My Kobe Collection!

So I've been collecting Kobe's ever since his Adidas days when I was 14. 7 years later I continue it with the Air Zoom Kobe II and soon the Air Zoom Kobe III. My first Kobe shoe were the all-black Adidas The Kobe. Total count, including the pair I forgot to take a pic of and the pair coming in, in about two days is...28 pairs. I'm missing my black/maize Air Zoom Kobe 1's in the picture because well I forgot lol. Enjoy!

Complete Group Shot

Adidas Kobe's...yes those are Adidas Kobe3

2K4, 2K5, Air Zoom Kobe 1 (forgot the Maize)

A couple of the AZK1's, AZKII's and Kobe Trainer

First Official XXIII Pics

Below are the pictures of the ACTUAL Air Jordan XXIII and not fakes that have been popping up online. Personally they are disappointing. The XXII>XXIII in terms of aesthetics. These are not worth the $185 price tag.

Interview with ISS's very own mod. Trbo823

I am working on a paper on the sneaker culture for my sociology class that analysis youth cultures. Not much has been done in this arena and in a small way I'm trying to contribute to it. To start off I am conducting interviews with fellow collectors. This interview is with one of my friends and a real cool dude, trbo823.

1. Where are you from? How old are you and when did you start collecting sneakers?
Los Angeles, CA, 30 years old. I started seriously collecting back in 2000 but started in 1989.

2.What was the first shoe as a kid that got you into sneakers?
Nike Air Trainer SC Bo Jackson, Bo Jackson was one of my favorite athletes and he happened to play for my favorite team, the L.A. Raiders.

3. What do sneakers symbolize in your life?
Freedom to use them to walk, run, etc. back in the Philippines, shoes were expensive and still are.

4. How is the current state of our culture in terms of the people? The product?
Right now, a lot of people are into the Jordan hype. A lot of younger kids are buying kicks 'cause of the hype and not because they like the shoes. I buy shoes to wear no matter how rare they are. The rarer they are, the more I’m inclined to wear em. Not a lot of people are buying shoes to wear. They buy to resell.

5. Are you part of any online sneaker community?
Issforums.com, kb24.com forums

6. What is your favorite all time sneaker ever and Why?
Nike Air Trainer SC Bo Jackson. Its one of the first shoes that had the hip hop look, from its colorway and the design plus i loved to run when i was a kid.

7. Can you name the top three moments in Sneaker culture from yourstand point?
1. Converse Chuck Taylors
2. Air Jordan,
3. Adidas RUN DMC

8. What makes you a real collector in this culture?
True collector goes for the hard to obtained shoes and also the easy to obtained shoes, collectors buys the shoes for the shoes and not how much its worth, for the love of shoes.

9. What is the rarest shoe you own?
I dont really have a rare shoe thats very limited. I usually buy what I can wear and I dont spend a lot of money 'cause of a shoe being Rare. There is no 1 shoe thats worth spending the hype. I have some rare shoe but nothing to drool about. Rare to me is what I like. I wont buy a Kobe PE per se just because its a Kobe PE or a Jordan PE, etc because I wont be able to wear it.

Which is your most treasured and why?
I'll just say my most favorite pair/s of kicks are my Air Max 97 Gold color, AM95 Bronze/Black Color Olympic Edition, Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Black Maize(Since its Kobe's first every Sig Shoe with his name)

10. What message do you have for the sneaker community/culture?
“If I cant ROCK it, I aint buyin it!!!”

Thanks trbo823!

Interview with the one and only V aka VulkantheKrusader

I am working on a paper on the sneaker culture for my sociology class that analysis youth cultures. Not much has been done in this arena and in a small way I'm trying to contribute to it. To start off I am conducting interviews with fellow collectors. This interview is with one of my friends and a real down and chill dude, V aka VulkantheKrusader. Thanks V!

1. Where are you from? How old are you and when did you start collecting sneakers?
I was born in Managua Nicaragua during the war I made it out to Los Angeles about 1985 to meet my parents who had left me to my grandmother. I spent my time in south central and El Monte in the outskirts of LA around 1995 I moved to Miami due to gang violence and settled down in Miami. I’m 26 and I started collecting around 1994.

2.What was the first shoe as a kid that got you into sneakers?
the first ever shoe I noticed was Air Jordan VI black infrareds when my uncle took me to the finals game when I was a kid. I didn’t like Mike he made Magic look human so I hated him but his shoes were so evil I loved it...sorta like Darth Vader’s shoes.

