Top 5 Brands for 2015

Well 2014 is all but finished and there are many things to look forward to in 2015 with these 5 brands topping our list. For several reasons these select 5 names are on our must watch list going into the new year but mainly because of the buzz surrounding them, quality of their products and the inevitable "about to blow" vibe they give making 2015 a year we wont be surprised to see each of them really make a huge impact in several aspects of the industry.

So enough talking and continue below for the short list of brands we are eagerly anticipating and patiently waiting on for 2015 to make a huge splash.

TODAYSHYPE Spotlight: ETQ Amsterdam Low 3 White Croc

If your on the lookout for an up and coming high end sneaker brand to get up on our first recommendation would be ETQ Amsterdam. The last time we got our hands on a pair we were more than satisfied with what they provided and the amazing quality that really surprised us.

This time around we were lucky enough to get our paws on a pair of their latest creation the Low 3 in this crazy White Croc makeup. Not only is the all white upper with a blacked out sole rarely used in any sneaker but the fact that they also added the luxury touched of an all embossed croc upper this shoe really stands on its own when you try to compare it to other competitors options.

The attention to detail and lack of manufacture fuck ups like glue marks, bad cuts and normal lack of care you get with some of the other bigger named sneaker brands out there are thankfully absent here. You literally cannot find one flaw or error on the construction of this shoe everywhere you look.

Make sure to continue below for our full on foot galley of this beauty and also click here to purchase a pair now directly from ETQ Amsterdam. Also hit up ThreadWorkshop Co. for the Side Zip Black/Gold Joggers worn in the gallery here.

14 Favorite Releases of '14

With the month of December quickly coming to an end we thought we would share with you our 14 favorite sneakers of 2014. While every ones list is going to vary here and there depending on your specific taste there are a handful of sneakers this year that have really pushed the envelope and are sure to be classic drops when we look back on 2014.

So without further ado continue below for our personal list of the 14 sneakers this year that really made an impact on us and will stay in heavy rotation now and into the new year.

Stussy Holiday 2014 1ST Collection

With the final Holiday Collections rolling out in the last few days of the year this final drop from streetwear legends Stussy is a great way to cap off 2014. The line consists of some classic pieces with a nice updated aesthetic and "1ST" branding splashes here and there.

The highlight piece from the collection definitely has to be the B-15 flight jacket. This amazing versatile piece features superior construction and some really nice details both on the outer shell and on the inside lining. You can pick up the jacket and the other pieces right now directly from the Stussy online store here and make sure to continue below for some alternate views of everything from the Stussy Tribe.

Nike Air Max 1 Ultra Moire OG Red

Nike has more than mastered the art of reworking classic silhouettes and colorways with today's much more advanced technology and this latest rework is a perfect example. The Air Max 1 Ultra Moire uses the classic silhouette that started the Air Max movement and infuses a seamless upper that uses a ventilated construction.

While the timing of this release may seem a bit off since its freezing pretty much everywhere you go in the states it still makes perfect sense to pick up a pair to keep on deck once the warmer temperatures surface. You simply cannot go wrong with this classic colorway no matter what tech is thrown into the actual construction of the shoe and you know your feet will thank you when its triple digits outside and you have these super breathable beauties on feet. Look for these at some select NSW retailers worldwide in the coming weeks.>.

Killion Capsule Collection 4 Lookbook

LA based Killion has really been producing some of our favorite pieces of 2014 and they are rounding out the year with a KO punch with this latest Capsule Collection 4. The small but extremely solid drop features some amazing pieces with very precise and on point cuts that you might think some other people have perfected but honestly Killion is doing it the right way here.

Some elongated tee's, crewnecks and hoodies all make an appearance here with some alternate jackets capping off the collection perfectly. Everything will be officially available on the Killion online store here on the 24th. Make sure to continue below for the full lookbook in whole.

The nightmare before Christmas... Air Jordan XI Legend Blue

Every year we all go through it... the calendar hits December and the annual Air Jordan Christmas release is quickly causing a frenzy across the country. While it seems like every year it gets worse and worse in regards to hype and horrible behavior that comes with it this year might take the cake.

It's the struggle that exists when you have a love for sneakers and especially Jordan's. You have to part the sea of resellers and scumbags pushing early release fakes to even get a slim chance of snagging a pair for retail from a legit source and that alone is easier said than done. You could also go the raffle route of course but it looks as if even that is a struggle itself thanks to the craziness that has already gone down surrounding this years "Legend Blue" XI release.

