by Sandy Dover / @SandmanSeven
It’s been a while since the last Sneak Peak Premiere, but alas (!), new models are to be previewed here first at SLAMonline and the San Dova Speak-Easy. With great help of my accomplice and source, I bring these to you with great anticipation for feedback and thoughts. Now, getting into the shoes themselves…
First up is the Jordan Melo M7, the next signature shoe in line for Denver Nuggets star forward Carmelo Anthony. What is known about the shoe’s makeup are these things, in particular. The upper is a combination of full-grain leather and synthetic materials and comes with an internal fit system for lockdown purposes, as well as comfort and general support. The midsole is a sculpted Phylon foam which houses a forefoot Zoom Air unit and a large-volume Max Air heel unit for both responsiveness and great impact protection as insurance for superior cushioning. The outsole is characterized by specifically-placed flex grooves and herringbone tread for the absolute best traction and is accompanied by an external midfoot shank for arch protection underfoot.
From a technical perspective, I’m impressed with the attributes of the shoe and I like the idea of a uni-body construction for a more lightweight, better-fitting shoe. On the contrary, I don’t like the look of the shoe and the iridescent shine of the shoe with the glittery pearl finish is not my personal cup of tea, but other colorways may lend to more aesthetic pleasure.
Next is another version of the Nike Zoom Kobe V, in a white/maize-black colorway. Look for this to be the final color to drop for the shoe (unless Kobe wins a title and receives another championship colorway), as Nike now has its plans set to release the Zoom Kobe VI, tentatively, in February 2011.
Personally, this is probably one of the best colorways seen on the ZKV and will surely be popular if it is given the general release treatment–which is not guaranteed for this specific version of the shoe.
Lastly is the Nike Air Flight Classic, another re-creation of Nike’s late-’80s and early-’90s basketball series, which most closely identifies with the Air Flight ’89 and Air Jordan IV. Of all of the “new mixes” of the Air Flight ’89, this Air Flight Classic may actually be the most similar to the shoes of that time period with its simplicity and overall profile. Coming in white/white-black-varsity red and in black/black-gray, the Air Flight Classic has familiar specs that make up its entire body.
The upper is stitched up in durable leather for general breathability and given a leather toe-cap, extending from the leather perimeter rand, for toe protection and overall durability. The midsole will be made of a Cushlon foam (instead of the classic polyurethane) and paired with the visible heel Air pocket for maximum cushioning protection (should you actually play ball). The outsole is solid rubber with the standard herringbone traction pattern, while the lateral sidewall is present for keeping the foot everpresent on the footbed for cutting.
*NOTE: Because of issues concerning unauthorized photo leaks of unreleased product from Nike, my source was instructed to notify me to remove the pictures from this column. Sorry guys.
Sandy Dover is a novelist/writer, artist and fitness enthusiast, as well as an unrepentant Prince fan (for real). You can find Sandy frequently here at SLAMonline, as well as at Facebook, Associated Content and Twitter.
