, but I can get rid of dirt, scuffs and other signs of wear and tear. Here are the steps I use to clean dirty white shoes and make them look new again. Read more: Here's How to Clean Your Dirty Running Shoes Without Ruining Them What you need to clean your white shoes You need very few materials to get your white shoes back in tip-top shape. These items are probably all lying around your home: Water Bleach Three bowls Toothpaste (optional) Clean cloth or sponge White vinegar or baking soda Mild detergent or shoe cleaner Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush Magic Eraser or a similar cleaning sponge How to clean your white shoes You can use several methods. Following these steps should help to refresh your white shoes and make them look new again. Step 1: Remove accessories and bleach laces Start by removing shoelaces and any inserts from the shoes. Set shoes aside because you'll start with bleaching laces. To prepare the solution, mix 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water in a large bowl. I recommend you use oxygen-based bleach, which is safe for white and colored laces. Place the laces in the bowl with the mixture and let sit for up to an hour. You can finish the following steps in the meantime. Step 2: Remove loose particles Back to the shoes. Use a dry soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently brush off any loose dirt or debris from the sides and bottom of the shoes. I recommend doing this step over a trash can for easy cleanup. Step 3: Spot clean exterior For tough stains, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water or baking soda and water in the other bowl. Either mixture works just as well and which one you pick really depends on what you have more readily available. Apply this solution to the outside of the shoes and gently scrub with a clean brush or cloth. Step 4: Wash the shoes Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water in another bowl. You could also use a store-bought shoe cleaner for this step. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the solution and gently scrub the entire shoe surface, working from the top to the sides, then the bottom. Bonus tip for fabric shoes: If the shoes are still discolored, you can try using toothpaste on the fabric parts. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stains, scrub gently with a brush and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Step 5: Rinse and dry Use a clean, soft cloth to remove any mixture residue. Let the shoes air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. While they dry, remove the laces from the bleach solution. Rinse the laces in cold water, then wash them by hand or in the washing machine. Step 6: Brighten the soles For rubber soles, you can use a Magic Eraser to brighten them up and remove any remaining scuffs. Step 7: Replace accessories Once the shoes and laces are completely dry, reinsert the clean shoelaces and any other accessories removed from the shoes. Voila. Now your shoes look new (or at least as close to new as possible). How often you should clean your white shoes The frequency with which you clean your shoes will depend on how often you wear them and the conditions in which they are worn, but here are some general guidelines to follow: Always wipe down your white shoes with a water-dampened cloth after wearing them in the rain or as soon as you notice any discoloration marks. Store your shoes inside in a dry place to prevent discoloration or molding. Do a light cleaning every two weeks or so. Deep clean every six weeks or so. All of these tips will ensure that stains don't set in over time, which can make cleaning them more difficult, and keep your shoes wearable for longer. Can you clean white shoes in a washing machine? Hand-washing shoes is usually the best practice but some white sneakers and shoes are safe in the washing machine. To check, find the care label usually located on the underside of the tongue. It should tell you if you can machine-wash or not. Shoes made of leather, suede, rubber and vinyl should never be put in the washing machine. Cotton, nylon and polyester shoes are normally safe in the machine, but if you're unsure, definitely err on the side of caution and hand-wash. For more cleaning tips, explore our guides on the best way to clean a yoga mat and how to clean your workout clothes.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Teenagers camp out overnight and brave '15 hour' queues in the pouring rain to get their hands on brand new Nike trainers
Teenagers desperate to get the newly released Nike trainers were braving 15 hour queues and camping overnight in the pouring rain. Hundreds lined the streets of Liverpool to get their hands on Air Max 95s, also commonly known as 110s. A winding queue leading up to the Liverpool One shopping centre saw several tents and camping equipment as eager shoppers readied themselves this morning when the doors opened at 8am for the new Nike Mandarin trainers. The boys travelled from far and wide for the chance to snag a pair—some as far as three hours away from Cumbria. Tom Clarehugh came from Ainsdale and made it to the front of the ever-growing queue. He started camping out on the night before on Thursday from 4.30pm. The Nike fan said he has about six pairs of 110s but is looking for a 'fresh new pair' after he wore them all out at festivals, he told the Liverpool Echo. While others reported they had 'not slept' while camping out for Nike's latest shoes. The store sold out of the £175 special edition shoes, which were only stocking 118 pairs and shoppers were only allowed to buy one each. Only a handful of people were allowed in the shop at the same time in order to manage the crowds and limited stock. Staff opened the shop an hour early for shoppers to salvage what they could and shortly after they emerged with bags of the sought-after trainers. The in demand trainers have already gone on sale for hundreds more - with some flogging them for up to £800 - almost four times the original price. The new Nike Mandarin trainers were created to celebrate '30 years of the iconic silhouette,' based on the 1987 edition, which saw the birth of the Air Max lineage. Young Liverpudlians famously love Nike's 95s comes from the city's football culture which is often drawn from when it comes to shoe style. Alongside the release today, Nike also surprised fans with the 'Reverse Neon' edition - flipping the classic OG colourway. The limited edition trainers were also sold in shops across London, Manchester and Glasgow.
