Shoes Of The Day

Air Jordan, the man and the 23 shoes that changed footwear forever.

Nike 23Air Jordan Shoes

March madness is right around the corner, and you are sure to find a pair of Nike Air Jordan’s on many college athletes.  Before we start with Michael and his shoes, let’s rewind a few years, talk about Nike and how it all came about.  The year was 1959 and Phil Knight had just written a paper, not just any paper but one which became the blue-print for Nike.  Nike’s mission is to make great shoes for remarkable athletes.  Who would have thought it all started with a boring kitchen appliance – a waffle iron.  For the founders, no shoes were good enough or light enough.  Guess it was time to pass the syrup.

In Greek the word “Nike” means victory.  Carolyn Davidson designed the logo.  35 dollars is all that was paid for the now infamous Nike logo.  In English, I think that means “good deal.”

Michael Jordan never wore a pair of Nike’s until he signed with them and scary to think that he almost signed with Adidas.   On this the 23rd of February, we wanted to feature the first 23 pairs of Air Jordan shoes in the number 23.  Most of these shoes entered the market in February and we thought it was only fitting.  From the beginning of the “2” to the bottom of the “3” are some of the most incredible shoes on the planet.  We will highlight a few of our personal favorites, and the rest are for you to enjoy.

Air Jordan I.   The first pair of Jordan’s made their debut in March of 1985.  The first and last shoe to bear the Nike Swoosh.  Black, red and awesome.

Air Jordan II.  Released in November, 1986, designer Bruce Kilgore ditched the logo and Michael flew from the foul line winning the dunk contest!

Air Jordan III. Released in February, 1988.  Tinker Hatfield was the designer for the 1988 Jordan III.  Tinker, if you are reading, thank you.  Thanks for designing this shoe and the iconic logo figure we all know as the “jumpman.”

Air Jordan IV. Released in February, 1989 (My personal favorites) I remember the occasion well.  I had to convince my mom that I needed these shoes.  Somehow after much persuading, begging and promising, we walked out of the store with my new pair.  Although they are worn, tattered and barely intact I still have them today.

Air Jordan V. Released February 1990.  I remember first seeing these shoes featured on a full-page ad in Sports Illustrated.  They couldn’t come soon enough.  Tinker, thanks again.  His design inspiration came from the P-51 Mustang fighter Air plane.  I thought I could fly like one too.

Air Jordan XI.  In November, 1995 came the Air Jordan #11,  This was Jordan’s tribute to formal dress.  With Patent leather on the front, not only was this the shiniest shoe on the court, but became the most iconic of all the Nike Air Jordan’s.  It even became fashion appropriate to wear a tuxedo.  While Jordan was dominating the court, “boys to men” were dominating something else as the first to wear the shoe with a tux.

Air Jordan XX3.  February, 2008 Michael Jordan’s Air 23 arrive.  These Jordan’s featured Michael’s thumb print, slightly modified, so no one could copy it – phew, those guys at Nike think of everything.   Some people waited in line for FIVE days when these shoes were released.  Us?  Well, we just waited long enough for them to be listed on eBay.  The Air Jordan 23’s are most successful shoes in all of sports.  Mr. Hatfield said that the 23’s are the most beautiful shoes of all of the Jordan shoes.  Remember, he’s a designer, so we better take his word for it!

Here is to you Mr. Jordan the 23, Jumpman, shoes of the day!

Is it the shoes?

Nike Lunarglide+ 2 Shoe Review

The Nike Lunarglide is a shoe made just for runners with New Years running resolutions and who dig rocket science.  However, runners with different types of running style will benefit from this shoe too. Are you an overpronator, underpronator or a “don’t know” pronator? It mattereth not fellow earthling; the Nike Lunarglide will comfortably accommodate your feet!

The Nike Lunarglide+ 2 features an upper portion of mesh with a microfiber layer overlay, making the shoe breathable without compromising support. Lightweight and comfortable, the Nike Lunarglide has a sockliner beneath the left midsole where the Nike+ sensor is stored. The innersleeve of this running shoe wraps your foot in comfort and support.  The reflective markings on the shoe make the runner visible even in the darkest conditions – including your evening moonwalks.

The Nike Lunarglide is an amazing shoe with so many little “extras” that any runner would appreciate.  Searching for serious comfort and support for your daily jog, run, trot or lunar leaping?  Check out the Nike Lunarglide + 2. Reasonably priced, phenomenal and phast!  Phar-out.

image copyright shoesoftheday.com

Buy them if: you need another comfortable, everyday, light weight shoe because your moon boots are just about worn out.

Forget about them if: there is plenty of wear left in your Star Wars Adidas Shoes

Nike Free Run+ Men’s Running Shoe Review

Not quite ready to run barefoot?  Nike has a solution for all those who desire to join the minimalist running revolution but aren’t quite ready to toss out shoes altogether.  The Free Series by Nike combines the concepts of improving foot strength and emphasizing toe and mid-foot contact over heel contact. Unlike other minimalistic shoe designs, the Nike Free Series look just like regular sneakers and the magic is in their structure and design.