3. What do sneakers symbolize in your life?
They are an extension of my soul on the real, they represent my lifestyle. A way of thinking and a freedom to me as the world itself is business like , when I put on a pair of kicks they make me feel like I am living my life the way I want to. Also they are heirlooms one day I hope my kid says "these were my dads he wore them this day" because shoes are memories everyday are moments in your mind you keep and what shoes you wore while making these moments possible.

4. How is the current state of our culture in terms of the people?
So as far as people there has been great separation from what people call us "sneakerheads" well I am one if you can label someone that. The fact is some people think they are better than others based on what is on your feet and what you own. That was never the point of this! its what you like to wear and everything back then was a general release meaning it was at most store and easy to buy and everything went on sale back then. I don’t know how many people nowadays buy a shoe based on the fact it is hard to get or to make other people feel bad about themselves. I don’t play that sure I got things no one else has and some things others have to tell you the truth It doesn’t matter I just love what I have it doesn’t matter what it is I rock it and wear it with pride. Its not what you own its how you rock it...allot of pompous muthafuckaz walk around with a god complex in this world why do we need more in the Sneaker world?

The product?
well the industry has changed where Artist are now affiliated and companies make shoes more attractive to the consumer. Shoes made in less quality to provide something for the hardcore collector who devotes his dollars to these type of sneakers. Also they have provided a re seller market which is something that is wack about this thing but regardless part of it. The shoes have gotten more creative and sold better for the most part now you dont see Jays go on sale you see things labeled these tags of exclusives get eaten up quicker by us. So from a product stand point they are on point with everything they have done and advancements in tech in basketball shoes has been monumental taking to those extremes we haven’t seen in a long time.

5. Are you part of any online sneaker community?
Issforums.com, niketalk.com, thesyndication.com, kb24.com forums

6. What is your favorite all time sneaker ever and Why?
Air Jordan XI with the black patent was the first shoe from the Jordan line I bought for myself and started my addiction to kicks. I bought for 89.99 on sale at footlocker and people made fun of my calling them tuxedo dancing shoes on my basketball team. Those shoes just the look of them made me feel like lupe said "superstar" naw mean. I love the mesh and then the patent made them look so out of the ordinary the clear sole was just bonkers and also the first shoe that had a carbon fiber plate in them....i just died when I had them on.

7. Can you name the top three moments in Sneaker culture from yourstand point?
c. The year of 2001 that year made this hype and culture explode into the money maker it is for many people today.

b.Tinker Hatfield is that man who made the shoes memorable for us and created the nostalgia of making shoes that were different from the other shoes that didn’t really give us that cutting edge feeling.

a.The Internet....wow without this thing we could not connect to people who can get us what we want and how to get it...

8. You are one of the best known sneaker connoisseur on the forums and one of the most informed. Was this as easy as people think it is?
hell naw...It took years for me to get into the relationships with the people. I just study shoes and know my history all other subjects in life have storytellers and historians that will tell you what happened and when, how, why and who. I just lived this in the best era the golden age of the kicks era like Mid 1990's hip hop was the illest shit ever...I am here and we got our own legends in this game. I’m not close at all to one I consider myself average joe who just knows everything about everything but even from that stand point I still got a lot to learn from older cats and more knowledgeable people who I look up to myself. In the end I just want people to know I love this culture and the people in it.

9. What makes you a real collector in this culture?
a Real collector is someone who buys out of love that’s it....

10. What is the rarest shoe you own? Which is your most treasured and why?
Rarest/Treasured: Stash/Nort Air Zoom Kobe 1, Its just the fact that jared liner did such a superb job at making this shoe at first I thought it was all stash but Josh let me know at sneakerpimps that jared really took the time and effort on it. I just love the varsity wool the purple swoosh the letters on the side of them the bottom is the sickest part....man oh man...Love them.

11. What message do you have for the sneaker community?
Don’t caught in the hype, If you new be humble! Learn from your elders live your life by your rules and no one else’s don’t let no one dictate what you like doing. There is no such ting as luck only hard work can get you what you want and believe that there is love for things and real people who make it happen.

Thanks again V!

AJ XXIII, First Product Sample Pics!

