Stepping Blocks

Honestly when I first saw these, the Steve Aoki Supra's came to mind, not to knock the design or anything. But a look closer unveils, a cool creative aesthetic, that sheds light on the homie in the corner, who might not get the deserved attention, K-Swiss. Great outsource to link up with, J Hederus brings forth articles from a future date, in this case mid 2008. A clean game of Tetris on ya feet, and easily detachable due to the addition of velcro above the laces. Makes it too simple to showcase ya sneaks alter-ego.

Looking like designs from a far off nation, or anime flick, Julia Hederus designs are def not the everyday, but somewhere in ya mind, you look at it like it, could I see myself sporting the newest latest from Hederus. Well just take the K-Swiss High Block Sneakers, as a small step forward, a lil taste of whats to come.

Just look at this shit, she's really onto something, y'all better look alive.

Set to drop the 15th of August. You can def pre-order now, to be released on the specified date, only at: www.oki-ni.com. Not really sure of the cost, or if they will be released in limited quantities(which should really be irrelevant), but you'll know when I do.

I saw it first right here.

Strap on the Side

Ok, O.K
No laces and no checks, but if that's OriginalFresh to you, maybe you should click from off of here right about... now.
No classic or played out(however you wanna look at it) sneaker silhouettes here. Sorry just a clean canvas turned into a pair of marvelous designed footwear. Royal Elastics came from another planet when they came up with the King and Queen Hi sneaks.


Sick materials and colors layout smoothly, a fusion strapped on all sides Velcro, and ofcourse Elastic, slick back real accordingly.
Looking like a bastard child from Marty McFly and Prada's American Cups. I'd throw a pair on, but my opinion shouldn't matter in what you wear.
Do you, not Hype. Stay OriginalFresh.

Ringing up at 75 and 80 bucks on the Royal Elastics site. The King and Queen Hi's are all their own. not comparable to what Fila's doing, with their rendition of "you know what" (I'll spare the details, it's not my character.) Check the site for more colors, details, and ordering info.

I saw it first right here.

Straight Clean

Can't touch this

Looking like the perfect pair to match that straight jacket you never get to wear. And once strapped in your feet are not getting out of these fly-ass, clean-ass, smooth-ass, Aoki Signature NS's from that cool lil' skateboard footwear, and apparel company, that nobody's really up on,(that's a good thing)Supra.

These are def a good buy, for a few reasons. 1, they will not be on everybody's feet, 2, the material's Supra uses, is top notch, from the butter soft leather, to the strap's (that's all four of them), which will not fade away, or loose character, like on the ever popular, AF1 mids. No offense but the strap too often gets really flimsy, and lazy, and in turn, begins to lean {rather lay} to the side, and hang out down there by the check(that's a fact everybody knows).

But on everything, this is a dope sneak, where Aoki's mark can easily be seen. Classicly Rare, with a distinguished Cool.
Currently the only spot online I seen em' is at BlueCollarDistro, where you can also scoop up all of the Aoki signature WeSC headphones.
And even though they're 220, and only available for pre-order, its a good idea to get down now. As usual, you know the rule do you, or do nothing.

I saw it first right here.

Custom Red

Its no better feeling than helping someone out in need, and when you can do it in style, it makes it, that much better. Let me put you on. First take a huge global issue, like aids, and throw it together with a fashionable company like the Gap. And through a movement called Product (Red), that associates,and affiliates with a company as classic as Chuck Taylor, you can't possibly loose.

I was on the dopest site ever just a while ago, Joinred.com, and saw their affiliation with Chuck Taylor. Which is creatively, and metaphorically brilliant, by fusing a destined to be classic movement like Product (Red) with a legendary footwear brand like Chuck Taylor. But to put the icing on the cake, you don't just have the option of supporting a cause, while being fashionable, but you also have the privilege to be OriginalFresh. By visiting the Chuck Taylor website, you will notice you have the option to design your own Product (Red) shoe that will support the same way, but have you standing out, as if yelling at the top of your lungs what you believe in.

