Here are some exclusive photos of the DJ Premier East/West Rivalry Pack. These drop on January 9th at select House of Hoops locations simultaneously with the West represented DJ AM dunks (rest in peace) and Premier reppin’ the east of course. Good looking out to Deelah/The305 for sending over. More photos below after the break.

Photos: Yahoo Sports / NBA / Getty

The Miami Heat pull off a win against the Knicks this afternoon. They held mostly an average of a ten-point lead throughout most of the game and almost let it slip towards the end, but the Miami Heat still took home the win. And today also showed Dwyane Wade rockin’ the White/Red/Black Jordan I Alpha’s, along with Quentin Richardson who was wearing them as well. A nice change-up from the 16.5’s he’s been wearing lately. More photos below of during-the-game shots, as well as photos of Dwyane and the Knicks dancers giving away gifts to New York area kids before the game.

Our partner site, The305.com partnered with Miami based sneaker shop Shoe Gallery to present a video contest to give away a free pair of highly coveted Air Jordan XI “Space Jams” that took retail stores by storm this past Wednesday . There were numerous entries and while most of them showed heart, there was one entry that stood out and was so well put together, that it was almost instantly that they knew they received the winning entry. And funny enough, it was one of the last entries submitted.

The winner was Luc Alexandre (aka UnkleLuc) with the above video. We want to congratulate Luc for the effort and for putting together a great piece. You definitely have a great eye for video. Enjoy your Space Jams!

For anything sneaker related in Miami, one of your top destinations has GOT to be Shoe Gallery. Check them at Shoe Gallery 244 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132 and/or give them a call at (305) 371-2063

This past weekend on September 6th, marked the last stop on the Lil Wayne-headlined America’s Most Wanted Tour over at the Bank Atlantic Center in sunny Sunrise, Florida. And in the photo above you have Lil Wayne in his army-camaflouge attire while he’s doing a little “rockstar” move displaying his crispy white/gum Nike Air Force 1 Low Premium – Un Michael Lau (318775-111). These retail for a cool $135 and are available now online and at various local Nike retailers.

A star of Bill Bowerman’s legendary University of Oregon track program, Tinker Hatfield began his career at Nike as a corporate architect in 1981. Four years later, he landed a job as a shoe designer by winning a 24-hour design contest, a position that he was, “Chomping at the bit to get into.” In 1987, Tinker famously exposed Air in his Air Max 1 design — an integral part of Nike’s “Revolutionary” Air Pack. The mastermind behind many of Nike’s most iconic products including Air Trainer, Air Safari, Huarache, Agassi footwear, and Air Jordan (III-XV, XX, XIIV, XV), Tinker’s creations are instantly recognizable for their unique ability to combine innovation with storytelling.

Release Dates is slated for February 10, 2009 on these – and you can believe that anticipation will build beyond control. The Spi’zike is pretty much overwhelmingly one of the best hybrid Jordan Brand sneakers ever created and you may or may not know, but it was designed by the man, the legend, Tinker Hatfield. Take a closer look at the release via the photo above and the photos below, courtesy of Japanese retailer Lowtex.

“This isn’t MTV Cribs, this is MTV Kicks” – DJ AM

DJ AM was definitely an avid sneakerhead with more than 600 pairs to his name. Its sad to see him go at such a young age during a time when he seem to have been in the prime of his life. Plus, with the horrific and amazing survival story that he and Travis Barker endured last September in plane crash that they survived – this all seems to surreal to believe that not even a year later, he passes away. What a tremedous loss. Our condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.

Rest In Peace Adam Goldstein.

Here’s a photo of the lovely Jessenia Vice, a model from New Jersey, teamed up with photographer Philip Torres to create this vibrant image incorporating sneakers with a nice looking lady. Check more info on Jessenia Vice and photographer Phillip Torres by clicking below…

www.modelmayhem.com/jesseniavice
www.modelmayhem.com/philiptorres

Jordan Brand has just released the Black/Shadow Grey colorway of the Air Jordan Retro 1 High. While its “official” release is due for September, it has already appeared at select Jordan Brand accounts and of course, on Ebay. This is an OG 1 colorway and it features a textured Black/Gray leather upper. It retails for $110. Info via KATC

Air Jordan I Retro High
332550-001 Black/Shadow Grey-White
$110.00

Slam presents the JORDAN issue. A Special Collector’s Issue Honoring MJ’s Induction into the Hall of Fame. Scanned inside of the current KICKS issue by SLAM.

