Kotaku: Shoes

The Horror II: Revenge of Tetris Shoes!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:40:33 MDT

The Year of the Video Game Shoe continues, this time courtesy of Puma who have inflicted two additional Tetris themed kicks on the footwear buying public. While these two are certainly not as horrendous as the Disc Blaze re-issues already released—if only for the fact that that particular shoe is an eyesore by design—the RS100 and First Round EX entries in the Tetris pack are going to more than likely attract the wrong kind of attention.

I'll stick my Nike SB 720s thank you very much, Mr. Puma! In fact, I'm off to Brooklyn Projects to acquire! Have a good weekend.

Puma S/S '08 Tetris Pack [High Snobiety]

The Converse/Nintendo Partnership That Never Was

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:00:00 MDT

These are art, not shoes, because unlike the garish-yet-limited run of expensive designer sneakers we normally feature, these are hand-painted. Which means getting them wet or performing any kind of strenuous activity is just totally out of the question. As is wearing them to literally kick a man's ass after a heated bout of Smash Bros. Though hopefully there's one or two moral reasons stopping you from doing that before you have to actually consider "cracking the paint on my new custom Chucks" to be the one that keeps things civil.
Hand Painted Nintendo Kicks [deviantART, thanks KCS!]

Ben Sherman's Pac-Man Shoes

Mike Fahey — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:20:00 MDT

One day I hope to be half the video game shoe connoisseur that Crecente is, but I'm quite a long way off. For example, when he saw these Pac-Man-inspired kicks from British clothing company Ben Sherman, I very much doubt there is a measure of time small enough to quantify the time between the initial page load and check out confirmation. I, on the other hand, waited for several minutes, hemming and hawing over $60 for a pair of canvas sneakers that I will probably never wear for fear of scuffing them, like the Asteroids Pro Keds I picked up last year. Oh well, I suppose there's only one thing for it. *closes eyes and places order* If you don't see yourself buying them it doesn't count.

Ben Sherman's Blinky Shoe [Piperlime]

The Horror: Puma Tetris Shoes

Luke Plunkett — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:00:00 MDT

I spend far too much of my reasonably-hard-earned money on two things. One of them is games. The other, sneakers. Combinations of the two should be a sure thing for me, then, but in this case, no, no it is not. Puma are re-releasing two versions of their old Disc Blaze sneaks in the Spring, only this time, with a Tetris theme. Not, as you'd be forgiven for thinking, an "opening credits of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme.
Puma Disc Blaze 1990s Tetris Pack [Kicksonfire]

Handmade Super Smash Shoes

Brian Crecente — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:05:48 MDT

Reader Joseph Colon emails to tell us that he was so psyched about the pending release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl last week that he had to express it, artistically. Colon ran out and bought himself a pair of white Air Force 1s and then filled up all that empty space with some beautiful Super Smash art work. In fact all 36 characters are shown on the shoes.

How freakin' awesome is that?

Delightfully Dorky Pac-Man Ben Sherman Shoes

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:00:36 MST

While we're not sure we have the courage to wear these Ben Shermans, we do admire the effort. And that Blinky? Brilliant. They're on sale for US $39.98, so if you're feeling brave, they're all yours. We won't stop you!
Blinky Bens [Onlineshoes via technabob via ALBOTAS]

Adidas Brings Halo 3 To Its Feet

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:40:00 MST

2008 is looking to be replete with video game shoes, with Nike issuing Skate or Die and 720-inspired shoes under its Nike SB line and Adidas pumping out a Halo branded pair of kicks. The Adidas Gil II Zero Halo Sneaker is one of many Gilbert Arenas-approved designs—remember the NBA Live 08 shoe?—featuring all-over Halo 3 branding, Bungie logos and a recognizable weapon pattern.

If you want to get your dogs on these sneakers, you better call in some hook-ups, as they're limited to 100 pairs worldwide. Complex, who has detailed pics of the pair, is giving away the whole line at some point, for anyone feeling lucky. Me? I'm sticking to the Nike SB 720s (and maybe the Skate or Dies), depending on how long I feel like camping out at Undefeated.

adidas Gil II Zero Halo Sneaker [Complex]

Ugly Halo 3 Kicks to Kick Things With

fdemarco — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 15:00:00 MST

So, apparently these things have been out since October but this is the first I've actually seen ~~their hideousness~~ them documented. That's right, custom Halo 3 branded Nike Dunks! Now you can carry your love of Halo with you wherever you go just in case that Xbox, controller, RSS reader, Mountain Dew soda, cap, man purse and twenty three different t-shirts weren't enough. Wear the cap, shoes, t-shirt and bag all at the same time to unlock the Uber-Dork achievement!

