Our first POTM of '24 is hitting you with all guns blazing. If this month is any indication, 2024 is shaping up to be a blinder. And, since we missed December, we're throwing in a mix of our favourite pieces from that festive month. Dive in.
Kicking off with our POTM, it appears that Godzilla-fever has the planet in a chokehold. Cinema, apparel, toys – the mighty Kaiju is everywhere, and Super7 joined the frenzy with the Toho ULTIMATES! 1200°C Godzilla figure.
Standing at an impressive 8.25" tall and stretching 14" long, this imposing figure captures the gut-wrenching final moments of Godzilla's battle with Destoroyah in the 1995 film Godzilla vs Destoroyah. With two interchangeable heads, the King of Monsters boasts melted flesh or an exposed skeleton. It's a striking and memorable addition to any Kaiju collection – that's why it's our POTM.
But wait, there's more – the formidable Brain Dead x Godzilla Destroy All Monsters tee. This collaboration is so powerful; we'll be rocking it around the lab for sure.
Moving from Kaiju collectables to the football field, a duo of extraordinary boot releases needs your attention.
Adidas celebrated the Predator's 30th anniversary with a modern-day reimagining. Lucky revellers could cop a pair for £19.94 thanks to Pro:Direct Soccer. Anyone get lucky?
Nike turned to the archive for its latest boot. The Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 "Voltage Purple" draws inspiration from a UK icon, the TN. It's a crossover we didn't know we needed but can't get enough of.
And now, let's talk boots of a different kind – proper stompers.
First up, Korean label thisisneverthat finished 2023 by teaming up with Timberland to dress its iconic 6" boot in a "Beef & Broccoli" palette – tasty, tasty. Likewise, Dutch imprint Patta took Danner's 1979 Light Boot, recreating it with a suede upper, co-branding, and 3M printed Cordura panels.
Elsewhere in the footwear universe, Salehe Bembury dropped a scorching hot duo of "Lava" and "Magma" colourways of New Balance's 1906R as part of his "HEAT BE HOT" pack. These spicy steppers light up the streets with bold colours and top-notch quality.
Another pair that slipped under our radar in December was Minnesota Timberwolves' standout, Anthony Edwards, first-ever signature shoe, the Adidas AE 1. Dubbed "With Love," Edwards' debut court silhouette showcased a vibrant "Acid Orange", "Core Black", and "Acid Red" colour scheme.
Sticking with collaborations, luxury-fashion stalwarts AT.KOLLEKTIVE and esteemed London-based Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov joined forces to create a coffee-hued Saida Slip-On. The striped bovine leather upper is outstanding.
Transitioning from the digital landscape to physical sneaker creation, New York-based boutique Happy99 made waves with its unique take on Reebok's Instapump Fury 95. Drawing inspiration from '90s video games and anime, the design breathes new life into a classic silhouette with its removable shroud.
The last collab on our radar comes from Oakley and Piet. The Brazilian streetwear stars have put their spin on an obscure, early 2000s Oakley model, the Slip-On Teeth OG. This silhouette features sleek, contoured lines, rubberized uppers, and a distinctive "toothed" sole, offering a fresh interpretation guaranteed to turn heads.
Moving from collaborative efforts to solo releases, both ASICS and Athletics FTWR have unveiled impressive runners. ASICS dressed the GEL-KAYANO 14 in a neutral "Rusty Brown" shade; Athletics FTWR painted its 2.0 Mid in a timeless "Black/Bright White" palette.
We'll finish off with an event we wish we could have visited. Like us, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) is a super MF DOOM fan. In homage to the late Villain, Bey treated Paris to a unique "BEYONDOOM" show at La Cigale, covering hits from DOOM's immense catalogue. We'll relive it through YouTube clips.
From fiery releases to innovative alliances, the footwear and collectable universe continues to push boundaries and cook up serious heat. Here's to a rousing voyage throughout 2024 and beyond.
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