Just for a visual sake this is one pair I created (LOSERS, please don't steal my design). Do your own thing and have them in your possession for as little as 60 dollars, Not Bad at all. Truly, a "win-win" situation.

I saw it first right here.

Just in Case

If you didn't know or are not aware, come the 15th of this month, as in 4 days, Patta, and Asics, are coming together to release pure dopeness. I def suggest you check with the Patta site, to be the 1st around your way with these on, I mean if they're your style. But who wouldn't love kicks resembling the hottest Spider-Man movie to date, mixed with the Grinch colors. Take a good hard look before they're released.

The red and green combo colors sitting side by side fiercely hugs the webbing inside. Mesh and fabric materials sit atop the cookie and cream spec outer, throwing madd splash, and adding more depth to the whole outcome. A slight difference, and perspective, to Asics previous, earlier colabo with David Z, onlt 252 pairs were made in each of the 3 wild ass colorways. Still OriginalFresh the Patta mash is def heat rock. Step up, early.

I saw it first right here.

Pe day is Here

Are you ready

Whether your ready or not, Pe day is here so remove your current kicks and step up on a footwear brand thats coming to knock everything else down(Because OriginalFresh says so). Persevere, standing up to the name, is doing just that, preserving, the essence of the footwear game, and so much more, by respecting the originators while simultaneously slamming the cookie cutter on the hard concrete. On a mission to bring you visually appealing kicks, while giving you a comfortable fit. With Perseverer's on your feet I dare you to stroll your neighborhood angry, or unclean (it's impossible).With an idea in mind, and product in sight, Pangea is the future of footwear, I suggest you get OriginalFresh or get left.

A couple weeks back I got together for a little discussion, actually more like history in the making, with the homie Brandon Williamson, the owner, and coordinator of both Persévérer™ and Pangea incorporated respectively. This is Pangea's 1st time being interviewed, and OrignalFresh's 1st time interviewing. Bouncing off one another, shooting ideas, and comments in the air related to everything from withstanding companies, to being yourself. Pointing fingers, sharing laughs and confronting issues, we bugged out all in the name of OriginalFresh. No longer hoping Persévérer™ is fresh as 88', or better yet, 07' now that Pe Day has came.

_________________________________________ - - - ______________________________________
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Getoriginalfresh: OK so let me start by asking you, Where did you draw your inspiration from for the line?

Pangea: The line derived from what we saw as a void in the selections offered by withstanding companies. While seeing that void, wanting to fill it, and basing it upon what a young Robb Report reader would want to see in that magazine and identify with it. *(Robb Report is a magazine that shows very high end products from ink pens, to vehicles, luggage, watches, cigars and things of that realm and it caters to individuals who make moves from spot to spot and don't identify with normality..)

Originalfresh: Do you mind naming names as far as the mentioned withstanding companies ?

Pangea: I saw a void from what it is that NIKE focuses on..they offer high end products, with high end materials, but they are still street inspired, Creative Recreation does a good job at focusing on less street inspiration, but their models at times don't fit a large fan base, Cole Haan is a good company, BUT their focus isn't the same as we offer. Feit is a great company, that offers a GREAT product, but a lot of people know nothing about it Filling several of the voids offerred by these companies, and learning from their mistakes allows us to cater to the fans of these companies who are looking for something that speaks to their current status in life..

Originalfresh: I understand. So learning from their mistakes would entitle Persevere to be the best of both worlds?

Pangea: exactly We are able to identify with a large fan base and market that is untapped..We live in that market...at the end of the day, I'm 25 and I'm still a customer..I'm still in the culture and I am still around all products that are coming into the game...

Originalfresh: Which do you consider Persévérer™ kicks to be? Shoes or Sneakers?

Pangea: Considering what else it is that we will be offering over the next few years, The Coalition is our Sneaker.

Originalfresh: And The Coalition is just the name of the sneaker, for some reason I assumed your whole lineup of Persévérer™ products were called the Coalition. Can you clarify.

