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Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God Athletics looks to be back in form with the Adidas FOGA II sneaker – Andscape
Since Fear of God founder and designer Jerry Lorenzo announced the Fear of God Athletics partnership with Adidas in 2020, loyalists of each brands have been patiently waiting to see their promise.will revolutionize the competitive basketball industry eternally” will come to life. Three years passed before the first styles with three stripes appeared. While the shoe fell short of performance expectations, many colorways sold out online or fetched mortgage-paying prices on the resale market, signaling that some of Fear of God’s core fan base outside of basketball appreciated the shoe to a point. But with Lorenzo AND Thanks to Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden the tension and drastic changes which have occurred since the alliance began, many are waiting to see how each of them will prove.
“There’s a higher level of attributes that a performance shoe has to have,” Lorenzo said of the lesson learned from the Fear of God Athletics One, or FOG I. “There’s a lot of things in fashion that you can get away from because that’s what fashion is. For performance, you can’t turn it off because you can’t perform. So trying to translate a certain aesthetic into something that does what it’s intended to do is a very difficult thing.”
Fear of God
Fear of God
After a yr and a half of difficult conversations, Lorenzo and the Adidas design team imagine they’ve hit the perfect balance between style and functionality with the latest Fear of God Athletics II basketball shoe that they missed the first time around.
“Jerry clearly comes from a much more luxurious background, focusing on silhouette, material and shape,” said Adidas senior design director Shane Ward. In collaboration with Adidas, he developed shoes for former NFL players Keyshawn Johnson and Eddie George. “We come from an athlete-centric environment focused solely on performance testing. I think a lot of it was just patience, listening and understanding on both sides, which ultimately resulted in trust.”
Fear of God
Lorenzo’s design aesthetic was evident in the FOG I. On each the FOGA II Lo and Hi models, the shape still remained, but gone were useful features similar to the thermoplastic polyurethane film overlay, ankle bands and lace-up stoppers. Focused on the essentials, the FOG II is built around a fitted unibody sock with a breathable neoprene collar for comfort and a lacing system attached to the outer shell for security during lateral movements. The contoured midsole still features the translucent rubber that Fear of God is thought for, while the medial side is split with Lightstrike foam to provide greater flexibility and make it lighter.
The outsole features Fear of God Athletics’ latest proprietary “adaptive sole” consisting of a wavy toe pattern that concurrently provides traction and reduces weight. Like its predecessor, the upper of the II Basketball model draws inspiration from classic versions Adidas Predator football shoes. Except here, the molded cage has been replaced with lightweight microsuede, and the “three stripes” have been cut out to reveal a ventilated mesh base. In the case of the II Basketball Hi, the straps are designed based on the ankle braces worn on the court by players similar to former Adidas and NBA player Derrick Rose.
“These are feats of engineering that we had to have difficult discussions about because there may have been one ambition at the beginning, but we had to execute it in a way that the athletes believed in it,” Ward said, adding that the II Basketball Hi straps provide a more comfortable fit than traditional high-top basketball shoes. “By talking to athletes and giving Jerry key information, we were able to reach places like this that we couldn’t land before.”
“I wish the toeboxes weren’t so round,” Lorenzo said, noting that he also had to compromise on the internal cushioning support around the ankles, calling them “thick.”
“I pushed it as far as I could. This is the shape I try to design around. When you see this silhouette from a distance, do you know it is the Fear of God? This was the hardest thing. Really put it through a performance lens and without compromise.”
II Basketball has already surpassed the first version on the court. When Fear of God Athletics One Model was released in December 2023, it made its debut in Indiana and the University of Miami. However, the shoes received a lukewarm response as many players selected not to wear them, and so they ultimately never made it to the NBA.
Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A yr later, Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent has already worn various FOG II colours in multiple games this season. The shoes were also worn twice in the same game on November 10, when Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead wore them against the Lakers.
“The first night Gabe was in it, it was fun and exciting, but the most important thing for me was whether he would be in it again,” Lorenzo said. “That was the greatest gift that was given back to me because it was actually that performance that I didn’t really prove.”
Adam Hagy/Overtime
Redemption also comes in the form of a partnership with Atlanta’s next-gen basketball league, Overtime Elite. On November 7, Adidas and Fear of God Athletics announced that Fear of God would be represented as the eighth team in the league. The partnership was introduced during a press conference and panel led by former NBA player Matt Barnes at the Overtime Elite Arena, where the players and coach Cilk McSweeney were introduced via a video montage in which they introduced their lines as the opening lines of Tupac Shakur’s “Pain.” played.
