Words by Jason “J-Rockaz” Orford
Spring is here! Which means Summer will be hotstepping around the corner any minute. While we here at LargeUp have kept our Clarks on for what seems like all winter, we don’t mind diversifying our portfolios when the weather nices up. These trainers manage to pull off top-ranking status from the sidelines by putting an international spotlight on the marginalized world of reggae and dancehall culture. Paying homage to the iconic Red, Gold & Green color combination didn’t necessarily qualify items to appear on this list. Don’t get us wrong–it didn’t hurt. Together those colors symbolize a deeper meaning, which many of the cut/paste/iron-on-patch sneakers simply can’t live up to. But it was meaningful and creative executions which truly qualified these kicks for thanks and praise. LargeUp and enjoy…
10. Adidas Superstar Rasta.
Adidas has long lead the way for other manufacturers to follow in this arena. This is one of the first examples of a brand respectfully and seamlessly adapting reggae culture into their product line.
9. PUMA Faas 250.
PUMA has a new line of shoes and an awesome campaign with these guys. The above model has a cool, retro tracksuit vibe that you could take Bruce Lee as easily as Freddie McGregor–a perfect fit for that good ol’ sunshiney weather.
8. New Balance Japan 574 Jamaica Flag.
The creatives over at New Balance Japan expressed their appreciation for JA culture with this classic, springtime model.
7. Nike Air MAX ’95 Rasta Jamaica.
The Air Max are a springtime favorite, and these were one of the first pairs of reggae-inspired sneakers to do it up right. Your only hope for owning a pair outside of a re-release is Ebay or the Dunkexchange.
6. Nike West Indies Air Force One.
These might be hard to find nowadays but they make a big statement about culture whilst taking a minimal bite out of the moneyclip.
5. Gettry X Asics Procourt.
Look at Asics, splashing out in full Rastavision technicolor. These should definitely be worn when the sun is out or at the fashion-show otherwise known as the dancehall. And it’s not the Japanese company’s only attempt at associating their brand with this culture.
4. Adidas X Tuff Gong Pro Model.
Adidas did the honorable thing and linked Tuff Gong to license the Bob Marley Lion of Judah logo for their Pro Model hightop series. We dig it.
Nike, always on that collabo tip, linked up with dancehall artist Mavado in 2008 for this limited-edition sneaker, which bares the name of ‘Vado’s Kingston homebase, Cassava Piece, and his sigature phrase, “Gangsta For Life.” The shoe was part of a promotion that saw Mavado create a musical tribute to Asafa Powell’s 100-meter world record, which was soon broken and overshadowed by Usain Bolt.
2. Mighty Crown X Nike Dynasty High.
The infamous and top-rated sound system out of Japan (with a strong network in JA) teamed up with Nike for this Samurai-meets-Rasta collaboration.
1. Rolland Berry X Reebok Nylon II.
If you see anyone in NYC or Kingston with these joints, it’s cause I put them on (no pun). I can’t tell how many times these conversation pieces have sparked sidewalk inquisitions by the sneaker police. I own two pairs of these rare Rolland Berry joints, released in’06. Peep the insole: “Getti Getti No Want It.” For more on that Jamaican saying, see the one Half-Pint or Mr. Tarrus Riley
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