Pangea: Yes, I can definitely clarify. The name of the first shoe is The Coalition basically due to its hybrid/crossbreed state. With the Coalition, the design aspect as to bridge the boldness of a hard bottom and mesh that with the functionability of a sneaker. At the same token, the products offered at our entry level line are the Coalition Line. Under the Coalition line, we have the Coalition shoe, the Errand Boy Bag, and the Walk in the Park which is also piece of luggage, just a smaller version. Our first installment of our sunglasses also fall under the Coalition line. Under the Coalition, we plan to bring together high end products due to materials and design and still market towards a street inspired fan base with our grass roots approach to the culture at hand..

Originalfresh: How did you come up with the name Persévérer™?

Pangea: We were searching for a name and this was during one of my trips to Milan searching for a factory..I have been trying to surface within several different established companies, and unfortunately, never landed a position. Due to that grind we had to show, we continued. Persévérer™ is simply French for Persevere. I like how bold the name looked, I loved how it was pronounced, and I felt it was good for marketing..Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cristal, Moet, Maybach, a lot of times, a name is derived that is hard to pronounce and it creates a different buzz around it. I just happen to obtain my name and halfway for the purpose of it being difficulty to pronounce..

Originalfresh: Do you mind doing a dictionary pronunciation for the OriginalFresh readers (mainly for me) LOL

Pangea: LOL..Not a problem..the phonetic spelling for Persévérer™ is {Purr-suh-veya-day}

Originalfresh: Got It, Yea I was saying it all wrong, thanks for the clarification.

Originalfresh: So I was reading info about the story of Preserver on the MySpace page, and it mentioned: Persévérer™ has taken trips to Milan, Shanghai, Canada, and several parts of the US in search of several components and technologies which make the brands signature products unique and user adequate . What are the components, and technologies mentioned?

Pangea: The components we speak of include the different processes in which the shoe is placed together as well as the materials which are the premium calf skin upper used, the pigskin inside which adds to comfort and regulates the moisture...technologies include how the shoe actually wears after it is worn. We focused on the actual comfort of the shoe because I saw another void where shoes aren't comfortable but look nice..And then we wanted to also bring attention to our shoe lasting. Its hard to me personally to purchase a shoe and only be able to wear the shoe 5 times no matter how well you take care of the product..

Originalfresh: Hell yea I know exactly what your saying, Not to throw anybody under the bus, but I brought a pair of BapeStas Footsoildiers which are crazy uncomfortable. I only rocked em' like 6 times. But they do look good though.

Pangea: EXACTLY Crazy uncomfortable I am looking to cause a different resurgence in this saturated market

Originalfresh: What is the logo, an image of?

Pangea: We have several different logos...The one with the name listed below it is what we call the Pe (pronounced PAY) as that is how P is pronounced in French. The actually symbol is simply an exaggerated signing of the word Persévérer™.

Pangea: Other logos include the ginkgo leaf, along with another logo that is a letter P with the leaf attached to it..

Originalfresh: How long has Persévérer™ been in the works?

Pangea: Persévérer™ has been in the works for 25 years.. EST 1981

Originalfresh: Really

Pangea: Well, I'm 25, so...yea..LOL...this is like my first album...it takes your whole life to make it..ya know ? ?

Originalfresh: Have you always been interested in being a sneaker designer?

Pangea: Nah..not exactly..i have always been a fan..I have always wanted to see certain things that weren't yet available, but when the big custom game came along, that is what made the vision possible.

Originalfresh: So now, Let me ask you, the Million Dollar Question. What does OriginalFresh mean to you?

Pangea: Man, when I first heard the and we spoke, I was leery.. a lot of magazines and sites have been getting at me and its either, I'm not hot yet so they won't deal with me, OR they don't really represent a lifestyle that I would like to be a part of...when I looked at yours, it showed me something different. What I saw in your site as something that captured a lot of different things opposed to Hypebeast of a minion of Hypebeast that posts the exact same information on their site..when I see your situation, I view it as what Hypebeast began as, or what Hypebeast may want to watch out for soon...you all don’t JUST focus on the new exclusive Nike or what have you..it really represents the culture instead of being watered down..

Originalfresh: Thanks, I try

Originalfresh: Do you consider Persévérer to be OriginalFresh?

