Sneak peek: All-Star weekend review

Photo by nikochan, via flickr

Francisco Rivero/Staff Writer 

This past weekend saw many amazing feats accomplished during the NBA All-Star game in New Orleans, such as Carmelo Anthony collecting eight three pointers breaking the All-Star game record for three pointers, Kyrie Irving finishing with 31 points and 14 assists while winning the MVP award and the highest scoring All-Star game in NBA history with a combined 318 points.

However, after looking past all the outstanding performances there is another area that was highlighted during the All-Star game: the shoes of course. Fashion is one of the major spots that people look at when it comes to the All-Star game and New Orleans did not disappoint.

Lights, camera, kicks

The Eastern Conference prevailed over the Western Conference in the highest-scoring NBA All-Star Game in history on Sunday. However, while many were loving the jaw-dropping dunks and immense star power on display, others were gushing over the eye-catching footwear.

Let’s begin with Washington Wizards guard John Wall, who won the slam dunk contest while wearing the Crazy 1 Kobe. Wall grabbed the ball from the Wizards mascot G-Wiz and threw down a double-pump reverse jam to claim the first slam dunk title in franchise history. Of course Wall’s bright Purple crazy 1 Kobe’s stood out as he flew through the air and were a staple fashion design during the slam dunk contest.

Moving on to the actual All-Star game, many different shoes were seen throughout the night. Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George was wearing the Kobe 9 model that was a bright blue color throughout the shoe with a neon green or “volt” color Nike swoosh. Oklahoma City Thunder forwaed Kevin Durant sported his KD 6 model but surprisingly it was not his All-Star model. Rather it was a lime green color way with mixes of red and baby blue with a black Nike swoosh.

All-Star MVP Irving was wearing a Nike hyper fuse high top model that sported a lime green and black design throughout the shoe. Irving’s flashy colors were an exact replica of his flashy style of play as he was able to cut through the West’s defensive on his way to a MVP night. Record breaker Anthony was seen with his 2014 edition of his All-Star model shoe that sported a black color with orange located toward the back and on the laces of the shoe.

Of course we can’t forget about Miami’s own superstar LeBron James, who ended the night with 22 points seven assists and seven rebounds. James was seen with his 2014 All-Star model shoe or his “Gator Kings” as he put on a show early for the crowd with some eye popping slam dunks.

After everything was said and done we were given a high offensive game with a lot of scoring, dunks, three pointers and even some defensive plays from time to time. However, there is no doubt that night belong to the players and the footwear they were rocking that night.

Aunt Pearl unique artwork raises eyebrows

As we move on to what shoes will be releasing this weekend, only one caught my attention and that is Durant’s KD 6 “Aunt Pearl”. Every year Durant comes out with an Aunt Pearl model in support of the fight against breast cancer.

This year’s model sees a total pink floral upper as well as lining while the color blue is located on the Nike swoosh and tongue. The customary breast cancer ribbon sits on the tongue as it always does in any breast cancer related sneaker.

This beautiful artwork makes the shoe a must have in my book; yes the shoe itself gives off a “feminine” style or feel but the beauty and message behind the design is what makes the shoe unique. Coming from a family that has been affected by breast cancer I will proudly wear these Aunt Pearls and the amazing artwork it contains.

francisco.rivero@fiusm.com