Thanks to thesyndication.com for these pics and to marco9788. I still have to say that I am NOT impressed by this shoe. This to me does not look like a Jordan shoe but more like something Converse would make. The only thing that I think looks cool and appealing is the huge exposed carbon fiber plate. I'm not suprised at JB's attempt to create a sig. shoe, lackluster once again. I'm more surprised at how easy these have been leaked and that JB has not responded to the leaks. This is the one shoe they've been trying to keep under wraps hardcore.

AJXXIII Side Profile

MJ's Fingerprint inspired Sole...the exposed fiber plate looks cool

The back of the XXIII

Final Product of the Air Zoom Kobe III (AZKIII)

People have been wanting something from Nike to push the envelope and set precedent in the design and performance side of basketball shoes. The Kobe line has done this since the incarnation of the Huarache 2K4 and continues it with the AZKIII. I Love Them! NDC pics courtesy of TVbbs.

Side Profile...MAMBA on the toe

AZKII In-Sole

Carbon Fiber Plate, Free Grooves, a great rubber think GoodYear

Air Jordan XXIII...Leaked

Thanks to thesyndication.com for this. I'm honestly lost for words and not in a good way. Looks like a hybrid of the Dub-Zero, XXII, Melo M4 and some D-Wades.

Rumors: Kobe and the Trade...

Rumors keep circulating around the web that Kobe will be traded before the start of the season. Maybe it's because I will be at opening day that I hope Kobe isn't trade or maybe it's the fact that the media always finds something that is anti-Kobe to report on. Let me point out some reasons for why I think Kobe won't be going anywhere.

1) Kobe has a no-trade clause. Which means, even if the Lakers front office can find suitable pieces, Kobe must approve the trade. Do not count on this happening especially if it is not a team who is a contender for the title. Chicago is a name that keeps circulating, Chicago is not a championship contender, period.

2) "My priority is to bring a championship back to L.A." -Kobe Bryant. Kobe has stated this in recent weeks yet the media has chosen to overlook this. Why? Because well anything positive by Kobe isn't news. On the contrary they have found a way to misconstrue everything he has said, whether positive or vague in order to vilify him. To the media, especially to Mr. Bill Plaschke, Mr. T.J. Simmers, and that guy who claims to be an insider, painting Kobe in the most negative light they can equals more readers. I believe these writers didn't "get hugs as kids" as Kobe once said about Raja Bell.

3) Bad business move. Mr. Jerry Buss is a smart business man and I firmly believe that he knows that getting rid of Kobe is a bad business move. Unless the Lakers can find a way to bring a big name, like Lebron, in exchage for Kobe, no other name will fill up Staples Center. For those who don't believe that Kobe is the reason for why Staples Center sells out, just look at the away games the Lakers play, most of those arena's sell out and have their first sell outs when the Lakers come to town. I wonder who they want to go see?! Ticket sales, both general and season ticket sales will decrease dramatically if Kobe is traded. Mr. Buss knows that this is a horrible business move and knows that unless he bring another face that can attract people to Staples center a la Lebron James, Dwayne Wade that he's not going to say bye to Kobe.

4) Don't believe the media. Like I said before all the papers care about is selling more papers. These writers are as unreliable as Shaq at the free throw line.

5) Kobe wants to stay in L.A. How do I know? My sources are more reliable than Plaschke's, Simmers or that other guy combined. Not to mention his wife is an L.A. native, his kids love it here and so does he. Plus he loves the fans, even though the media paints him out differently. Kobe is frustrated with the Front Office not Los Angeles.

I hope Kobe is still a Laker on opening night so I can cheer my ass off for him. His future depends on how the Lakers fare this season. Expect moves if by the All-Star break the Lakers are having a mediocre season.

Air Jordan XXIII...First Leak

First picture leaked of the Air Jordan XXIII, thanks to thesyndication.com forums for this. The picture is really blurry, looks like a running shoe but if you look at it closely it resembles the front of the AJXXII. The sole has pods like the Air Zoom Kobe II. Mesh upper, leather upper.

Pods a la Air Zoom Kobe II

Adidas Kobe3

This is by far the rarest Kobe shoe that I know of and the rarest of all the shoes I own. This was the shoe that was suppose to release had Kobe remained with Adidas, I'm glad he didn't because I honestly don't think these would have sold that well. I picked these up for a ridiculously cheap price. More pics on issforums.com, basketball section, Kobe this/Kobe that thread. Sorry for the bad pics, I need a new cam but I'm spending too much money on shoes instead lol. I plan to do a side by side photoshoot of these Adidas Kobe3's and the Adidas KobeTwo, to show the comparisons and the upgrades on the Kobe3 compared to the KobeTwo.

