It’s here. Pre-order the “Agent 1″ t-shirt now. This limited edition, Brett Golliff-designed tee marks CounterKicks‘ one-year anniversary on September 9th and features a specially created 9/9/9 logo on the back to covertly mark the date. High impact Agent graphic hits are impressed on a 100% Fine Jersey cotton constructed t-shirt for an unparalleled feel and comfort. Available in Black/Blazing Yellow. Retail is $25. Guarantee reserve your size now at http://counterkicks.com/store. Instant classic. Continue reading for more detailed images and an official size chart of the Agent 1 t-shirt.

Agent 1 Description:

The first official CounterKicks apparel design: the Agent 1 t-shirt. Launching in time for our 1st anniversary on September 9th, this Brett Golliff-designed, limited edition t-shirt features 100% Fine Jersey cotton construction for an unparalleled feel and comfort.

High impact Agent graphic hits are featured at the front chest, back neck, and a specially created 9/9/9 logo at the back bottom subtly references the anniversary theme for those in the know. Available in Black/Blazing Yellow for a limited time only. Pre-order it now to guarantee reserve your size before the Agent 1 goes public. Officially ships 2-3 weeks. Instant classic.

Pre-order the “Agent 1″ t-shirt now: http://counterkicks.com/store

Under Armour recently hooked up Brandon Jennings with not only his first signature shoe but also this special make-up lifestyle silhouette, dubbed the Proto Swagger. The shoe features a black leather upper, white vulcanized midsole, and red/green Milwaukee Bucks styled trim to accent. A broken glass pattern can be seen on the uppers while Jennings jersey number “3″ is spotlighted at the heel. This particular pair was created and presented as a one-off model for Jennings. Continue reading for more looks at the Under Armour Proto Swagger – Brandon Jennings Special Make-Up.

This is the Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer “Flash”. Inspired by super-fast comic book hero The Flash’s outfit, this Varsity Red/Challenge Red/Orange Blaze shoe features an all-red pearlized leather upper with a red/orange inner bootie and orange accents. Includes a heel Zoom Air unit. Available now at Eastbay. Retail is $115.

Image via Eastbay

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High in Velvet Brown/Deep Garnet-Dark Sage is available now at NikeStore. The shoe features a brown upper base with dark brown leather overlays and garnet red and light green accents. Retail is $110. Continue reading for more images of the Air Jordan 1 Retro High “Velvet Brown”.

Images via NikeStore

Here’s a look at the Nike Sportswear Air Max “Black” Pack. The all-black 3-shoe pack consists of the Air Max 1, the Air Maxim Trainer 1, and the Air Max 90. Specific combo’s of black leather, suede, nubuck, and mesh round out each shoe. Expected to release in October. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Sportswear Air Max “Black” Pack.

Images via slamxhype

These are the latest images of the Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Pearl”. The shoe releases tomorrow, September 3rd. Continue reading for more detailed images of the Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Pearl”. 

Images via Nike Sportswear

New images of another Nike Zoom Kobe V have surfaced. This White/Black-Del Sol colorway features a solid white upper with a yellow tongue, laces, sockliner, and rear midsole. Underfoot, a translucent outsole and yellow touches cap the look. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Zoom Kobe V in White/Black-Del Sol.

Images via Kicks On Fire

Here’s a look at the Nike Air Max 24/7 in Gold/Black and in Blue/Black. A mix-up of Air Max 95, Air Max 97 and current Air Max design, each shoe features multi-layered, pearlized leather uppers with mesh for breathability. An Air Max 360 unit handles cushioning. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Air Max 24/7 colorways.

Images via Modern Notoriety

The latest Nike Air Max 95 model is starting to hit retail accounts. Seen here in Neutral Grey/Photo Blue-Medium Grey-Cool Grey, the shoe takes on the grey gradient design styling that made the original ’95 release a hit along with photo blue accenting. Available now at Nike Sportswear retailers. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Air Max 95 in Photo Blue.

