For fall of 2008, one of the trends we are seeing in the shoe world is a lot of brown leather usage. These Vans kicks you see pictured definitely are one of the best leather-based shoes we’ve seen so far this year. Not only is high quality nubuck leather used, the simple designs give these kicks a classy look.

The two shoes that will makeup the Cup LX Series are the Authentic Cup LX and the Chukka Boot Cup LX. Both version come in multiple shades of brown and both contain plaid innards. If you want to get your hands on a pair of these shoes, checkout Caliroots. Via High Snobiety.

Looks like Nike has plans to release another Back to School Pack. Last years pack which included an air max 90, dunk low, and vandal high were all inspired by the notebook and this dunk high was inspired by the crayon, which is why it has been dubbed the Crayon Dunk High. This shoe features a scribble print with yellow accenting, seen on the swoosh, outsole and laces, with re enforced eyelets. No word on pricing or release dates.

Image source: here.

New Balance collaborated with Almond. The New Balance and Almond 574 is in black color. The shoe upper is very interesting as it is covered in velco. This facilitates the sticking on of patches all over the upper. You can customize the look and change the look whenever you want. This shoe gives versatility in just one price.

The shoe has a black leather mudguard around its perimeter. The tongue is special as it has a blue colored New Balance design. At the tip, New Balance is printed in blue and yellow colors. The shoe is all black on the upper and has a black inner lining too. The midsole is white. The photos show how samples of patches that were stuck on the shoe upper. One small disadvantage of a velco upper is that dirt, dust and other unwanted material might also adhere to the velco.

This 574 shoe comes with two coordinated jackets. They are “Ninja” rain jackets. One is in shiny black and the other is in matt black. This pack will be released in autumn 2008. The raincoat in matt has a high neck and this protects the wearer more than the raincoat in shiny matt. It is a matter of personal choice.

Desp One was asked by a friend to create a pair of custom Air Force Ones with a Toronto Raptors theme. The designer mixed the Raptors colors with his friend’s love of leopard prints to create the “Laptors.”

The “Laptors” feature dark purple outsoles, dark purple leopard spots and a light purple background. There is a hint of orange or yellow on each leopard spot which makes the light purple background look like a thin shroud. Desp One added red to the Nike swooshes and shoe strings to complete the Toronto Raptor color scheme. The colors are well-balanced from heel to toe with a pallet-cleansing white space on the toe box.

Desp One posted his “Laptors” Air Force Ones on the Customsnkr.com blog linked here. While I am not a big fan of leopard prints, I am a fan of well-crafted shoes with great colors. I am sure the “Laptors” were met with appreciation by Desp One’s friend and I am sure there will be a few readers interested in these shoes.

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For fall, check out the Urban Outdoor Collection from New Balance. Using the M575J and hybrid H574J boot, this pack uses a dark upper that is a mix of nubuck, leather and fake fur. These shoes also have a speckled midsole.

These sneakers are a hot combination of outdoor flavor and urban appeal. This collection will be available at Mita beginning on September 6th. Personally, I like the hybrid H574J boot, which is a Mid, rather than the low shoe. However, both shoes are pretty nice. Via Sole Collector.

Yesterday we marveled over the Blue Team PE today we all drool over the Red Team PE. Although the two shoes use different colorways, color placement is the same. The same white base is used, with the same black pebbled leather side panels. The pair pictured above was made for Shooting Guard Tyreke “Too Easy” Evans, who is still undecided as to where he will attend college. Like Blue Team PE, these were also limited to 10 pairs given to the players. Tons of pictures after the jump.

**BONUS**

Jordan Brand All American Classic Home Team – Jersey & Shoes