Pangea: I definitely consider it to be OriginalFresh...not to name names, but if I just grabbed the Nike Air Force 1 style shoe and created art on that canvas, I couldn't consider myself original, nor could I consider myself fresh..fortunately I have the ability to create an original product, and I can only hope to be as fresh as '88 Do YOU consider it, is the question..

Originalfresh: Most def, otherwise we wouldn't be doing this interview.

Originalfresh: Once the released on April 13th, which stores will be official Persevere stockists?

Pangea: All City Kicks, Burn Rubber, Hang Time, Kultureshop, New Standard Boutique, St. Alfred's, Kicks HI, and our site and MySpace will carry the products as well

Originalfresh: What’s the website so everyone can learn more about Persevere?

Pangea: www.prsvr.com The site will officially launch on Pe day (April 13th 2007).

Originalfresh: Do you sit down and, draw up all the sketches, and designs for your products or is there a collective effort between numerous people?

Pangea: Its collective..its me and my two business partners...we sit down and give input to my designer, and he gets busy with it, and after that, I go and decide how the materials should be and how it actually is finished over..we have some interesting things coming forth soon..

Originalfresh: I am def looking forward to that

Pangea: Likewise..I am hoping we are well received..but even if not..I think we will still go forth with the plan at hand...

Originalfresh: So just as we are OriginalFresh there are many other OriginalFresh individuals out there. Do you have any advice for them? That might be considering, or are currently getting
together a line of their own.

Pangea: My advice? Keep your options open..you don't HAVE to buy my product to be OriginalFresh. But you do, have to do what works for you..Persévérer™ is the brand, Pangea is the machine check for both, Pe day is here.

Creativity, Style, and Comfort, guarantee these kicks, longevity, while fine materials, sleek designs, and a catchy name, assure it's popularity. Only we, (fashionistas, trendsetters, and unique individuals of all sorts) can stamp this company OriginalFresh. You got my vote.

I saw it first right here.

Locked Up

Laces, behind gold

IHMDJ takes the original lace lock idea, and turns into something, extravagant, bigger and better, placing on your sneaker laces, what usually goes n your fingers or neck. But Hey, you show me the rule that says, sneaks can't have jewels, Anything can be Fresh, well almost.

Please Do not think, that having these on your kicks, is any excuse to walk around with dirty ass laces just because, you got gold on em. You will look like a bummy ass, Poo-Putt. Take it from OriginalFresh "Don't Do It". But on everything, theses joints is dope, and automatically spice any pair of kicks, especially all white. The rectangle, gold nugget joints above, stand tall in that era, everybody want to go back to now, while the gold brass knuckle ones at the bottom, roar that they're a weapon originally, and that your lace lock(as well as your kicks) are nothing to be messed with. Original in the idea, Fresh in the essence.

Only 45 bills, get your feet, as cool as your body. By lacing them correct, and literally be dripping in gold, from head to toe. Get yours from IHMDJ site, rock them to work, and instantly profess how much you hate your day job.

I saw it first right here.

Get Mad

In the PM

Arranged accordingly all the different shades of a single color, on a single kick would inquire a Mad artist, or just a MadFoot. Looking like a neat painters palette your looking at the official tissue collab between MadFoot, and Saucony, cleverly titled Mad Saucony PM. Its no question there's alot going on with this pair from numerous colors and textures to outrageous cuts and designs. This is a good look for both companies.

Suede and Mesh with leather trimming scream uniqueness, while simultaneously demand both freshness, and easy maintainence traits, def classifies this kick one of a kind. The patch on the back is a nice twist, and addition compared to the regular lines of the featured, standing apart with both size, and color. With ripples on the bottom, the Saucony, and MadFoot logo stand back to back, leaving both a dope sole bottom, and a stamp, printing the rocked companies seals on the pavement.

These PM's are listed in Yen, as 14,175, about one 18 in US green. Hit up MadFoot's site to get your feet in a pair of these, or find out if a store around your way got em'.

I saw it first right here.

