Reigning Champ Fall 08
The first signs of Reigning Champ’s fall line has started trickling into stores and as per usual it’s looking very good. If you don’t know, Reigning Champ is the other in-house line by CYC Design (the other being Wings + Horns) which is a more casual collection of sweats. The first delivery features their classic full zip sweatshirt in grey and black stripes. There is also a button up coach jacket with a quilted lining like you’d find in a blazer. As usual, on both pieces the fit is perfect and the attention to detail is impeccable. It’s the construction and quality that continues to blow me away though. You hear stuff like ‘It’s the kind of _____ that will last forever” all the time, but when you pick up sweats by Reigning Champ it’s actually believable. They really are the champs. Available now at Goodfoot. Read more
United Front: Hypebeast Essentials
Speaking of Nomad, Hypebeast’s latest series of Essentials features some of the United Front’s top players. Jesar, Oliver, Matt, and Paolo let us know what “their” essentials are. I put the “their” in quotes because it’s not really their personal picks, but their personal picks from stuff in their stores. Everything chosen is available right now in either Ransom, Nomad, or Goodfoot, so if you want to make their essentials, your essentials, it’s relatively convenient to do so. Although it’s a bit funny, it’s not a bad thing. All the items are good, ranging from Neon 95’s, to face wash, to Wings+Horns Dayton boots. The United Front is so strong, partially because they really act and function as a team. They work hard and help each other out, and really keep a lot of business flowing through the internal fam. So it’s not surprising to see their picks turn out this way. You know when HB hits me up and I have to say my essential daily blog I hit up for the hot ish, it’s h(y)r collective yo!
Neighborhood ZX 700
As most people have seen the second batch of the Adidas AZX collection have been leaked online, only days after the first round released. Basically Neighborhood murdered it. I’m honestly a little surprised that they were involved in the project, but it is THE best thing Adidas has done in recent history. The first round did quite well, with resellers getting around $300 for the certain models. Neighborhood took the less worn ZX 700 and turned it into a very Visvim-like piece of footwear. With what looks to be some nice leather and a very clean overall look, this is easily my top choice from the Adidas pack, followed by the Goodfoot model. I probably like the Neighborhood version the most because it doesn’t look like its Adidas. I did find the rest of the second pack to be a little lackluster and it will be hard for them to top the packaging that came from Huf and Goodfoot to accompany their releases.
Goodfoot x Adidas
The Adidas a-ZX collection launches(ed) today. I can’t help but be excited because deep down inside, I’m still a ’sneaker head’. For me, I think that sneaker shops are on a whole other level of retail. Take the Lobster SB dunks for example. The concept and packaging almost made me want them even when the shoe isn’t great. The consortium line is no different, especially the Goodfoot version. The idea behind the shoe is incredible, and for only $150 they come with 2 organic tee’s an all natural hemp 5-panel and a hemp tote bag (see below). That’s a legitimate deal and story to tell. As if you actually tell people that your NDG button down was inspired by 19th century military uniforms. Read more
Adidas x Goodfoot ZX 8000: 08-08-08
You have probably seen or heard about Adidas’s aZX collection for this falls consortium line. The collection is a collaborative effort with 22 of the top retailers from around the world. As a fellow Canadian, the Goodfoot ZX 8000 is the most interesting to me. As well, it is probably the most relevant shoe for today as it is made of 100% recycled materials. The shoe is going to be released next Friday August 8th at all Goodfoot locations. So, if you’re in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Montreal, make sure to hit up your local G’ for the release party that night.
Matt George Interview
Format just put up a small interview with Matt George. They get into his sneaker smuggling days between Japan and North America, and the inception of the first Goodfoot. Mr. George comes off quite humble, praising his United Front team whenever the opportunity arose. It has been a busy few years for him and his team, expanding faster than any sneaker/street wear distributor in the world. Matt George and The United Front don’t just move quickly, they move properly. Always executing whatever project very nicely; whether it’s a clothing line, a shop build out, or a photo shoot. With multiple Goodfoot locations, Ransom, Nomad, St. Alfred, and NvsbleTailors, it’s no doubt Matt’s a busy guy. The interview covers some interesting bites from Matt’s retail career and is probably worth a read.
Matt G’ ZX 8000
Had to give shouts out to fellow Canadian, and industry heavy weight, Matt George and Goodfoot. The Adidas pack has been pretty much all leaked out over the past couple days with shop owners from around the globe coming together and designing a custom shoe on behalf of their shops. Mr. G’ went with the green/gray color way, including recycled materials, soft suedes, and a definite athletic look on the ZX 8000. The whole project is probably the best thing Adidas has done recently, since they have been steadily losing ground on Nike and taking severe loses in their lifestyle campaigns. The shoes will likely be sold out on release for all shops involved, but it will be hard to imagine Adidas making a full recovery in the near future.