Adidas Kobe3, front, vent holes.

Adidas Kobe3, side, 3 vent holes, flash and card covers one of them. (Adidas KB8 II in background)

Adidas Kobe3, side, vent holes.

Adidas Kobe3, back, Kobe logo and vent.

Adidas Kobe3, sole and vent.

Adidas Kobe3, KOBE lace cover.

thesyndication.com

Please make sure to visit thesyndication.com for the latest info. on sneakers. This site is up to the date and ran by ISS very own, VulkantheKrusader aka V.

Air Zoom Kobe II Lite

The last shoe in the Air Zoom Kobee II Trio, the Lite. The shoe has released in Asia and in the PI. This colorway, white/black/grape (NOT ORCA), is slated to release sometime later this month here in the United States. Thank you to Jeyps11_C from ISS of course, for the pics, these belong to him. These weigh approximately 14.5 to 15oz. I can't wait for them to hit here so I can get my own pair.

Air Zoom Kobe II Lite , notice the medial side and the lasering/stitching

Air Zoom Kobe II Lite, takes the medial side from the AZK1, nice touch

Air Zoom Kobe II Lite , looks high, but is only about 1/4in. higher than the Ultimates

Air Zoom Kobe II Lite , loving the two tone color scheme.

Air Zoom Lebron V-China

Beautiful Shoe, Amazing Detail. Thanks to Abt for the pics.

Lasering

Lasered Detail

Laces

Laser Detail

Air Jordan XV SE...

After about a month or two I can finally show these. Thanks to DestinationKicks for the pic!

Air Zoom Kobe II ST (Vulkan Package)

One of my good friends and a very deserving one, has come up with a great idea regarding the Zoom Kobe II line. VulkantheKrusader, simply known to many as V, has come up with a package that incorporates a colorway not seen on a shoe since the Air Jordan VI, black/infrared. This package is being proposed to Nike as we speak. The plan from the man himself is to release 500 pairs at $250, in combination with a t-shirt and the black Kobe box (pictured below). Nike Just Do It!

Air Zoom Kobe II ST Vulkan Pack

T-Shirt to be included

The Box

Go V!

The Revolution

In 1984, Michael Jeffries Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the #3 pick. It’s hard to think that MJ was picked #3, ahead of him Hakeem Olajuwon (#1 by the Houston Rockets) and Sam Bowie (#2 by the Portland Trailblazers). It can justifiably be said that Houston and Chicago benefited from their choices and Portland was, well, left in the dust. However, it was not the 1984 NBA draft that is the revolution in this piece. In 1985, Nike gave Michael Jordan his own sneaker line, the Air Jordan. Michael wore the red and black Air Jordan I, this color combination broke league uniform rules, and Michael was fined for every game he wore them, which Nike happily footed the bill for. The Air Jordan I was banned from the NBA, however, Nike’s and Michael’s decision to pay the fine instead of hanging up the “banned” shoes paid of for both. The sneaker revolution began.

This move by the NBA garnered attention not only on Mike but on the sneaker itself. The publicity sky-rocketed the popularity of the sneaker. Although for the time it was an expensive shoe, at about $80, it did okay. At times one could find it on clearance racks for as low as $19.99, now the original Air Jordan I, fetches between $400-$700, depending on condition. The Air Jordan line revolutionized sneakers not only because of the impact on the culture but on the technological aspect as well. The Air Jordan line was one of the first to take player input into its design, making it truly a shoe for the athlete. The Air Jordan line from its inception has been the trend setter in design, style and technology. Mike’s shoes were one of the first to feature some of today’s most popular technologies, Air, Zoom Air, Carbon Fiber Plates, I.P.S. Pods. However, throughout the last few years and models, XVIII, XIX, XXI, XXII have lacked. Nothing new has really been done to separate the Air Jordan line from the rest. It is safe to say that the revolution stopped with the AJ XVIII (although the XX brought it back for a bit), however, the new Kobe line picks up where the Jordan line left off.