Here you have our honey of the day, Dominican/Puerto Rican model Raquel Reign with an amazing 36F-27-40 frame. In these photos taken by VXN Studios, she’s rockin’ a pair of Jordan XIV’s and she also seems to lean more towards a guy who knows a thing or two about kicks. Here’s what she said in regards to what she looks for in a guy…

“…A man that’s Intelligent, Smooth, Funny, Loyal and a man that can keep his kicks clean; because if your swagger is nice but your kick game is not- I’ll boot your ass real quick…”

For more photos, look below after the break…

Photos by David “DRO” Rosario

By any normal day, sneaker shop Air Traffic Control is usually filled with customers and sneaker aficionados looking for ultra-exclusive kicks. Well, on Saturday August 15, 2009 – Air Traffic Control was completely transformed into 1/3 sneaker shop, 1/3 art show and 1/3 lounge. Mi Gente Clothing along with various other sponsors, hosted an art show featuring the works of Big Doves, who you may know as the creator of Mi Gente’s infamous “Suck My Kicks” logo. The night was also extra special as it served as a mini-memorial and tribute to recently passed Miami graffiti legend, Oil aka Oiler, who passed earlier in the week. And ironically, the night of Big Dove’s art show was coincidently Oil’s birthday. A tribute canvas was displayed along with a pair of Air Force 1’s that Oil designed before he passed. Rest in Peace, Oil!!!

As far as how the night turned out – well, sneakerheads and art-lovers of all shapes, sizes and colors stopped by to check out the show. You even had complimentary drinks courtesy of Belvedere Vodka, and Amp’d Energy Drinks courtesy of the Amp girls that passed through. And before we called it a night we had to ask the owners of ATC if they had any exclusive sneakers in the shop – and with that, we ran into a pair of Jordan IV Retros UNDFTD “Military Olive Suede/Orange”, where there are apparently only 72 in existence. Then we ran into a pair of the KAWS designed 1World Air Force 1’s. Overall, it was a great night.

Photos of the entire event, along with people, sneakers, artwork and more by clicking below…

Tons of sneaker coverage, with Chicago’s Derrick Rose on the cover, SLAM presents its annual KICKS edition – marking this one as the 12th featured issue of its kind for SLAM. Over 400 current sneakers (rare limited included) are featured in this issue, along with a feature on the newly premiered Lebron VII’s. The 12th edition of KICKS is now available on news stands everywhere. Via KicksOnFire

BONUS | View all of the previous covers of KICKS by clicking here

In 1978, Nike revolutionized running by introducing Air technology. In 1987, Tinker Hatfield made Air visible in the Air Max 1, revolutionizing the industry itself.
Over the next 30 years, Nike did not stop, nor did Air’s design visionary, Tinker Hatfield. As part of a constant quest to improve athletic performance, Nike’s Air Cushioning technology gave rise to a series of iconic sports innovations.

Part of a new generation of Nike innovators, Ann-Marie Paz and Anthony Hope continue this mission. Driven by Tinker’s design ethos of “perform and provoke” – with the greatest research and materials at their disposal – they draw from the past and the future to create the best kicks in the world. The result: Air Maxim 1.

With Bill Bowerman and Tinker as a starting point, this timeline revisits those 30 years and gives a glimpse into the next 30.

Suraj “The Sneaker Ambassador”, owner of Jersey City based sneaker boutique, Sneaker Room. We’ve run into Suraj once or twice in Miami. He’s always represented his store like no other and was proud to give Jersey City an outlet to buy exclusive sneakers right within their own city limits. The shop opened up on November 4, 2006, but is now currently in the process of relocating to Newark, NJ. Stay updated on the status of their new opening right here on SneakerTalk and/or give them a call at 1-201-386-0501.

Well, Suraj took a break from the up-north state of mind and came down to Miami this past week. He enjoyed the sun and even passed by the set of Fat Joe’s video for “Aloha” that we posted a photo from a couple days ago. Also on his trip to The 305, Suraj passed by Foot Soldiers, which is located in Downtown Miami (100 SE 1st Ave Miami, FL 33131) and he gave them a peek at one the Air Force 1’s in his collection. Suraj came through with a Nike ID designed AF1 that featured primarily a gray suede with a white “swoosh” and teal accents on the sole and the laces. He definitely chose a perfect pair to wear that fits in with the traditional Miami vibe.  More photos of the sneaker and Suraj – below after the break. Photos courtesy of Foot Soldiers

