Silver Michael Jordan Shoe Selling for $100,000 on eBay

By: The Hoop Doctors
From: http://thehoopdoctors.com/

How much would you be willing to spend on a rare pair of Jordan’s? When considering this hypothetical question, how about if I upped the ante and said the shoes were modeled after a pair game worn by Jordan himself. Then let’s get a bit crazy and say the shoes are dipped in silver and are one of only 10 pairs ever made. Jordan himself owns a pair of them. How much is that worth to a rabid Michael Jordan fan, and/or shoe collector?

Well one ebay’er thinks that value is starting at $100,000 and could possibly garner more. Here is what he has to say about the kicks:

IT WAS GIVEN TO MICHAEL FROM HIS WIFE FOR HIS 32nd BIRTHDAY. HIS WIFE TOOK HIS GAME WORN ROOKIE SHOE AND 10, STERLING SHOES WERE MADE. I HAVE THE ONLY ONE THAT WILL EVER BE SOLD AGAIN TO THE PUBLIC. THE CEO FOR GATORADE OWNS ONE, MICHAEL HAS 2 OF THEM, THE JEWELER WHO HAD THE SHOE MADE OWNS ” I THINK 5 OF THEM” AND 2 OTHER UNKNOWN COLLECTORS OWN THE OTHER 2.

Why Didn't I Think of That? SwitchFlops, the $30 Million School Project

At 16, Lindsay Phillips came up with the idea for a flip-flop with interchangeable straps during art class. Today, she's running a $30 million company.

By Geoff Williams
From http://smallbusiness.aol.com/

Back-to-school season is upon us, and even the best students need a little motivation to trade the beach, summer camp and carefree days for the classroom. But what if you could turn a school project into a $30 million business? That's exactly what Lindsay Phillips, the creator of SwitchFlops, did.

Now 25, Phillips came up with the idea for SwitchFlops at 16, as part of a high school art project. Today, her company -- Lindsay Phillips -- employs 35 full-time staffers and is projected to bring in $30 million in revenue this year.

The idea is simple -- SwitchFlops are sandals with interchangeable straps. So instead of buying several pairs of sandals, customers can instead own one sandal with multiple straps. In the wake of the Great Recession, a 3-in-1 shoe (or, heck, 50-in-1) is tailor-made for shoppers on a budget.

The basic sandal itself costs $35, and additional straps are $12. Officially launched in 2007, SwitchFlops are now sold in more than 4,000 stores around the world, and Phillips' line has evolved into other footwear like ballet flats, wedges and espadrilles. The company also makes shopping bags, scarves and sandals for children. Lindsay Phillips, the company, is currently building an overseas office.

It didn't hurt that Phillips, at the ripe-old age of 23, had the wisdom to know what she didn't know -- and brought aboard a CEO, Jeffrey Davidson, 50, who has a lot of experience in growing companies.

Which isn't to take away anything from Phillips, who had the initiative and vision at age 16 to craft her art into something with commercial potential. She made some flip-flops -- ceramic flip-flops that had straps with "fun, funky buttons" on them. "It made sense when I came up with this idea," says Phillips, who grew up in Tampa, Fla. "Everyone wore flip-flops to school, all the time."

Her parents proudly displayed the colorful sandals in their house. And guests noticed. One woman even tried to put them on. "They're ceramic," Phillips told her, but the teenager suddenly had the idea that she should make some actual flip-flops.

"I bought some fun buttons and tried to put them on some sandals, but they kept falling off when I'd go to the beach, so I came up with Velcro, and started lining it to the shoes," says Phillips, who gave out her prototype sandal straps to family members and friends.

It was just a hobby at first, until a relative said, "This is really an amazing idea. You need to patent this."

"I'm 16," Phillips replied. "I really don't know what a patent is. Can you help me?"

She wound up going to a sympathetic but skeptical patent attorney, who told her to do some research and make sure there wasn't anything similar already on the market. If she couldn't find anything, he said he would work with her. She did her research, turned up nothing, and to the attorney's astonishment, he couldn't find anything either. They began the process of applying for a patent. It took four years.

