Point of View

Let me start by saying this is an opinion piece. You might not agree with what I’m going to say here, and that’s fine. However, I’m not too thrilled with what I’m writing about here, and I don’t think the average Twin Cities sneakerhead will be either.

As you probally already know, the Philadelphia-based chain sneaker store Ruvilla (most people just call them Villa for short) is starting to make their way into Minnesota. They’ve got a shop open in Brooklyn Park, and are working on shops in the Mall of America and North Minneapolis as well. It’s rumored that they are looking to open two more shops as well, although the locations of those shops are uncertain.  read more

Do you spend most of your free time flipping through Facebook sneaker groups and trying to think of smart-ass comments to leave on people’s posts even though you very rarely buy or sell anything? Do you frantically grab for your phone every time you see the notification light go off? Are you one of those guys who hasn’t met 75% of the people they consider “friends” face-to-face? If so, then you just might be a keyboard warrior, and I’m here to help.

Although it might be enjoyable being the funny guy online who’s always wisecracking about Niketalk denim, someone’s blurry struggle sneaker picture, or how someone got fleeced in a trade, in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t do any good for the culture that we all love. This is not by any means to say that there’s no place for it, but it’s not a real contribution. read more

I’ll come right out and say it: I’m a Pharrell stan. I’m inspired by his constant creativity, and how he seems to be successful in just about everything that he does. From Billionaire Boys Club (which happens to be one of my favorite brands), to the “Perspective” chair he designed, to his classic production on old Clipse records, to the neo-funk-soul-whatever the hell kind of music it is on his most recent album Girl, I’m of the opinion that most things he has a hand in wind up coming out great. read more

If you run, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard of Brooks. They’ve been in business for over a hundred years, and make all different kinds of great running shoes, from the stable Adrenaline GTS series to the ultra-cushioned Glycerin, to the very lightweight and minimal PureFlow . However, Brooks is now trying to make a foray into a whole new market. That’s right, they’re coming after the sneakerheads with the Chariot “Merlot”.

The Chariot “Merlot” shoe, a collaboration with Boston-based retailer Concepts will be released later today. With retro runners being all the rage in the sneaker world right now, it seems like a smart move. Might as well bring out a classic model, let a well-respected shop with a history of hit collaborations throw a fresh coat of paint and premium materials on it and see what happens, right? Here’s an image of the kicks below if you haven’t had a chance to see them yet. read more

With TCSAX (the Twin Cities Sneaker Art Xchange) IV right around the corner, the folks here at KicksOneTwo thought it would be only right to compile a list of do’s and dont’s for those folks who might be a little newer to the convention scene. Want to find out how to have the best possible time this upcoming Sunday? Read on.

Do

1. Be Social!

It’s a convention after all! A time where everyone with a common interest comes together. Talk to people. Shake hands. Shoot the shit about sneakers, rap, or anything else. You’re almost certain to meet some really wavy people. read more

Maybe some of you are sitting at home with a new shoebox beside you while you’re reading this. Maybe some of you are sitting in front of your computer shaking your head after striking out on NDC again. Either way out of it, you already know. The Jordan XIV “Ferrari” dropped today (to much acclaim) and it’s a beautiful sneaker.

Most sneakerheads were vastly in favor of the shoe, and I’d say that I’m among that number. However, there are things that go both ways about this release in my opinion, and I’m sharing them here. read more

There’s a good chance you’ve already seen the video: Two idiots head out to play pranks on people by stepping on their shoes, and calling it a “joke”. If you haven’t seen the video, here it is below. I’ll give you a few minutes.

Alright, so now you’ve seen it if you hadn’t before. Pretty damn stupid, right? This “prank” really got on my nerves for a few reasons, and I thought I’d air them out.

First off, the title of the video. “Stepping On Jordans in the Hood Prank?” Are you serious? I wasn’t aware that being “in the hood” as these two douchebags claim to be had anything to do with someone’s reaction when you step on their shoes. I don’t consider myself a “hood” individual, but if someone deliberately stepped on my shoes, you better believe that there would be a problem. And it’s not even because I love my shoes and take care of them: it’s a respect thing, plain and simple. read more

Over the last few weeks, you’ve watched the saga unfold. Kevin Durant, the 2014 NBA MVP and five-time All NBA first team selection had a bidding war going around him as Nike and Under Armour competed for his services.

If you’re not familiar with the story, here’s a quick background. KD was in the last year of his contract with Nike, and Under Armour, looking to make a power play and sign a new face of their brand, offered him a 10 year, $250 million dollar deal, vastly eclipsing his expiring 7 year, $60 million dollar expiring deal with Nike. read more

I’ll be honest. This isn’t a sneaker piece so much as it is a personal piece. If you came here hoping today’s post might be a sneaker post, you might be just a little bit disappointed. However, it is a post that I felt needed to be written, and where better to do it than here on KicksOneTwo?

Last week, I was offered a big promotion at work. I’d be making a ton more money and have a ton more responsibility. Sounds great, right? But there was a catch. I’d have to move to Mason City, Iowa. Not exactly a thriving metropolis for the culture this website is based on (although there is some nice Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses out there). And KicksFourOne doesn’t have quite the same ring to it either if I may be honest. read more