Pumped Out Kicks

Words by Elliot StruckPhotos by Peter Daly  Hey, have you heard of a guy named Robbie Slater? He’s a not-so-super-tall Floridian who came up in the ’90s. As he started winning consecutive world titles (94-98), there was another sportsman running a parallel domination of his own game, a blazing machine by the name of Mikey Jordan. He’s nine inches taller than Kelly, a shade (or three) darker and, just like Kelly, digs an aggressive offence. Do you see the connection? Sports monsters of the ’90s! Basketball! Bless the game now synonymous with hip hop and, of course, sneakers. Those most soft, rubbery and versatile of all shoes. There’s no time like the present to bounce, so whatchya waiting for? Jump! Left: Globe Superfly Vulcan shoe $130: Vulcanised hi-tops? You kid! Superfly ain’t just a clever name. These babies’ll actually have you feeling like you just flew from hoop to hoop. Your pals at Stab ain’t adverse to sneaks that reach above the ankle. You’d just as likely find a v. similar variation of the Superfly’s on a Venice Beach B-ball court circa ‘93 as you would on the feet of Taj Burrow in the San Fran competitor’s area. Though hi-tops have been a little played-out in recent years, they’re still a timeless steeze and the Superfly’s re-inject some sizzle into the shape. Right: DC Alias Lite $130: And lite they are. Rob Dyrdek designed these kicks using DC’s UNILITE tech, so you know they’re feathery (but surprisingly resilient!) and plenty breathable. There’s a few colourways, but Stab gots a kink for the one pictured – maroon, with a flash of canary? Perfect! It don’t always have to be about minimalism when it comes to kicks. The tech jogger has a place on any self-respecting man’s shoe rack, and the Alias Lites are the cream of that particular crop. Left: New Balance UK Made 577 $220: We’re kinky for New Balance. Have y’seen their design-your-own-colourway option for the 574? Such variety! But these, the 577, are a special kind of beast. Often, when it’s product time in the Stab office, there’s debate/argument over who gets certain items when they roll in. Few sartorial objects have been engaged in such a tug-o-war as these 577’s were. Online made a beeline for them, but then advertising pulled rank and put the foot down (straight into the 577’s, as it were.) Really though, are you surprised? Look at em! Right: Kustom Knapsta $100: More vulcanised hi-tops? Truly a heavenly combo. ‘Specially when they’re a soft grey, with a hit of blue on the sole. And black leather detailing? Yes please. With a sharpness and colour-palate like that, the Knapsta’s are the Great White Shark of hi-tops. You’ll find these strapped to the trotters of Chips Wilson, Joel Parkinson and Josh Kerr, some of the most influential cats in the game. Why? ‘Cause a shoe so light, sharp and tall is certain to put a swagger in your step.