Team Athletics will compete against other players aged 16-20 with skilled ambitions. With its own squad, Fear of God Athletics will equip players and coaches with shoes, uniforms, warm-up uniforms and other equipment for the 2024-25 season. Featuring players from Florida basketball powerhouse Calvary Christian Academy, the Fear of God team is as unlikely because it sounds. According to Lorenzo, he was already in talks to work with Overtime Elite when a mutual friend told him that McSweeney’s team would be joining him.
“When we found out that there was an opportunity to collaborate and that we were a team, I said we 100% had to make it happen,” Lorenzo said. He learned about Overtime Elite’s involvement from his teenage son, who religiously watches the games. “It was a divine thing that brought us here.”
Adam Hagy/Overtime
“These days (people) talk more about high school and college basketball than they do about college or the NBA,” said former NBA player Damien Wilkins, head of basketball at Overtime Elite. His responsibilities include increasing visibility by connecting the league and its players with brands. Last season, Overtime Elite had the same arrangement with Rolling Loud hip-hop festival brand.
“Linking up with (Fear of God) gives us more exposure to our league and for them it’s a common thing… All our guys wear this stuff anyway, so it made sense.”
Team Athletics’ debut at the OTE Arena on November 8 against consecutive champions City Reapers felt like an official introduction. As players and coaches emerged from the locker room and formed their warm-up positions, the eyes of opposing fans and players alike widened with curiosity and envy as the team took the court wearing latest II Basketball sneakers and matching uniforms.
“You guys look tough,” a child sitting next to the bench was heard saying.
Thanks to Fear of God’s well-known design language, the band immediately stands out from other Overtime Elite bands that either have more colourful decorations or no fashion accents in any respect, something Fear of God has already noticed on social media.
Fortunately, Team Athletics plays in addition to it looks. As seniors, they defeated the Reapers 97-90 4-star recruit Shon Abaevwho enrolled at the University of Cincinnati on November 28, scored 37 points. And as for the shoe? The same kid who complimented the team before the game began stood in the same spot after the game and asked the players if he could take their shoes. He left empty-handed.
“They did the best they could with the shoe, it feels great,” said Abaev, who swapped out the textured laces for his own turquoise ones. “It may look heavy, but it’s not. You can move around in it. I’m a setter and I cut out a lot. It holds up really well. I was surprised.”
With basketball shoes, especially Adidas models like Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards signature shoes, becoming popular off the court again, the FOGA II has the potential to develop into a shoe that Lorenzo described as “something you may exit with and (rating) 50 points.” come in and likewise exit on the weekend with.”
“I really wanted to create something that would make me feel like I opened a pair of Jordans in ’91, ’92,” Lorenzo said. Before joining Adidas, he created Fear of God basketball shoes with rival brand Nike in 2018. “I really felt like footwear had to come back to that at some point.”
“The obsession with design was much greater back then,” Ward said, mentioning names similar to design legends Tinker Hatfield, Steve Smith and his longtime mentor, Peter Moore. In recent years, he said, many brands and designers have begun to focus unequally on technology and performance. “After a while, you start to forget about what is happening outside the court and in the culture.”
But don’t be fooled. Lorenzo still wants it to be known that basketball is to be played in the second league.
“I created enough shoes for people to wear all over the world. I can do it with my eyes closed,” he said. “But I really wanted to create something that did what it was intended to do, which was let you be part of the fun.”
He paused, “This is (God’s) (remove quote) third quote, basketball shoe, but I’d really like to call it our first.”
This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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May serves as an unofficial start of the summer season. Graduation, Mother’s Day and Weekend on the occasion of Remembrance Day are the most significant events of the month, together with the return of WNBA. When it comes to sneakers, it implies that the houses of the Brotherhood can finally allow those that, a cooked Air Force graduate, my mother can get several pairs that show softness and love, you’ll find the perfect shoe for beach classes. And finally, we will finally answer the query where the shoe is.
Angel Reese uses a small shavnosis
Reebok
Since signing the contract with Reebok, Angel Reese has given us many footwear options, from her collection to the debut of the first Reebok shoe for years. While we’re waiting for the first characteristic REESE shoe, it still gives us a fresh approach to Reebok classics. The latest is her tribute to her “uncle Shaqa” and his Shaqnosis. This pair with the Shaq and Angel Reese logo is a perfect representation of summer in washed gray and western beads with gold notes.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 150
Because he still knows
Nike
At the starting of 2000, “Auburn” Nike Trainer SC was my Graal shoe. He is legendary for worn by my favorite athlete, because Jackson, it was one shoe that I told myself that I’d retire if I ever get it. We can now call it a lie a couple of hundred couples later. But to be honest, shoes just don’t retro so often. This classic cross training continues to be one among my most beloved, so I probably collect one because having crunchy pair on ice is mandatory. I only need some Girbaud denim shorts and a white shirt to finish your outfit.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 130
Adidas keeps it nice
Adidas
What happens whenever you mix fashion and future technology? You get Adidas air con. Completely printed in 3D shoes have arc support and heel lining, in addition to 360 degrees of air thanks to the kindness of a large grille. Simply put, these shoes are greater than aesthetic; They are also practical, which makes them ideal for summer days when you will have to do the trick quickly.
