While growing up in San Fernando Valley, Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod) would take his skateboard to the loading dock at his local Albertsons supermarket and practice tricks. Fast forward a handful of years and Paul Rodriguez was blessed with a signature shoe from Nike SB. Then, the greatest designer to ever blueprint a bubble decided to put his own hands on the first Nike P-Rod. Sir Tinker Hatfield is the architect and designer who fused elements of the first P-Rod sneakers with cement print and the Air Jordan logo. Hatfield’s creation is known today as the Tinker-Rod. Pictured here is a rare sample of the sneakers with the Albersons supermarket logo etched in the toe-box. We heard a rumor that there was a sample made in P-Rod’s size with the Albersons logo, but had never seen a photo (until today). These sneakers are currently for sale on the ‘bay! Via: djfunkfusion

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First Lady Michelle Obama loves her Lanvin Cap Toe sneakers! She’s been spotted twice rockin’ these designer sneaks and caught some slack for being seen in such a pricey shoe. These casual yet chic sneakers have been all over the media after the First Lady was photographed in them. The green leather sneaker has a metallic green/patent cap toe, grey grosgrain ribbon laces and a rubber sole; the grey trim simply sets these shoes off. Design style is classic, while the colors make the sneaker really stand out. The Cap Toe sneakers are a fashion-savvy girl’s dream. They can be worn to the office or running errands on the weekend. The Lanvin Cap Toe sneakers retail for $585 at Barneys NY.

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Alessandro Dell’Acqua is another fashion designer to capitalize on the demand for luxe sneakers.  His spring 2009 collection includes a line of high and low tops.  Like Lanvin and YSL, Alessandro Dell’Acqua keeps the design style of the sneaker classic and uses embellishments (patent leather, velcro straps and hardware) to make the shoe pop.  The white leather and Vernice Blue patent shown above comes in other variations including nylon and patent leather. Alessandro Dell’Acqua Patent Leather Sneaker retails for $393.

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Kanye West’s line of men’s sneakers for luxury brand Louis Vuitton aka Louis Vuitton Dons has reportedly shipped to stores and has a release date of July 1st. Sadly the Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Women’s sneakers featured by on his blog back in January 09 seems to never made it past the sample room floor. Wonder why his women’s shoe didn’t make it into production. I wasn’t in love with the sample, not a huge fan of a tassel, but ladies like their luxury sneaks too. What really would be hot is if Kanye did a matching bag and sneaker! Maybe the shoe will be released once Louis Vuitton gages how well the men’s line does. The Kanye West x Louis Vuitton line for men is pricey, ranging from $975-$1140.

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