Sneaker Life: Sneaker Reviews
Sneaker Life: Sneaker Reviews
In-depth written reviews of a wide range of sneakers from various brands, with a special focus on exclusive releases that aren't available in South Africa.
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adidas Originals - BW Army Trainer
There’s something special about revisiting classics. Adidas reimagines the iconic BW Army trainer, originally crafted for German troops. Famously replicated by Maison Margiela, this enduring design continues to inspire both sneaker culture and high-end fashion.
The collaboration between fashion designers and athletic sneaker brands spells out – high end!!! As much as this release is dubbed a pair for skate parks, one would certainly cause a stir in ’em on the runway. Authentic in concept, this skate option comes correct, dressed in mid-green throughout the upper while boasting a deconstructed design look and feel. Plush suede hits the entire upper, complemented by goat leather heel lining, while the gusseted perforated tongue introduces itself perfectly.
Adding a nice touch to these are the flat cotton laces—the choice couldn’t have been better. The design detail runs through to the lace tips, with the Trefoil logo on one side saluting Alexander Wang text branding on the other.
An upside-down perforated Trefoil logo on the vamp further provides truth for our soles. Completing the freshness on these is the tri-color rubber midsole that employs white, black, and gum colourways—uniquely pronouncing: We are “The Brand With The Three Stripes.”
Dip in at KICK IT – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: Ftwr white/ftwr white/chalk white & Utility black/utility black/core black
Year of Release: 2017
adidas Originals by Alexander Wang Skate
Them sneaker skate silhouettes bring freshness to the streets of sneaker kingdom, leaving us cheering and begging for more. Alexandaer Wang teams up with adidas Originals, the brand best known for their freedom of expression and extreme support for individuality.
The collaboration between fashion designers and athletic sneaker brands spells out – high end!!! As much as this release is dubbed a pair for skate parks, one would certainly cause a stir in ’em on the runway. Authentic in concept, this skate option comes correct, dressed in mid-green throughout the upper while boasting a deconstructed design look and feel. Plush suede hits the entire upper, complemented by goat leather heel lining, while the gusseted perforated tongue introduces itself perfectly.
Adding a nice touch to these are the flat cotton laces—the choice couldn’t have been better. The design detail runs through to the lace tips, with the Trefoil logo on one side saluting Alexander Wang text branding on the other.
An upside-down perforated Trefoil logo on the vamp further provides truth for our soles. Completing the freshness on these is the tri-color rubber midsole that employs white, black, and gum colourways—uniquely pronouncing: We are “The Brand With The Three Stripes.”
Get yours now at KICK IT – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: Mid Green
Year of Release: 2017
Air Jordan 1 Low “Swooshless” Triple White
This pair takes us back to 2004, when rapper Fat Joe showcased his sneaker closet on MTV Cribs, highlighting an all-white Uptowns section. He famously licked a sneaker outsole, proclaiming, “This is my blanc-on-blanc section—you never rock the same pair twice!” A true sneaker royalty flex.
Nike The cleanness of this all-white swooshless Air Jordan 1 Low makes you feel like ‘The Don,’ someone whose pockets run so deep, they can rock a pair of kicks only once! NIKE added this crisp all-white version to complete the swooshless pack, initially released in Arctic Orange, Black, and Trooper colorways. The OG Wings logo on the heel tab stands alone, without the usual big brother swoosh on the side panel. Evidently, NIKE decided it was time for young homie to shine solo and enjoy the fruits of his family line. Of course, big brother still makes an appearance on the tongue and outsole.
Wrapped in premium tumbled leather throughout the upper, with soft nubuck lining the inner, these bold uppers sit on a clean white midsole. Waxed cotton laces with gold metal tips complete the premium aesthetic. Hats off to NIKE for this creative masterpiece—sneaker kingdom will never be the same!
The truth is in the sole!