Halo 3 Dunk Low Custom [nikeskateboarding.org]
[Thanks, Vinh]

NBA Live 08, By Adidas

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:40:00 MST

I normally think of three things when video game companies are hard pressed to flex their marketing muscles. First, we have breasts. They never fail to draw a crowd. Second, slapping some logos and character art on an automobile. Third, alternate reality game. When these three have been either vetoed as tasteless, stale or consuming of too much manpower, they default to their rare alt—shoes. Sneakerheads will cover the cost and at least one Kotaku editor will post about their existence, ensuring the program is a success.

To wit, the NBA Live 08 Gil II Zero, Gilbert Arenas' signature shoe in an EA Sports-appropriate colorway. That the cover star of this years hoops effort already has his own shoe design is simply serendipity. Looks like only one retailer is offering them, for around $130 US, so unless you consider these "straight fire", move along.

Adidas Team Signature Arenas EA Sports [ via HypeBeast]

The Nike NES Hack

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:20:10 MDT

Yeah, the Gizmodo edition of Mark Wilson beat us to the punch on this fashionable hack quite some time ago, but we're just getting caught up. It may not work as a shoe, but as a NES, it's totally feasible. As the guts of a Nintendo Entertainment System fit easily into a Super Mario Bros. cartridge itself, I don't see any reason why I couldn't reasonably have an old beater Nike hooked up to my television. The laced NES controller is a nice touch, totally killing those Xbox 360-style Heely eyesores.

'Sneaker Pimps' pimped out NES sneaker [CrunchGear]

Heelys Reveals Ugliest Game Shoe Ever

Brian Crecente — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:00:54 MDT

If there were a competition to make the ugliest shoes in the world. And if that competition had an entry that was so good at being ugly it was disqualified to give the other entries a chance: The Gamer would be that entry.

I can't figure out which I find more disconcerting. The sheer overwhelming fuglatude of these shoes or the fact that just don't make any sense what so ever. What the hell was going through their minds when they came up with this?

Brent: I know, let's take a pair of sneakers and slap the gutted remains of an Xbox 360 controller to the sole.

Frasier: Wow, grand slam Brent! Now, lets go roll around in the pool of money we made off of kids who like to skate on the back heels of their shoes.

I mean the complete stupidity of this idea makes me question the company's success with the Heely. Was it just pure luck? Do these guys have two buckets, one filled with shoes and the other with objects and then just pick one from each bucket and make things with them?

Foot-On New Mario Shoes

Brian Crecente — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:00:46 MDT

My new pair of Legacy X Nintendo 2007 shoes just hit the house. Yes, I ran out and ordered them the second Mike posted that they 400 limited run shoes were available.

I've only been wearing them for a few minutes so I can't really say how they will break in. They look quite nice and distinct up close, but mostly average from afar, which is what I like. They smell like someone emptied a can of spray paint into them, maybe two. In fact, they're right now giving me a headache, but I assume that will go away over time. The only other thing I should not is that while I ordered my shoe size, they feel slightly tight, so they may run a little smaller than normal.

While they're no replacements for my poor, worn out Space Invader shoes, they're still decent stand ins and I expect that once they're broken in they'll be fine. I particularly like the Mario and Yoshi buried under the rubber of the sole on the bottom of the shoes. Nice touch.

Super Mario Shoes Now For Sale! Run!

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:20:29 MDT

The Run Athletics brand collaboration with Nintendo that resulted in a pair of very bold Super Mario Bros. themed sneakers has born fruit and they're now available for purchase. For the low, low price of $120 per pair, you not only get a fresh pair of bright white kicks, but you also score a unique shoe box emblazoned with the Mario "M" and a free limited edition t-shirt that celebrates the release. Only 400 pairs of the Nintendo Legacy shoes are available, so don't sleep on these if you want to be the first kind on your block to blind a friend with their brilliance.

Only sizes 8.5 to 13 need apply. If you get 'em, send us some pics.

Legacy X Nintendo 07 [Denim & Sole via High Snobiety]

Asteroid Shoes In The House

Mike Fahey — Thu, 17 May 2007 09:20:15 MDT

Remember the Pro-Keds Arcade Series shoes I posted back in late April? I wasn't kidding when I said I was desperately trying to find a pair for sale. Seemed like the Pac-Man shoe was the only one widely available, until a reader sent me a link to Designer Athletic, who had the Asteroids model in size 8, 8.5, 10, and 13. Now they are out of 13's *grins*.

Behold, the first of many gaming shoe conquests. Fueled by Vault and guarded by Crappy Movie Preview Starscream, the Asteroid shoes are now mine.

