WeAsked,
TheyAnswered…
20 AMERICANWAY
FEBRUARY 15 2009
S H O E S
1
CONVERSEEB1MID
With
solid ventilation, heel support (and
spring), and a snugfit courtesy of
themidstrap lockdown, EltonBrand’s
new shoe is probably the fastest and
best-looking shoe you’ll find south of
$70 anywhere. $65,
2
REEBOKATRTALKIN’KRAZY
Customized for trash talkin’, these
superlight sneaks are hewn from a
dry-erase upper that alone could inspire
WhiteMenCan’t Jump II
. Justmake
sure your game can back up your
mouth. $80,
3
JORDANCP3.II
These colorful
high-tops designed for Chris Paul
offer tight-fittinggore-strap crosses
in the tongue, foammaterial that
molds to the foot and acts like built-
in ankle braces, andflex grooves on
the forefoot to help facilitate a killer
crossover. $118,
4
CONVERSEWADESLASHMID
Ablend of DwayneWade’s first and
fourth signature shoes, theSlashMid is
light andgreat for quick runs. The slick
patent-leather toe and reverse-fit Velcro
tabs also add a nice blend of fashionable
functionality. $80,
5
NEWBALANCE905
WithNew
Balance’s patentedZip cushioning in
the heel, LockDown Liner, andLightning
Dry technologies, the905provides
maximum heel support alongwith a
near-custom, swamp-foot-resistant
fit. They’re also great for endurance.
$105,
6
ADIDASTSBOUNCE
COMMANDER
Worn byKevin
Garnett andTimDuncan, these bad
boys boost your upswith a springyTPU
(thermo plastic urethane)midsole, while
amidfoot strap and torsion system
bar keep your arches snug and fully
supported. $110,
TakeFlightwith
NikeIDBespoke
//
For
more than25 years, sneaker-heads
have traveled the globe to track
down rare editions of Nike’s iconic
Air Force 1. Now they can literally
create their own at the brand’s
recently openedboutique inNew
YorkCity. The program, aptly named
NikeIDBespoke— think Savile
Row-like tailoring for the sneaker set
— “completely unlocks” the shoe’s
design, according to spokeswoman
DemetriaWhite.With 31
customizable parts (outsoles, linings,
theSwoosh) available in82 iconic
materials (denim, waxed canvas,
reflective 3M synthetics, or the
elephant-print leathermade famous
on the Jordan IIIs) you can get
sneaks thatmatch your tux, car,
or the classic orangeNike box, as
one person is doing. “We designed
one shoe to resemble a rain boot,”
says Izzy, Nike’s premier design
consultant, who uses color theory
while discussing creative options
with his clients. “There’s a science
to it. But I definitelywant them to
leave satisfied, so I always keep it
as honest as possible.” (Translation:
He’ll be the voice of reason if you
cross the line from creative to ugly.)
After a two-hour consultation you’ll
have your kicks— completewith
shoehorns, Izzy’s sketches, and, of
course, laceswith silver- or gold-
plated tips— in just fourweeks.
$820. Appointments availableSundays
andTuesdays only; NikeSportswear at
21Mercer;
Don’t hit the courtwithout
tying on a pair of this
season’s new kicks.
—M.S.
Game
On
1.
My cell phone. If I forgetmy charger, I’ll ask every teammate
until I find one.
2.
Toronto. It’s beautiful and really, really
clean.
3.
ThePhoenician inScottsdale, because the beds are
comfortable, and they have a really nice golf course.
ChrisDuhon
Guard,NewYorkKnicks
1.
MyApple laptop andmy iPod.
2.
Washington, D.C.— I have a big family,
and they all get to come seeme play sinceD.C. is close tomy hometown of
Baltimore. Also, L.A., because you never knowwhat celebrities you’re going to
see at the game.
3.
Four Seasons inD.C., and theBeverlyWilshire in L.A. ... I
love gettingmassages there before games. —
E.R.
RudyGay
Forward,MemphisGrizzlies