With fights, pepper spray from police and general stupid behavior popping up in the news with this shoe being responsible for it all this specific general release unicorn of a release may have to hold the title as the most hyped release in the Air Jordan history.

When you take into account the lack of previous releases of this specific colorway, even though the sole is slightly bluer than the OG, and the undeniable freshness that comes with nearly any Jordan XI release it shouldn't come as a shock to anyone where things have ended up the day before its official release. Reseller prices already breaking $300 for a massively GR release is something that will never feel right and even for the newest sneaker lover you have to question what the hell we are all doing here?

But lets keep it real we always ask this question year after year if all this build up, hype, stress and dropping a couple bills at least is really worth it over and over again. That's the struggle that comes along with having a love for sneakers and this culture in general. So here is to all the massive amounts of people who will be lining up tonight and into the morning. Be safe, be respectful and if you happen to scoop up a couple pairs you might want to cash in on a little sneaker karma and bless others with a retail pair since we know there will be many people who don't get a pair without paying nearly double.

Above sneaker art by Roy Handy

Nike SB Trainerendor Black/Dark Grey

One of Nike's most underrated and under the radar silhouettes in recent memory gets a mostly black overhaul with this Black/Dark Grey colorway. This Nike SB Trainerendor uses some simple execution mixed with classic design cues with the end result looking like one of the best colorways of this model by far.

The upper uses a black/grey mesh with additions of black nubuck. The sole features a grey overhaul with a classic speckled midsole which really gives this shoe life here. You can pick these up right now at some select shops like Titilo here so get to it if you want to secure a pair and also continue below for some alternate views of this understated yet oh so necessary makeup.

Glow Table by Mike Warren

Courtesy of Mike Warren comes this crazy hand made piece called the "Glow Table". Instead of a simple table you could just go purchase this is actually a crazy step by step how to in which you can make one exactly like this yourself.

Somehow Mike came up with the idea to mix photoluminescent powder mixed with clear casting resin and infuse it into a piece of wood in the form of a table. The end result is hands down one of the coolest pieces we have seen in some time. If your up for the challenge you can head directly here to download the step by step PDF file and get to work.

Nike Air Huarache Bronzine

With new colorways leaking nearly on the daily its easy to get lost in the mix when it comes to the classic Huarache as of late. This latest incarnation caught our eye which goes by the name of "Bronzine".

A very vibrant bronze palette is used to cover the entire upper of the shoe with what looks to be a smooth leather construction this time around instead of the normal textured leather or suede that is used recently. The mesh on the upper almost takes a gold hue to it with how shiny it looks and we honestly aren't mad at all. You can look for these to start hitting retailers soon but no concrete release date is available at this time but stay tuned for more release info as it leaks.

OneLess Desk

A clean and functional workspace can be the most important aspect of your working life and this crazy OneLess Desk may be one of the best options available today to keep everything in its right place and still looking visually fresh.

Made by Heckler Design's, this minimal, sleek and all metal constructed masterpiece uses a double stacked aesthetic which looks amazing when set up. With your monitor raised up above your actual keyboard and mouse this encourages a more ergonomic position and also works as a great way to keep everything neat and tidy when not in use.

You can purchase one of these now in a few different colors directly here. Make sure to check out the gallery below as well giving you some detail of this great piece.

STYLEHYPE: STREETWEAR & MENSWEAR LOOKS TO GET YOU INSPIRED

Looking for a little inspiration to freshen up your closet? Look no further than this latest STYLEHYPE feature showcasing our favorite Streetwear and Menswear looks of the moment. Stay tuned for more STYLEHYPE features in the near future as well but until then continue below for this weeks gallery.

TODAYSHYPE takes no responsibility for images shown. All copyright goes to original owner.

STYLEHYPE: WOMENSWEAR LOOKS TO GET YOU INSPIRED

Looking for a little inspiration to freshen up your closet? Look no further than this latest StyleHype feature showcasing a few of our favorite looks in womenswear right now. Stay tuned for more StyleHype features in the near future as well but until then continue below for the reason you came.   

TODAYSHYPE takes no responsibility for images shown. All copyright belongs to original owner.

SOLEHYPE: Sneaker Photography on a Higher Level

If your a sneaker lover then this post is directly aimed at you. Even someone who isn't knee deep into the shoe culture can even appreciate a classic sneaker when its photographed in the right way. Here are some great examples of top notch sneaker photography for your viewing pleasure. From Jordan's to New Balance we don't leave anything out in this montage. Make sure to stay tuned as well for more SOLEHYPE features in the very near future.