Phillips finished high school and started college in the meantime. She majored in art history at Rollins College and minored in communications, instead of focusing on business. "My parents told me to study what I enjoy because I'd probably do business for the rest of my life," she says.

But her innovation was always top of mind. Phillips worked summers at Polo Ralph Lauren's leather goods division in New York, honing her merchandising and manufacturing skills, and traveled to Europe in a Semester at Sea program -- until she was ready to unleash her creation to the world.

The patent was granted in 2004, and after that, Phillips partnered with her mom, Liz, and began looking for a manufacturer. SwitchFlops made their first real retail appearance in January 2007 at the Surf Expo Trade Show in Orlando.

"We started with 10 straps," Phillips says. "Basic colors, but we wanted to start off with the basics, and it's been very successful. We find our typical customer owns three pairs of shoes and 10 straps, and for them to be able to go and customize them -- well, they get very excited and really enjoy doing it. We really think it's all about versatility and value."

Phillips has managed to tap into the growing customization zeitgeist. While people have always wanted to stand out from the crowd, technology has really allowed consumers to tailor products to their own tastes in recent years -- and businesses are increasingly offering an interactive, design-your-own experience.

As marketing guru Randy Gage, author of Why You're Dumb, Sick & Broke... and how to get Smart, Healthy & Rich, notes, "I was always told, 'Find a need and fill it,' but that's actually bad advice because people don't usually do what they need, but what they want. Better advice is, 'Find a want and fill it.'"

Phillips, of course, has managed to do just that. "SwitchFlops allow you to express yourself," she says. "Everyone wants to be a little unique, and while we might have the same bag, we don't want it to be exactly the same."

Phillips recalls meeting one of her customers who had eight pairs of her shoes and 30 straps, and seeing women staring at her displays like kids in a candy store, as they selected straps and matched them up with shoes. "It's amazing to be in the store and watch it happen because everyone picks out something different," she says.

And being different, of course, is the whole idea.

Geoff Williams is a regular contributor to AOL Small Business. He is also the co-author of the book Living Well with Bad Credit.

NY Times: Inside the Chinese Knockoff-Tennis-Shoe Factory

Andrew Bettles for The New York Times (Shoes provided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

By NICHOLAS SCHMIDLE

In southern China, making fake shoes has become a very big business. Chinese authorities are slow to enforce the law, and it's becoming harder and harder to tell which shoes are genuine.
Click here for http://www.nytimes.com/

'Back to the Future' Inspired Shoes Really Tie Themselves

by Terrence O'Brien

'Back to the Future,' like America, just had a birthday (although it only turned 25), and our feeds are blowing up with McFly-related memorabilia. Back in 2008, Nike released a pair of special edition 'Back to the Future II' inspired high-tops, but, as badass as the Marty McFly 2015 Nike Hyperdunks were, they lacked one important feature: the ability to tie themselves. Just in time for the cult movie's anniversary, ingenious do-it-yourselfer Blake Bevin strapped micro-controllers and motors to a pair of brightly hued Jordans in order to bring the futuristic footwear to life.

The design is simple, if a bit cumbersome in its execution. A pressure-sensitive plate in the heel of the shoe is connected to the impressively versatile Arduino micro-controller. When the Arduino detects that you've stepped into the sneaker, it activates a pair of servos that pull the laces tight. When it's time to slip out of the Hyperdunks, a touch-sensitive switch, mounted on the back of the shoe, reverses the servos.

Bevin's design is a little too bulky to be practical, but here's hoping some sneaker shop picks it up, and gives her invention the miniaturization treatment it deserves. To see it in action, check out the the video after the break. [From: Instructables, via: DVice]

Cool Iron Man Sneakers will make you feel like a super hero

From: http://gamingbolt.com

So you want to be a super hero? Or more precisely you are a big fan of Iron Man. Then you have come to the right place. customsnkr.com a site which deals with custom made sneakers have made an amazing looking Iron Man sneakers. These will be available in limited quantities, both Nike SB Dunk Highs, pretty soon. Both shoes are layered with armored paneling to make sure you feet are well protected against any villain. And yes they even have working versions of the staple of Ironman and War Machine; the glowing cores that give power to the suites. No, it’s not a photoshop trick, press down on the tongues to turn on and off the the glowing power.

