Maxin' & Relaxin': The New Nike Air Max+ 2009

One of my favorite sneaker collections of all time is the Nike Air Max series. There’s something about that exposed air bubble that makes me feel all fuzzy inside. Air Maxes are some of the most comfortable sneakers I own - they were THE most comfortable, until I tried out the Nike Free. Comfort aside, Air Maxes are the best looking running shoes I’ve ever seen. My personal favorites are 97s, but I also love 1s and 90s. I know the 95 is probably one of the most popular of the bunch, but it’s not one that I’ve ever been a fan of, though I can appreciate why it’s so popular.

Maxin' & Relaxin': The New Nike Air Max+ 2009

Maxin' & Relaxin': The New Nike Air Max+ 2009

Maxin' & Relaxin': The New Nike Air Max+ 2009

Nike just released the latest iteration of the Air Max and I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair. Twenty years ago, when the Air Max made its debut, it was a technological feat, and now, the Air Max series continues to innovate. The Air Max+ 2009 has the infamous air cushion, but it also features two of Nike’s newest innovations: Nike+ and Flywire.

Maxin' & Relaxin': The New Nike Air Max+ 2009

Maxin' & Relaxin': The New Nike Air Max+ 2009

Maxin' & Relaxin': The New Nike Air Max+ 2009

Nike+ allows athletes to measure their progress by monitoring pace, distance, elapsed time and calories burned. Flywire holds the foot in place with ultra-lightweight Nylon fibers. But the best part?  It’s a good lookin’ shoe.  I’ll definitely be adding this one to my collection of Air Maxes.  I may not be counting how many calories I’m burning, but I’ll definitely look good while I’m maxin’ and relaxin’.  You can get the Nike Air Max+ 2009 on Nike.com.

Nike Considered & Jordan XX3

The last issue of Business Week had an interesting article about Nike’s eco-friendly practices, but their decision to keep their “green-ness” quiet. A few years ago, Nike made a big effort to go green with the Considered Collection. The line was not as successful as hoped, and public efforts to go green were dropped.

Nike’s efforts to be eco-conscious did not end with the Considered Collection - they just stopped making those efforts public. “We want to do more and say less says Lorrie Vogel, who is responsible for Nike’s green business practices. For example, the Air Jordan XX3 released last year was designed so all of the pieces fit together like a puzzle, thereby cutting down on the amount of plastic used to produce the shoes. Not only that, the sole is made of recycled bits of old sneakers. Nike is also introducing green manufacturing: They even invented a sewing machine that speeds up production time as a way to cut down on electricity. So why are they keeping this quiet? Isn’t green the new black?

Since the Nike Considered line didn’t do well at retail, it seems that Nike has assumed that its customers don’t care about responsible business practices. I disagree. I think the Nike Considered line didn’t do well at retail because the shoes were just plain ugly. Nike was ahead of the curve with the concept of the Considered line and I commend them for that. Where they went wrong is where many companies go wrong: There seems to be a misconception that to be “green” a product has to look very crunch, granola, hippy-esque - you know, something someone would wear and douse themselves in patchouli.

More and more, we’re seeing companies take a “green” approach without sacrificing style and design. Ultimately, when it comes to purchasing things we wear, we have to like the way they look. The Considered collection didn’t look like a Nike - so why did Nike think that Nike customers would buy them? I think that if the Considered collection were revisited with an eye toward staying true to the Nike aesthetic we’ve come to know and love, the results would be entirely different. It’s a shame that they are keeping quiet about all the good they are doing because their Considered shoes were called “Air Hobbits” at one point. I think Nike should give their customers more credit for being conscious and responsible - and stay true to the look that their customers expect and want.

Reposted from GDK Is The New Black.

MAFIA's Top 5 Female Sneaker Collabs on The Vine

A couple months back we told you about Sneaker Freaker’s First Lady MAFIA’s new gig blogging over at The Vine. She’s been informing and entertaining us for a minute now, especially when it comes to giving the ladies as much of the spotlight as the guys.

This week she’s compiled a list of her fave female sneaker collabs so far - and you know if MAFIA’s a fan of these they gotta be the goods! The list names none other than the Pro Mama along with some of the best in the game – LA Gear X Club Zonder Filter, MOB X Colette X Reebok, Fafi X Adidas Adicolor W2 and the Nike Blazer X Claw Money.