Images via Extra Butter

New images of the Jordan CMFT Viz Air 11 are out. Shown here in White/Red and in White/Blue, the shoe features an Air Jordan 11-inspired upper in the form of a running silhouette. Mesh, a leather rand, and plain Visible Air heel unit cover the bases. Releases this Saturday, September 4th. Continue reading for more images of the Jordan CMFT Vis Air 11 colorways.

Images via LTD

Two new colorways in the Nike Zoom Kobe V are hitting House of Hoops accounts this week. The styles include a Team Blue “Duke” model and a special make-up “Home” colorway for Rice High School in NYC. Check your nearest House of Hoops location for exact availability. Continue reading for more detailed images of the Nike Zoom Kobe V – Duke and Rice.

Images via Foot Locker Unlocked

CounterKicks‘ caught up with Athletic Propulsion Labs co-founders Adam and Ryan Goldston for a current look at the rapid progress the new company has made over the last couple months including its exclusive retail partnership with Modell’s Sporting Goods in Times Square, customer reactions to the brand’s “instant vertical” technology, and three new colorways of the Concept 1 launching soon. Continue reading 5 Questions With Athletic Propulsion Labs…

1) Athletic Propulsion Labs just launched its first in-store retail partnership exclusively at Modell’s Sporting Goods in Times Square. Tell us about that and the Modell’s relationship.

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be in a premier sporting goods store in one of the most high foot traffic areas in the world. Modell’s has been great to us, really telling the APL story in the store to customers. Our two main goals for selecting a retail location for our initial retail launch were foot traffic and the store associates’ ability to articulate the APL story and the Load N’ Launch Technology to consumers. One of the beauties of selling the Concept 1 exclusively at APLbasketball.com is that if a consumer wants to learn as much as possible about the Concept 1 and the Load ‘N Launch technology, they have the ability to do so. It’s crucial that the consumer doesn’t view the Concept 1 as just another great looking basketball shoe, but as the ultimate performance shoe that instantly increases your vertical leap. As we’ve said from day 1, we drew our inspiration for the Concept 1 from supercars and we look at the shoe buying process similar to the car purchasing process. When buying a car, you are initially drawn to a car based on its design and silhouette, but it is its interior and engine that can really sell you on the car. Similarly, with shoes in a retail store, there are tons of great looking and performing shoes on the slat wall, but if the associates can give you a detailed summary of each shoe it will allow you to make a more educated decision. In our case, relative to the rest of the industry, you are buying a supercar. Our Load ‘N Launch technology offers the consumers an instant increase in vertical leap, something no other shoe on the market does. Modell’s understands that this isn’t just another basketball shoe, but a shoe that literally brings your game to another level. It was this mutual understanding that drove us to select Modell’s W 42nd St and Broadway location (in Times Square) as our initial retail location and it has proven to be a great decision so far.

2) Any plans for getting the APL Concept 1 in more retail locations?

As of right now we are only selling at the premier Modell’s Times Square location. We have been inundated with requests to carry our product from retailers around the world, but like we said, it’s critical that store associates articulate the APL story and explain the Load ‘N Launch technology in detail. Without that, the Concept 1 appears to be just another great looking shoe on a slat wall. We are not ruling out the idea of expanding further into the retail market, but as of right now the only two locations you can buy the Athletic Propulsion Labs Concept 1 are at APLbasketball.com and Modell’s at W 42nd St. and Broadway in Time Square.

3) Three brand new colorways of the Concept 1 can be seen in the new SLAM/KICKS magazine. What colorways were featured?

We are excited to be featured in SLAM Magazine’s annual KICKS edition. Growing up we looked at KICKS magazine as our sneaker bible for the year, so for KICKS to feature the Concept 1 and conduct a thorough performance review is a dream come true. The three new colorways featured in the new SLAM/KICKS magazine are our Black/White/Red, Navy/White/Silver, and Royal Blue/Orange/White colorways. APL will offer mainstream colorways (i.e. Black/White/Red and Navy/White), but just like exotic supercars, we will continue to offer unique colorways (i.e. White/Black/Green, Black/Green, Royal Blue/Orange/White) which have become a staple from the APL product line.