New Addition

The 68 Edition

With no huge brand logo sprawled all over the footwear, and a non familiar design, you could easily mistake these for a pair of knock-offs. But don't be fooled, these are official, the newest latest from Run Athletics, who are not particularly wildly known for their dope sneaks, but def came forth with something to make you open your eyes with the 68 Edition.

Each pair is dope in their own way. The joints above are crazy, because of the color. Its not quite red, and not quite a blue that you have in your wardrobe, and then the yellow just comes out of nowhere, but thats whats unique about them. The contrast to the sneak and vibrancy in the laces is hard, and considering everything else out, is new and fresh, with a spoonful of retro flavor to em'. They'll easily stand out, and thats a huge plus for OriginalFresh.

Then to stand as a complete opposite the one at the bottom, look like they jumped straight out of the bat cave or something. The white specs on the black, and purple edge, accentuate the air bubble, yet throws a crazy curve ball at traditional natural use in sneakers.
Did you peep the bottoms on these joints, even though they aren't heavily seen, they'll def leave behind a footprint like nothing else walking. Brown takes over the majority of the sole and even though its nowhere else on the footwear, it holds its own, and sits comfortably, giving attention, to the place thats usually last.

Looking like a mix between running performance sneakers, and comfortable, stylin' footwear, the 68 Edition from Run Athletics, are the best looking pair of mutt's I've seen in a while. I call them mutt's, because these are a pair of half breeds of sorts, fusing numerous qualities and styles together to form one memorable kick.
The 1st official spot on the web where I saw the 68's were on Denim & Sole, so I def recommend you hit them up, to get these. They're a buck ten, which is not bad at all considering the materials used, the design, and the OriginalFreshness (I know. I made that up).

I saw it first right here.

Get Courageous

Stand Up

I bet you thought Saucony fell off a cliff or something never to return. But year by year, Saucony quietly makes quality sneakers, and a few dope ones surface, to make you say "Those are from who, again?" I think it's safe to say Saucony is the most slept on sneaker company for whatever reason, but these Courageous(thats the name)kicks, make you quickly open your eyes.
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Saucony is all about being loyal to the sport, the majority being catered to running performance. That same formula is still implemented in their Saucony Originals lineup. Peep the two different laces, acting as the ammunition to this now loaded weapon. FloorLords is sewn on the side as if to stand metaphorically speaking for the eye contact the Courageous' demand.
You can find these around your way, Just For Feet, Footlocker, Lady Footlocker, and Athletes Foot.

I saw it first right here.

High as the Sky

SkyTop

There isn't another name that suits these Chad Muska designed kicks better. These official skateboard, kicks, which double as the prime secret weapon kick, to style on anybody. Shining harder than any grill(well not really) when the light hits them they give off some crazy halo, like they were just removed from the real skytoppers. The dopest part of these is the way the silver overlaps the gold seam, it appears as if they have wings, while lowly uttering "RedBull does nothing".

Created with boarders in mind, the extra height on these, gives you that much needed ankle support, to do what you do best(besides mess up a dope pair of sneaks). And a vulcanized gum rubber sole to keep you on your feet, even if only for a little while. SkyTop's are gonna cost you a hundred bucks. And there sold at madd spots, so hit up their site to see the closest one to you.

I saw it first right here.

Stand Out!

By accident

Camo is meant to help you blend in, but some how these Undefeated ZX's stand out in their own crazy way, which exactly, is the word OriginalFresh in the essence. And don't even get me started on the comfort of these badboys, that only gives added incentive to throw these on your feet as much as possible. I personally feel Adidas and UNDFTD should be permanently glued together. Def hit up one of the UNDFTD stores out in Cali, to get your dope fix, of OriginalFreshness.

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I saw it first right here.

Killer Bees

From JB

More than meets the eye, is def what these kicks from JB are. From far away, or at a quick glance you see a universal pair of standard footwear. But take a closer look and you automatically peep game on some dope JB sneaker artwork. No huge funny colored diamonds, or cartoon characters here, just a classic killer bee, used to uniquely stand apart from the current hype of all over prints.