Get yours now via KICK IT – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: White/White-White
Year of Release: 2016
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “WINGS"
The firstborn, the initiator, the game changer, the big brother—the Air Jordan 1 (AJ1). In the 1984/1985 NBA season, Nike made a bold move that shaped sneaker culture, with Peter Moore leading the design and rookie Michael Jordan proving critics wrong, making it a wise, legendary choice.
Nike hits that spot again with the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG "WINGS," as we celebrate their exclusive scuffed Air Jordan 4s (Do the Right Thing) that recently surfaced. 32 years later, the Jordan Brand re-energizes the AJ1, laying that game down proper. Dressed in premium rubbed-off leather, the upper reveals an aged copper finish, pushing the belief of greatness within.
The metallic gold/black theme flows through the upper, with deconstructed elements on the ankle collar. Black premium leather laces handle the fastening, complementing the black midsole. The icy outsole completes the look, featuring WINGS in bold type, while the insole graphic shows gold-trimmed WINGS—a nod to the foundation’s mantra: “With a little help, everyone can fly.” When you step out in these, they’ll know exactly what time it is.
Big brother enjoys the fruits of his family line, saluting sneaker kingdom with a swoosh on both sides of the upper, WINGS on the outer ankle, and a gold heel addition inspired by Michael Jordan’s iconic ‘WINGS’ poster from 1989. The WINGS branding continues on the tongue.
With only 19,400 pairs available, get yours now via KICK IT – Your Sneaker Plug. Don’t sleep on this drop.
Available now via KICK IT – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: Metalic Gold/Black
Year of Release: 2017
Air Jordan 5 Premium – “Bordeaux/Wine”
Butter and juice on extra street cred with freshness that’s undeniable—these kicks guarantee G Status in the sneaker world. High-end motivation fuels the revival, reimagining the 1989/1990 classics in genuine premium leather with notable updates to set the scene.
The Bordeaux/Wine premium smooth leather decks out the entire upper. Boldly defining and elevating this timeless silhouette is the replacement of the customary netting on the sides for perforated leather, enhancing the luxe theme. A contrasting golden tan leather with a quilted finish lines the inner, reflecting superior Italian craftsmanship that’s nothing short of elite.
This release steps up the game with waxed rope laces, paired with reimagined leather lace locks branded with “Flight,” announcing the pair as part of Jordan Brand’s ongoing Air Jordan 5 Flight series. Embossed Jumpman logos hit the tongue and heel, while the iconic inverted Air Jordan branding shines on the reverse of the tongue, complemented by additional outsole branding. The midsole mirrors the Bordeaux tone of the upper, sitting on a milky white opaque outsole that’s too smooth to ignore.
Cutting through the noise, the Air Jordan 5 still holds its claim as arguably the best Jordan of all time—even though MJ never even rocked them on the court. This pair doubles down on that credence.
Dropping December 2017, stay locked to KICK It – Your Sneaker Plug for updates on this fire release!
Colour: Bordeaux/Wine
Year of Release: 2017
BAIT x FILA 96 “The Next Chapter”
FILA teamed up with BAIT to release a special edition of the FILA 96 Grant Hill silhouette, dubbed Next Chapter. This reimagined version brings fresh flair, blending style and substance. A nod to the past while pushing boundaries, securing its place in today’s sneaker culture.
The pair comes dressed in grey nubuck throughout the upper with black leather detailing rounding things off—keeping it extra butter. Red leather lining hits the inner, while the red translucent outsoles solidify the statement made by the Next Chapter, giving it a clean and bold look.
FILA branding is featured on the midsole, with BAIT handling the heel strap. The traditional FILA logo on the ankle is replaced by a perforated patch—an interesting design element that announces why this pair got next. This small detail is a key part of the collaboration's overall vision.
The black rope laces tie these joints together, adding another touch of style to the design. This pair remasters the 96 classics, elevating them to a whole new level. We think Pac would have agreed with us on this one. Pull up in these babies and leave em asking who your sneaker plug be? Leave em asking for more and tell em it’s the Next Chapter.