Release date: May 2
Retail sales: USD 140
Anatomy of a very good gray shoe
New Balance
Gray is analogous to black and white when it’s used on shoes and garments. All three colours can look so different with the slightest tone correction or when using various materials. The South Korean label of Thisisnever, which proves that the theory by utilizing a subdued color palette on a scale of gray and mixing in Premium Pigskin, Synthetic Nubuck and Mesh to get a fresh take a look at the New Balance 991V2 runner. It was definitely one among the higher latest models released in the previous few years.
Release date: May 5
Retail sales: USD 270
A’one in any respect a’rries
Nike
Over the years, when the popularity of WNBA and ladies’s basketball increased, the query and conversation focused on when the star of Las Vegas aces a’ja Wilson will receive her characteristic shoes. This moment is finally when A’one is available in a mix of pink shades with details scattered over the shoe, which pay tribute to her travel in the type of Celtic symbols for her parents and inspiration of pearls to represent her grandmother. Most importantly, the name Wilson is on the fingers of each shoe, thanks to which everyone knows whose shoes it’s.
Retail sales: USD 110
Release date: May 6
Nike cooked the classic
Nike
Let’s assume that it happens that you just enter every university campus, music festival or anywhere where Gen X may be present in a big number: you will likely see that the air forces, which according to older generations, saw higher days. But for the current generation they’re in perfect condition. Although they’ll develop into, dirty and cracked, as if worn for months, the real surprise is that over time, as a substitute of becoming a more dirty version of the dirty shoe, the upper gives way to a clean upper, as if fresh from the box.
Release date: May 7
Retail sales: USD 130
Deion shows love to his mother
Nike
Mother’s Day just around the corner is only a deion sanders Shows love to his motherConnie Sanders, with the latest issue of Diamond Turf ’96. Using the red, commonly accepted color of affection, things are easy here. Upper also accommodates notes of white that can help to convey the message, because it was a dozen or so roses. One special accent lies in the inscriptions “love you, mom” on the inserts.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 170
Caroline Hu gives samba softer
Adidas
The Chinese clothier Caroline Hu slowly pulls out a novel space thanks to the cooperation of Adidas and this is softness and female touch. Her latest sees Samba translates, exchanging traditional skin or canvas, into satin and lace. This update immediately removes heritage in a football court and makes it suitable for a date or evening with friends. Available in red, silver and navy blue I can do many couples for various occasions.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 160
Kevin Durant’s latest return
Barry Gossage/Nbae via Getty Images
We saw Nike Basketball uses a book 1 to recycled of old colours in latest ways. This time they tried the same approach to the characteristic model of Kevin Durant, reviving the most famous colours AirThe rims shoe from the 90s widely related to the former heat guardian Miami Tim Hardaway. The old biting looks rare, unless it gives such results.
Release date: May 15
Retail sales: USD 150
Nuggets PE Carmelo Anthony receives the right edition
Jordan Brand
Long before Carmelo Anthony became often known as the host of the podcast or dad Kiyan Anthony for a certain generation, he was one among the best players in the NBA and face from the Jordan brand for the latest generation. Sale of being an athlete from Jordan? Custom retros in team color. One of the cleanest couples was this pair of Jordan 12s in Anthony’s color scheme when he was a member of Denver Nuggets. Simplicity is a game, because a solid white upper leather sits on a blue outer sole with powder blue accents on the shoe, thanks to which it’s a straightforward selection to slide into the rotation of sneakers.
Release date: May 17
Retail sales: USD 200
Jordan 4 “White cement “returns
Jordan Brand
One of the most significant and hottest shoes in the history of Jordan Brand triumphantly returns for the first time since 2016. This 12 months’s edition is a component of the brand celebrations of 40 years. It repairs many complaints and sneakerhead tanks – the overall shape is closer to the original model from 1989, and the side mesh and the heel tab has been adapted to reflect the original version. I’d advise anyone who was fascinated about them to double them.
Release date: May 24
Retail sales: USD 225
Sporty & Rich Sticks to Retro Runners
Adidas
Sporty & Rich explained that they love to dig in the treasury of Adidas and pull out forgotten figures. Their latest takes them back to 2008, and the Adios Adios 1. White upper with silver overlays turns the model into something suitable for at some point with friends as a substitute of actual running. However, when you determine to do each, know that each one the performance functions from the original are still present.
