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The DSI Lead
Half of the sneaker game is knowing what kicks are out when, and which shops have them. Our Shelf Space column looks at what shops around the country are stocking in a given week, and gives a quick glimpse into the mind of the buyer/manager/owner who put them there.
As we continue our mission of bringing you the insides of the best sneaker spots from around the U.S., we headed to one of our favorites — The Darkside Initiative, located in San Francisco, California. The store's owner, Colin Miller, gave us a look at 10 of the newest sneakers currently sitting on the store shelves. Hit the thumbnails and arrows above to see his picks, and to read what he has to say about each one.
All Court 2
Nike Fragment Design Zoom All Court Low 2 TZ, $90
The Darkside Initiative says: "The second set of Nike All Court 2 Low TZ's by Fragment Design has a more 'back to basics' approach than the Leopard Pack released earlier in the year. This clean white version maintains the heavy cotton canvas uppers and white midsoles of the initial release."
All Court 2 II
Nike Fragment Design Zoom All Court 2 Low TZ, $90
The Darkside Initiative says: "This navy version of the All Court 2 Low TZ has all the same features as the white version, including the inner detail of a sewn Fragment Design label. However, contrast stitching on the upper distinguishes this version from the white. Simple, quality, and low-profile."
Horween
Converse First String Standards, Dr. J Pro Leather Horween, $90
The Darkside Initiative says: "The second Horween Converse Dr. J release with Horween’s Chromexcel® leather. The resulting product is an understated and clean looking version of the Pro Leather. The Converse Dr. J First String Standard features “Dr. J” subtly embossed in gold foil."
Hiker
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hiker Hi, $70
The Darkside Initiative says: "Part of the Converse Hiker Pack, the classic Chuck Taylor is expanded upon with a waxed canvas upper and d-ring speed-lacing eyelets. This release maintains the core aesthetic appeal of the Chuck Taylor while adding the elements of hiking boot. Not overdone, nicely done."
Grotto
Vans Vault Knoll Textiles Buffalo Boot LX, $100
The Darkside Initiative says: "Another in a series of collaborations with famed furniture designers and textile house Knoll. These releases are highlighted by quality construction and a subtle mix of quality fabrics. Immediately evident in this blue version of Vans Buffalo Boot."
Dusk
Vans Vault Knoll Textiles Buffalo Boot LX, $100
The Darkside Initiative says: "The grey colorway of the Vans Vault Buffalo Boot LX, again with perforated suede and fabric upper by Knoll. These special editions also include Knoll branding on the sockliner and tongue."
Authentic
Vans Vault Authentic LX, $70
The Darkside Initiative says: "Paired with a Mid Skool '77 LX for a series of releases including this most recent iteration. The Authentic LX is highlighted by a reflective frost grey 3M upper and white midsoles. A pleasing and surprisingly muted look for a light reflective shoe."
Matchplay
adidas Consortium Matchplay — Tabula Rasa Collection, $120
The Darkside Initiative says: "Available November 26th. A classic tennis shoe and occasionally known as the Arthur Ashe signature model, the Matchplay’s aesthetic has always been about understated elegance. For Consortium FW11, the Matchplay is pared down further; the minimalist silhouette features a full premium nubuck upper in a natural white tone, as well as a pimple outsole."
BC
adidas Consortium BC — Tabula Rasa Collection $110
The Darkside Initiative says: "Available November 26th. The BC is a lesser-known shoe from the adidas archives, its name deriving from the most important handball tournament held between 1968 and 1989: The Baltic Cup. Built for the courts, the original was released in the early ‘70s but it was during the ‘80s that the model really took off. Reissued for the first time in this season’s Consortium, the BC’s upper is predominately made of pigskin, while the serrated 3-stripes and heel tab feature soft supple leather. More serrated patterning is featured around the entire midsole, while mini Trefoil motifs cover the outsole, reflecting the classic BC archive."
ZX 500
adidas Consortium ZX 500 — Tabula Rasa Collection, $120
The Darkside Initiative says: "Available November 26th. Arguably one of the most advanced running shoes at its time of release, the ZX 500 has been a much-loved style from the get-go. Since its release in the early ‘80s, a tremendously wide range of colorways have been created. Stripping it right back to the original construction and shape, Consortium FW11 has given the shoe a neat and classic upgrade. The sneaker is made with a blend of materials, including pigskin suede, super-soft leather and nylon mesh, resulting in a very subtle range of textures and tones. The Ghillie lacing system also gives it a special twist, a quintessential characteristic of this smart runner’s shoe."