The And1 Empire 2.0 Mids – Lance Stephenson PEs (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 2.25.13] – The And1 Empire 2.0 Mids – Lance Stephenson PEs (performance)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Images: AND1, Dime Magazine (thru Warren Shaw), Getty Images, ESPN

Hey AND Juans, we begin 2013 with the latest edition of Sole Spotlight, and what better way to kick things off with the follow up to the Empire Mids, the Empire 2.0 Mids.  Lance Stephenson aka Born Ready and AND1’s current brand ambassador has been spotted wearing not one, not two, not even three…but FOUR different colorways of the Empire 2.0’s done in Indiana Pacers colorway to match his team jerseys.  Thanks to AND1 US for sharing the images that you see below.

With two “Home” and two “Away” colorways, Lance has been helping lead the resurgent Pacers on top of the NBA’s elite, and as of this writing, Indiana is ranked #2 right behind the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.  Check out more images of Born Ready rocking the different versions of his player-exclusive kicks.  

For those looking for performance reviews of the Empire 2.0 Mids, do check out the previous blog post last August 2012 by clicking HERE.

As with any other PE, his personalized kicks bear his own logo (LS1) at the heel section, as seen below.  Stephenson has also appeared in a recent SLAM magazine ad, and things are heating up as the 20th anniversary of the brand continues to roll this 2013.  Don’t be surprised if he suddenly wears another PE version of an upcoming AND1 model come playoff time.

For more AND1 shoe news, sightings, and updates, follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (facebook.com/and1ph).  So until next blogpost…ONE!

Previously posted on his Instagram account (@stephensonlance), a PE version of the upcoming Entourage Mids.  This would look really good if done in IND colorway.

The And1 Empire Mids - Japan Edition 1 (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 12.27.12] – The And1 Empire Mids - Japan Edition 1 (performance)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Images: Flash, plus various other sources (CounterKicks, etc)

Hey AND Juans, the latest edition of the Empire Mid is out now locally.  Retailing for Php 4995, it now comes in dominant white with blue and red highlights that’s not only very Philippine colors-friendly, but also compatible with other countries using the red-white-blue hues (USA, Australia, Chile, France – among others).  As for NBA team jersey compatibility, it looks good alongside apparels for the Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards.

The latest silhouette sells for a thousand pesos less since it first came out in 2011 – check out our article back then by clicking HERE.  Locally, it has been released in at least three colorways prior to the latest Japan edition (black/gold, all white, and varsity red).  Tons of images below.

Lace 'em up!

For those looking for performance reviews of the Empire Mids, check out Sandy Dover’s article for SLAM Online and Bryan Hinkle of Counterkicks (click names to be redirected to their sites).

One key difference of this shoe’s latest incarnation is the heel logo.  The previous models (pre-Japan edition) used the old Player logo, whereas the new one now sports the updated look of the Player, with ridged and embossed lines that while subtle from afar, really looks detailed upon closer inspection.  More close-up images of the shoe below.

Close up pics of the shoe tongue, lateral view, medial view, and sole.

For more AND1 shoe news, sightings, and updates, follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) and please don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook (facebook.com/and1ph).  See you again next year for Sole Spotlight and so until next blogpost…ONE!

The And1 Empire 2.0 Mids (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 8.24.12] – The And1 Empire 2.0 Mids (performance)

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Mabuhay, AND Juans!  Sole Spotlight for the month of August features the follow up to the groundbreaking Empire Mid line of AND1 – the Empire 2.0.   

Coincidentally, this shoe gets featured on a review on the month named after a Roman emperor (Augustus Caesar), so please pardon the pun - BUILD YOUR EMPIRE indeed.  Posted below some images for everybody’s reference.

 Lace 'em up.

This yet-to-be-released shoe model was part of the care package I received last July courtesy of AND1 US (s/o to Rob Purvy, Becky Cheng, and AJ Vander Woude) and should hopefully reach local shores within late 2012 or early 2013.

What I love most about using this pair for malling/chilling out is that its vibrant blue and yellow highlights (reminiscent of the Golden State Warriors team colors) are definitely a head-turner, plus it’s lighter than its predecessor.  Speaking of its predecessor, check out some comparison images below. 

The Empire 2.0 Mid (right) features a sleeker design, 

but incorporates the same sole as the original.

The Empire 2.0 Mid features a different cut than the 1st Empire Mid.  

It sports a low-top profile instead.

Chillin' like a G.

On the court, I’m very pleased with the way it hugged my feet despite having a low-cut profile.  I’m going out on a limb here, but this shoe just barged right into my top 5 kicks that I’ve ever hooped in, and I’ve hooped in a lot of AND1 pairs already.  There’s something about the combination of perfect fit, low-cut profile, right weight, on-court grip, and L2G tech that makes this shoe a must-cop.

High socks, anyone?

Similar to the AND1 Guardian Mid that I’ve featured in last July’s Sole Spotlight, the Empire 2.0 also features a “stitch-less, no-sew construction for comfort” plus “asymmetrical toe increases support.”  It also has “mesh panels (that) reduce weight and increase ventilation,” much like the previously released Empire Mids, and the full-length airbag that helps reduce impact.  Add L2G tech, and you’re good to go.

More pictures of the shoe below.  The Empire 2.0 Mid is good for players looking for a shoe that is lightweight, responds well to sudden cuts and shifts in direction without sacrificing support, and maximum support for high-impact landings.

Check out more of Sole Spotlight in the succeeding months, only from And1 Ph.  ONE!

 The outsole - featuring L2G technology.

It has the same sole as the original Empire Mid 

(varsity red/white colorway, pictured below).