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 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 Mids - Monta Ellis PE (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 10.25.12] – The And1 Empire Mids - Monta Ellis PE (performance)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Images: eBay user ekhchan86, plus various other sources

Hey AND Juans, I was doing the regular eBay search this past week and I stumbled upon this very interesting auction – an unreleased AND1 Empire Mid Monta Ellis PE (player edition / player exclusive).  Posted by eBay user ekhchan86, the description is as follows:

“You are bidding on a RARE and 100% AUTHENTIC pair of AND 1 ME8 EMPIRE MONTA ELLIS PLAYER SAMPLES IN SIZE 13!!  These were never released to the general public and made exclusively for MONTA while with the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS!

They have his logo of ME8. These are in DEADSTOCK CONDITION and have NEVER BEEN WORN!! These shoes have never graced the cement and are in perfect condition. The colorway is quite unique and was the HOME colorway for the WARRIORS. You will not find another pair of these anytime soon!  These are very rare and hard to come by.”

As the description says, it is an AND1 PE in size 13’s, and I would fairly assume that is the same size as Monta’s.  What’s also interesting to note is that it bears the logo of the former AND1 endorser in the heel section, something that wasn’t even available in his previous shoe models (Wonder Mid, Disciple Mid, ME8 Mid, & the Sovereign Mid, to name a few).  

More pics below of the Empire Mid Monta PE, and you can click HERE for the actual eBay auction.

The ME8 logo.

 Looks legit, size 13's.

It’s currently listed at a starting bid of $ 109.99, with a Buy Now price of $ 129.99, or roughly Php 5500-6000 (you’ll have to add about $23 for the shipping).  That’s pretty reasonable, considering the rarity of this pair.

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).  More images of previously released Monta Ellis PEs posted below.  Till next blogpost, ONE!

Taichi Mid

Disciple Mid

Empire Mid, Christmas CW

Sovereign Mid