ON & BEYOND

This is a big step up from the Metallic chukka lows by Alex Olson. On a closer look, the Versa features BoardFeel XD technology, high-grade EVA mid-sole & a nice oiled Suede upper; the best part? Sock liner & insole. The Versa is a balanced blend of fashion & skate, in fact it takes inspiration from High-End Italian footwear: note the nice slim toe cap and tonal piping.

“The vision of the Versa was to create a product that was ideal for the next generation of hardcore skateboarders who want a product that can perform and also have a more refined sense of aesthetic style. Alex Olson was a key contributor to this project and explained that he wanted a product that would function perfectly, look good on and off his board, and stand apart from the standard skate shoe design formula. We were really inspired by this idea and set out to blend high performance and high-end style—the result is a very versatile shoe. The upper is based on simple, sophisticated luxury sneakers, while the outsole is a clean, refined version of our classic look. The stylish performance bottom unit delivers the grip and cushioning required by the most demanding professional skaters.”

Big thanks to Alex Forbes of Vans for sending these over!

In 1923, Albert Messmer changed the world by creating the first Football Cleat in response to a muddy pitch on a rainy day. Hummel, which is the direct translation of a bumble bee, is inspired by the agile movement that a bumble bee can perform in the air. The cleat created by hummel allowed players to have the much needed traction. Now, almost ninety years later, the Danish brand makes their debut in North America, and we, The Ringleaders are proud to be sponsored by such a storied company. Our full kits finally came out of the print shop so we will be sporting this for the 2010 Campaign. No Pity on the pitch.

Cheers to everyone who came out for an awesome practice this morning.

I want these shorts. Give them to me.

Invented by the East Indians of Chennai (Formerly known as the city of Madras), this 100% lightweight cotton is The perfect material for summer. Most people associate the fabric to bright and flamboyant pigments…which is mainly due to the popularization of the pattern by classic American Prep Style in the 80′s. And while it never really went out of style, the colored patterns do seem to change over the years… This one is my pick for the summer:

01 . NickelCobalt 02. ohwrd 03. TheEssentialMan 04. YMFY

Seems as though all my friends ask me if ONE day I’d open up a shop or start my line of clothes, I usually respond with a shrug of elbows…but I know that deep down, most of us have thought of it, pondered about it, and even dream of doing something like that.  So congrats to Ryan/Owen/Simon for having the guts (and financial backing) to do it!

Photos by Greg Washington.

When it’s as hot as it is right now on the eastcoast, Man’s best friends are: water, AC and a good T-shirt. Emilcotoni of Italy is one of the top makers of cotton. The main characteristic distinguishing Emilcotoni from other common yarns is the raw material selection, which are exclusively made out of Egyptian originated cotton with extra long staples. The knit is light, breatheable and will most definitately keep the same, perfect shape even after many washes. I am ready, Summer.

I’m shooting a Summer Lookbook. I’m keeping the details in the safe, but here is a teaser. Big thanks to the stylist Jay Forest and Max, our model of the day. Inspirations include Hiroki’s Sense photoshoot, Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto & Paul Anthony’s HUgE shoot.

Outdoor football season has started. Thank god. Which is why these 3 pairs of runners have seen more action that usual, been working on getting the cardio up again. Nothing beats the feeling of running in a well engineered pair of runners and listening to “Building Nothing Out of Something”. Here are undoubtedly some of my preferred runners, not only in terms of comfort and performance, but also extremely sexy lookin’…

no. 001 – Nike Air Max 97 OG

no. 002 – Nike Presto 2009

no. 003 – Nike Free 5.0