Do yourself a favour and check the full article here.

Images from The Vine.

MAFIA's Top 5 Female Sneaker Collabs on The Vine

Nike is on the hunt for their next Field Reporter! This amazing position has been pitched on the Nike Women’s website and is truly a one-off opportunity not to be missed.

This US based position entails talking to designers, athletes and other inspiring people that make up the essence of what Nike is as a brand. The successful applicant will be required to report in the form of videos, blog entries and photos.

Thinking of applying? Could you picture yourself hanging out with Kobe Bryant? Keep in mind this position will not be for the faint-hearted. Impress the Nike crew by sending through a sample blog post and making a 2-minute video of yourself flexing your skills as the strong, smart, talented ladies that you are. Don’t forget to let your personality shine through your piece - make them laugh!

Nike’s current Field Reporter Meghan Brennan has spent her time reporting for Nike hanging out with Serena Williams, running in a triathlon and hanging out with Common at SXSW. To read up on what she gets up to on the job head here.

So you wanna do this? Congratulations on taking the first step! To apply, read the full story to read the requirements.

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As you know, we here at M.I.S.S. have been lovers of getting your nails did and sneakers since, um, FOREVER! From our very own M.I.S.S. Mama’s Juicy Nails nail polish set from a couple of years back to our calender shoots featuring our favorite kicks and a matching mani, we’re thinking the word has gotten out. We were so excited to receive the “Kicks” collection from China Glaze. This recent collection from China Glaze “pays homage to Sneakerheads everywhere.” The “Kicks” collection features 12 different polish colors to coordinate with your brightest kicks! With a suggested retail price of $6.50, these budget friendly hues won’t break the bank but you’re certain to break necks when people see you rocking your kicks at your tips!

Colors include: Entourage (Celadon Green), Paper Chasing (Lime Green), Custom Kicks (Dusty Teal, Sky High Top (Vibrant Periwinkle), Fly (Red Raspberry), It’s Poppin (Salmon), B-Girlz (Peony Pink), Laced Up (Bubble Gum Pink) Sneakerhead (Cherry Jubilee), Oh How Street (Sunrise), Style Wars (Mango), Breakin’ (Creamsicle)

We pulled out some of our favorite kicks, got the team together for some “nails diding” and put the “Kicks” collection to work!

Continue the read to see more of the China Glaze “Kicks” collection in action!

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The good ‘ol cotton t-shirt.  It’s up there with denim jeans and Chuck Taylors - simple, classic and a staple of mine (and many others’) casual wardrobe.  With smaller t-shirt brands constantly co-opting established brand identities, it’s refreshing to see brands make use of their own icons.  Case in point - Nike t-shirts.  I’ve seen many shirts that make use of the Swoosh - but can say “Just Do It” the way a real Nike t-shirt can.

As part of the new Nike Sportswear line, Nike has issued tees featuring the Swoosh in all it’s glory.  From the oversized logo to the retro sunburst - there’s a Nike iteration that you’ll love.  One of my favorites is the NSW tee - it’s subtle and it’s also a Dri-fit tee so it’s perfect for working out.  If these tees aren’t in the colors you want, then you can actually create your own à la the iD feature - yep, it’s not just for shoes!

If repping a brand is not your steeze and you’d rather rep a team then there’s plenty of college and professional teams to choose from.  My personal fave?  The black on black NY Met’s tee - what else did you expect from a Flushing girl?  You can get your Nike tee at the Nike Sportswear Webstore.

Read the full story to see more Nike Sportswear Tees.
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With a stint in Amsterdam working for Tommy Hilfiger as a product developer, Andi Bakos got her foot in the door working for Nike in Europe. Now this lady has the coveted title of Product Line Merchandiser at Nike World Headquarters.

As a Product Line Merchandiser, Andi leads the development of Nike apparel products. She is pretty much responsible for making products with the name of one of the world’s most popular brands 100% ready to hit the consumer aka all of us! And for this, we salute Andi Bakos of Nike as our last Women Making History honoree for Women’s History Month 2009!

Above: A fun-colored Nike windbreaker and SPANDEX!

Windbreaker by Nike in Complex Mag.

After the jump we take a look at some more of Andi’s fresh Nike pieces. She also hits us with a handwritten survey and tells of once moonlighting as a make-up artist for internet porn in LA via a Q&A!

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