Meet the new Lebron VII.  LeBron released his new shoes last week in Akron, Ohio.  Here is what LeBron had to say about his shoes “The new LeBron VII takes my signature line to a new level of innovation,” said LeBron James. “As the demands of my game evolve and increase, Nike consistently designs and develops shoes helping drive my on-court success.” Does he need more success on the court?  Talk amongst yourselves.

image courtesy of nike

Now to follow suite from the previous shoes review, we would like to highlight the designer.  These kicks were designed by Nike designer Jason Petrie.  Not only does Jason draw shoes for Nike, but he also collects them.  Nice work Jason.

Buy them if: You have $160.

Forget about them if: You don’t.

The shoes of the day the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII.

Breaking Shoe News: Under Armour, the performance apparel company looks to the future with footwear claiming “the game has changed and the future is ours.” Can’t wait to see these shoes.

The new Under Armour shoe touts the following: Power. Power meaning “domination and explosion.” Further power is defined by “The ultimate power player trains for maximum vertical performance” Dwight Schrute needs this Shoe! Speed. Speed meaning the “fastest in the game.” Fastest? I wonder how they tested this. With automobiles it is obvious, bigger engine, more horse power and worse gas mileage = faster. Not sure how they are going to get more ponies under the tongue! Finally Evade. Evade meaning “lateral supremacy, the player who dominates with quick cuts trains for lateral supremacy.” Yes, this is definitely Dwight Schrute’s Shoe!

Under Armour will be running a commercial during the Super Bowl this year — and if your looking for comedy, you won’t find it here, they don’t want to do funny this year. Stay tuned because the first ad will come about one week before the Super Bowl and the new Under Armour shoe makes its debut on May the 3rd.

See the UA Evade Proto here.

If Under Armour is really making a shoe, shouldn’t it be called “OA” — for Outer Armour?

August 24th, 2007. I was wearing my Nike Air Max 360′s and noticed something unusual with my shoes (a feeling similar to getting a flat tire in your car) the midsole had detached from the upper.

I immediately went online to Nike.com. Here is my journey through the return of the Nike. I hope this is helpful if you ever have to return a pair of Nike shoes. I obtained the original email that I sent and what I received from Nike and have included it below.

My email dated: 8/25/2007 04:59 PM “I received this pair of silver/green Nike 2006 air max 360′s under a year ago as a gift. I liked them so much that I purchased another pair, this time red and dark gray. I just noticed (yesterday) that the midsole is detaching from the shoe upper! I thought I was seeing things as they cost $160.00 and as they still have plenty of wear and are in great condition. I would be happy to submit a picture of the detaching sole at your request. As they were given to me, I don’t know where to return them. What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance.”

I received a response from Nike the following day and have included the response dated 08/26/2007 06:45 PM. “Thank you for contacting Nike regarding your Air Max 360′s.

I am very sorry to hear about the problem you have experienced with your shoes, the soles detaching from the shoe. I would like you to know that Nike stands behind its products for material or manufacturing flaws.

I recommend that you first try to return or exchange your product at the place of purchase. If you have already tried this, or it is not an option for you, please review our return guidelines at http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=40.

Then, to receive specific return instructions and a claim number, please contact our automated system at 1-800-344-6453, and choose option 3 for returns.

We appreciate your business. Thank you for using Nike products and services. Should you have additional questions or concerns, please reply to this e-mail.

Sincerely,

Sabrina
Nike”

In the phone message, Nike mentions that they will either send you a replacement of equal value, or send you a gift certificate to be used at the Nike.com store — that is if the package arrives in satisfactory condition meeting all of their stringent return requirements.

Below are the Steps for returning shoes to Nike :

1. You can only return shoes that are under 1 year old.
2. Contact Nike.com customer support. The link is at the bottom of the page.
3. Call the 800 number they provide via email.
4. Obtain a “claim number”
5. Pack-up your shoes (I used a shoe box from USPS)
6. Label the box. MAKE SURE to include your return address and the claim number on the outside of the shoe box on the c/o line.
7. Ship the package. Don’t forget to insure it and get delivery confirmation.
8. Wait for a response. Hope for a replacement or gift certificate. Worst case scenario, you could get your old shoes back.

I was pleasantly surprised to find in the mail box today a letter from Nike – with a nice little gift certificate to be used only at Nike.com. Are these incredibly comfortable shoes? Yes. Will I buy these shoes again? Maybe. Was I pleased with the outcome and how Nike handled this case? Yes.

Oh, right…the shoes of the day: my former Nike Air Max 360′s

I am going shopping, thanks Sabrina! Oh, and Happy B-day pappa “O”

Walking was never better exercise than in these innovative sneakers from Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT). Smooth leather and mesh upper in an athletic technical walking style with layered toe overlays side stripes and MBT logo heel overlay. Full lace up front with quick pull lace loops padded tongue and collar soft fabric lining and cushioning anti-bacterial insole. Masai Barefoot Technology(R) simulates barefoot walking for improved gait and fitness. Shock absorbing midsole traction patterned sole. Includes DVD.