4) APL received a highly positive response to the Concept 1 in the newest KICKS mag. What was your reaction to the great performance review?

The cover story “APL TAKES OFF” is a perfect example of the feedback we’ve been getting from our customers. People are jumping higher as soon as they put on our Concept 1 and their games are evolving instantly. Now you’re not only hearing it from us, but from people who now have a competitive advantage every time they step on the court. It is fun for us because the biggest skeptics end up being the biggest supporters after playing one game in the Concept 1s. We have saved every KICKS edition and couldn’t be more excited about not only having the Concept 1 featured, but to have a performance review as well.

5) I know both of you have been flying around the country getting the word out on APL lately. What are the reactions you’ve been getting from people since the Concept 1 launched to the public?

When we meet with people, they can’t hold in their excitement when we really break down where Athletic Propulsion Labs is going and provide them with an in-depth explanation of our patent-pending Load ‘N Launch technology. The general consensus is that this product and technology are going to change athletes’ on-court capabilities and allow them to perform at new levels. Reviews are starting to come out from different publications (with more on the way) and the feedback has been unbelievable. We have received emails and phone calls from customers who have been able to achieve athletic goals and feats that they only dreamed of prior to purchasing the Concept 1. The Concept 1 is revolutionary and a great start, but we have only just started the marathon. As a technology based company, all of our products will feature a unique technology that PROPELS athletes to levels they wouldn’t be able to reach without Athletic Propulsion Labs. A lot of the meetings we’ve had are with people within the sneaker and basketball community who were extremely skeptical at first. Within minutes, they have a better understanding of the Concept 1 technology. Once they lace the shoes up and perform a makeshift jump test (literally inside the conference room), they’re sold. We keep hearing how there hasn’t been a shoe that has really been revolutionary from a performance standpoint in the modern sneaker era. People young and old have been dreaming about a shoe that could make them jump higher for years. When people put these shoes on, they stop dreaming. We don’t even have to give them the pitch anymore. The Concept 1 sells itself. We are forming great relationships that will help drive the brand during our launch stage and into the future.

Stay tuned with us by visiting our website and keeping up with us on Facebook (facebook.com/APLbasketball) and Twitter (@APLbasketball). This is only the beginning. We have some major things transpiring in the Lab. Stop dreaming, jump higher.

Our first official CounterKicks t-shirt design, the Agent 1, will be available for pre-order reservations starting tomorrow. This limited edition style marking our 1 year anniversary on September 9th goes into deep cover mode after this run and won’t be seen again. Don’t sleep.

When it comes to building up a footwear brand, Gene McCarthy knows the business. Formerly at Nike and Reebok, McCarthy has his eyes set on making Under Armour a major player in the basketball footwear industry. CounterKicks sat down with the UA Senior Vice President of Footwear and talked about his plans for the Micro G performance line, Brandon Jennings as the face of UA basketball, and the strategy and marketing for Under Armour as the company makes its highly anticipated launch into the fiercely competitive basketball sneaker market. Continue reading as CounterKicks Interviews: Gene McCarthy, Under Armour Senior Vice President of Footwear…

CounterKicks: Why was now the right time to launch Under Armour into the basketball footwear market?

Gene McCarthy: I defer to kids who love basketball and I defer to the retailers who know how to sell basketball. We went out on the road and we wear-tested this product for two years. 12,000 pairs, 25 colleges, 45 high schools, the best rookie in the NBA, in my opinion, I don’t care if he got third place or not. Then we took the shoe out on the road to kids and they loved what they saw. Then we took it out to Foot Locker and Finish Line and they knew the industry of basketball, not just the game of basketball. We got a good reception and all those things added up, so that’s when I said, “C’mon guys-let’s go.”

CK: Tell us a little bit about the Micro G technology. How will it benefit a basketball player?

