•Rapper Eminem teams up with Nike for “The Way I Am” Air Jordan 2

When it comes to exclusive Air Jordans, this hits the mark. Eminem has collaborated with Jordan Brand on the Air Jordan 2, which is entitled “The Way I Am” after his Eminem’s book that is releasing October 21st. We have caught wind that 313 pairs of this Air Jordan 2 will release as a online exclusive. 313 also represents Marshall Mather’s area code in Detroit. Proceeds will go to the Marshall Mathers Foundation. Thanks to Sneaker Files.

The NBA’s Eastern Conference playoffs are set and once again the Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Washington Wizards. LeBron James and the Cavs have ousted the Wiz from the postseason the past two years, but thanks to this video Washington now knows what to do… Step on LeBron’s Nikes. Who knew it was so simple? Teams have been trying double and triple teaming, backing off and daring him to shoot, and various zones when all they’ve had to do was mess up his gear. If the Washington Wizards coaching staff is on their game, “Scuff his Kicks” will be at the top of their defensive whiteboard.

Tags: LeBron James, video, youtube, interview

It was just a couple of months ago that Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant and Nike dropped the Nike Zoom III. The duo isn’t wasting anytime putting out another shoe, but this isn’t just another shoe. The Nike Hyperdunk claims to be Nike’s lightest and strongest basketball shoe ever. The Hyperdunk weighs in at 13 ounces and is expected to be debuted by Kobe on Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

While new shoes are always newsworthy to me, there was something that Kobe Bryant said at the press conference that really stood out. He was asked what he thought about the Olympic protest and offered this answer:

“I think we could use the opportunity to try to turn a negative into a positive. And the positive being raising awareness for what’s going on and I think if there’s a silver lining in this whole situation I think that could be it. There’s a stage now created for the whole world to see what’s going on and for everybody to jump in and help out.”

It might not seem like a lot, but for Kobe to offer an opinion on a social issue is a big deal. The topic seems like something Bryant had thought about before, and he sounds sincere. KB24 is constantly compared to Michael Jordan, but one thing MJ never did was speak on pertinent issues. If Kobe becomes a champion of causes and picks up a few more rings, he might finally achieve his goal of being greater than Jordan.

Kobe Bryant On Olympic Protest. Courtesy of CNBC.com

Nike Launches the Hyperdunk, its Lightest and Strongest Basketball Shoe Ever. Courtesy of Nike Biz

Tags: Kobe Bryant, NBA, Nike, Hyperdunk, Olympic Protest

Shoe stores across the country are rolling out the latest kicks for sneaker fiends. I’m not a junkie like I was in my youth, but I still remember feeling like the world would end if I didn’t get the newest latest the day they came out.

According to the Daily Herald, the sneaker companies are going retro in ‘08. I liked the latest round of basketball shoes, and I’m feelin a couple pair of the sneakers mentioned in the DH story.

I might rock these ultimate throwbacks, Converse’s Black Fives Rens 1933 All-Star:

If I bought these I’d rock ‘em with black laces, but I wouldn’t ball in ‘em. You try to play in these and the only ankles being broken will be yours.

Spring styles for sneakers feel decidedly retro. Courtesy of the Daily Herald

Tags: Sneakers, shoes, Nike, Jordans, Adidas

AI busted out his latest Reeboks in his return to Philadelphia. They look like some wanna be Js but what do I know? I’d go with the white ones over the black unless I could get some in all black… With “PRACTICE” on the side instead of THXPHILA.

A couple of weeks back Slam dropped the pics of Gilbert Arenas’ latest kicks. Agent Zero and Adidas teamed up with Benihana for the Gil II Zero Benihana Hibachi.

Gil’s not shy about voicing his opinion on the looks of his signature shoes. There’s no way in hell he’s happy with these. And what’s up with the colors? The shoes make it seem like he would play for the Rockets.. or the L.A. Clippers. Hmmm.

Tags: sneakers, shoes, kicks, adidas, reebok, Allen Iverson, Gilbert Arenas, THXPHILA, Gil II Zero Benihana Hibachi

Michael Jordan and Levi Strauss have put together a limited edition clothing package which Jordan freaks can pick up this weekend. The $400 box set comes with a pair of Levi’s 23-501 jeans, a pair of Air Jordan 1s, and a t-shirt. Those kicks and jeans better come with a weeks worth of starts for the Bobcats with that $400 price tag.

If you don’t feel like waiting in line at Niketown or a Levi’s store, you can order the box set online. I wonder what one of these unopened boxes will be worth on Ebay.

Tags: Michael Jordan, Limited Edition, shoes, jeans, pictures

Former NBA star Derrick Coleman opened the “SNYX Sneaker Studio” Saturday in the neighborhood in which he grew up. The store carries all Nike merchandise, including warm-ups and top-of-the-line athletic sneakers. Shoes range in price from $75 to $280.

In addition to the “SNYX Sneaker Studio,” Coleman plans to develop a strip mall, which will include a “Hungry Howies,” a car wash, a barber shop, a laundry, and a bill-paying center.

The SNYX Sneaker Studio sounds like a great place to work. Can you think of a cooler boss than Derrick Coleman? He doesn’t like training, meetings, or dress codes. As long as you show up and pick up your check, it’s all good.

Derrick Coleman Opens Nike Athletic Store in Detroit. Courtesy of Click On Detroit

Tags: Former NBA Player, NBA, Sports, Nike, Derrick Coleman