Available now via KICK IT – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: Grey/Black-Red
Year of Release: 2014
CASBIA - Vetta Deep Space
CASBIA, an Italian brand, blends architectural design with premium materials. The Vetta model modernizes the chukka boot with a laid-back yet elevated style. Dressed in a deep space colorway, it offers a perfect mix of contemporary and timeless appeal.
The Vetta model stands apart from the norm in bold fashion. It’s confidently crafted in hand-treated reversed calf leather throughout the laceless upper, giving it a unique, high-end feel. Perforated detailing runs along the medial walls, adding a layer of texture and depth. A rough cracked leather overlay on the heel brings an artistic touch, saluting the sneaker’s premium design while showing off that CASBIA attention to detail.
Set atop a sleek black textured speckled sole, these premium material uppers will definitely elevate your sneaker rotation this winter. Each pair comes complete with a cotton drawstring dustbag, a metal shoehorn, and a sleek white shoebox, ensuring your kicks are stored in comfort and quality. It’s all about maintaining that level of excellence, even when they’re off your feet.
Elegantly beautiful, this piece of footwear is a stellar blend of design, luxury, and function. Urbanely fit for the guy who has a mature SneakerLife enunciation, this is the type of footwear that speaks to those who truly understand the culture.
Available via KICK It – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: Deep Space
Year of Release: 2017
Converse Cons Pro Leather 76 Low Ox “Mono"
Yes!!! The Converse team takes us through moments of clarity and honesty, letting the world feel their truth through the soles. The Pro Leather 76 Low, a classic sneaker, made its name in the '70s—on b-ball courts, at b-boy sessions, and in rap cyphers.
The Stripped down to its pure form, the legendary low-top sneaker comes through dressed in a bold mono Bordeaux colorway, confidently claiming you a spot on the lists of relished influencers and gatekeepers in the Sneaker Life. Staying true to its original design, with simplicity as the driving force, the Pro Leather 76 Low is perfected in oiled suede throughout the upper. A tonal sole completes the look, paired with matching laces to seal the deal.
Converse All Star branding appears on the side of the upper, tongue, heel, footbed, and outsole. The re-mastering of these heavy hitters comes with a contemporary upgrade, featuring Nike Lunarlon sockliner technology for added support and superior cushioning.
If you didn’t understand before, now you should. Surely, you can agree with Converse in saying: “shoes are boring, wear sneakers.”
Available now via KICK It – Your Sneaker Plug
Colour: Back Alley / Brick / Brick / Brick
Year of Release: 2017
Diamond Supply Co. NT-1
The NT-1, rough on the outside but its shining qualities break through when hitting ramps at skate parks. Diamond Supply Co. came through with these, delivering a stellar look to keep you styled out proper. Skater kicks continue to raise the bar, pitching creativity and refreshing sneaker life with fresh designs.
Diamond Supply Co. cut us a silhouette built on leather, sitting on a tonal sole. Brogue detailing on the full leather upper with quilted panelling on the top part and tongue sets the scene for the NT-1. A smooth finish on the leather takes care of the lower part of the upper, rounding through to the heel.
The perforations on the toebox continue the brogue detailing, with tonal laces taking care of the fastening. The footbed features leather on the back half with Diamond Supply Co. branding, which also shows up on the tongue and outsole.
With all white and all black colorways, these monochromes will reign supreme in sneaker kingdom, guaranteed to turn up the heat on any fit.
Limited to just 500 pairs per color, these joints will add some serious diversity to your sneaker collection.
Keep your soles in Diamonds, the money line in most countries. Solid status from your feet up. KICK It is Your Sneaker Plug. We got the Diamonds, baby.
Colour: Black | White Pack
Year of Release: 2015
Ellesse - Vinitziana
Get back with a vengeance—that’s what seems to have been the design brief at the Ellesse boardroom, straight out of the land celebrated for one of the oldest olive trees in the world. Born in Perugia, the legendary brand founded by Leonardo Servadio is hitting us with rare exclusives that flex history and style.
