words // Brandon Richard

An instant classic when it originally released in 1997, the Nike Air Foamposite One seemingly sees an increase in popularity with each passing year. Part of the iconic Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway signature line, the futuristic Nike basketball shoes feature an innovative foam-constructed upper and still seems to be ahead of its time today. Tonight, the Foamposite One will debut in a new “Metallic Red” colorway, and you’ll be able to pick up your pair here at Eastbay.

To celebrate tonight’s highly anticipated Foamposite release, Sole Shots has gathered some of the best Foam photography from members of the Sole Collector Forums and sneakerheads from around the world. Things start off with the new “Metallic Red” colorway and continue with various colorways from the beloved line.

What are your favorite Foamposites? Share with us in the comment section below.

Dirty Soles, New York City

Pat Lauder aka quickster, Gilroy, California

Bryan Rivera, Bergen County

YOUNG SHERLOCK, New York City

chiukoala, Tainan, Taiwan

Igor PlaiO, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Supa aka flowrida, Teaneck, New Jersey

Jose Polanco, Lyndhurst, New Jersey

PBS The Photographer, Queens Village, New York

M.J. Rodriguez aka mjrod1985, Honolulu, Hawaii

Angel Navedo aka NamedAngel, Spanish Harlem, New York

Dee Felix, College Park, Georgia

Elias aka iNcOgNiToKiD, Bronx, New York

young_sherlock, Washington D.C.

Paid2Shoot, Rochelle Park, New Jersey

If you’re interested in submitting your photos for Sole Shots, e-mail us at eastbaysoleshots@solecollector.com. Please include your name and location with your submissions. You also have the option of providing us with a link to your online photo album or website to link back to when we post your work.  You do not have to be a registered member of Sole Collector to participate.

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Arriving in New Jersey after a mid-season trade from the Utah Jazz last season, point guard Deron Williams is spending his first full season as a member of the Nets. With a young roster and injury woes, the road has been rocky, but help may be on the way in the form of soon-to-be free agent Dwight Howard. Do the Nets have what it takes to lure Superman before their move to Brooklyn next year?

While the future may be bright, Deron has been grinding out this season in PE colorways of the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Low. This particular colorway, spotted on his feet during the Nets’ home games, sports a Cool Grey synthetic upper with bright Sport Red Swoosh branding on the side panels. Midnight Navy works the tongue, collar and external heel counter, while an ‘Unstoppable’ print lines the interior. While handles the midsole and sits atop a part navy, part translucent rubber outsole.

Stop by Eastbay to pick up Deron Williams’ Nike basketball shoes today.

Available: Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Low PE – Deron Williams Home

Deron Williams wearing the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Low.

Game image via ESPN

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Officially releasing today at Eastbay is the much-anticipated “Cool Grey” Nike LeBron 9.

Taking inspiration from last year’s “Pre-Dunkman” colorway of the 8 V/2, the innovative LeBron 9 is hit with a combination of Cool Grey, White and Metallic Silver. Cool Grey and black work most of the Flywire upper, while white adds the perfect amount of contrast on the Swoosh, tongue signature and outsole down below. Cool Grey also takes care of the midsole and liner, completing another impressive colorway of the LeBron 9 Nike Basketball shoes.

The “Cool Grey” Nike LeBron 9 is now available for purchase from Eastbay.

Available: Nike LeBron 9 – Cool Grey/White-Metallic Silver

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Jordan CP3.V | The Low For Everybody

words // Zac Dubasik
images // Nick DePaula

At first glance, the changes from last year’s CP3.IV to this year’s CP3.V seem minimal. The CP3.IV almost appears like it could have been an earlier sample for the V. And in a way, I guess that’s accurate. This is much more of an evolutionary than revolutionary design. It may not be a major design shift or breakthrough, but the V’s small tweaks have led to improved performance in pretty much every possible area. The IV had potential, but was flawed. The V nailed just about everything.

One of my biggest gripes with the IV was its collar cut. It fell somewhere in that area of not low or high enough, and ended up just being uncomfortable. It didn’t offer the range-of-motion benefits of a low, nor the perceived support benefits of a mid. It kind of just fell in a no-mans land of 5/8ths discomfort. The collar on the V isn’t drastically lower, and unless you hold them next to each other, it may be hard to even see a difference. But the change is huge on the court. The CP3.V offered outstanding range of motion. The collar foam isn’t as secure and perfect as the gold standard – the Kobe line – but when laced tightly, offered excellent lockdown.