Swiss engineer Karl Muller developed and patented a unique sole construction that activates muscle groups need to coordinate and stabilize the body when walking or standing. Masai Barefoot Technology creates a natural soft surface underneath the feet, so that every little step step you take acts like a tiny fitness exercise. Even standing has a training effect on the muscles, stabilizing your entire musculoskeletal system. One MBT wearer says “There is only one word to describe my MBT footwear: Fantastic!” I must admit, when I put them on my feet for a test drive, I truly felt more coordinated until I looked in the mirror and couldn’t stop staring at the rocking chair foot bed.

MBT offers help for: 1. Back, hip leg, foot, joint, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. 2. Reduces stress on the knee and hip joints. 3. Activates neglected muscles. 4. Tones and shapes the body. 5. Improves posture and gait.

If you want a shoe that is comfortable for walking and standing, this is your shoe. If you want a shoe that will impresses the opposite sex under the age of 52 – then, this is nacho shoe.

Get comfortable in your rocker, these shoes start at $244.99 “But wait, thats not all – if you order right now, they will also include this incredible walk, wear and stand MBT DVD.” You know a pair of shoes is 100% for-real when it comes with a digital manual. Hey, think of it this way, these could save you 10 to 12 co-pays at your chiropractor’s office.

Enjoy the shoes of the day: The Men’s Sport Masai Barefoot Technology. Yes, they come in Betty flavors too!

A group of us went to a so-you-think-you-can boxing gym tonight and I sure did put on a pair of boxing gloves and pretend that I knew what I was doing.  If you think you are tough, in great shape and spare-tire full or less, try one of these gyms.  Oh, and don’t forget your oxygen tank and if you have a defibrillator, bring that too.  During our “ring orientation” our coach said, “if you think you look funny and uncoordinated punching these bags, thats because you do.”  Thanks Coach!  I think I would have looked  better, more coordinated and confident wearing “stretchy-pants” and these shoes of the day:

I like Nacho’ shoes too.

The Chuck Taylor All-Stars were first produced by Converse in 1917, that is 5 years after the sinking of the Titanic for all you DiCaprio lovers. “I’m the King of the World!” Chuck thought the same thing, when he made the canvas and rubber-soled shoes his preferred shoe of choice by putting his stamp of approval on its ankle patch and in the history books as the most successful shoe of all time.

Think of the demographic that has enjoyed these shoes through the years: The basketball players, the skaters, the punk-rockers, sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, waistoids, dweebies – they all adore them. They think these are righteous shoes.

The perfect shoe for all…no, for fall! They even come in “Harvest Pumpkin.” Go ahead Bettys, I’ll say it with you; “Oh, cute.”

Enjoy the shoes of the day: Converse Men’s, Betty’s and Chillin’s All-Star Ox, I mean Oxen. These Converse are Oxen!

Can you name a pair of shoes that is over 90 years old, that you can still buy new?  Buy them here!

How many pairs have you had? Me? Thanks for asking, I have personally owned 5 pairs, including Pink.

On my way out the front door this morning – I noticed a very large black spider between the screen and the door.  After completely soaking it with bug spray, it curled up into a little ball and I kicked it over with my foot to see if indeed it had the horrifying red markings of the black widow.  Yes it was red, yes it was black, and there was no husband around.

These soles have some color underneath.   Color underneath must mean Poison, no wait…more traction.

The shoes of the day; Nike Court Force High Tops with colorful soles!

I bet they are fast, what do you think?

The shoes of the day’s first Betty shoe review. Why did I choose this shoe for the first Betty post?

Four reasons:

1. The Puma OSU was recommended by one of our fantastic readers, thanks! (Better functionality is coming for all of you to send the shoes you would like me to rate, rant and review — stay tuned. For now, simply leave a comment below with a shoe that you would like a review written about.)
2. Shoe of many colors. Most smart guys know not to limit the ladies. I wonder if Donny‘s wife has a pair of these. I’ll call her tomorrow. Honestly Betty, think of the outfits you could accessor-izzle with these! I would imagine that these shoes would be a good go-to when in outfit distress. The most difficult decision for you now becomes which eye-liner, purse, bracelet, watch, nail polish, hat, earrings, shirt, belt, pants and socks to complement them.
3. Puma makes funky shoes. I appreciate that they aren’t afraid to explore different materials, designs and COLORS. They even offer a Mongolian BBQ for the truly shoe hungry.
4. I have wanted to use the word “Betty” and “Sneaker” in the same sentence for a long time. Check.

Enjoy the shoes of the day: The Puma OSU

What do you think? Do these belong only in SF?