Research & Development

One of the things that I get to do often is travel to do research on the ever-growing sneaker "lifestyle & culture".

One of the cities that I visit often is New York City, which is home to thousands of sneaker stores and boutiques.

For example, this store is called Flight Club, and it's a consignment store. The split is 80/20, and folks from all over the world trek to NYC just to see this store up close and personal.

There's another store in LA and in Tokyo, and, of course, they have an online store.
Stay tuned because word around Worcester is that we may see a similar type of store in Worcester in the fall.

One Day Without Shoes: 04/08/2010

Being completely honest, I do think about what I put on my feet on a daily basis because I suffer from OSD, and thus started the first Internet sneaker talk show dedicated towards "lovers of sole". Even if you're accustomed to purchasing your sneakers at Marshalls or Building #19, which there's nothing wrong with doing, most "sneakerheads" are very particular about their choice of footwear and spend upwards of $500 for an "exclusive" pair of sneakers or player exclusive sneakers (Sneakers produced by sneaker manufacturers for NBA players.)

When I heard about the "One Day Without Shoes" program, which is taking place on Thursday, April 8, 2010, I decided to share it with the many 'heads (read: sneakerheads a.k.a. sneaker lovers) that I personally know and the greater Worcester community.



While we know we need the basic necessities, we often forget about the feet and don't pay them that much mind, that is until we're faced with a foot issue or maybe we aren't allowed to enter an establishment barefooted.

So, on April 8, 2010, I encourage you to go barefoot for the day and if not, try it for even an hour.

As we say on the OSD talk Show, "Walk GOOD!"

Baller-in-Chief

It was only a matter of time and a Brooklyn, NY man is hoping to cash in on the Obama-mania taking place by creating the Obama basketball sneakers.




I don't know if I'd spend my hard earned dollars on these sneakers, but you can't Mitchell Rose's hustle. Now, I wonder if Obama will hit Mr. Rose with a Cease & Desist for using his name and likeness? That would be Baller for Real move.

Leave it to Google!

This is something that you'll want to have and use. I still remember when the telephone company charged me $1.50 to get a telephone number from 411!

Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog411.

This is an awesome service from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road. Don't waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually dialing the number. I am driving along in my car and I need to call the a sneaker boutique in New York City and I don't know the number. I hit the speed dial for information that I have programmed.

The voice at the other end says, "City & State." I say, "New York, New York."He says, "Business, Name or Type of Service." I say, Premium Laces NY." He says, "Connecting" and Pete at Premium Laces answers the phone. How great is that? This is nationwide and it is absolutely free!

Fashion: Major Taylor Nike Blazer sneakers

"Who is Major Taylor?" We’re not asking, but it's the question that's printed on the insole of the Nike Blazer High Premium sneakers seen here.

The Beaverton, Oregon company pays homage to Major Taylor a/k/a/ The Worcester Whirlwind, for whom there is a beautiful statue on display at the Worcester Public Library. (see pictures below.)

The Nike Blazer features a laid back colorway compared to the brown and neon version that dropped last year. Round 2 of the Major Taylor Blazers are now up for grabs at a few stores throughout the United States.

Hat tip to Proper for the picture.

In July 2007, Nike released the "Major Taylor Pack" which comprised of four sneakers- Nike Air Max '90, Nike Blazer High, Nike Dunk High and Nike Cortez.



The insoles on the Air Max '90 featured “1896″ and the #13 along with other artwork. 1896 represents the the year he entered his first professional race in Madison Square Garden.