words // Brennan Hiro Williams
The Baltimore, Maryland-based performance brand made great strides in 2011, appearing on the feet of elite professional athletes in all three major American sports, including their first official foray into the basketball footwear category. With a roster full of rising stars, including Brandon Jennings, Cam Newton and Buster Posey, the brands best days are most likely still ahead of them.
For more of 2011s best, be sure to download the upcoming Sole Collector January iPad Issue.
Brandon Jennings Under Armour Black Ice Low PE Red / White
Milwaukee Bucks star Brandon Jennings took to the court for the 2011 Rookie/Sophomore Game in the Under Armour Black Ice Low. The player exclusives use a rich, premium nubuck, along with patent at the toe, all in a tonal red colorway.
Kemba Walker Under Armour "Homecoming" Micro G Juke
Under Armour initially scheduled a special "Homecoming" edition Micro G Juke for Kemba Walker's return to New York on December 10. The lockout disrupted those plans, so UA instead made 22 pairs of the shoe available to the public, including a signed copy of Kemba's KICKS cover issue.
Cam Newton's Under Armour Highlight Cleats
Cam Newton took the NFL by storm in 2011, passing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns while also running for an additional 14 touchdowns. The record-setting rookie accomplished these feats wearing the high-top Under Armour Highlight, featuring a custom Carolina Panthers colorway.
Under Armour Prototype II "Double Nickel" Quickstrike
UA released a commemorative quickstrike edition of the Prototype II, the sneaker then-rookie Brandon Jennings wore in 2009 when he scored 55 points against the Golden State Warriors.
Under Armour 2011 MLB All-Star Collection
Under Armour created several special edition cleats for the 2011 MLB All-Star game, integrating the game's "sky argyle" theme into the Natural III Low, Heater IV and Yard III. UA issued the cleats to their All-Star participants, including Clayton Kershaw, Brandon Phillips and Jose Reyes.
Under Armour Basketball Christmas Collection
Under Armour created special Christmas player edition kicks for five of its young NBA stars -- Brandon Jennings, Greivis Vasquez, DeAndre Jordan, Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams. Brandon Jennings' "Rudolph" Micro G Bloodline especially stood out, featuring a faux-reindeer fur upper.
In 2011, Under Armour debuted its newest running shoe, the Charge RC. The shoe is packed full of UA tech, including HeatGear moisture transport material, forefoot FlexGear, 4D foam lining and Micro G cushioning.
Under Armour Micro G Bloodline
Brandon Jennings' signature shoe for 2011 highlighted the growing UA Basketball range, arriving in several bold and interesting colorways including the aforementioned "Rudolph," and the "Hunter" pictured below. Inspiration for the Bloodline comes from both Brandon's journey to the NBA and his son, Truth.
Under Armour Micro G Bloodline - "Sole Collector Path"
2011 marked Sole Collector's first ever collaboration with Under Armour, a custom Micro G Bloodline in white, blue and neon. Following Brandon Jennings' lead, the midfoot strap features icons representing the stories that make up the Sole Collector path.