I especially love the way the lemon yellow blends perfectly, yet accentuates the flow of these joints. Silently demanding attention, the colors insist originality and freshness. SIKE. You know what I mean, ORIGINALFRESH!


I recommend you find out more info on the Killer Bees right here, and stay up on whats going on with JB.

I saw it first right here.

The Telford's

By Lakai

Don't let this kicks good looks fool you. The Lakai Telford is a skateboard sneaker all the way through, with gum bottoms, and the best ankle support, guaranteed to keep your feet, where their suppose to be. I particuarly like the Telford's for thier ability to look as good as they hold up to the torture they entail.

They come in two styles. Black Synthetic Pebble Leather (at the top), and White with Navy Blue Suede. Check out more dope Lakai kicks at the site.

I saw it first right here.

Bape Stas

Or Fake Stas

This is what you see as soon as you enter the Bape site, I wonder why?


Bape Mania is everwhere. Celebs and real sneakerheads have been OriginalFreshly rocking Bape Stas and other Bape apparel for a couple years now. But the amount of Fake Bapes (or Fake Sta's) on the feet of youngsters and everybody looking to gain attention and notoriety, and be popularized by sporting the most talked about sneaker is at an all time high. The trend is slowly killing the Bape name among true, legit Bape buyers, and increasing the demand among "followers", making the real Bapes look fake and vice versa. No ones know exactly who to blame, and I'm not pointing any fingers, but have you heard the song "I got me some Bapes"? By some kids (I'm sorry but I have no idea who made that song) who obviously love Bape kicks. To make a long story short the first thing they say in the song is "I just got back from the mall, guess what I got?", and the adlib goes on to say "Bapes" very proudly. Insinuating that he purchased his Bape Stas (Fake Sta's) from his local mall, Now correct me if I'm wrong Nigo, but isn't there only one Busy Works Store in all of America (which is located on Greene St. in The City) , and you don't wholesale period (read the pic above). But that by far is not the only incident involving illegitimate Bape's. I have seen with my own eyes Fake Sta's lacing the shelves of Florida's Sawgrass Mall for about a week during the summer months of 05', and in various local hood clothing stores, from Newark to Miami. And if they're in the streets they're definitely on the net. Fake Sta's are sprawled all over sites: 3dkicks.com, cankicks.com, and hundreds more, that I won't bother listing. The only site that I trust to have authentic Bapes without thinking twice, is FlightClub. So without further ado, check out this clip and get a brief, basic idea, of what I am talking about.

When you click the little bubble that says "Don't be fooled" The pic above is what appears, listing all the official Busy Works Shops.

I saw it 1st right here.

Go Golfing

In ya Sb's

You already know what these are, but, for the OriginalFresh wannabe's out there these are none other than the Nike Dunk Low Premium SB Golf. Besides the fly outline stitching, there would be no reason to call these Golf. I think the little flappy, flary thingy on the top of the tounge is crazy. Thats what seperates this SB Dunk from the rest. Lately theres been alot of speculating and discussions on various forums and, websites about these OriginalFresh sneakers. My personal opinion is that there dope just the way they are, it'll probably look ill if they were available in an earthy tone colorway(like browns, and fall leaves green), but there hot nonetheless. What do you think?

I saw them 1st right here.

Stay Clean

With a pair of these.

These are the Moc Mid BonsaiForest DPM, from the OriginalFresh company Maharishi, and just one look will fill you in to why they're called, what their called. With the butter soft leather and four lace holes, the word shoe comes to mind, but then again if you step back and examine the embossed BonsaiForest design on the side, and two-tone rubber outsole, Sneaker comes to mind. What do you think? Whatever you wish to call these "Snoes" (I just made that up), they're guaranteed to pump any outfit up a couple notches, whether your rocking jeans or slacks, button-up's or fitted caps.


Since the BonsaiForest's are from Maharishi, which is a madd exclusive brand, you'll never know when they're about to be sold out. So if you feelin' em, I suggest you hit up the site A.S.A.P, just to be safe. They're gonna run you a hun'ed fifteen bucks, and also come in white, if you're really trying to come through GQ.
Insoles

I saw them 1st right here.