Triads I

In a world of weekly releases from the likes of Nike and adidas, it's easy for a sportswear brand to become overlooked. Saucony however, have always stayed quietly beneath the surface, renowned for comfort and quality but never quite hitting the big time in terms of mass popularity. 2013 though, will hopefully see a resurgence as the brand put forward a slew of their most revered models including the infamous Grid 9000.

It's a bold model echoing the design ideals of the 1990s but somehow still looking relevant in today's market. It's inception back then was a revelation, utilising a neoprene sock much like the coveted Nike Huarache but still appearing original and slightly unusual. This type of footwear technology is absolutely unrivalled and there have been few advancements in the comfort stakes since. In terms of aesthetic the 'Grid 9000' is daring but beautiful nonetheless. It's many panels facilitate great experimentation which could be the reason every colorway seems to come out looking so good, because almost every component can be customized to create new and exciting results.

As well as looking the part the Grid 9000 is also geared for perfromance with it offering stabilized comfort, almost hugging the foot as you pound the pavement. It was originally designed as a long distance runner so you can be confident it's more than up to the task of keeping you comfortable on your day to day errands. As we mentioned, Saucony's 2013 efforts are pretty striking and we have two excellent colourways in the Grid 9000 as well as another two in the Shadow. All are available to buy now through our website with more colourways arriving throughout the year.

Read more about Saucony Grid 9000 »

Levi's and their 'LVC' line is highly regarded among those in the know. From devoted forum types to Americana aficionados it is one of menswear's great talking points and their collections always seem to get tongues wagging. They're kind of like a sneaker brand in the sense that they always have their fans guessing which archived model they're going to re-release or which of their styles are set to make a comeback. Also similar to a sportswear brand they also have a history in toil and hard work, outfitting the nation's strongest men and hardest grafters.

Work and utility wear has always been prevalent in the brand's collections before now but for Spring & Summer '13 Levi's have sped off down a slightly different route, head first into the historic 'Hot Rod' scene. Famed for their flash cars and fiery engines, it is easy to overlook the participants attire. However, closer inspection with a keen eye reveals that the racers were actually impeccably dressed as well as impeccably driven. From a fresh pair of Levi's to a piece of embellished shirting, both the drivers and spectators looked the part when it came to race-day and that's what Levi's have paid homage to.

It's a bold collection which is heavily centred around the culture's main epicentre, the United States. The stars and stripes feature on numerous occasions and traditional materials are used for that authentic American aesthetic. The offering is a comprehensive one and there are a number of versatile t-shirts and sweatshirts to layer with the more jazzier shirts enabling day to day wear. As you might expect the denim is also well considered and even sees one of favourite models make a welcome return. The 605 is a skinny silhouette and arguably the most contemporary pair on the LVC roster. This year we see them in a wearable 'Heavy Rain' wash which seems to gel well with everything we've put them to. Levi's are experts when it comes to crafting collections that both impress and perform so you can be confident that for every crazy piece there is a grounded piece waiting to go with it. Anyway, that's quite enough talking about it (we did warn you) so take a look at our full range here in the coming days and don't forget to tell us what you think on Facebook.

Read more about Levi's Vintage Clothing Spring & Summer '13 »

Raf Simons & Fred Perry just can't leave each other alone. They're like that couple that just keep getting back together, except they actually work incredibly well in unison. In the past their collaborative efforts have churned out edgy, sophisticated and cutting edge and this year they've done the same. From panther print to block colouring the two have played around with some interesting stuff and the results are stunning.

On top of visual appeal the collection also showcases some futuristic design elements as two of the polo shirts boast removable collars. We hear you asking what's a polo shirt without a collar? Well, there's two...so how about that? This quirky innovation also extends to the bomber jacket which also boasts the same nifty little feature as well as the added bonus of a dash of floral print. All the garments are highly appropriate for season and crafted with wearability and comfort in mind to prevent the wearer from becoming a victim of fashion.