The price and the launch date have not been announced yet.

Please click here for the Full Gallery: http://gamingbolt.com/

Thanks, customsnkr & Kotaku.

Guy is Completely Wasted, Needs Flip-Flop - Don't Drink and WALK!! -

stankshag — April 19, 2010 — Some guy can't get his flip flops on... bc he's so wasted...in the afternoon... trying to get to the port-o-potties..... PWAH!

Adidas' Star Wars line gets its own commercial

by: Paul Tassi 

A long time ago in uh, well, this galaxy, I brought you the news that Adidas was coming out with a STAR WARS line of shoes that ranged from ridiculous to crazy awesome. But not content with just making this a niche campaign, Adidas has debuted a full length commercial for the line which you can see below.
I’m not quite sure what David Beckham and Snoop Dogg are doing here, but the more the merrier I suppose, and I also didn’t realize that underground street racing…on foot…was a big pastime of kids these days.
But in any case, the commercial is pretty sweet, and there’s a bumping remix of the Imperial March I think you’ll enjoy. Check it out:

Source: JoBlo

The 2010 Star Wars Edition Adidas Shoes Are Kinda Genius

BY Cliff Kuang
From: http://www.fastcompany.com/

The full line is actually pretty subtle. Stylish, even.

A month ago, we wrote about the new Star Wars--themed shoe line Adidas was creating for 2010. At the time, only teaser shots were available. But the full deets are out, and the results, against all expectations, are kind of awesome.

What's particularly clever is how very subtle the Star Wars references are. Spotting these on the street, you'd never know they were themed cross-branding. But if someone told you what the visual inspiration was, you'd say "Ah-ha!"

Yoda's shoes have that rugged, handmade look that's oh so popular in the forbidding swamps of Dagobah:

The X-wing shoes look exactly like what you'd be wearing to pilot one: Comfy, light, and a little bit weathered from running around the cargo hold screaming about the Empire:

The AT-AT shoes pick up lots of clever details from their inspiration--like the upraised, rounded joints and the ribbed tongue, that looks like the articulated neck joint of the AT-AT:

My personal favorite, the Luke high tops. Remember that Rebel flight suit he wore? These match up perfectly, down to the white detailing at the ankle that echoes the white breathing apparatus, and the signature shade of burnt orange:

[See a couple more kicks at Fubiz]

Your Health: 'Rocker' shoe is put to the test

Enlarge By Alejandro Gonzalez, USA TODAY IF YOU'RE SOLD ON THEM Some rocker-soled choices (prices from company websites and Zappos.com): • Skechers Shape-Ups: • Reebok EasyTone: sneakers ($110) and flip-flops ($60) for women. • MBT: full line of men's and women's shoes and boots ($130 to $390). sneakers and casual shoes for men and women ($100-$115).

By Kim Painter, USA TODAY

Not since Dorothy's ruby slippers has a pair of shoes come with so many promises. Promotional materials for Skechers Shape-Ups say these funny-looking, balance-challenging, curved-sole sneakers and casual shoes can:

• Promote weight loss.

• Improve posture.

• Strengthen the back.

• Tighten abdominal muscles.

• Firm buttocks, calves and thighs.

• Reduce cellulite.

• Improve blood circulation.

They'll help you "get in shape without going to the gym," according to the Shape-Ups ad campaign launched last spring. That's quite a claim. And the Skechers company isn't the only one making it: A company called MBT has sold heavier, pricier versions of these rocker-soled shoes for several years with similar claims. Reebok has a version, too.

The idea: The heavily cushioned rocker sole forces wearers to work harder to maintain balance and stand erect, engaging muscles that are otherwise less active. More active muscles burn more calories. The shoes also enforce a rolling heel-to-toe gait that makers say simulates walking barefoot in the sand.

