Over the years, we’ve seen Bron transform into the physical behemoth that may one day overtake MJ’s playing legacy. For sneakerheads, though (like myself), it’s been highly questionable whether or not he-or anyone for that matter-could overtake MJ’s kick game. Penny failed. So did Kobe. And Iverson had a spark when he started, but Reebok’s just plain ol’ garbage.

Back to 2003 when MJ hung it up for the last time, his last on-court signatures, the XVIIIs, were simple yet luxurious and of course, technologically forward-thinking-everything associated with Jordan Brand. Since, the designs have been rather head-scratching, from the woven cover guard of the 19s and the clunky space-boot look of the 20s-Who knew space boots would catch on, word to Kanye? -to the straight up half-assed 24s AJ 2009s.

Recently, pics of the AJ 2010s (25s) have surfaced. They have a window/eye smack dab in the middle of the shoe to represent MJ’s ability to “see through the competition.” The shit just looks like a goddamn hole, patched up with mesh. It’s the bottomed-out low point of the declining franchise (a charge once leveled at the 15s).

As for the LeBrons, they’ve evolved from the outlet-ready Air Zoom Generations to the Flightposite-esque 4s to the underwhelming 5s and 6s. But now we’ve reached numero seven. Out for some time, a looming all black colorway (probably cosigned by Jigga) is the zenith of the line thus far. After misguided, space-shoe abortions like the Huarache 2k4s, the LeBron 7s represent some of Nike Basketball’s best design work since (surprise) 2003, when ballers were blessed with the Zoom Ultraflights and Zoom Flight 2k3s (just wear tube socks).

Compared to those lightweight triumphs, the 7s are on the opposite side of the spectrum in terms of build (veering towards the Nike Total Foamposite Max in terms of proportions). Yet one look at the shoe and it’s clear that this is Nike’s signature shoe, perhaps across all lines. The feeling is similar to the one you had when you first saw the XIs, XIIIs, or even XVIIs-that this was the work of the best designers in the world. And if there was any confusion, it’s now evident that LeBron, not Kobe or MJ, is the face of the brand, Nike’s signature athlete.

Can’t say it didn’t take a while, though. By shoe number seven, there had been the iconic Air Jordan Is, IIIs, IVs, and VIs. The hit rate for the LeBron line hasn’t been quite the same but it’s finally his time. Maybe things will transpire on the court similarly.

Recently, urban artistry and apparel have extended their creativity to unlikely outlets in the effort to “go green.” So for those—the tech-savvy and trendsetting—that are having trouble succumbing to the requests of our peers and politicians to be “eco-friendly,” there are folks that are assisting in making it fairly easy. The result? Revamping the simplest, and least threatening, mode of transportation: your bike. The kind without a motor, of course.

Lance Armstrong did so. And for good reason. Le Tour de France, the 23-day, over-2,000 mile annual bike race, is heading into its final week, and Armstrong’s eponymous foundation, along with Nike, and Trek have teamed up to recruit some of the most influential artists of our generation to contribute. Each was asked to produce a bike dedicated to the fight against cancer and unique to their own style. The bikes would then be ridden by Lance himself throughout the race. KAWS, Kenny Scharf, Shepard Fairey, Marc Newson, Yoshitomo Nara, and Damien Hirst all delivered, most of them prominently using Livestrong’s signature yellow hue.

Though these bikes are set to be auctioned later this year, and unfathomable prices are likely, others can revive their ride courtesy of a Crooks & Castles collabo. The streetwear line recently dropped preview images of a two-wheeler created after joining forces with SE Bikes. No release date has been set, but with a quilted leather saddle and a dramatic black and white color scheme, the final product looks promising.

A limited-edition saddle made by renown maker Brooks is also making its rounds. Produced in partnership with New York graffiti artist Futura, the seat features a reproduction of his “For Love or Money” print, previously seen on Nike’s Dunk Hi model. This byproduct, complete with a collage of currency, represents both going green…and getting the green.

Last to jump on the bike bandwagon is Izaxon, maker of the iPhone application “BrakeLights.” Doing just what the title says it will, it allows you to turn your phone, rather literally, into brake lights for your two-wheeler. With the help of an accelerometer, it has an ability to detect when you brake which results in the flashing of a red light on your screen. A $1 application may not be worth the demolishment of your insurance-less phone worth hundreds, but if willing to strap the gadget to the back of a moving vehicle in the name of nature (and its preservation), so be it.

-Danielle Cheesman

Sure, Nike was left looking foolish after Bron flamed out of the Finals, but their “Most Valuable Puppet” ad campaign has been their best in years, probably since they hooked up with The Neptunes for the “Battle” campaign in 2003. The introduction of Lil’ Dez (voiced by Bobb’e J. Johnson of Role Models fame) helped people move past the now-irrelevant rivalry between b-ball’s best. And now, with the Finals drawing to a close this weekend (or soon enough) and Kobe set to add another ring, Nike closes up shop for the season fittingly.

Bonus: Lil Dez’s introduction

- Devin Chanda

Nike must have known that its star basketball player Lebron James was going to be named the 2008-2009 NBA MVP yesterday, Monday May 4. How else then would you explain the commemorative edition of his sneaker, the Zoom LeBron VI coming out so soon?

Hitting Nike retailers on May 30, the shoe will retail for $150. Nike’s also released a Witness tee, which will retail for $30 and is available staring today, May 5.

With summer officially around the corner, it’s time to get in shape. And as any work out aficionado knows, the key to a good workout is a good soundtrack. Lucky for you, Nike and De La Soul have got your body, mind and ears in mind.

As De La Soul celebrates the 20th anniversary of its classic debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, the trio are releasing ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run, the group’s first new material in five years. 

Specifically written for runners, and featuring additional production from Chicago’s Flosstradamus, ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run, is De La Soul’s musical interpretation of a runner’s journey and makes a great soundtrack for a jog in the park.

The 45-minute ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run composition is available download on iTunes today, April 28, for $9.99.

LeBron James is one of the best basketball players in the world and off the court he’s one of the best dressed men on the social scene. It’s not easy dressing a 6 foot, 8 inch and 250 pound baller, but the Cleveland Cavalier’s small forward does it with ease and confidence. When he’s not in uniform or sporting his LJ 23 Nike sportswear, you may find King James rocking Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton or Gucci. James is now on the cover of GQ — a slam dunk recognizing his satorial swagger. Witness LBJ’s style.

For more Celeb Style, click here!

Using the Dunk base, Nike merges one of their most popular platforms with the boat shoe upper to create the Nike Mad Jibe.

The iconic “swoosh” has been removed to create a shoe that’s business on top, party on the bottom and can help you slide easily into those clubs that sport the dreaded “No Sneakers Allowed” sign. 

Look for these to drop in Spring ‘09.

Not even bad weather or the economic recession could stop sneakerheads from lining up for the highly exclusive release of the Air Jordan XX3 Premier. Some even waited in the snow and bitter cold just for a chance to get a pair.

Released today, December 23rd, and limited to 23 pairs in 23 stores (most stores are selling via raffle) for the retail price of $230.00, the black/varsity red has had Jordan Brand fans of all ages camped outside of retailers carrying the highly sought after shoe.

How happy would you be if you got a pair of these this holiday?