TODAYSHYPE takes no responsibility for images shown. All copyright goes to the original owner.

CELEBHYPE: Dope Celebrity Fashion

Celebrities and fashion have always gone hand and hand and in todays world some of the biggest names in music, movies, tv and entertainment and giving us regular people out there something to pull inspiration from on a daily basis. This is what we call CELEBHYPE, where we some of the illest celebrity fashion from every angle of the entertainment world. Make sure to continue below for the full feature and stay tuned as each week we will bring a new feature giving you some more inspiration from the industries biggest names.

LIFEHYPE: Stop for a moment and appreciate the little things

Sometimes life moves a little too fast to really appreciate your surroundings. In our latest LIFEHYPE feature we will showcase the best Lifestyle Photography shots for your viewing pleasure that will make you appreciate your surroundings just a little bit more. Make sure to stay tuned for more as we will keep this feature updated frequently in the future but for now continue below to see the goods.

TODAYSHYPE takes no responsibility for images shown. All copyright belongs to original owners.

DESIGNHYPE: Stunning Architecture & Interior Design

Welcome to the latest edition of our DESIGNHYPE feature. This time were giving you images of stunning classic architecture and interior design ideas. This feature will be updated frequently in the coming weeks so make sure to stay tuned for the next installment very soon. Until then continue below for the goods.

TODAYSHYPE takes no responsibility for images shown. All copyright goes to the original owner.

DSPTCH Gym/Work Bag

DSPTCH sticks their hand into the recently crowded sneaker travel accessory lane with this awesome looking Gym/Work Bag. The Bay Area based brand knows quite a bit about the travel and bag game with their great selling alternative pieces but this one here might take the cake as our personal favorite.

Aimed at a carry all day bag that you can literally bring with you from work to the gym, this extremely well made bag is sure to withstand literally anything you throw its way thanks to the DSPTCH name it carries. A dedicated sneaker compartment, iPad sleeve and enough ample room to stash plenty of on the go necessities are all included in the bag done up in a durable black exterior. You can pick one up directly here right now and make sure to continue below for some alternate views of this must have bag.

adidas ZX Flux Solar Pink

I swear the adidas ZX Flux may take the crown this year as the one sneaker who consistently is responsible for so many dope colorways one after another. Just when you think things will start to fade away a new flavor comes out of nowhere and completely refreshes the silhouette.

This new "Solar Pink" version is set to drop sometime this Winter and we get a nice look at them thanks to the good people at afew. The Pink lends itself to pretty much the entire upper besides some slight white and black accents around the heel cage, 3 stripes and laces. You can be rest assured both the ladies and guys will be eagerly waiting the official drop on these in the next few weeks.

Nike Air Trainer 3 Gum Pack

Even though we are in the dead of Winter we can still fast forward and flip the calendar when warmer temperatures will finally greet us. Set for a Summer 2015 release this two shoe Pack of the Air Trainer 3 is sure to be on many peoples must have list.

Anytime you pair some clean premium white and black uppers with a classic gum bottom it really doesn't matter what shoe its on its going to look dope. While the Air Trainer 3 is still a classic shoe its really the colorway and execution here that makes this work so well. Look out for these in the middle of next year at most NSW retailers.

A Bathing Ape x Selfridges Exclusive Tee

A Bathing Ape has paired up with Selfridges for a special limited edition run of this gold foil tee using the iconic A Bathing Ape imagery covering the front. You should already know how hard these special runs can be to find later on after they have already been released and ran through so if you know whats good you will swoop on these and pick one up directly from Selfridges this holiday season here. Look for this specific tee to drop in the coming weeks right around the Christmas Holiday.

Should Nike counter adidas and collab with more Hip-Hop figures?

If you have been paying attention to the sneaker landscape in the last 5 years or so you know how important a co-sign or endorsement from the right name or figure can be even to a brand as big as Nike or adidas. You can go all the way back to the 80's and the originators of this sneaker endorsement thing we know today and thank RUN DMC for it all. Their ground breaking sound, style and movement caught the attention of the three stripes and the rest is literally history.

Back to more current times you can go back into the late 2000's and what Nike did with signing Kanye West to a shoe deal in what was a first of its kind for the swoosh. It was obviously one of the brands best moves in decades as it brought in a whole new wave of sneakers that have undoubtedly changes the sneaker landscape we know today in more ways than one. From a pure design aspect, to general hype and even the astronomical resell prices each and every Yeezy shoe still demands today its something that may never be matched again.

