SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

Words_Jeremy Ripley

As school begins for many Midwestern students today and college is in full swing, companies have begun releasing their team oriented models in a menagerie of color schemes to outfit biddie, high school, and recreational squads. 2008 marks the 100^th Anniversary for Massachusetts based brand Converse, and the brand is celebrating their century birthday in style by releasing the Assist Mid, 0100 Mid, and Team Wade Signature.

The 0100 Mid is a true performance hybrid of sorts, as the shoe incorporates current performance attributes with age old design cues. In particular, the model implements EVA and CMEVA underfoot for added comfort and durability, while the prodigiously comfortable synthetic leather and patent toebox ensure an awesome fit. The shoe is backordered until 9.2.08, but they’re available for purchase on Eastbay for only $80.00.

The Assist Mid is the bargain buy of this year’s Cons Team Hoops lineup, as it warrants a price of only $69.99. And if you’re a ballplayer or team on a budget, you’ll be pleased to know that the shoe doesn’t half step in the performance department. EVA and CMEVA foam lines the midsole, while reinforced lacing slots and support overlays cradle the foot up top. The inner lining consists of a porous mesh, something that I don’t often overlook. After three hours of tough conditioning and drills, it’s comforting to realize that your feet have escaped the dreaded itch that accompanies sweaty feet. (I’ll spare what I’d planned to say next to uphold some decency.)

Cons’ gem of their ’08 Team line is the Team Wade Signature, an interpretive evolution of the awkward 3.0. Eastbay describes the model as, “faster, simpler,” than the shoe’s signature progenitor, and it appears that Converse has taken a subdued approach to generate more sales overall. (Purely speculation of course, but the Wade 3.0 is available in national chains across the country for $29.99.) On the performance side, the TWS features sculpted EVA and a rigid shank plate in the footbed, while the upper is populated with perforations. The Team Wade will be available on 9.2.08 for $89.99.

Team Wade Signature:

0100:

Assist Mid:

Source: http://www.eastbay.com/