From Kobe’s first Nike shoe, the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 (was to be, however, due to legal troubles, the sneaker was re-named), Nike revolutionized sneakers again. The Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 featured a very simple design, with advanced tech. The 2K4, was a simple one piece upper, staying true to the Nike Huarache design of 1992, with a strap across the ankle, a plastic heel counter, full length Zoom Air and a carbon

fiber plate. This minimalistic approach translated into a light, stable, low-to-ground, cushioned, shoe. This was one of the first designs by Nike for basketball that wasn’t bulky, the 2K4, what from sight seemed like an ankle mutilator due to the lack of cushioning around the ankle, did the exact opposite. The strap more than compensated for the lack of cushioning. Nike would follow up with the second shoe in the line the Air Zoom Huarache 2K5, which took the best of the 2K4 and updated it a little. A little heavier than the 2K4, the 2K5 performed just as great as the 2K4, adding a heel counter to the sole which added to greater stability and incorporated Nike Free groves (added flexibility but not truly Free). These were the first steps to the new revolution.

The Air Zoom Kobe II Ultimate (Black/Maize)

In 2006, Nike finally released the first shoe to officially bear Kobe’s name, the Air Zoom Kobe I (which should be the Air Zoom Kobe III). The AZKI was a safe step into the official Kobe line in my opinion. Nike took the best of the 2K4 and 2K5 and mixed it into one sneaker. No major new technology was featured in the shoe. It included, Zoom Air, Nike Free inspired groves, and ankle collar, was lightweight and had a low-to-ground feel. Although it featured many oldies but goodies the addition of the Nike Free inspired groves and low-to-ground feel awarded it the Best Performing sneaker for 2006. Although it does feature the Nike Free groves like the 2K5, on the AZKI the groves are more evident as it is noticeable in the flexibility of the sneaker. One of the major accomplishments that the sneaker achieved, which had not been achieved since the Air Jordan XIV, was the low to ground feel. Many players loved the fact that the shoe felt really close to the ground, providing better support, traction, and greater feel for stops, cuts, slashes, dashes, etc. Like the AJ I the AZKI also made its way to clearance racks from $130 to $34.99 and in some instances $29.99 (Blackouts), due to Nike’s ridiculous over-production of the AZKI, at about 5 million units. The AZKI put its foot into the pool of the sneaker revolution; the Air Zoom Kobe II would take the full body dive into it.

The Air Zoom Kobe II Strength (Orca Colorway)

The Nike Air Zoom Kobe II (should be the Air Zoom Kobe IV), simply took basketball shoes and technology to a level that had never been seen before. Designed by Ken Link, which many know for being the main designer for the Lebron line, the AZKII defied what a basketball was to be like. First of, the Kobe II line consists of three models, yes you read right, three models, the Ultimate, the Strength and the Lite. Kobe’s specifications/demands were simple, more flexibility, less layers (the AZKI consisted of about 3-4 layers), lighter, lower to the ground, better cushioning. What were delivered were true Nike Free, one layer upper, 15oz weight, a heel that measured 8mm at forefoot and 18mm at heel, and Zoom Air with Free (kixandthecity.com, Kobe II Summit Part III). What all this means is that Nike produced a lightweight shoe that provided unprecedented flexibility while maintaining cushioning and support. To truly understand this, one must understand what Nike Free is. Nike Free is a technology that allows the foot to move in its natural motion as if it were barefoot. Most Nike Free products are geared for the running community; with flexibility one thing that has lacked is cushioning which explains the levels of free, 1.0-barefoot no cushioning, to 7.0 more cushioning less flexibility.

The Air Zoom Kobe II Lite (Due out in October)

The Air Zoom Kobe II features Nike Free and Zoom Air, something that had never been before in any basketball shoe. Walking and playing in the AZKII is a different experience. I remember the first time I wore mine I felt as if I was walking on a very unstable surface due to the fact that I could feel the floor in certain parts of my foot, I could not be more wrong, the stability is amazing. Along the Free groves, one can feel the floor, yet the cushioning is still there. The AZKII features motion pods along with true Nike Free groves, these pods provide amazing traction, support and comfort while the Free groves provide the flexibility and the one with the court feel everyone wants. When I say you can feel the floor when you cut I literally mean it. This is something that all 3 models share. The Ultimate is the first model, which features everything demanded, along with a considered upper with diamond shapes (for Kobe’s daughter, Diamante) which provides for a breathable and cool shoe. I can say that wearing these sneakers in 90 degree heat and South Florida humidity with 2 black socks was nothing, my foot didn’t even break a sweat. The Ultimate also features one strap for extra lockdown and an inner sock. The Strength is much like the Ultimate, with the exception of a full leather upper and two straps. The Strength also features an inner sock, the upper doesn’t provide the same breathability as the Ultimate, however the inner ribbed sock, yes ribbed, makes up for it, the second strap across the foot allows for extra lockdown. The Lite is to weigh between 13-14 oz. and features the same tech. as the other two models. The Lite has no strap and is expected to released in October.