McCarthy: I think we have a very interesting and compelling technology. The point of it was to get a basketball player’s foot closer to the floor, but have more resiliency in the response that they get from the midsole. Micro G has 30 percent less foam and 30 percent more resiliency. The whole idea wasn’t to have a technology, the whole idea was to help players and give them a chance to be better.

Brandon Jennings, as we studied him, we found that he has a lethal first step. In order for him to be able to take advantage of that first step, he needs something that’s light, low and gets him to move. It really accentuates his advantage.

CK: Let’s talk about Brandon a little bit. Why did you think he was right to be the face of Under Armour basketball?

McCarthy: His game is very Under Armour. He’s a relentless competitor. He’s always trying to find a way to outsmart you, like Under Armour was trying to find a way in this competitive industry. He not only wants to win, but he also has an off-court personality and style and character that is the soul of what Under Armour is about. As a matter of fact, I can tell you that as good a player he is, he’s an even better person.

CK: Are there any plans to release the 55-point game shoe?

McCarthy: We think about stuff all the time. I think what we’ll do is let the kids decide what we should do next and we’ll consider it. We look at all types of options. His double nickel shoe is legendary because it’s not on the market. So it doesn’t make it less legendary if we put it in the market. I’m not one to keep things close to the chest, but if we do it, we’ll do it right.

CK: You guys are going up against two giants in Nike and adidas, among others. What’s the overall strategy?

McCarthy: We have a legendary brand that we belong to, in Under Armour, so we think we have an even playing field there. The advantage we have is that we’re not in this game now, so we can write our own rules. We’re entering this game on our own terms. We also believe that the industry is ready for the next generation of basketball. We believe we’re going to be at the front of the next generation.

CK: What’s the strategy for marketing?

McCarthy: We are going to message ourselves in a way that is compelling to the kids, but not overwhelming to the media.

CK: What’s the overall message you want to send to consumers?

McCarthy: “I Think You Hear Us Coming”…that’s Brandon’s saying. Everyone’s looking over their shoulder. That’s what people who lead the pack do, they look over their shoulder. So that’s our message.

So after Brandon didn’t get rookie of the year after that playoff run, he’s got a lot to prove this coming year. So do we as Under Armour, we’re uniquely compatible in that way.

CK: Who else would you want to join Brandon on team Under Armour?

McCarthy: We think about that all the time. If we were to have an Under Armour basketball team, who would we out on that floor? And could we beat anyone in the industry? That’s a tough one.

We’re going to be very particular in who we ask to be a part of our family because we don’t just want endorsees. We want people who want to be a part of our family like Brandon is. We want them to not only have the on-court style that our brand deserves, but also off-court personality and flare that our brand is.

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This is the New Balance x UNDFTD Sonic 574 in Black. The limited edition shoe inspired by sweatshirts from the 1980s features a black textile/synthetic suede upper with stitched “N” logos. Constructed using the heat and pressure of sonic welding to bond shoe components together. Available now at Undefeated stores. Retail is $75. Continue reading for more images of the New Balance x UNDFTD Sonic 574 in Black.

New Balance and Undefeated have teamed to create the New Balance x UNDFTD Sonic 574 - a limited edition shoe inspired by sweatshirts from the 1980s. The first colorway is the Grey model, featuring a heather grey textile with synthetic suede and varsity letter-style “N” logos. Constructed using the heat and pressure of sonic welding to bond shoe components together. Available now at Undefeated stores. Retail is $75. Continue reading for more images of the New Balance x UNDFTD Sonic 574 in Grey.

Here are new images of the Nike Zoom Kobe V “Think Pink”. The Pinkfire/White-Metallic Silver shoe was created to benefit the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. Features a pink upper with a white eyestay overlay, white/pink specked laces, a pink/grey outsole, and grey accents. A Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund “Y” logo adorns the heel collar. Expected to release this month. More info to come. Stay tuned. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Zoom Kobe V “Think Pink”.