Raf Simons is a guy that definitely knows what he's doing with a needle and thread and it's pretty incredible that he's even found time to put this collection out! Juggling work for Christian Dior with work for his own mainline efforts, his talents are spread pretty wide. We're appreciative that he squeezed this one in though as we've only just realised one collar won't quite cut it anymore. You can shop our full collection here and tell us what you think on Facebook.

Read more about Raf Simons x Fred Perry Spring & Summer '13 »

Did you know that all of the amazing technology the Puma Disc System boasts actually stems from a case of boredom? Well, we're guessing there's a little more to it than that but that's what one of the brand's vintage print ads might suggest. Harnessing all the technical ability and extensive research of a team of German engineers the 'Disc System' opened mouths in the early 90's and has been continuing to do so ever since. Granted the shoes aesthetic may go over the heads of those with only a fleeting interest in footwear, but the true connoisseurs definitely know what time it is when it comes to this classic design.

It's a shoe that has come a long way since it's inception and the design team behind this year's rejuvenated models have done a fantastic job at blessing it with some new relevance. Although many have shunned the model for it's previously bulky looks, these days it is light and nimble, making it appropriate for athletic pursuits as well as styling on the streets. From Usain Bolt to famous lady long jumpers it's always been a shoe for the forward thinking and fast moving. In the past we've seen it dressed up in all kinds of manners, some slightly more crazy than others. We won't go into detail but from The Goonies to pink Cheetah print, it's fair to say we've seen it all. 2013 looks like a positively restrained year for the model however, as we see it in two equally attractive and versatile colourways. It's a limited affair and judging by the response on our Facebook and Instagram pages the demand is alarmingly high.

It's not all about looks though and we couldn't pen a blog post about them without schooling you on how they actually work. More than just a pair of shoes they are to be looked upon as a scientific marvel. By turning that unassuming disc on the tongue the wearer has the ultimate ability to comfortably alter the whole fit of the shoe, gently tweaking it to suit the foot and it's needs. We won't bore you with physics but basically the hidden wires begin to constrict, pulling the shoe tighter and resulting in customized comfort wear after wear.

So, there you have it. Two colourways. One fantastic technology. Are you 'Turned On' yet? You can take a look at the Puma Disc Blaze here.

Read more about Puma Disc Blaze February '13 »

We've already told you about the 'Totem Pack' but we've just taken delivery of yet more madness for Spring & Summer '13. Our latest delivery of the adidas originals x Jeremy Scott collaboration justifies re-working that old phrase, "as mad as a box of monkeys". From now on we're going to say "as mad as a box of Jeremy Scott". We've seen some really outlandish footwear in our time but both the 'Street Ball' and the 'Chinese New Year Wings' well and truly take the proverbial biscuit.

The first silhouette we'll tell you about is the 'Street Ball'. Jeremy has used this model a few seasons ago but the latest make-up surpasses what the previous version did and goes eyes closed and all guns blazing into a storm of colour and texture. From furry zebra print panels to faux scales, it's a mismatched affair and one you really have to see to believe. As crazy as it may be, it's one of the most sought after shoes of recent times so if they tickle your fancy it's probably best not to hang around.

The next one up is the Chinese New Year edition of the ever popular and thoroughly inimitable 'Wings'. Loosely based on a basketball profile it has become an iconic silhouette since it's inception and a pair of wings these days can fetch as much money as they can intrigue. This particular edition is adorned with an embroidered silk upper utilising suitably Far Eastern hues. The only signs of restraint come into play on the sole which is a traditional adidas basketball sole, hard wearing and long lasting. The 'CNY Wings' have been designed with the helping hands of Eason Chan, a guy we're told has quite the voice, a leading man in his 'Cantopop' genre. He's also a guy that has sold out gigs faster than Lady Gaga, a guy with over 30 albums under his belt and a guy that's starred in over 20 films to boot. Jeremy and Eason have been acquaninted for years now and what better way to commemorate their on going friendship than a special footwear drop? Anyway, we'll leave you with one of his classics and a link to the shoes. Enjoy.

Read more about adidas originals x Jeremy Scott 'Street Ball & CNY Wings' »