Look familiar? Most of us see them as the T-Mac II (2), which was the original concept with a few tweaks. But adidas took a page out of the book of Mark Morrison with the name, the adidas Return of the Mac. Quite the fitting name for the 3-striped classic inspired by former Magic, Tracy McGrady’s old signature shoe. The adidas RTM features similar uppers with full grain and perforated leather, similar stripe patterns on the toe box, and low cut silhouette. What’s different here however, is the elimination of the thick inner sock liner with T-Macs signature logo, replaced 3 stripe arrangement on the midfoot and lighter midsole with updated traction control. Take it back to his glory days by purchasing these at Finish Line for $65.

-J2!

The 2006 NBA All-Star Game and its celebrity-oriented festivities proved to be an eventful weekend for the NBA’s leading studs. adidas frontman and Houston Rockets forward Tracy McGrady was blessed by the Three Stripes with his own special-make up pair of the T-Mac V in white/blue/red to match the uniforms and color scheme of the public relations extravaganza. The shoe is a tasteful blend of high-quality synthetic leather and patent leather, with the “Houston All-Star 2006″ logo highlighting the shoe’s prominent overhanging support strap. Wood cut-outs mark the heel and midfoot of the shoe, and coincided wonderfully with Adi’s “See Wood…” campaign. You can grab your pair on eBay here!

On Tuesday November 4, 2008, the world will change forever. (I would say nation, but America always seems to be getting into some global skirmish or another.) Prominent politicians John McCain and Barack Obama will square off in the political arena, vying for the spot as top diplomatic dog in our wonderful nation; on the hardwood, behemoth ballplayers Tracy McGrady and Kevin Garnett will be battling it out in a game that will probably be nothing more than meaningless fodder. At least they’ll be playing in some righteous kicks.

T-Mac and KG will be sporting two exclusive “pro-vote” oriented shoes that evening, the former rolling out in a pair of TS Creators, the latter in TS Commanders. McGrady’s product is toned up in a white base, but is distinguished by both red and white/blue “Star” accents. His signature emblem is nestled underneath the shoe’s ankle collar. One of adidas’ two mantras for the evening, “Change is Needed, Vote ’08,” is stitched onto the heel.

First-time champion Kevin Garnett will play in his ultra-sturdy TS Commander design on the fourth. With “Embrace Change, Vote ‘08” ingrained along the upper ankle, the shoe is complimented nicely by a white upper, green branding, and the glossy “Stars” that mark McGrady’s pair.

November 4, 2008 will undoubtedly be a night of epic transformation. When I look at this limited duo on a deeper level, I don’t see two ballplayers wearing election-oriented kicks, rather, I see two high-school graduates reveling in their ability to vote! That’s right folks— whether you’re a high school graduate or not, doctor, or even a millionaire—get out there, do your part, and vote! The Three Stripes has no plans to release these one-night only kicks, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated of any changes.

Today we have a preview of the new adidas TS Creator line (thanks to our friends at Dime Magazine). Tracy McGrady and Chauncey Billups received special makeups of these lightweight sneakers, which are primarily a guards’ shoe. A great number of basketball players agree that adidas produces the top performance basketball sneakers on the market. For a review of the shoes from an athlete’s perspective, click here!