Bonus Pic: Strength's (Orca's) and Ultimates Together

With that said it is evident that the Kobe line has revolutionized basketball sneakers much like the Jordan line 22 years ago. The 2K4 began the new revolution and the AZKII has taken it to a level never seen before. One only knows where the AZKIII (aka AZKV) will take it…and the AZKIV (aka AZKVI, already in the works…remember people development starts about 12-18 months before release).

Two Year Anniversary!

Two years ago today, my life was changed for the better. My heart became one with a beautiful woman who stole my breath and still does to this very day. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her. Everyday I smile because I have her in my life, everyday I feel very lucky to have her by my side, even though we are so far apart. She has made all my dreams come true and continues to do so everyday. I Love You Princess, Happy 2 Year Anniversary Beautiful!

Why? Story of A Sole Collector

The one question that I get every time when people learn about my sneaker collection is, why? The irony to this question is that no answer will satisfy the person asking the question, unless you’re speaking to another collector. Regardless of your response, in their eyes you’ll be an outcast. Now not everyone outside of the culture may perceive you in this way but for the most part people think of it as an odd thing to collect. I can’t answer for every sneaker enthusiast out there this question, but I will attempt to answer it for myself.

This is, like I mentioned before, a culture. Throughout the years it has gained popularity, thanks largely to Bobbito Garcia; if you don’t know who he is then your not really part of this culture. Bobbito started this with his The Source article “Confessions of A Sneaker Addict” and following publications “Where’d You Get Those?: New York City's Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987.” As Bobbito states in the title of his first large publication, this is a culture. Throughout the years it has evolved to include countless forums, magazines, communities and its language/terminology. I have made many friends because of this culture and these are people whom I can truly call friends and not just acquaintances. The knowledge within the culture is incredible and even if you aren’t into sneakers, finding out the process of a sneaker from design to marketing will blow your mind. I digress; it is this culture that has drawn me to collecting.

The first sneaker to catch my attention was the Air Jordan XIV in the white/university blue color way, I was 12 and there was no way my parents were going to spend $125 on sneakers. The first “official” sneaker to get me into this culture was the Adidas The Kobe in the black/gray color way, which I purchased on my own (buy one get one ½ off Champs sales…haha). This particular sneaker made me appreciate the design aspect s of a shoe. From its double-collar padded ankle to its foam like material. Still to this day I consider it one of the better basketball shoes I have had the privilege to own. From then I chose to continue my collection by focusing on the Kobe line. This continues till this day, including all of Adidas Kobe line, Crazy 8(retro), The Kobe, KobeTwo and Nike line, Huarache 2K4 and 2K5, Air Zoom Kobe I and II. It is the appreciation of the work and detail for why I collect.

Every sneaker to me is a work of art. Strange as it might be, it is for its how it starts, as art on a piece of paper which eventually formulates to a 3 Dimensional model, a prototype, sample and final production model. Everything from the smell of a new pair of sneakers to the way it looks in its original Dead Stock (DS) condition, to how they look when worn, is art. To me this art came to fruition with the release of the Air Zoom Kobe II Strength, which Vulkan nicknamed the Orca. This shoe is what sparked this piece. The Orca is the first sneaker that I can not bring myself to wear without acquiring a second pair first, not because of the value it may have in the future; for which I could care less, but because I personally find it to perfect to wear. The inspiration behind it, the killer whale and the design aspect of that into the shoe, the technology and most of all that Patent Leather toe. The Patent Leather toe takes me back to the classic Jordan’s, XI and XVI, and the Orca is another classic sneaker in the making. To truly appreciate it, go to your local Footlocker and hold a pair of AZKII Strengths aka Orca’s and you’ll see the masterful art piece I’m referring too. So why do I collect? I collect because it makes me feel like a kid, because I enjoy it and because of the appreciation for design, technology and the culture.