Just got back from an incredible trip to Miami courtesy of Nike Basketball. Myself and a select bunch of editors were invited to the South Florida All Star Classic, Isiah Thomas’ charity game, to watch Team Wade vs Team Lebron. Since it was October I super excited about hitting the warm weather and beaches but to my dismay we landed in the midst of a tornado watch. Suffice it to say the water was off limits but that didn’t stop us from having a blast.

If you don’t know, Nike knows how to take care of you and this weekend did not disappoint. I can’t show you all of the pics but can at least tell you about some of the things we got to do. Friday night began with dinner at Nobu, easy cause it was in the hotel. After eating more than a normal person should we headed over to STK at the Hotel Gansevoort to meet up with the Nike Basketball crew. The spot was packed with NBA players (no I will not say who) and all of the eye candy you could imagine. After more than a few bottles were downed we headed over to Liv, the IT spot in Miami right now, and to my surprise, walked in to my good friend/client A-Trak on the turntables. Let’s just say the night ended late.

Saturday started with almost tropical storm level weather so we kept it low until our lunch at the SoHo House. All I have to say is white truffle pizza, insane. After lunch I went out to the beach to take some pictures during the tornado watch, was pretty intense. When I got back to my room, a pair of the Lebron 9 Cannon’s were waiting for me (Nice!).

We met in the lobby and headed out to FIU University for the game. Of course it was still pouring but that didn’t stop the fans from coming out as the arena was filled to capacity, and then some. Being that the NBA is in lockout this had to be the most All Star players in one game besides the actual NBA All-Star game. Once the players hit the floor for warm ups the arena came alive and you could tell the fans were ready for some basketball, including me! Also in attendance were Floyd Mayweather, Gabrielle Union, DJ Khaled and Mack Maine.

The game had tons of highlights and played out as most All-Star games would with steady action and a big push to win in the 4th quarter. The game actually went to overtime and if you don’t know who won, you can see the score pictures down below. After the game we headed back to South Beach for dinner at one of the better spots on the beach, Prime Italian. The spread ordered was fit for kings & queens, so good I can still taste it. We capped the night with a visit to Arkadia at the Fontainebleu Hotel. I made it back to the hotel just in time to throw my stuff into my bag and catch my 7am flight back to NYC.

I had a great time on this trip, thank you again to Nike Basketball for hosting with such hospitality, Lebron, Wade and the rest of the NBA players for an incredible game and making sure #BasketballNeverStops! Shout out to Brian & Tim at Nike and the others they brought down: George (Nice Kicks), John Gotty (Smoking Section), Adam (Slam), Jeff a/k/a Mr. Awkward (High Snobiety), Kelli (CelebTv), Brett (Pro Basketball Talk) and Ami (Cool Hunting).

Wondering what Kobe, Lebron, and Kevin Durant were wearing during the 2011 NBA All-Star game yesterday? Well we’ve got you covered with detailed photos of the All-Star edition Zoom Kobe VI, Lebron 8/V2, Zoom KDIII, and the 360 BB low.  Each model was inspired by the general theme of “Hollywood Blockbuster” movies with blue and red templates. The 8/V2 and both Zoom sneakers contain lenticular images on their tongues which change from each player’s particular logo to their specific conference’s image varying by the angle you’re looking at the sneaker.

YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS….

Air Jordan….Lollipop?

Yes, Air Jordan is now coming for your sweet tooth, well sort of. The treat you see above is actually a specially designed  by Massimo Gammacurta who is known for doing similar projects for luxury fashion houses. This time, the sneakerheads get some love though one can’t help but think that trying to eat this lollipop would look especially awkward. Image via mashkulture.

High Tea

British fine artist Insa, indulges his graffiti roots with this limited edition tea set. The set features his notorious design and come packaged in a special box including a signed/numbered art print, a certificate of authenticity and a brief bio on the artist. Only 250 pieces are available for purchase worldwide. You can get yours at Click for Art.