Images via Kix-Files

New images of the Air Jordan 1 Armor Foamposite in Varsity Red/Black are out. The shoe features the classic Air Jordan 1 lines in the form of a red Foamposite-molded upper. A black collar, sockliner, midsole, and a translucent outsole complete the look. Releases in December. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Air Jordan 1 Armor Foamposite in Varsity Red/Black.

Images via marqueesole

Here’s another colorway of the Jordan Hallowed Ground Low. Shown here in White/Black, this retro-inspired shoe features a white leather upper, a black nubuck beltline rand, and a black midsole with white paint spattering. The outsole is a black herringbone/white hexagon combo. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Jordan Hallowed Ground Low in White/Black.

Images via Kinstor

Chukkas are the shoes of the moment and the Ipath Cat Low in Sesame/Gum is yet another option for the fall. The sesame upper is made of hemp and is accented with a brown ankle collar. A gum sole finishes out the Earth-tone color scheme. Available now. Retail is $70. Continue reading for more images of the Ipath Cat Low in Sesame/Gum.

Images via Premier

New images of the Air Jordan Flight 9 in White/Green Bean/Varsity Red/Blue are out. The white leather upper is supplemented with a mesh side panel. The Olympic Ring colors displayed on the shoe and Michael Jordan’s Olympic jersey number 9 are a nod to the quadrennial games. Also featured on the shoe are a Phylon midsole with visible heel Air unit. The Jumpman logo appears on the heel tab. Available now at Eastbay. Retail is $110. Continue reading for more images of the Air Jordan Flight 9 in White/Green Bean/Varsity Red/Blue.

Images via size?

This is the Nike Blazer x size? – 10th Anniversary Pack Part 2. You may have noticed this shoe in the background of the Nike Blazer x size? – 10th Anniversary Pack Part 1 images. This new Blazer comes in an Orange/White colorway with a suede upper. A white leather Swoosh and heel tab provide contrast. The heel tab features the question mark from “size?”. A white tongue, laces, and sole finish out the sneaker. Available September 11th. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Blazer Mid x size? – 10th Anniversary Pack Part 2.

Images via size?

Available now is the Hops Ol Skool Mid in White/Grey nicknamed the “Supaclean“. One of the technical features to the Ol Skool line can be seen on the medial side of the shoe with its cracked-cement appearance Dual Density EVA insert at the midfoot, a compound which Hops says is 25% lighter than conventional EVA used by many brands. Working in unison with Hops’ Medial Wing, the Dual Density EVA wedge gives added stability to the Ol Skool package for quick lateral cuts and aggressive on court movements. Purchase the “Supaclean” Hops Ol Skool Mid now. Check out Bryan Hinkle’s in-depth performance review of the shoe here. Continue reading for more images of the Hops Ol Skool Mid.

This is the latest look at the Under Armour Micro G Black Ice, Brandon Jennings’ first signature shoe. Features breathable perforated upper panels, a forefoot strap, and Micro G cushioning underfoot. Black Ice design cues reflect Jennings’ life – he likes straps on his shoes and likes the color black. The asymmetrical layout of the upper is a nod to the guard’s “Gumby” hairstyle while the “Black Ice” badging is the name of an Aroma Tree freshener in Jennings’ car. Set to release in October. Retail is $110. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Under Armour Micro G Black Ice.

Here are new images of the Under Armour Micro G Lite in 9 colorways. The shoe will release in perforated leather and mesh versions. Both are supplemented with synthetic structural overlays. The ankle collar slopes rearward to an external heel counter. Underfoot, “Micro G” cushioning foam handles impact protection. October release. Retail is $100. Continue reading for more images of the Under Armour Micro G Lite colorways.

The Under Armour Micro G Fly will debut this fall in 9 colorways. The shoe features a molded, perforated ankle collar for breathability, a broken glass-patterned upper overlay, and Under Armour’s new “Micro G” cushioning foam. Set to release in October. Retail is $90. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Under Armour Micro G Fly colorways.

