Although Dwight Howard has held the title of the NBA’s resident Superman for sometime now, we’ve yet to see his nickname represented in his league footwear (although the Kryptonates kind of count as some sort of reverse shout out). But fear not, for the absent Red/Blue/Yellow color scheme of the Man of Steel will finally make its way into Dwight’s game wardrobe with the debut of this special ‘Magic Beast’ adidas TS Supernatural Commander colorway. Featuring a Red/Blue midsole, Red suede collar, Yellow straps, and a star-speckled upper (a reference to Superman’s alien status), the model sure is unique… and yet strangely reminiscent of the atmos x Ex-O-Fit High Reebok model from this Summer. At any rate, Dwight will be wearing the shoes on Christmas Day as the Magic take on the Boston Celtics, so make sure you tune in to really get a good look.

See More…

For the third year in a row, Philly-based lifestyle clothing troupe UNDRCRWN linked up with adidas REMIX to creatively reinvigorate the Three Stripes most coveted high-performance hoop product. In past years, the collaboration has yielded a five-shoe African- inspired “It Takes 5ive” campaign and shamelessly bold, iridescent version (Appropriately titled the “Just Ice Lightswitch Low”–Thanks K!) of the TS Lightswitch Low. For 2008-09, the partnership is coupling ‘Crwn’s “Brand for Champions” motif with Adi’s Team Signature Create & Command Series to create three shoes befitting the winners of the world. Specifically, the companies reworked the TS Commander Mid, TS Creator Mid, and TS Creator Low. I recently got the chance to sit down with folks from both camps and receive a behind-the-scenes look at the production and inspiration behind each model. Read on…

Going into the interview, I was interested in learning more about how each shoe was produced. With the atypical materials, concepts and marketing involved, I figured ongoing circumspection was necessary to properly execute such a unique project. Brian from the adidas Portland offices explains, “The original concepts for the shoes start 18 months out.” From there, changes in materials are meted out by the brand’s marketing department and Undrcrwn. UNDRCRWN founder and head designer Dustin Canalin explains, “It’s hard to market sometimes because the shoes are always being changed. But that’s the great thing about our projects with adidas—they keep us involved in every step of the process.”

With a skilled production squad backing the project, the brands centralized their efforts on developing product that was reflective of a “winning” attitude on and off the courts. UNDRCRWN Public Relations Manager Tracy Royal explains via stock e-mail, “UNDRCRWN is the Brand for Champions. When you win and nobody believes you could do it; that is what UNDRCRWN stands for.” Each shoe in the series employs a different approach in evoking a feeling of victory.

See More…

Undrcrwn and Adidas have teamed up many times in the past and have always yielded an interesting sneaker that possesses the best of both brands. This Adidas TS Commander does not break that mold and will surely make Adidas and Undrcrwn’s relationship continue. This collaboration uses the very popular colorway of dark green and red to contrast the simple black and white accents. Featuring a green upper, unique red laces, a red stripe on the green strap, and a multicolored midsole, this colorway will surely make you stand out in a crowd. Undrcrwn has put their own personal touch on this sneaker by including their logo on the outer heel and shiny gold lace locks bearing the words, Undr and Crwn. Expect to see these at your local Adidas retailers sometime very soon. Via Kenlu.

See More…