Taka Hayashi x Pendleton For Vans Vault

Pendleton and Taka Hayashi link up with Vans again and work some magic on the Sk8 Hi and Slip-On models. High quality materials and clean color blocking make both shoes great additions to any sneaker collection. Image via Highsnobiety.

COICA: COMBATING ONLINE INFRINGEMENT AND COUNTERFEITS ACT

Wow, this is like RICO for the internet. Read up HERE if you were wondering why sites like OnSmash have been targeted by Uncle Sam recently.

Sneakersnstuff for Converse

Lovikka villager Erika Aittamaa linked up with The Sneakersnstuff x Converse All Star combining her signature iconic mitten design with the classic Chuck Taylor model. The sneakers are being released today at select retailers such as Collette, Bodega, Undefeated (LA) and of course Sneakersnstuff.

Seth McFarlane on the Lebron VIII

The latest installment of Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane’s “Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy” puts Lebron’s sneakers as the star while showcasing their “transformative” powers. Then after that it’s pretty much just a funny animated short about stones and a glass house. Click play.

Spike Lee: Do The Right Thing Book

Commemorating 20+ years of iconic status, an official book highlighting the cultural influence of Spike Lee’s heavily referenced and still wildly popular film “Do The Right Thing” has been released. Do The Right Thing is one of those movies that you must see if call yourself an active participant in what has developed into “street” culture. The film has influenced everything from fashion to music to language to political/social activism. The book is available now via Amazon.

A Tribe Called Quest Documentary

Michael Rapaport has hip-hop heads in a frenzy over news of his ATCQ documentary and its impending completion/release. Mishap with the trailer not withstanding, this is a film you will not want to miss whether you have every Tribe album or have never listened to verses from The Abstract #seewhatwedidthere?

Undefeated for Disney Capsule Collection

After a preview earlier this week, the Undefeated for Disney Capsule Collection official lookbook has been released. Undefeated put together a nice combination of long sleeve tees, sweatshirts and tee shirts featuring classic Disney characters with a little bit of the flavor we expect from the streetwear brand. Check out more images at Highsnobiety.

Sneakerpedia Trailer

Sneakerpedia Trailer from Sneakerpedia on Vimeo.

The Wikipedia geared towards sneaker enthusiasts.  Individuals can share their photos and personal stories behind each sneaker in their collection. Sponsored by Foot Locker but completely controlled by YOU. Sneakerpedia

The Nike Sportswear Icon series is remixing the N98 Track Jacket. The N98 was introduced in 1998 and was worn by teams like the Brazilian national football team. Its 2010 redesign features enhancements such as a flat knit rib collar and cuffs, bonded seams, and double-welded, zippered pockets.

Inspired by a match that moved the world, the N98 Track Jacket stands for “National 1998,” notably paying tribute to the 1998 Brazilian National Team. The N98 design takes off from the debut Brazilian team kit by Nike, tapping the classic zip-front track jacket’s deep heritage as a true icon of sport style. The Nike Sportswear team has made it a signature piece for spring, integrating it throughout the line, including creating a premium version for NSW Collection with Gore Windstopper fabric, laser-cut bonded RiRi zippers and reflective film across the back piping.

More pics and info after the jump…

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At a presentation that took place during Nike’s grassroots activities in Chicago, local artist Jeff Zimmerman gave James a one-of-a-kind pair of Air Max LeBron VII shoes.

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Nike and basketball superstar LeBron James kicked off the More Than A Game world tour in partnership with Lionsgate in Chicago. In each of the ten cities the tour will visit, Nike will make 123 pairs of the Air Max LeBron VII available at retail. The limited-edition shoe aesthetic is white with green trim, inspired by the school colors of Saint Vincent-Saint Mary High School (SVSM) in Akron, Ohio, where James played basketball.

The Chicago limited edition style is available at the Chicago House of Hoops and the Chicago Niketown while supplies last with a suggested retail price of $160 USD. hit the jump for pics and info.

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