There are plenty of different year-end lists, tournaments and other ways of sorting

There are plenty of different year-end lists, tournaments and other ways of sorting out the best of the best in the sneaker world, but for their latest SWAG ezine, Champs Sports had some fun with LeBron James ranking a few of his favorite non-Nike items. It’s a playful ‘tourney’ pitting disparate competitors like candy versus road trips with the potential for an all-football final, and you can see the full video after the jump below.
 

With a hidden heel wedge nestled into an iconic silhouette that represents the genesis of this modern wave of sneakerhead culture, the Nike WMNS Dunk Sky High is the only shoe combining such an elevated rear platform with a forefoot pivot point.  They’re meant to be indistinguishable from the classic Dunk High, especially from a distance, and this new revelation has a tie-in with upcoming WMNS Air Max 1s as well thanks to the eye-catching texture on the overlay and metallic threads on the base layer.  A pink lace against tonal browns makes a connection to the ‘Linen’ Air Force 1, furthering the sense of this design as the perfect mix of feminine fashion and iconic sneaker style.  Let us know what you think after you’ve seen more of this wedged sneaker below and stick with Sneaker News for word on US availability.

 

This Saturday will be the biggest sneaker day so far in 2013 with several major brands bringing forth significant releases.  The potential sleeper hit of the bunch is a long-lost Three Stripes runner, historically overshadowed by the ZX flagship line.  The adidas Consortium CNTR follows up on this weekend’s Hanon Centaur resurrection, updating the silo with seamless breathable construction that’s connected to the past by suede framing.  Click through to see three monochromatic colorups that will be arriving on the second of next month at premium accounts like Crooked Tongues.
 

Who knew that Charles Barkley would have such a huge impact in this year’s Nike All-Star Pack? The Sportswear Collection features two models bearing his name, with the Nike Air Force Max making a sudden appearance after serving as the pacemaker for the entire CB line for the last two decades. Sir Charles did end his career Air Max 2013 Womens in Houston (where the 2013 All-Star festivities will be held), but his sneakers have busted through the gates and dominated the NSW Collection of All-Star footwear with this eccentric design of the Nike Air Force Max. Complete with a mix of Galaxy detailing, glow-in-the-dark, reflective uppers, and Raygun detailing, the Air Force Max ‘All-Star’ will be much like last year’s Air Flight One ‘Galaxy’ – but will it be as popular? Look out Nike Free Run 3.0 V3 for this incredible new Nike Air Force Max as well as the entire Nike Sportswear 2013 All-Star Collection at Nike Air Max 87 Mens select retailers on February 14th.