The crew at adidas scooped up Nike's missed opportunities in signing Kanye to their current roster and than swooping in on Pharrell, Nigo, Big Sean, 2 Chains and now even Pusha T enters the co-signed sneaker realm with his own shoe dropping in just days and already generating quite a buzz around it.

The real question that needs to be asked is does Nike see the writing on the wall and need to get something brewing with a strong counter punch and bring someone else on board? While we know there might not be a name respected enough to fill Mr. West's void at the brand one has to wonder if there is someone who can move this specific lane in the sneaker culture forward for Nike.

It's a specific aspect of the sneaker culture that adidas has been killing ever since the 80's and even to this day they are strong as ever bringing entertainment figures that matter in today's landscape together with the sneakers we buy day in day out. I know Nike may feel like they don't "need" to use this same format but with the void left by Kanye's departure and his eminent return now with the three stripes on the horizon its an interesting question to ponder and will be interesting to say the least to see what is in store as we head into 2015.

Artwork by Aditya Chhatrala

Nike Air Flight 89 Black Croc

Adding to the already storied history of the Air Flight 89 Nike is set to drop this well done "Black Croc" makeup later this Winter. The classic retro from decades back features a cant miss predominantly black construction with some nice premium upgrades.

Of course the croc material is the main star of the show here showing up on the cross strap of the shoe but that's not where the appeal of the shoe ends. Other nice touches like a speckled midsole, nubuck and a few hints of black leather round out this well executed retro. You can look for these to drop in the next few weeks so make sure to keep an eye out at your local NSW retailer.

Nike Free Hypervenom Mid

In what may take Nike's crown as the sleekest shoe in their current catalog we take a look at the Free Hypervenom Mid. This football boot inspired sneaker features some of the cleanest flowing lines we have seen on a shoe in some time.

The shoe features the same NIKESKIN material that is on the original football boot it pulls so much inspiration from. All of that technical upper sits on a cozy Free 3.0 sole to ensure a low comfy ride. You can snag these from some select NSW retailers worldwide right now like Titilo here. Make sure to continue below for some up close shots of these amazing kicks.

Zoologie Fall/Winter ’15 Collection Lookbook

Australian bred Zoologie drops some crazy visuals for their new '15 Fall/Winter Collection. Pulling inspiration from some classic American bred pieces from years ago this collection is sure to grab your attention if your a 90's baby but with the additions they have made to bring these pieces up to date you cant do anything but applaud what they've done.

You can pick up the entire collection right now directly here and make sure to continue below for the complete well done lookbook covering in the drop.

Flex your green thumb with the Glowpear Urban Garden

It's not often we shine light on something in the world of gardening but once we checked out this Urban Garden by Glowpear we had to show love. This stationary self watering planter is capable of growing a wide variety of different plants and vegetation depending on your preference all done up in a well designed and beautiful casing.

You can pick up one directly here and start to really flex your green thumb even if your couped up in an apartment or flat in the city. There are officially no excuses to go green thanks to Glowpear.

Brand Feature: Weekend Offender

We recently stumbled upon a brand that caught our eye for the clean pieces they pride themselves on dropping and their latest Winter collection may be their best yet.

Weekend Offender pushes out nothing but the best of the best from sweaters to button ups and what we really love the most from their collections is their high quality winter coats and jackets. With staple silhouettes like knee length parkas and very versatile windbreakers for those not so cold days where you need something compact and durable to keep you dry look no further than Weekend Offender.

Take a moment and look through what they have to offer for the current Winter season below and hit their webstore directly here to purchase everything you see we highly recommend everything they are pushing.

Keep it simple stupid. 15 clean and simple options for Winter.

It can be fairly easy to slip into a trend of the moment or pick up a piece that is super loud just because it catches your eye at the moment. If your smart though you will invest in some never go out of style essential pieces that no matter the time or place will still look fresh without question.

We took some time and complied 15 of our favorite pieces available now directly from the folks over at Need Supply Co. here. Everything listed here are tried and true classic pieces with premium materials and construction inside and out to ensure these goods will last you years of abuse. Make sure to continue below for the full list with direct links to purchase.

adidas ZX Flux White/Bluebird

With the hundreds of different colorways that have dropped officially from the team at adidas Originals of the ZX Flux and the even more customizable options available via the ZX Flux App it can sometimes get a little overwhelming just based on the amount of options available for this clean shoe.