This is an extremely dope photograph taken at one of Miami’s MetroMover stations. It features the “Real Heads” shirt by 8 And 9 Designs. To purchase this shirt, visit 8 And 9’s store at shop.8and9.com

We guess that while Fat Joe waits on the production to finish on the bulk of his Protegé/K-mart “Blackout” sneakers, he chose to rock a pair of Kanye-designed Louis Vuitton sneakers (the Jasper model) on set of his latest video shoot for the single “Aloha” featuring Pleasure P. This was shot yesterday on set in Miami Beach. Those sneakers definitely stand out like a sore-thumb. Nice to see Joey giving Kanye the co-sign for his LV venture.

Photo Credit: Troy from Unique Auto Sports

If you have $2,300 laying around and if you happen to be a size 15, then these are for you. This Air Jordan II PE was made specifically to honor Marcus Jordan’s (Michael Jordan’s son) high school colors. A student of the Whitney Young High School in Chicago. These are extremely rare and OSneaker managed to get these in their hands. Via SneakerNews

This is XXL Magazine’s newest Eye Candy of the month – and her name is Shakur. Above is a taste of her spread in the current issue of XXL Magazine and and all you need to know is the following…

34DD-23-36.

Spotted via The305.com

Complex recently put together a list of the top Nike Basketball commercials. The list was full of classics and tons of nostalgia-infused clips. Now, we feel that the commercial featured above should’ve topped the list, but unfortunately it came in at Number Two, per Complex. Regardless,you can’t deny that it was an innovative commercial and the concept was executed well. From the music, to the shot transitions. Press play and enjoy.

View the rest of the Top 10 and see what made “Number One” by clicking here

Stella Hernandez is a Miami-based photographer. And right here you have a photo that’s part of a series she did that involved combining multiple exposures of her subject at a location and the only thing that changed per each exposure was the sneakers her subject was wearing. The concept was impecable and the way she executed it, even more so. And a nice choice of shirt that pays homage to J Dilla.

Check out more of Stella’s work over on her official website: www.stellahernandez.com

Sketches via SneakerNews

The newest incarnation of the the Nike Lebrons was unveiled recently. And designer Jason Petrie really goes into detail on the complexity behind the design. Above you can see a couple sketches and renderings of what later became the Nike Air Max LeBron VII. Below are words straight from the man himself via SneakerNews

“My design process isn’t set in stone, but I am always trying to find what Ken Link calls the “truth” in the shoe. Usually I first look to identify the problem we need to solve and who we are solving it for. Once that is established my inspiration can come from anywhere, but it most often comes from the game and the culture around it. Having grown up a fan of basketball, as well as basketball and sneaker culture, I use that history combined with the game theater to fuel my creative process. With that as a foundation I then look to whatever the inspiration point may be for that particular project. That can be anything from athlete insight, an amazing moment in the game, a great movie, a beautiful car, or even just an afternoon on the court with friends talking smack. The love and beauty of the game is an endless source of inspiration for me, and when you add Nike’s science and technical prowess to that, you get this amazing blend of imagination and technology. To me, finding that “truth” is using that blend of imagination and technology to solve your problem, and using that solution to enable athletes to continue to push their boundaries and unlock pieces of the game that we haven’t ever seen before.”

To see a video of Lebron and Jason getting more in detail about the back story of the shoe, click below…

A while back we ran into Mayor, who is pretty much the undisputed king of Air Force 1’s. Mayor is from the Bronx and he has over 1,000 (+) pairs of sneakers. He literally told us that he could wear a different pair of sneakers each day for three years and not run out. Not a lot of people can say that. Well, while we spoke, he showed us this custom piece he had done. Its a Air Force 1’s piece in 18 kt White Gold with VVS diamonds. It literally left us speechless.

Photo Taken By DavidRosario.com

Here’s a photo taken at the first ever Mi Gente Clothing Battle of The Jordans that took place at Buck 15 on Miami Beach – back on March 27, 2007. Pictured above is Jordan brand rep Ivan Diaz and Fat Joe, along with the winner for the females, Jissa, who won with her pair of OG Sky Jordan I’s (1985), and Kwab won with his rare OG Air Jordan I’s White & Grey (1985) that even made Fat Joe do a double-take. They each walked away with an Air Jordan III Laptop Bag, Mike Bibby Team-Dime Player Exclusive B Loyal autographed shoe and Mi Gente custom T-shirts.