None
lead
It’s been a big year for Frank The Butcher. Not only did Wale name-drop him in “Fitted Cap” but he also designed the second best sneaker of 2011, thus far. Frank, the Creative Director for Boylston Trading Company in Boston, has a deep knowledge of sneakers as indicated by his Top 25 Of All-Time List, so we hit him up to get his top 10 of the summer. Check out what took top billing…
10
10. Undefeated x Converse Star Academy "Ballistic" (Navy)
Frank says: People might have slept on these. They look really good on, and the material story is dope. I always say its hard to get navy right. I dig them. Perfect summer joint. Undefeated does it again.
9
9. New Balance M998 Made in the USA
Frank says: 998's are so dope. Mark my words. Thank me later.
8
8. Nike LeBron 8 V2 Low (Solar Red)
Frank says: The LeBron brand is more relevant than Jordan Brand currently, and its because the shoes are well designed and released in versions and colorways that people connect with. Could you have imagined a current basketball shoe getting so much love on and off the court? The L8 is great.
I love red shoes.
7
7. Air Jordan V (Black/Metallic Silver)
Frank says: Just one of those shoes you have to get when re-re-re-re-released. OG colorway J's are usually must-haves depending on how good (or bad) the materials are. These aren't great, but good enough for a summer rock.
6
6. Nike Air Trainer SC 2 OG
Frank says: Bo Jacksons were the only "cool" shoes during a period in my childhood. This QS version came with nice materials — which is the reason they even made the list. Featuring one of Nike's 300 shades of infrared.
5
5. Converse Pro Leather Dr. J
Frank says: When I was told the Dr. J Pro Leathers were coming back, the news didn't move me. It was something I had to see for myself, I guess. When I got them I was hooked. White and navy? Perfect.
4
4. adidas Forest Hills Original Colorway
Frank says: Aren't they a thing of beauty? My lord. These OG colorway Forest Hills are amazing. The shape, yellow sole and gold stripes had me obsessed for years. Another sleeper.
3
3. Nike LeBron 8 "James Dean" by DJ Clark Kent
Frank says: The first thing people say, after the initial shock of me owning them, is "what would you wear with those?". If you feel that's an issue, then you're pretty closed minded. How bout white tee, khaki shorts and a winning smile? Shouts to Superman!
2
2. BAPE x adidas Originals Superstar 80s "B-Sides Edition"
Frank says: Some BAPE collabs are just so BAPE — not saying that's a bad thing. These were a tasteful balance of adidas and BAPE and would have been dope on the strength of the colorway and materials alone. The BAPE element made it that much iller.
1
1. Air Jordan XI Low IE (Black/Varsity Red)
Frank says: I was never a fan of low patent leather AJXIs. It seemed so forced and unnatural. The IE is probably one of the most slept on J's ever — OG colorway? Jesus. These shoes are amazing and I was still rocking the '03 release till these dropped.