"Rocker-bottom shoes are not new," says Marlene Reid, a podiatrist in Naperville, Ill., and spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association. But in the past they were sold as therapeutic footwear for people with medical problems, including arthritis in their feet, she says.

Reid says the shoes might help people who stand for long hours or need to improve posture. But she worries: "The shoes limit normal motion in the foot. So you may be under-using some muscles and overusing others."

She also notes that shoes requiring good balance might make some people fall.

Studies cited on the MBT website tell a mixed story: In some cases the rocker shoes performed better than other shoes or exercise programs; in others they did not. Skechers has not published its small studies, but a larger study has begun, says Skechers vice president Jennifer Weiderman.

I decided to conduct my own, unscientific test by taking five consecutive 30- to 40-minute daily walks in the purported wonder shoes. I even threw fashion to the winds and wore them out for an afternoon of errands.

As predicted in the training DVD that comes with the shoes, they were awkward at first. They slowed my pace — something I resented, since I depend on my heart-thumping, arm-swinging, iPod-fueled walks for both mental and physical health. Going down hills was particularly tricky. By Day 5, though, I was almost up to speed and navigating those hills with skillfully rolling steps.

Also: I do seem to stand straighter in these shoes. And they are very comfortable. My feet do not hurt. But: My calves, thighs and buttocks don't hurt either, an indication that this new way of walking isn't new enough to be a major muscle-toner, at least not for already-devoted walkers like me.

Any added effect on weight or muscle tone may be "negligible," says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise in San Diego. "If you are walking, you are walking."

But, he says, "if you are spending $100 or more on a pair of walking shoes, maybe you're going to go out and walk more. Anything that gets anybody up and moving is a good thing."

Reebok Pump Omni Lite 'Gremlins' Pack

The Reebok Pump Omni Lite has suffered a great many injustices since Dee Brown won the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in the basic black-and-whites way back in 1991. But this Gremlins pack, inspired by the 1984 movie, may just have to jump straight to the top (or bottom) of the list. Based on main characters Gizmo (good, furry) and Stripe (evil, reptilian), each pair has the characteristics of its respective, um, character. You can pick them up at Atmos in Japan, if you are so inclined. Meanwhile, we think Dee Brown had the right idea. More pics after the jump. [Via Kix-Files]

12 Coolest Geeky Shoes Ever

Geeks want everything they use to be different from what the Crowd uses. They use unusual watches, Shirts, Sunglasses and Shoes are no different. These shoes we have included below are the coolest we have ever seen and are I am sure Geeks will love to own them. While some of them are just concepts for now, some have been in production for quite some time. These Sneakers look like just any typical shoe in shape, but functionally they do more than just protect your feet from dust and Pebbles.

Genius MX Boot

The Genius MX Boot is made from injection molded pieces of Hytrel and polyurethane - Materials characterized by their durability and impact resistance. Genius MX Boot protects the lower leg and foot from impacts and provides Excellent Fatigue Resistance. The polyurethane thermoplastic used in the production of this shoes gives it resistance to deformation even after being flexed thousands of times. SCOTT Pivot System-Combining Strength allows the boot to flex while retaining its solid construction. Some bootie and strap adjustments are required before twisting the throttle and this shoe can fit any individual perfectly. (More info)

Adidas Smart Shoes

These shoes called the Adidas 1 use a 20-megahertz microprocessor implanted in the sole which collects readings from the shoe’s movements and adjusts the fit of the shoe accordingly. You don’t have to think about how fit the shoes might be, just wear them and they will adjust the fit themselves. The shoe knows when you are walking, jogging, running and standing still and adjusts the Shoes in a way that makes the feet most comfortable. (More info)

Adidas Bounce:S

Porsche Design P’5510 Running Shoes is developed and designed exclusively for the Porsche Design Sport range. It is developed by Adidas and uses the Bounce:S cushioning system. The Bounce:S uses metallic springs to increase the energy return in your bounce impact providing you a more efficient walk. Unlike a sports car suspension system, the lever arms transfer the vertical impact of your stride into forward propulsion through the expansion of these coils. (More info)

