The And1 Entourage Mids 5 Elements pack – Water (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 7.4.13] – The And1 Entourage Mids 5 Elements pack – Water (performance)

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Hey AND Juans, Sole Spotlight for the month of July features a new colorway from the recently released Entourage Mids model of AND1.  Part of the 5 Elements pack that is yet-to-be-released locally – the Water pair (alongside Fire, Metal, Wood, and Earth) sports a wave-like skin, and comes in a bright blue/gray colorway.  S/O to Rob Purvy and AJ Vander Woude (AND1 US) for this recent batch of shoes that I received last June 2013.

Water and Wood (green) are set to be released within Q3 of this year according to sources from AKT!V / Relzbach (local distributor of AND1).  The 5 Elements pack was previously featured here in AND1 Ph, click here for the related article.  Posted below some images of the said model.

This model (and all of its color variants) features:

-          Upper:

o    High density synthetic upper material provides lighter weight and increased durability.

o    Hybrid low-sew process enhances comfort.

o    Triangular quarter ventilation windows provide great breathability and lateral support.

o   Mesh tongue keeps the feet cool.

-         Bottom:

o    High rebound sockliner provides excellent energy return.

o    Molded EVA midsole design gives extra cushioning.

o    Non-marking, high quality tinted rubber compounds provides great traction.

o    Extended airbag provides comfort and reduces shock.

o L2G design provides optimal court feel by reducing distance from the ground.

AND1's version of icy soles.

I’ve recently hooped with this model on the hardwood, and I’m so impressed with its performance that I’m making it my default playing pair whenever I use a blue jersey.  While I’m currently using the Empire Mids for playing (both varsity red/white and white/blue/red Japan CW), the Entourage Mid has slowly entrenched itself in my sneaker rotation to ball in.  This pair is a must-get, as it boasts of good breathability, ankle support, superior traction, and yes – just the right weight.

Check out the Kanji symbol on the heel section, matching the dynamic colors that tie back to the Water element.

On a personal note, I wish this Water CW had a different color of laces, but that’s just a minor gripe as those can easily be replaced to match any jersey/pair of shorts.  I’m currently keeping the stock laces, but I might swap it for another pair of electric blues or quite possibly a gray set (to match the sole’s colors).

More pictures of the shoe below.  Similar to the Empire/Empire 2.0 Mids’ performance, this pair is recommended for players looking for a shoe that can provide comfort, support, performance, and on-court attitude (the 5 Elements pack does feature some bright colorways, making them highly noticeable).

Sole Spotlight from AND1 Ph will continue to feature more new models in the coming months.  Stay tuned and check us out regularly, AND Juans.  ONE!

And1 Entourage Mids – The "5 ELEMENTS" pack

[Shoe News – 10.13.12] – And1 Entourage Mids – The "5 ELEMENTS" pack

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: AND1 Basketball (via e-mail)

Hey AND Juans..some breaking news courtesy of AND1 USA.  As per their recent e-mail, they will be releasing soon five (5) unique colorways of the upcoming Entourage Mids, and it will be called the 5 Elements pack.  Check out the group image below:

Earlier images of the Entourage Mid showed an all-black version.  However, the 5 Elements packs derives its very relatable concept from Oriental roots and as for the designs used,  AND1 USA further explains:

“This is from Eastern Philosophy, Life and Martial Arts.  Earth, Water, Metal (gold,) Wood and Fire are the elements and represent different forms of energy that constantly flow between each other. 

We have put the Kanji symbol for each element on the heel of each SKU in addition to doing these in dynamic trend colors that tie back to each element.  In Japan, and possibly Korea, the Element symbols also indicate the days of the week from Tuesday to Saturday as well when used in conjunction with the kanji for day (日).  Fire, water, wood, gold/metal, and earth each represent Tuesday through Saturday respectively. We use this to show the depth of the 5 elements story, as well as how it is applicable cross-culturally in Asia.”

Personally, I think this is reminiscent of the Taichi Mid concept back in the early 2000’s (and recently back in 2010, with the introduction of the Taichi TGRs) – wherein Eastern philosophy is one of the key influences in producing excellent basketball sneakers of which AND1 is known for. 

Furthermore, I like the use of the number five (5) in this set – which for me represents the five players inside the basketball court.  While maintaining a unique set of skills for the position that each plays, every basketball player on the court has to mesh with the team’s concept of playing together towards a winning direction.  How’s that for a basketball tie-in?

I will try to get more info about the retail price and actual release date.  For now, check out more individual images below:

If you want more And1 news and updates, follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph).  Also feel free to e-mail us at and1pinas@gmail.com.  And that’s the 411, And Juan.

The AND1 Entourage Mid in Black/Black colorway, 

as shared in the official Facebook fanpage.