Ross Dwyer

There’s no denying it, sneakers are a very expensive hobby. Even a pair of kicks every other month is a budget-stretcher for some sneakerheads, and as kicks continue to get more and more expensive, there’s a simple question that’s just begging to be asked: When is a sneaker’s box price just too damn high?

This is a difficult question, and one with no solid answer. Shoes used to be somewhat reasonably priced. Remember when you could get a solid pair for under $70? Remember the 2 for $90 deal at Champs (still the best deal in the history of sneakers if you ask us)? Well, those days are long gone. So you’ve got to ask yourself: where are you going to draw the line? Will it be at $190 for a Jordan? Will it be at $230 for a pair of American-made New Balance? Will it be at $500 for a designer shoe, like a Balenciaga? Will it be at $650 for a pair of Just Dons? Mind you, we’re not talking resell prices here. We’re talking about what you’re willing to pay for a new pair of shoes from a retail location or website. read more

Some call it the outlet. Some call it the factory store. Some call it the clearance store. No matter what you call it, you know Nike’s outlets are chock-full of great deals on sneakers and apparel. However, much like thrifting, there’s an art to getting the most out of your experience when you hit the outlets. Here at KicksOneTwo, we’d like to think we’re very skilled at getting deals…and we’re feeling generous, so we’re going to share some of our best outlet tips with you. Let’s get it. read more

Every so often, something special happens in the sneaker game. A new model comes out, or an old model gains steam again for some reason, and it’s the hottest thing out for a good minute. New colorways and special editions drop, sneakerheads and fashionistas sing the praises of the shoe from coast to coast, and then the market gets saturated. The “cool shoe” becomes a favorite of suburban high school kids and 50-year old men. The “cool shoe” is now firmly buried 6 feet deep in the sneaker graveyard. read more

You’ve got some rare heaters in your collection. From limited-edition Jordans, to retro runner collabs, to any type of Yeezy, there’s some valuable kicks that you possess. You’re happy and proud to have them and you should be. Having valuable pairs is always dope. However, there’s a very important question that you need to be asked: does the vaue of your kicks affect how much you like them? 

“What are you saying?” you might be thinking. “Where’s the connection?”. Fair question. Sometimes, when a sneaker’s limited and expensive, people grow to like it simply because it’s limited and expensive, not because they actually like the design or the aesthetic of the sneaker that much. read more

Restock.

It’s a word that makes your pulse quicken. Makes sweat drip down your brow. Makes your hands feel fuzzy. You’ve got to drop everything you’re doing and get online as quickly as possible so you can hit on whatever kicks are being restocked on whatever site. They were limited, you missed out the first time, and now the sneaker gods are sending you a rare second chance.

At least that’s how it used to be. Restocks aren’t the same anymore. See, even a few years back it would be one or two shoes at a time, in very small quantities. You had to have a fast trigger finger and even better luck to get whatever pair you wanted. Nowadays, every restock is massive, with multiple pairs from the past six months to a year dropping…and most of the time, they’re not even shoes anyone wanted anyway. Wolf Grey XIII’s? Statue IV’s? No thanks read more

Shorts SZN is almost fully upon us. It’s finally getting warm enough for you to put the pants back in the closet, and break out that pile of neglected shorts that’s been sitting in your bottom dresser drawer for the past half year or so. Khaki shorts. Ripped jean shorts (not jorts). Tech Fleece shorts. Printed basketball shorts. Whatever your flavor is, it’s time to bust em’ out.

When you change from pants to shorts, it’s often important to change your footwear as well, as some  shoes that just plain look better with pants should be left in the box in favor of more short-friendly models. We’re going to strive off the beaten path here and not mention the obvious shoes that look good with shorts like Yeezy 350’s or Jordan I’s as we want to give you something fresh you can try out this summer, so without further ado…let’s do it. Here’s 5 kicks that look great with shorts. read more

Sneaker culture is a beautiful thing. It brings together all types of people from all different backgrounds who share a common love for shoes. This love transcends age, race, background..all of that., and that’s amazing. The inclusion and diversity of sneaker culture alone make it a worthwhile hobby.

However, like most good things, there’s a side of sneaker culture that’s not so great: its materialism. You’re collecting things. Objects. Sometimes you get in too deep, and when that happens you can drown yourself in these things and objects. It’s important to keep you head around you in the sneaker game and always remember what’s what. read more

Think about a memorable summer you had. It could be two years ago. It could be five years ago. It could be ten years ago. It doesn’t matter how long ago it was. Then think of your style choices that summer. You probably had a go-to pair of kicks, right? That’s what we thought. For every memorable summer, there’s a memorable pair of kicks to go along with it. We’ve got a hunch that in the summer of 2016, that shoe just might be the Nike Presto.

Why’s that, you may ask? Fair question. First off, sneakerheads have been loving the classic Presto recently. No matter if it’s white, blue, or black, they’ve been eating it up. They’re lightweight, comfy, look really dope, and are easy to wear with anything. There’s a lot to like. Retro runners are always in heavy rotation during the summer months, and the Presto is peaking at the right time. Plus, with the Nike ID option, you can make literally any colorway that you want. read more