Have a look at the images below and let us know how you feel @TDotLovesKicks.

Are you a fan of the Supra Chimera. We suggest you keep it locked to our @TDotLovesKicks for your latest info.

Marimekko and Converse continue their relationship with eye popping colourways, this fall. The Jack Purcell camo’s were well represented throughout the mass of sample stylish Converse treats. I must say though, my highlight was the John Varvatos  ”Rock ‘n Roll” inspired collection with his trademark icy soles. Some may not take well to the studs as it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but the use of premium leathers and his unique eye on today’s style captures exactly what Converse wanted for this Fall.

The new Converse Fall 2013 premium collections launch globally July 15, 2013 through to August 15, 2013.

Check out the pictures below and let us know your thoughts.  Keep it locked to @TDotLovesKicks for your latest news on Sneakers and TLK community initiatives.

Enjoy

What’s interesting are the questions TLK received about the selection process on how the sneaker selection came to be. The best way we can honestly answer that question is, have you ever wanted to buy a sneaker that someone said they had a link or hook up on, in which you would get the sneakers at a good price, then as soon as you had the money to acquire that must have prized sneaker, your hook up could never be found? This is the best way I can paint the picture on how this journey came to fruition on acquiring sneakers for Out of The Box. A total team effort from everyone who helped be a part of this experience. In saying all of that, this is history for not only our City but for North America as well.

You can expect to see over 130 pairs of sneakers like the first ever Shoe the Dutton and Thorowgood running shoes that were made in 1860. These shoes look nothing like what we would call sneakers today. From the inception of volcanic rubber to Converse, PF Flyers, the ever classic Le Coq Sportif (Arthur Ashe tennis shoe) to the limited edition Jam Master Jay adidas three stripes, signed by the remaining crew members reverend Run and DMC. We all know what Micheal Jordan did for Nike but in the same breath he transcended our culture to heights where now you can see a Nike Stewie Griffen Lebron James VI signature sneaker. The Culture is at the point today where everyone wants a one of a kind customized sneaker and the absolute best in the business right now is Mache who donated his Heath Ledger Joker Air Force Ones to the exhibit.

Out Of The Box: The Rise Of The Sneaker Culture is open now at the Bata Shoe Museum which is located at 327 Bloor St. W. in Toronto. Let us know your thoughts on this exhibit and don’t forget to follow the movement @TDotLovesKicks.

The Bata Shoe Museum is excited to announce the opening of the first exhibition in North America to examine the history of the Sneaker Culture.

What you will see at this Sneaker Exhibit is the history from the beginning of shoes which came from rubber on tires, to what we know now as a Sneaker Culture – a culture that is often referred to as “urban” which represents many forms of expression i.e. fashion, art, music but really, it’s the people who unintentionally helped to elevate it to what we know today. From the likes of the Clyde Frazier’s (puma) to the Run DMC’s (adidas) to the Moses Malones (Nike) and the phenomenon himself Michael Jordan (Nike/Jordan Brand) who single handedly elevated a culture that breaths fresh air into the diverse world we live in today. Our parents and grandparents often refer to sneakers today as tennis shoes; however, it’s just terminology like tamatoe/tomato. At the end of the day, everyone should come out and support this one of a kind sneaker exhibition.

Bobbito Garcia, a living legend in his own right and a timeless narrator to our generation through video games and documentaries has become a good friend of TLK throughout this process and will be a part of the opening Exhibition that promises to be a unforgettable event. Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture is the first of its kind in Toronto and the world for that fact, so best believe everyone’s paying attention to what’s in store. There are some really big names coming to town throughout the year such as D’Wayne Edwards, Tinker Hatfield, who was the main designer of the Air Jordan sneaker in the early years and also, his brother.  Even sneaker extraordinaire customizer Mache will be coming through to show his support throughout the year.

If you have any doubts about the authenticity of Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture, let’s put that all to rest now. Dion Walcott and myself, Lee Joseph, Founders of Toronto Loves Kicks have had our hands all over this from the jump. We’ve assisted in the development of this amazing project being brought to you by the Bata Shoe Museum but we took it a step further by creating the programming that will run throughout the entire year to April 2014.

This has been a long time coming for our City we call home. To get the latest info on Toronto Loves Kicks and all the things we’re up to, follow us @TDotLovesKicks.

Stay tuned for features on your favourite shoes and sneakers.

Two 20 minute rounds and a final, where the artists had 25 minutes to create their masterpieces. The pressure was indescribable to those who actually partook in the event. The Sneaker Design Project – a little background information for all the future artists that want to attend the next SDP3 in the summer, your first design has to be a home run to get you to the next round or your night will end quicker than you can finish that ever so smooth Peroni beer or red wine.

The venue and atmosphere quickly filled up as the artists went sole to sole, Sharpie to Sharpie. All the judges in attendance, which was the crowd, clearly had their favorites. Our host Paul Johnson kept the artists and all well informed as the packed crowd helped create buzz on twitter tweeting with the hashtags #sdp2, #TLK and #torontoloveskicks. This became a trending topic in Toronto.

One man stood alone from 20 incredible artists, to claim the title of SDP2 champion. The winner was Andres Correa whose sneakers are the last set of 4 shots below.  The TLK step and repeat was a hit that everyone took advantage of. Some of which you will see below, others will be up on our FACEBOOK.

Special thanks goes out to all the sponsors Sharpie, Luigi Sardo, Jetsun’s Juicy Burgers, Peroni and The Bata Shoe Museum. A majority of the photos were taken by Intelswagga and a few shots are from Eye_Projekt. Look out for the next Sneaker Design Project in July. If you would like to be kept informed about Toronto Loves Kicks, follow us on twitter at @TDotLovesKicks.

Welcome “Paper Toy Air Jordans” by Erwin Chansou. A French student who takes his art and soles very seriously. Erwin created renditions of his favorite sneakers using paper. The sneakers vary from Air Jordan 5′s most popular colourways Toro, Grapes, Laney, Quai to the Ragging Bulls, Cool Greys and the list goes on.

Have a look at all the images below and let us know your thoughts @TDotLovesLKicks. We would also love for everyone to show support to this young aspiring talent by hitting him up and letting  Erwin Chansou know what a great job he has done. This is something we all tend to not do to our future creators who need to know they’re doing a great job and to keep at it!

Enjoy the pictures below from the Red Nubuck Air Jordan 4 and don’t forget to let us know if you would cop and rock them @TDotLovesKicks.

The “Beaches of Rio” pack will be available at select Nike Sportswear retailers in April. Make sure to keep it locked to @TDotLovesKicks for all things related to your sole.

Have a look at the pictures and video below and let us know if you feel Momot‘s  interpretation of the ”Nike Air Reinvented”. Don’t forget to join the conversation @TDotLovesKicks.

Nike Air Reinvented from INGEE HONG on Vimeo.