New Balance is switching shoe boxes. Set to debut in January 2011, the brand’s new Grab ‘n Go shoe box design will feature a perforated handle, sturdy fold-over lid, and enhanced brand graphics. Other new features include a ribbon design around the box, color-coding by shoe category, and updated labels that display size, width, and gender in English and in French. In keeping with current New Balance shoe boxes, the Grab ‘n Go style will be 100% recyclable. The new boxes will house all 2011 New Balance footwear launches and all models will transition to the new box by January 2012.

Here’s the latest look at the Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Pearl”. The Pearl White/Black-True Red shoe features a white Foamposite upper, black nubuck eyestay/trim, and red accents. A clear outsole with red traction pads cap the style. Releases this Friday, September 3rd. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Pearl”.

Images via Sneakerhead

The Jordan Spiz’ike Boot has returned in 2 colorways: Dark Cinder/Black and Black/Black. Each boot features leather uppers, boot laces, and rugged outsoles. Available now at Finish Line. Retail is $185. Continue reading for more images of the Jordan Spiz’ike Boot colorways.

Images via Finish Line

New images of the New Balance 576 “Pub Pack” have appeared. Taking advantage of its British presence via the New Balance Flimby factory, the brand has created the Pub Pack – a collection of 576′s inspired by England’s popular pubs. The pack consists of three colorways honoring their correlating faux locales: Navy (“The Kings Head”), Burgundy (“The Red Lion”), and Tan (“The Royal Oak”). Each shoe releases with premium leather uppers, Union Jack flags stitched on the heels, and pub-specific “Brewed In England” tongue tags as well as unique styling cues. An overseas release is set for Friday, September 3rd. Continue reading for more images of the New Balance 576 “Pub Pack”.

Images via Hanon and Crooked Tongues

Here are new images of the New Balance 574 Sonic Welded in Black/Electric Blue. This women’s edition features a black suede/mesh upper with an electric blue heel counter and a white midsole. Constructed using sonic welding – an application of heat and pressure that bonds shoe components together, resulting in a seamless, glueless upper. Available now. Continue reading for more images of the New Balance 574 Sonic Welded in Black/Electric Blue.

Images via Zappos

Here’s a look at the Nike Zoom Kobe “Rice”. This White/Green-Yellow shoe recognizing Rice High School in Harlem, NY features a white upper with yellow touches and a translucent green outsole. The school’s emblem is displayed on the heel collar. Expected to release in tandem with the “Lower Merion” Zoom Kobe V at NikeStore – Hong Kong on Thursday, September 2nd. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Zoom Kobe V “Rice”. 

Images via Kix-Files

This is the Nike Zoom Kobe V in White/Maroon. A make-up recognizing Kobe Bryant’s alma mater Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA, the shoe features a white upper with touches of maroon. An “Aces” emblem is displayed on the heel collar. Expected to drop at NikeStore – Hong Kong on Thursday, September 2nd. Continue reading for more images of the Nike Zoom Kobe V “Lower Merion”.

Images via Kix-Files

Images of the adidas Beast in Bright Blue/White/Metallic Silver are out. This make-up for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard features an all-blue synthetic upper with white and silver trim. A facsimilie of Howard’s signature adorns the lateral ankle collar while his jersey number 12 is displayed on the medial ankle collar. Includes a medial SprintSkin panel and PureMotion cushioning. Set to release Tuesday, December 28th. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the adidas Beast “Dwight Howard” edition.

Images via Foot Locker Unlocked

Here’s a look at a reissue of a classic adidas running shoe originally released for the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. The adidas Originals SL72 Vintage in Future Ocean/Metallic Silver features a suede and nylon upper with a white traction tread midsole/outsole. A silver heel tab, tongue label, and signature 3-Stripes add contrast. Available now. Retail is $80. Continue reading for more images of the adidas Originals SL72 Vintage in Future Ocean/Metallic Silver.

Images via size?