Yes, I drink a lot of Vault, and yes, I am wearing black socks. They make me feel sexy. Michael Fahey

Pro Keds Arcade Series

Mike Fahey — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:20:42 MDT

Like many of you, I used to laugh whenever Crecente would start going on about his love for gaming shoes. Until I saw these beauties from Pro Keds, of all places. When I was a young lad, Keds were those plain white shoes your mother would always buy and try to pass off as sneakers. These are definitely not my mother's Keds. Crecente and I have been killing ourselves trying to find these for sale, since the Pro Keds site's Buy Them Online button isn't working. Bastards. I must have your Centipede shoes!

Thanks Invaderbacca for helping me develop yet another gaming-based obsession. Michael Fahey

Crecente's New Space Invader Kicks

Brian Crecente — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 09:00:02 MDT

Remember those fancy Nintendo shoes that Pandamanda made with fabric pens and a pair of plain white shoes? I loved the art so much I paid her to make a pair just for me featuring what else but Space Invaders.

I haven't received them yet, but she just sent me a slew of pictures and I nearly passed out from how amazing they are. I like how from a distance they almost look like those checkered Vans. I had a pair of checkered Vans when I was in high school, but the cool just didn't take. Maybe it will this time around.

These set me back $130, which includes the price of the shoes. A very fair price for such ass-kickery. Pandamanda says she is taking orders, so if you're interested hit her up at PandaSneaks [ at ] gmail.com

Now the only question is will I have the nerve to wear these in public. And I think you know the answer. Brian Crecente

Handmade Nintendo Kicks

Brian Crecente — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:00:43 MDT

Now these homemade shoes are hot. HOT! Kotaku regular Gils0n sent us these pictures of shoes crafted by co-worker Pandamanda with fabric pens and a pair of plain white shoes. A-friggin-mazing. Now if she would only make a pair of Space Invader shoes... and sell them... to me. Brian Crecente

Pandamanda

Retro Game Boy Platform Shoes

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 02:00:36 MDT

Back in 2001, before Kotaku even existed and Nintendo was feeling zany, these three pairs of $2,000 shoes were designed by a custom orthopedic shoe creator for the game maker's 2001 Style Campaign. Nintendo described them as geared for "club kids with attention deficit disorder." Not sure which is worse: The shoes, the price tag or the description. Brian Ashcraft

Shoe Fashion in 2001 Was Nutso [Manolo's Shoe Blog, Thanks Art!]

Reebok Does Tron Kicks Right

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:20:11 MST

Adidas may have beaten Reebok to the punch with their Tron-licensed kicks last year, but Reebok knocks it out of the goddamn park with their much more subtle, far less dorky Glow sneakers due to hit this summer. The New Dandyism column over at streetwear fashion blog High Snobiety has first pics of the glow-in-the-dark shoes in action. Shoes are so hot you'll want to keep a pocket flashlight handy for late night recharges.

New Dandyism also teases with a promise of an "apparel hook-up" alongside the Reebok release, which had better glow, too, or we'll be pissed. Michael McWhertor

Exclusive: Reebok "Glow" in action! [High Snobiety]

EA, Nike Kick Out NBA Street Air Jordans

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:40:51 MST

EA has teamed up with Nike to release a very limited number of NBA Street branded Nike Air Jordan B'Loyals in conjunction with the upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 release NBA Street Homecourt. Only one hundred pairs will be made, with sixty of those up for grabs in an online contest kicking off soon, according to Hypebeast.

I'm strictly a Nike Dunk man, so I'll keep myself out of the competition. Good luck, sneakerheads! Michael McWhertor

EA NBA Street Homecourt x Air Jordan B'Loyal [Hypebeast - Juan for the assist!]

Amazing Nintendo Kicks

Brian Crecente — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:00:56 MST

Ok, I'm right on the line with these. I love the shoes, can't get enough of the gaming shoes, but the baby blue color and hardcore Nintendo fanboyism of these sneaks leave me a little hesitant to buy.

On the flipside, these particular shoes have translucent soles that give you a peak at a gel-obscured Yoshi on one foot and a yellow-cape wearing Mario from Super Mario World on the other. Maybe they'll come out with a nice black or grey version of these.

