The AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids - Flash PE (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 9.30.13] – The AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids - Flash PE (performance)

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Hey AND Juans, just wanted to share some images of the AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids Flash PE (player edition / player exclusive).  This pair will not be released commercially, and stands as likely one of the very few PEs made for a Filipino baller (regardless if amateur or professional basketball player).

One to rock and one to stock.

This AND1 PE is in size 9.5’s, and prominently showcases the colors of the Philippine flag (dominant white with blue and red, with a few touches of yellow especially the laces).  More than that, it also has the text “FLASH” on the tongue, plus the Flash GA8 logo on the heel section.  Designed with the help of the AND1 USA team (shoutouts to Rob Purvy, AJ Vander Woude, Jordan Bradley, Becky & David), this pair has these standard AND1 Empire 2.0 Mid features (more pics below):

• Stitch-less, no-sew construction for comfort
• Asymmetrical toe increases support
• Mesh panels reduce weight and increase ventilation
• Full-length airbag reduces impact

From concept to production.

"FLASH" text on shoe tongue.

The heel section displays the GA8 logo (G.A. initials + jersey number).

Gameplay-wise, this pair holds its own quite well.  Despite being lightweight, it does not sacrifice support, and its traction is consistent with that of the original Empire 1.0 Mids, Guardian Mids, and Entourage Mids.  That means regardless of surface, the Empire 2.0 Mids is able to provide superior traction, allowing guards and wing players to shift directions at will and being able to stop on a dime.

The Empire 1.0 Mids (Japan Edition, released locally) and 

the Empire 2.0 Mids Flash PE (Pilipinas CW) - both share the same outsole.

The Empire 2.0 Mids perform extremely well, regardless of court surface.

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).  As a bonus, posted below some images of AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids blue/yellow CW (product sample, not released locally).  Till next blogpost, ONE!

AND1 Empire 2.0 Mid blue/yellow colorway, product sample only.

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!

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.