It's nice to still see there is a clean option available that keeps things very simple and basic but is equally as dope as some of the more crazy colorways. This White/Bluebird colorway uses an all white based upper with small hints of blue accents at the three stripes, heel and sock liner. An off white midsole is used as well which gives the shoe some nice depth and a little pop to this otherwise basic drop.

You can pick up a pair now directly here via Titilo or wait a couple weeks as these will start to pop up at additional retailers sooner than later. Continue below for a couple additional shots of these beauties below as well.

Sneaker Freaker x Mr Black Midnight Express Box Set

Cleaning your sneakers should be in your weekly or even daily routine if your anything like us and this new box set from the good folks over at Sneaker Freaker and Mr Black is sure to be something your going to want to keep an eye out for.

The set itself includes a custom wooden brush, Mr Black premium cleaner and a bottle of Refresh solution as well to keep everything odor fresh. The packaging has been stepped up quite a bit as well with foiled lettering and graphics covering the box. Also included is a copy of the latest issue of Sneaker Freaker which is something you should already be subscribed to by now if you love the sneaker culture. You can pick up this limited edition box set now directly here and also make sure to continue below for some alternate views of this perfect holiday gift for any sneaker lover out there.

wings+horns x New Balance 580

Canada's own wings+horns shows love to the country they are born and bred from with this latest collab with New Balance on the 580. This all black draped version features a low key but incredibly well done color blocking with only a little bit of white peeking out through the bottom sole.

Commemorating wings+horns 10 Year Anniversary, this dark beauty is sure to be a must have when it drops on 12/13 at wings+horns in Vancouver and then again later with a wider release on 12/20 at some select New Balance retailers. Make sure to mark you calendars for this versatile must have for any NB lover.

Nike Air Flight Squad Denim/Ostrich

The Air Flight Squad gets some crazy love with hoards of premium materials which include light and dark was denim, premium leathers and acting as a cherry on top there is a layer of ostrich.

Kudos to Nike for stepping out there and dropping so much premium material on one single shoe. Its instances like this when we truly admire the choices the people over at the swoosh put forth. A crazy detailed tongue with a large patch, a clear translucent sole and of course the rarely used ostrich are just a few reason why you should quickly put these on your hit list. You can pick these up now at places like Titilo here and other select NSW retailers worldwide. Continue below for some detailed shots of the shoe in all its glory.

TODAYSHYPE Spotlight: Native Fitzsimmons Print

One of the most important items to have in your arsenal as the seasons change and the leaves start to fall is a good pair of water resistant but still fly boots. While most people tend to rock with 6-Inch Timbs (We can't hate on that) what about something a little different to make you stand out from the crowd?

That's exactly what the Native Fitzsimmons Boot aims to do with this crazy new twist on their popular model which features an all over "Print" pattern shown here in Rocky Brown/Dublin Grey. Like nearly all of Native's line up the Fitzsimmons features a washable, odor resistant and most important "Beast" or animal free construction.

It is really quite shocking how light and airy the boot feels once they are in your hand its truly remarkable how non existent they feel when you hold them. The light weight is a major benefit to the boot as well when alternatives in the same category use heavy construction which normally means a heightened wear and tear aspect but the Native boot can more than hold its own since its made of a highly durable plastic.

We really loved everything about the Fitzsimmons Boot and would highly recommend you take a chance and give them a shot if you in the market for a pair of unique and fresh boots for the Fall/Winter months. Make sure to check out Native directly here to purchase a pair and continue below for our full on foot gallery of them in action.

TODAYSHYPE Spotlight: CLAE Arthur x LIFUL White Tumbled Leather

One of CLAE's best selling and most simplified models is their "Arthur" silhouette. The stripped down and timeless sneaker is a true all around shoe that you can wear in nearly any situation and still look fly.

CLAE recently linked up with one of the industries leaders in equally clean and timeless menswear LIFUL. So what happens when the two get together and collaborate on a shoe as clean as the Arthur? The end result is just what you would expect with premium white tumbled leather covering the entire upper of the shoe and little nice touches like a red and blue miss match aglet on the laces and subtle LIFUL and CLAE branding on the heel tab.

Some people may want a crazy off the wall outcome for certain collabs but for this specific collaboration we couldn't be any more happy with the simple and streamlined results the two have come up with.

We thankfully got our hands on a pair and shot some on feet images which you can view directly below. Make sure to go pick up a pair directly from CLAE here and also check out the LIFUL online store here.