The entire Flywire upper provided excellent lockdown, and over 3 ounces in weight reduction compared to last year’s CP3.IV. The shape of its last is more generally accommodating, and less sleek, than that of the best fitting shoes out there, but in turn, it should fit a wider range of players. The only real issue caused was that when laced extremely tight to get the best fit, I had comfort issues with too much lace pressure. The only other negative with the upper was some minor pinching at the flex point, which, thanks to the materials and pattern, was reminiscent of the Hyperdunk 2010’s flex point issue. This one isn’t nearly as much of an issue, but worth noting.

The next area of improvement over the IV was the traction. It’s not that the pattern or materials were bad on the IV, but thanks to the bi-level design, aimed at highlighting the Podulon cushioning system, there just wasn’t enough rubber touching the floor at times. This has been completely corrected with a flat and leveled forefoot outsole on the V, which provided excellent traction in all directions. I felt like I wanted to cut in them – always a sign of confidence in traction.

Cushioning wise, I’m a big fan of Podulon. As far as foam-based cushionings go, it’s probably my favorite. The dual-density based Podulon is extremely smooth, and offers just the right amount of protection, without being too soft. It’s not exactly responsive, but about as close as it gets in a foam. Both the heel and forefoot cushioning provided excellent protection, but also maintained a high level of court feel. Add to that a large TPU midfoot shank, and you’ve got an outstanding tooling that is fast, has excellent transition, and is still very supportive.

The Zoom Kobe IV launched a low-top revolution. It wasn’t the first low-top signature shoe, but it was the first one to be so widely accepted. And if you’ve been paying any attention to the NBA over the past few seasons, you’ve seen players of all shapes and sizes hitting the courts in lows. The CP3.V may not be the fastest and most minimal of its low-top siblings, but I did find it to be the most supportive – and in a good way. For small and fast players, it offers the speed and range of motion that lows are known for. What’s so impressive though is that for larger players, it offers a level of support and security not typically found in a low. The CP3.V is an easy recommendation for all players who favor low-tops, but an especially strong recommendation for larger and stronger players who do.

Grade Breakout:

designed by: Tom Luedecke

best for: Players of all sizes who prefer a low-top

colorway tested: Black / White / Stealth

key tech: TPU midfoot shank, Flywire upper, dual-density Podulon cushioning system, 3/4-length innersleeve

pros: Cushioning, weight, range of motion, stability

cons: Lace pressure, flex point pressure

improvements: Thin and targeted padding on tongue to aid in comfort; more refined last

buying advice: The CP3.V may have the logo of one of the game’s fastest players, but this shoe isn’t exclusively for speedy point guards. The Zoom Kobe IV made it acceptable for players of all positions to start wearing low-tops

Available: Jordan CP3.V

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words // Luis Sanchez

Continuing his great play this season, Brandon Jennings and the Bucks were able to overcome 40 first quarter points from the Heat for a 105-97 victory last night. On point from beyond the arch, Brandon Jennings hit 7 three pointers to lead the Bucks with 31 points, 8 assists and no turnovers. Drew Gooden also made a huge difference for the Bucks, putting in 17 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.

The Oklahoma City Thunder also continued their run as the NBA’s current best, taking down the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks 95-86. Russell Westbrook led the Thunder to victory with 33 points, while Kevin Durant put in 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Serge Ibaka also had a huge night, blocking a career-high 10 shots in the Thunder’s latest victory.

Enjoy a look at all the action below, as part of our latest NBA Sneaker Watch.

Photos via: Y! Sports

Brandon Jennings drives in the Under Armour Micro G Bloodline.

Drew Gooden puts up a shot in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI.

Another look at Brandon Jennings in the Micro G Bloodline Under Armour Basketball shoes.

Chris Paul had a season-high 34 points in a PE colorway of the Jordan Cp3.V.

Kevin Durant goes up for a lay-up in the Nike Zoom KD IV.

Blake Grifin gets the slam in a PE colorway of the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011.

Mario Chalmers wrestles for a loose ball in the “Countdown Pack” XIX  Jordan shoes.

Russell Westbrook led the way for the Thunder in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011.

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