Nike released their first “Free Series” shoe in 2005.  Since then, the new models released each year have been refined and improved versions of the original.  The first model closely resembled a real bare feet feel and more recent models have added arch support to prevent injury and strain.  The shoe’s overall goal is to support and strengthen your entire foot (Yes, even shoes set goals now days.)   Asymmetrical laces relieve pressure on the top of your foot and grooved soles to encourage you to incorporate your toes in each stride, encouraging you to put less pressure on your heel.  Notice the laces?  Look a little closer.  See the text?   The “lace up and save lives” campaign is geared towards helping to fight AIDS in Africa.

Back to the shoes.  Every runner knows that heel stomping is a no-no, but that doesn’t make it any easier to avoid – after all your brain is a long way from your feet.  Another one of Nike’s aims with the Free Series was to build a shoe that actively encourages runners to use their metatarsals, toes and arch, while minimizing heel stomping when running. The shoes achieve this by simply decreasing the amount of rubber in the heel of the shoes.  Genius.

The Nike Free Run+ is a particularly lightweight and flexible.  Your feet will immediately feel at home in the cozy, yet firm and comfortable fit.  Nike has also made a point of increasing mid-foot support in particular to decrease the soreness many barefoot runners experience.

Come on, set your feet free with these shoes!  The shoes of the day:  Nike – Free Run+ (Neutral Grey/Black-Sport Red-White) – Footwear

Nike Free Run+ Men's Running Shoe

Pros: Light. Weight-less. Nike. Always a plus.
Cons: Everyone’s got ‘em.
Buy them if: You want the feeling of running  barefoot, but your feet still need some convincing.
Forget about them if: You’ve had enough, and just want to go barefoot.

Oh, and Dallin, thanks for allowing us to take a picture of your foot.

Just in time for your “shoe years” resolutions, Nike has introduced three new training shoes to help you with your 2010 weight training program. Whether you are trying to loose or gain weight, these will look great on your feet.  The name of the new Nike training shoes are: Nike Lunar Kayoss, Nike Trainer1 Low, Nike SC2010. Each of these shoes are designed to provide a durable and lightweight shoe for your New Year. That’s right, shoesoftheday is committed to helping you achieve your athletic goals, one shoe at a time.  Go ahead and click on the links below – come on start clicking, your fingers need exercise too!

Nike Lunar Kayoss

Nike Trainer 1 Low

Nike Trainer SC 2010 

Images courtesy of Nike Media

Enjoy the Nike training shoes of the day for your 2010.

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.

Is it the really the shoes?  According to Mickael Pietrus, the point guard for the Orlando Magic, he thinks so.  Until the 2009 NBA playoffs, Pietrus has been lacing-up the new Kobe Bryant endorsed “Nike Hyperdunk” sneakers.  Now he is leaving the hyperdunks at home.  So, what shoes did he choose for the playoffs?  He has been wearing a pair of Air Jordan‘s.  Perhaps the Magic will need the all the Air Jordan karma they can muster to win the next 3 games in a row.  Otherwise, it looks like Kobe will get his title.  Now in the off-season,  the only place we may see Kobe’s shoes   will be collecting dust in Mickael’s closet or jumping over expensive automobiles.

*Image courtesy sports.yahoo.com

For the next game, we recommend that Pietrus wear the “Nike – Air Believe“shoes – we think these are his only chance.  Do you believe the Magic can pull it off?

Kobe’s: 3 Jordan’s: 1

What shoes do you wear when you play video games?  Meet the new “Nike-tendo” Wii Shoes. These shoes aren’t programed to interact with your Wii, but you sure will look great dancing in front of your TV in these new kicks.

These new Nike Nintendo Wii, Nike Blazer High Top’s are sure take your video game playing to a new level.

Twas  the night after shoe Christmas, by shoesoftheday.com.

Twas the night after shoe Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a person was standing, not even a mouse.
The stinky stockings were hung by the heater with care,
Because a soggy foot and a smelly shoe were filled there.

The children were all passed out from the ghastly smell,
While success stories of Dr. Scholls odor eaters some did tell.
And mamma with her mask, and me clasping my nose,
Had spotted the shoes from whence the smell arose.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The spotlights on our house really made it glow,
outlined each shadow of the people below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But all from inside, with febreze and seeking fresh air.

With a serious shoe problem, I needed help quick,
I knew in a moment, shoes of the day would do the trick.
More rapid and rigorous reviews on shoes they came,
And typed in my browser, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Nike! now, DC! now, Ugg, New Balance and Kashi!
On, Converse! On, Keen! on, Cole-Hann and Salomon!
To the top of the search results they did fall!
Now shoes away! Shoes away! Shoes of the day away all!”

He spoke not a word, but went straight to the reviews,
Bookmarking this website, finding his new pair of shoes.
Now peeling his fingers off of his nose,
And giving a nod, up from the computer he rose!

He sprang to the porch, to his family gave a loud yelp,
And they came wondering how he received such rapid shoe help.
But I heard him exclaim, a new pair of shoes is in sight,
“Happy Shoe Christmas to all, and to all a ‘shoes of the day’ night!”

Next year save your family from smelly feet – find your
next pair of shoes at shoes of the day DOT com!

Excerpts  from ‘Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
By Clement Moore

No more concealed, restricted and easily-punctured air.

Hello open air!

Hello Nike Shox!

My new shoes…of the day: Nike Shox Turbo V+

When you see “turbo” on a motor vehicular, it means it’s fast. Well, so are these shoes. Wish you could have seen me running up and down the isles at the shoe store testing the turbo on these hot-rods. Faster than fast, quicker than quick, I am lightning! Videos to come. Standby. And, Action!