Nike + iPod Sport Kit

Love to run? Love to listen to your iPod while running? If your answer is Yes to both the questions, this gadget is made for you. This Nike and iPod Combo is a Good workout companion for iPod-using runners. Buying the Special Nike Sport Shoes might not be necessasy but then you will have to fit the Pedometer in your shoes and make room for it yourself. The Sport Kit comes with a tiny adapter that attaches to the iPod and a tiny medallion of a pedometer that fits inside the shoe. The pedometer which fits in the shoes tracks your steps and communicates wirelessly with the adapter on the iPod. The iPod then records and displays statistics such as distance traveled, pace, calories burned, and time elapsed. [More Info]

Dada MP3 shoes

Dada Mp3 Player Shoes feature a wireless music system. It has a MP3 player in the Heel and Tounge of the shoes that boradcast the Music wirelessly to the bundled wireless headset. The Shoe has memory enough for about 100 Mp3 songs. Data can be easily transferred to the Shoe via USB port on the side of the Shoe. The shoe is powered by a rechargeable battery. Dada ‘M’ MP3 Shoes gives six hours of continuous play when fully charged.(More info)

Digg Nike Air Force 1 Custom Shoes

Digg, the Popular Social Media site commissioned Solo Brother to create a small batch of Air Force 1s Shoes for them. The custom Air Force 1s features Digg color scheme, and a cool glow-in-the-dark “Digg” pattern. Only 6 Pairs of these type of shoes were produced, while 5 of them went to the Digg Staff one was kept by the designer for himself. (More info)

Nike Transformers Shoes

Transfomers 2 is on its way to be released and you can show people how much you love the Transformers Robots by buying this Nike Transformers Shoes. These transformers toys turn into 1/2 scale Nike shoes. The size is around 6″ in length in shoe mode and it looks like they even have real laces connected to the top of the shoe. (More info)

Headlight Shoes

We have seen a lot of Shoes having lights at the heals and they go on when you put pressure on your heals. But, this is the first Shoe design I have seen that has a light right on the tip. The shoe is designed in such a way that it converts kinetic energy generated while walking into electrical energy. A tiny battery lying in the heels charges up with each step and keeps the headlights on for a about 12 hours, dispersing light at 1.5 meters.(More info)

CD-Rom Shoes

This cool concept shoe features an integrated CD-ROM, tweeters, a volume control knob and some speakers. The idea of putting a CD-ROM drive instead of Hard Drive or Flash memory is a bit outdated. I am so curios how it might tinckle the feet when the CD in ROM Drive is spinning. (More info)

GTX GPS Xplorer Smart Shoes

Want to keep track of anyone. Hand them these shoes and see where they are going. The GTX GPS shoes have a small GPS tracking device inside the shoe which communicates the location to a central location tracking service. A feature called GeoFencing sends an SMS to your mobile phone when the Wearer of the Shoes leaves a particular predefined area and notifies you of the current situation. (More info)

Keyboard Shoes

Overwhelmed with Computers? If you reply with yes, these pair of shoes are just for you. This Shoe is made from Keys of Computer Keyboards and is pretty eye catchy. It had won top prize in the sports category at the 6th Hong Kong Footwear Design Contest in 2006.(More info)

Nike + NES Shoes

These shoes have components of an NES stuck into it. If you still play NES games, give these a try kick start playing games on the move (No Pun intended). (Source)

Batman and Superman Are Diamonds on the Soles of Your Shoes

Express your superhero preferences with what you're wearing on your feet. Nike's new shoes from its skateboarding line are inspired by Batman, Superman and Venom, and they're a lot more subtle than last month's DC Comics line of superhero kicks. Who wins the war on the ground?
While the D.C. Comics shoes from Limited Soles announced last month that you rep a particular superhero, the new Nike SBs simply suggest the presence of greatness is in the area. You don't need Bruce Wayne on the back of your heels...your tailored suit, sneakers, and butler tells the ladies everything you need to know.
The Nike SB shoes come out in November, and you can preorder them here.

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Scifi Clothing You Can Wear Without Fear of Reprisal [io9]