The Grinch Showdown. Unwrapping the Debate Between OG Grinches and Reverse Grinches
Exploring the dynamic evolution of Kobe Bryant's sneaker legacy, the OG Grinch from Nike's 2010 Holiday collection symbolizes a milestone in design innovation, with its scale-textured upper offering both visual intrigue and on-court performance benefits. Debuting on Christmas Day, its association with Dr. Seuss' Grinch character added a festive touch to the iconic release. Fast forward to the Reverse Grinch, featuring a vibrant red upper and green accents, this reinterpretation captures attention with a bold twist while maintaining top-tier performance capabilities. Both sneakers pay homage to Kobe's legacy, seamlessly blending style and substance for fans who appreciate the nostalgic ties of the OG Grinch or the daring aesthetics of the Reverse Grinch, ensuring the enduring impact of Kobe's greatness in the world of basketball footwear. So, which is your favorite?
Born in 2011 as a performance-running model, the Cushlon-cushioned sneaker has not only tackled volume but also undergone a successful retro resurgence in the past year. Despite its origins, the sneaker's modern, often-tonal makeovers have transcended the athletic realm, gaining popularity in lifestyle circles with co-signs from athletes like LeBron James. As the year concludes, Nike Running introduces the retro model in a sophisticated "Light Orewood Brown" finish, setting the stage for the eye-catching "Light Armory Blue." The color palette, featuring various shades of brown and off-white, extends to the old-school sole unit, creating a visually captivating contrast with muted olive, light blue, and sandy hues. This latest iteration further solidifies the sneaker's legacy, showcasing its enduring appeal 12 years after its initial debut.
At first glance, the Alyx Air Force 1 Lows appear as if they’re just the staple all-black and all-white colorways. It isn’t just the brand’s name printed in silver on the lateral heel that makes the difference, though. Alyx has opted for a premium full grain leather across the upper with a noticeably different patina, while it takes over the branding for a metallic silver lace dubrae to match a single matching eyelet second to last on each shoe’s lateral side. The mustache branding has also been reduced to a Swoosh without “Nike” or “Air word marks and is debossed instead of embroidered. Rounding out the tweaks are co-branded tongue tags and mismatched, co-branded insoles. Alyx has also called out “premium laces,” although the photos don’t belie the difference.