Of course it's also going to depend on for how much Run Athletics is going to sell these Super Trainers.Brian Crecente

Super Trainers Nintendo X Run Athletics Legacy [Urban Retro Lifestyle]

Custom Mary Janes For The Ms. Pac-Man In Your Life

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:20:48 MST

Aww! They're cute! And they're handmade. C'mon, get your size 7.5 foot gamer girlfriend a pair. They're only $16 and you only have ten shopping days left. Do it already! Michael McWhertor

Pac-Man Mary Janes [Etsy]

PS3 Shoes Sell for $4.5k

Brian Crecente — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:57:57 MST

The charity auction for Nike's ultra-exclusive Playstation 3 shoes just ended. Bluesole.com, which sold the shoes for charity, managed to raise $4,530 for the single pair, which is one of 24 pairs made by Nike. None of them were released to the public. Brian Crecente

PlayStation 3 Air Max 90 Hybrid Nike Kicks [Blue Sole]

Godfather the Game the Shoes

Brian Crecente — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:00:58 MST

Apparently there is a limit to what game-related shoes I like. These Godfather the Game shoes have got to be the ugliest things I've ever seen. And yes, I'm including the Xbox shoes on that list. Brian Crecente

Fuck, they made Godfather the Game Shoes Now [Geek on Stun]

PS3 Shoe Auction Tops $4K

Brian Crecente — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 16:00:06 MST

Remember those Playstation 3 shoes I was lusting over last week? The ones made by Nike? Well the unattainable shoes are, it turns out, attainable after all. Someone is auctioning one of the two dozen kicks with 100 percent going to some unnamed charity.

Currently, the price is hovering at just over $4,000. Oh, and those shoes are size 10, so even if I was rich, they wouldn't fit my tiny feet. Dammit! Brian Crecente

Playstation 3 Air Max Shoes [Blue Sole]

Ultra Limited PS3 Shoes

Brian Crecente — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 19:00:30 MST

It's no secret to the avid Kotaku reader that I have a bit of a shoe fetish. I love the shoes. And yes, I know that makes me a big girl. My favorite pair, for the past year or so, are my limited edition Invader Sneaks which by some bizarre twist of fate happen to be number one of 4,500 pairs made.

While I think they will never be toppled from their perch, these super limited edition PS3 shoes are pretty damn nifty as well.

There are exactly 24 of these Nike Air Max 360/90 Hybrid shoes made. They sport the launch date on the heel and tongue, diagrams of the console on the inside and Play Beyond as well as a partial picture of the Sixaxis on the insert.

My guess is that they are, for all practical purposes, totally unattainable, which of course is why I want them. Brian Crecente

First Look at PlayStation 3 Kicks New Pics - Pg 1 ISS Forums]

Sexy Naruto Shoes

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 22 May 2006 18:47:05 MDT

We all know that Crecente has a ~~pirate~~ shoe fetish. Not just any shoes will do. No, for Crecente's itch, he needs to be scratched by gaming shoes. Good thing reader coalhalo found these Naruto sneaker send-ups. These ninja kicks are called "Air Rivals," retail for US $63 and go on sale June 17th in Japan. But bad news Crecente, these only come in children's sizes.

More Here [Siliconera] Thanks, coalhalo!

Sexy Tron Shoes

Brian Crecente — Mon, 22 May 2006 14:02:31 MDT

Reader Papaspurs, knowing my obsession with video game shoes, sent me a link to a pair of Tron shoes from Adidas. The Stan Smith Comforts show Tron on the tongue of the shoe and the Master Control Programmer on the footbed, whetever the hell that is. The sole? Inside the shoe? Sorry, I'm not up on my shoe jargon.

Unfortunately, the pictures show neither the tongue nor the footbed, though there is this nice shot of the side featuring two light cycles. They may not live up to the Space Invader shoes, but I still need to buy a pair. Yes, it is an illness. —Brian Crecente

Stan Smith II Comfort BL4 - Tron [Adidas]

The Other Invader Shoes

Brian Crecente — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 14:00:43 MDT

Becky Young, marketing guru over at Video Games Live, posted up a sweet picture of some new Space Invader shoes on her blog. Damnit, now I need to buy another pair of shoes. I'm not sure if I can pull off the pink stripe, but I bet they come in other colors. Anybody have any clue where you can still find these?

Our Team [VGL]

Space Invader Shoe Review

Brian Crecente — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:30:01 MST

My wife surprised me with a late Christmas present last night: A pair of Invader tennis shoes. The shoes come in three colors and feature a Space Invader on the heel and side of the shoe as well as one cut into the bottom so you can leave your Invader mark as you walk. The site suggests coating the sole of your shoe with ink before taking a stroll around downtown. Something I would never do, no matter what pops up along the sidewalks of Denver in the next few months.

The shoes feel fairly comfortable, especially considering that you're wearing art. Each pair of shoes is numbered. Unless I'm looking in the wrong place I have pair 1 of 4,500. The thing I like best about these shoes is how understated they are. They look cool but don't scream "I'm a gamer", unless you're walking on sand or recently rubbed them down with ink.

Space Shop [Space Invaders]