You Scratch My Back...And I'll Sell Your Kicks...

There may be a divide between those who seek to collect because trainers are their passion, and those to whom kicks are just another part of a multi-faceted hunger for materialism, and subsequent source of exhibiting their individualism. However, in the collaboration, there may be room for common ground. While some may cite the pairing of time-honored sneaker manufacturers with more underground urban labels as a misuse of traditional branding, its clear design collaborations such as the pictured Puma Clyde hi and ALIFE are mutually rewarding. This was highlighted by SneakerFreaker magazine, issue 10, on reviewing the cultural significance of the release of the Nike Supreme SB Dunk lo. "Nike seek to give their product cachet, but it was teaming up with Supreme that the SB Dunk hit the jackpot. Nike's power enables Supreme to produce high quality shoes. Supremes relatively underground/uber cool status gave the project the cultural cachet it needed." What this offers the consumer, is a kind of no strings attached affiliation with the product, an open relationship of sorts. The collaboration proposes to us the opportunity to feel comfortable with a brand we know, yet the borrowing of more cutting edge design allows us a brief flirting with exclusivity and individualism, without the 'commitment' required of a classic shoe. And it is the way in which these collaborations benefit both design parties that might seek to reconcile the hardcore collectors with the part time admirers. The afore mentioned can be geeked on every stitch of detail, while the latter can buy into a slice of sub-culture. Reflection on what design and any collaborations that may be birthed from it is no better summed up by Kosaka and Hommyo of UBIQ. "(collaboration)is one of the best ways to collect the diverse ideas of many different people, but I believe in collaboration when it is part of the creative process." Off Tha Cuff agrees.

UBIQ

Alright, back to the shoes. Pictured are the UBIQ Fatimas, a shoe so nice I'm trying to get my hands on a pair as we speak. UBIQ is a Japanese Label, that so far has seemed to remain in the anonymity of my consciousness. In fact, Sneaker Freaker magazine recently called them "an obscurist's delight", when reviewing the release of the all leather version of the Fatimas you see to the left. Obscure is perhaps an over-zealous word I would prefer to replace with subtle, something often associated with the flawless simplicity of Japanese design. The silhouette of the shoe is a perfect marriage between the hi top fatness of a basketball shoe, and the more streamlined retro appeal of a vans or converse model. UBIQ have clearly sampled heavily on many of the elements of a Puma Clyde hi-top on the upper, and Vans Chukka boot on the sole, but like all good sampling, they've made it so much better. Look closely at this particular shoe, and everything works. The colour way is rich and effortless, from the black suede dominating the upper, to the sparingly added stitching, turquoise corduroy detailing on the tongue and heel, and the charcoal grey laces setting it all off. They also have a second layer wrapping around the very top of the upper, that folds down to reveal a check pattern, seen on a couple of this years Air Max 1 releases and a whole load of Stussy garms, and you wouldn't expect anything less from the Japanese than to add at least one element that immaculately appeals to the fashion victim in us all. But that really doesn't detract from what this shoe offers. Not only is it like a Puma Clyde, Chukka boot and Pointer Mathieson all in one, it seems to have taken the best elements from all of them. However, while it might be tempting to keep simplicity at the heart of design, especially when you get it so right, it is worth noting that simplicity can also be the foundation for a more expansive creativity. I would hate to see a shoe this nice begin to start looking like you could pick up a pair at Muji, alongside some equally simple, stylish, yet ultimately boring underwear and office supplies. But for now, these are dope, no question.

Reebok Voltron

This is just one of the five new Reebok 'Voltron' edition kicks that make up the Voltron pack, each coming with its individual Voltron Lion. Pictured are the Pumps, arguably one of the only decent Reebok models out of the five. Reebok's re-release of many of the more simple styles in recent years has enabled them to apply the popular nu-rave colour ways to models such as the Ventilator and Racer. For any fan of Bandai or Mecha, this collection will no doubt have them reaching deep already, but I'm just not sure I want my feet to look like they might at any moment transform into a robot. My hands are already up, I'm not an expert when it comes to Voltron, however I'm also not an expert on Thunder Cats or Sesame Street, and thats stuff I did watch as a kid. If they brought out a 'Converse Cookie Monster' shoe I wouldn't cop them just to reminisce on lost youth, I've got drugs and Alcohol for that, plus a mid-life crisis to look forward to. And what am I supposed to do with the toy? hang it from the laces? That way everyone will know I bought the pack. Maybe I could put the special box they come in on my head so nobody can see what a mug I am. Reebok make some nice shoes, especially when they stick to basics, and I'm the first cat you'll see in a fresh pair of all white Exo-Fit Hi's in summertime, but this design collaboration is nearly as bad as when they let 50 cent write G-Unit on their sneakers.