Few would argue that Michael Free Run’s influence on the world of sneakers is unsurpassed, though depending on your perspect5e, there is one man deserving of such consideration.  Tinker Hatfield is the Thomas Edison of sneakers, having innovated more than his fair share, and when borrowing from his peers and in almost every case improved upon their implementation, and the kind of guy who’ll Air Max 97 Men Shoes be mentioned in a textbook as his peers and successors are all but forgotten by casual onlookers.  Tinker has blessed the sneakerhead community over 30 years of unparallelled brilliance and Nike recently commemorated his contributions with a surprise roast at Portland’s Bossanova Ballroom.  Click through to see images and video from the event and let us know which Tinker Hatfield design is your all-time favorite.  via TheHue

Down three games to two, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were faced with elimination going back to the Staples Center. How did the Lakers fare in Game 6? Kobe Bryant – 26 points, 11 boards, 3 boards, 4 picks – led the Lakers to a resounding 22 points victory to even the series, and then closed it out in Game 7 to win back-t0-back championships – Kobe’s fifth overall. During that gutsy Game 6 performance, Kobe wore the Home colorway of the Nike Zoom Kobe V (5) Big Stage, Nike Free 6.0 and a lucky bidder can call that Game Worn Kobe V as his own. Even better, Kobe autographed the shoe! It’s the ultimate collectors item – an autographed pair of shoes worn in the NBA Finals. Check out the images after the jump and to see how much these guys sold for, check out the auction from nytryder8 on us stroes.

There is no question LeBron James’ ‘Elite’ status in the league, but an NBA Championship Ring on his finger would easily fit him alongside the greatest to ever play the game. Next weekend, LeBron James will switch on his post-season fire as he laces up the LeBron 9 Elite – the $250 sneaker that has caused quite a stirring discussion in our comments area in regards to how the MSRP would have an effect on the limits of pricing of sneakers. The Varsity Maize colorway has been praised by some as being the best Elite offering we’ve seen thus far, and this May 12th, these can be yours for a quarter of a thousand dollars (add a few bucks if your states tacks on sales tax). Must-have for you? Check out this new detailed gallery below and chime in with your thoughts. Photos: SC

Hideo Nomo wasn’t the first Japanese-born player to reach the Major Leagues, but his 1995 MLB debut is widely recognized as a watershed moment for Asian baseballers.  Nomomania hit Los Angeles hard when Hideo led the NL in strikeouts that ‘rookie’ year, and soon after the Swoosh caught the fever and released the Nike Air Max NM Nomo.  This Varsity Red colorway imagines an alternate history where Nomo came in on Nike Dunk SB Mens the opposite coast, with the OG Pro Blue joints also slated to drop later this spring.  Click the jump below to get a look at the only trainer crazy enough to match Nomo’s trademark Tornado windup and look for these to hit select retailers on February 12th.  via Eastbay