Gracing Sneaker Kingdom with a resurrected take on their classic Venezia silhouette, now renamed the Vinitziana, Ellesse has clearly been cooking up something special. Coveted throughout the '80s and '90s, this iconic Italian sportswear giant was a forerunner of the sport-luxe lane, and the Vinitziana proves they’ve still got it.
Headlining the Ellesse Heritage collection, the Vinitziana keeps it true to its roots with a clean design, rocking original suede in subtle grey accents paired with white mesh construction. Ellesse heritage branding confidently lays on the footbeds, side panels, tongues, heels, and outsoles. Complimenting flat white laces handle the fastening, tying the look together perfectly.
Commemorating this drop, the debut Ellesse Heritage collection includes two logo T-shirts and a 6-panel tennis cap. Stay official in these rare exclusives and own that specialist lane in Sneaker Kingdom.
Get yours now via KICK It – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: Off White/Light Grey
Year of Release: 2017
Flower Mountain – Yamano in Crosta Prune
Japan meets China, birthing the Yamano silhouette—a sneaker that combines functionality, health, and undeniable beauty. Designed for the discerning enthusiast hunting rare gems in the Sneaker Life game, it blends cultural influences and cutting-edge style with unmatched appeal.
The Yamano model confidently claims its spot amongst the most coveted runner sneakers, boldly dressed in perforated nubuck suede with daring white stitching worked throughout the upper. Overlay detailing further embellishes the design, giving it that undeniable edge.
You can rock this runner in a crosta prune colourway. Moccasin stitching hits the toe box, while leather eyelets with debossed Flower Mountain branding pave the way for the black rope laces. Contrasting grey suede graces the tongue and heel pulls, while the inner gets a smooth Mr. Tan leather lining with cork saluting the footbed. These striking uppers sit on a speckled white midsole, resting atop a lightweight, non-slip rugged gum outsole—form and function perfectly blended.
Ever wonder what more brands can do to raise the bar at Sneaker Kingdom? Well, Flower Mountain is stomping hard, proving that creativity isn’t limited to the usual heavy hitters who’ve been delivering heat for decades.
S/O to them Kool Asians for this truth for our soles. Get yours now via KICK It – Your Sneaker Plug.
Colour: Costa Prune
Year of Release: 2017
Vans Vault X Taka Hayashi Chukka Nomad LX
Who’s got next? The Vans Vault X Taka Hayashi Chukka Nomad LX Collection is here, stomping hard and perfect for the enthusiast seeking rarity in Sneaker Life. Mr. Hayashi’s creativity shines through every Vans project, delivering wearable art that’s as stylish as it is unique for our feet.
Dressed in pony hair and premium suede, this old school silhouette keeps getting better with each release. A true Overkill by Vans, dressed in these joints—at any sneaker show-off or Sportscene, you’ll definitely be Undefeated. Sneaker Politics may rise, but the testament to your creative sense of style is the fact that these classics have an infinite shelf life, granting you worthy status for a promotion into Flight Club. Yeah, that Extra Butter squad.
This collection comes in 3 colorways: Indian Trail White, Triple Black, and Chestnut White. The pony hair applied on the heel column and tongue marries a premium suede that covers the shoe from the toe box all the way through to the pony’d-out heel column.
These brazen uppers sit atop a vulcanized midsole with Native American detailing. The signature Taka Hayashi branding embellishments rest on the tongue tab and the mudguard area, rounding the entire shoe. The amazing detail extends to the toggle tooth lace lock with square leather laces.
The sneaker is finished with an all-time favorite by Vans—the staple waffle outsole. Each of the pairs mixes gum with various colorways, complementing the upper.
You know what time it is when a Vans drop is from their Vault range. It certifies it as rare and limited. Don’t sleep on these joints—Shesha and grab your pair now via KICK It-Your Sneaker Plug
Colour: Costa Prune
Year of Release: 2016
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