1. Retro Running
What it means: Asics and New Balance will not only be for true runners but will be necessary for sneaker collectors.
Pros: More comfortable shoes for sneakerheads to wear around town. Dual use (casual + sport).
Cons: There aren't unique stories that define these two brands. Stories about sneakers are what attracts people to purchase and collect them. (Air Jordans - I remember watching him play in certain shoes - those are the sneakers that I buy)
2. Kobe Retros
What it means: Versions of his old sneakers are coming back to life due to the popularity of the Prelude Pack and his highly anticipated '97 slam dunk shoe. This is crazy, Kobe is only 35 and they are already retro'ing his shoes.
Pros: Kobe shoes have unique images on the back (rabbit, turtle, frog) and come in crazy colors. Also these Kobe retros will be in high-top as well.
Cons: I own a pair of Kobe 8's and they are not comfortable. You won't find me buying another pair of Kobe's.
What it means: Less products sold at mom and pop shops and more sneakers sold from company owned retail ie: Nike Store. There is rumor about the introduction of a Jordan Brand retail store in NYC - Flight 23.
Pros: Easier access to shoes for all levels of sneakerheads. Better regulation of sales and less price hikes. More inventory. FINALLY a Jordan Brand store.
Cons: Big box stores make sneaker finds less unique. For many sneakerheads The Nike store is not a huge destination as the store is too mainstream. Sneakerheads have a special connection to the small businesses strive as they offer special sets of sneakers giving the owner social currency for the purchase. Also the smaller sneaker stores have a more devoted and dedicated sales force ie: people at foot locker don't give a shit about the shoes.
4. Running Technology in Basketball
What it means: Flyknit technology infused in the Kobe 9's. Adidas is introducing boost cushioning and Lunarlon is now a mainstay in Nike basketball shoes.
Pros: Many basketball shoes, especially Jordan's, are not comfortable to wear on the court. Maybe this will help.
Cons: These advances in running technology might hinder the design concepts of classic basketball shoes. Or at least anger and annoy sneaker enthusiasts/purists.
5. High-End Footwear by Performance Brands
What it means: High-end shoes from Nike and Adidas. Not really sure what that means as Nike has recently sold off it's failed venture with Cole Hann. Kayne and Rick Owens are rumored to be working with Adidas Originals and Givenchy Creative Director Riccardo Tisci is working with Nike.
Pros: Sneakerheads will be able to branch out to new styles and fits. More unique colors, styles and most importantly fabrics.
Cons: Even more overpriced shoes flood the market. High design is not a staple of sneakers and these designers are pretty much foreign to the average sneakerhead - Me.
6. Running Tech in Skate Shoes
What it means: Nike Skateboarding has been stuck in the same style look ever since its inception THis infusion of tech may gives Nike SB a chance to compete in the performance arena. Nike Air Bags are now in SB shoes and many have Lunarlon cushioning.
Pros: More dynamic shoes for actual perfomance. Possible opportunity to take it further and bring in Nike+ to track movements and air time of skateboarders.
Cons: Do skateboarders care? They are traditionally anti-corportaion and may not look to Nike as the authority on SB shoes.
7. Retros Worn w/ On Court Styling
What it means: Sneakers will now come with accessories that mimicked exactly how the player wore them on the court. From the way Jordan tied his laces, the white tube socks he wore or the black socks worn by the Fab Five with their Nike Force shoes. There is also rumors about matching shorts and tops to go with these on court classics.
Pros: More stuff to cop. Gets the sneakerhead closer to the authentic version of the shoe. The kit is most important and details matter.
Cons: When is too much stuff really too much? People may not be interested in wearing white tube socks like MJ, that style just may never come back. This is definitly for a niche group of sneakerheads.
8. Classic Tennis Footwear
What it means: The return of the classic on court swoosh models such as Nike Agassi, Huarache and Air Tech Challenge. Also the return of color palletes like neon, pastel and hot lava.
Pros: Tennis is a sport that hasn't had much exposure to the sneakerhead culture. Might be ripe for the taking. Tennis also has had some of the most famous and polarizing figures of all time. Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Boris Becker and Timmy Chang. Many people would want to be rocking sneakers from those one of a kind athletes.
Cons: Tennis is still a very niche sport. It would be similar to having a signature off the course golf shoe, just not much desire for it. This could be a wild swing-and-miss if these classics are not adopted and translated into lifestyle shoes.
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