The Converse/Nintendo Partnership That Never Was

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.

The Horror: Puma Tetris Shoes

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 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]

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