Release date: TBD
Retail sales: USD 160
Be like Mike in 1996
Jordan Brand
In 1996, this low level of Air Jordan XI was noticed only at Michael Jordan during the Bulls Championship. Quickly forward and at last hits the store shelves. Earlier, we saw the version with a red heel insert, but for the first time a totally black liner-clipping element for purists-he maintains a public edition. Everything else adheres to the classic “grown” formula – the outer sole, white midsole and black uppers.
Release date: April 26
Retail sales: USD 190
Travis Scott goes in the spring “Bright Cactus”
Nike
When Travis Scott isn’t busy Rulescent of stocks with John CenemThe group pays his status of one among the best collaborators in the Nike/Jordan letter. In the latest edition of his Jack Sneakers lists the usual darker tones for light green cactus and cream uppers with black accents. As with any Scott cooperation, they flew, but they sell at low prices on the secondary market.
Date of release: April 30
Retail sales: USD 200
Line notes
This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Robert Glasper. Photo Frazer Harrison / Jazmine Sullivan. Photo of Mike Coppola
Black Radio Blue Note Jazz Festival, which this summer is a really anticipated return to the NAPA-a composition 2025 is stuffed with talents defining the species. This yr’s edition will happen on August 29–31 on the Meritage Resort and SPA, the essential performances of among the biggest music acts will perform.
The artist’s residence Robert Glasper will once more select and organize the weekend, continuing the heritage of his Black Radio series with a dynamic mixture of jazz, hip-hop, R&B and Soul. This yr’s performers are Jazmin Sullivan, The Roots, Hiatus Kaiyote, Slum Village, Lupe Fiasco, Willow, Terrace Martin, Warren G, Esperanza Spalding, Saba, Little Brother, Big Daddy Kane, and shortly a mysterious act.
On August 28 in Glasper he may even lead the ticket opening dinner and concert individually, starting the weekend in real star fashion. “Black Radio Experience and Robtober are platforms that I use to connect all my favorite artists and colleagues as one big family meeting, and this year is not different!” Glasper said in an announcement. “I am honored that I can be part of such an amazing community and connect this community for the next drug weekend in Napa.”
Fan Presale begins on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 PT / 12 PM ET, with general completion on Friday, May 9. Three -day festival passes and full details of events can be found on the Official Blue Note Jazz Festival festival website.
See the complete composition of this yr’s Jazz Blue Note festival.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Entertainment
The second Kehlani concert in New York was canceled, this time due to “security and safety problems”
Another upcoming Kehlani concert, which is to happen in Summersage at Central Park in the Pride month, has been dismissed.
On Monday, May 5, just just a few weeks after her concert was canceled on the University of Cornell, Summerstage announced that they cancel the upcoming Kehlani concert after receiving security and safety problems from the office of the mayor of New York Eric Adams.
“We were notified by the mayor’s office that they have concerns about security and safety problems in connection with the Kehlani concert of June 26,” said the organizers Statement published in social media–Sums that the fears result directly from the “controversy regarding the decision of the University of Cornell” to cancel its program.
“We strongly and definitely believe in all kinds of artistic expression. However, the safety of our guests and artists is of great importance,” the organizers continued. “In the light of these fears, the concert was dismissed.”
The 30-year-old R&B singer responded to the news by publishing “Lol” and noticed that their post was the primary to hear about news, together with fans, AP News Reported.
In posts about news concerning the threads, the singer “After Hours” wrote: “The second program canceled by the state of New York! Reminder: We were played Barclays. :)”
On Tuesday, Adams said that officials wondered if the Kehlani concert in Central Park would affect public safety before making a call CBS messages.
“We wanted to conduct an analysis and make sure that it is not so, and on the basis, without the need to review this full analysis (City Parks Foundation) made this determination,” said Adams.
This cancellation occurs after the Cornell University decision concerning the cancellation of the Kehlani program in April for its constant and loud support of Palestine in the course of the ongoing conflict in gas. Michael Kotlikoff, Michael Kotlikoff, was to perform in the course of the annual “Slopa Day”, when the president of the University of Cornell said that she would now not perform after she allegedly “was in favor of anti -Semitic, anti -Israeli sentiments in performances, films and social media.”
After dismissal, Kehlani began to social media to clean the air round her position.
“I am not anti-Semitic or anti-war. I am an anti-denominant, counteracting the Israeli government, anti-excist to whole people, antibulating innocent children, men and women. This is what I am anti-anti-“-said the singer Instagram video. “The first living at the beginning of this genocide was a really beautiful Jewish organization called Jewish voices (sic) for peace, and I still learn and work with really influential Jewish organizers against this Ludobom.”
In the signature, she continued to write that in addition to Cornell University, other attempts to cancel her programs were made.
“If you want to cancel me on your occasion or because of your Zionism. Do not do it anti-Żyko,” Kehlani wrote in the signature.
(Tagstotransate) Israel Palestine Conflict (T) Cornell University
This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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