Puma Future Disc Blaze Web Lite

Here we have another Puma Disc remake that have a few differences when compared to the original early nineties retro versions. Thanks to their strange lacing system, these trainers have always been popular. Puma Disc trainers are well known for being stylish and comfortable to wear. And in that respect, although not as well known, in some ways the Future Disc are very similar to another classic trainer that has made a huge comeback in recent years.

And that is, of course, Nike Air Huarache. The original Puma Disc didn't have the same all-in-one "sock like" upper that the Huarache's had (and still have) when they first came out. It isn't separate on the newer pairs, as you can see from the image above, but the tongue was separate from the upper on the original pairs. But most new pairs of Puma Future Disc now have the all-in-one breathable "sock like" mesh upper where the tongue is actually one with the upper.

This makes the Future Disc even more appealing and stylish. It also makes them more comfortable and more "Moulded" to the wearers feet, like a thick pair of socks that have the added bonus of coming complete with a thick "EverRide" outsole! As a result of the all in one upper, like Huarache's, Puma Disc will feel a little tighter on the feet. A half size bigger than what you usually wear should definitely be considered.

The Disc lace up system, which does not include any real traditional laces, but is more of a wire tightening mechanism, is something a little different to most other trainer lace systems. But that's all it is, a tightening device. It's a nice novelty but it doesn't really serve any other purpose other than tightening and loosening the trainers. In the nineties it was seen as some kind of magic device that would make the wearer perform better at numerous sporting activities!. Like Go-Faster Stripes! Still though, it's a unique design and that makes it appealing. Because at the time it was conceived it was a risk, a step into the unknown so to speak. And it worked. People loved it and still do.

One other definite plus for the Puma Future Disc, other than the price being low, is the back heel strap. In the Huarache's this has been, and still is, a major weak point of the shoes with many complaints about it snapping. On the Future Disc the back strap is thicker and has a joint system (Sewn), it's not one stand alone piece like on the Huarache's. If it did snap it would most probably be the cotton breaking over time, so there is a good chance you could get it repaired, or do it yourself.

How reliable is the Puma Disc lace system? Well, in my time, although not on every pair, I have seen many that have broken. And you know what that means. Yep, you can't tighten the shoes anymore. Although to their credit, due to the sock-like upper on the newer pairs (As seen in the pictures here), they are fairly tight to begin with, and some people may not actually need to use the lace system to tighten the trainers. So in some cases they will be fine as they are because of the Huarache style sock uppers.

But if not, I guess good old normal laces do still have some advantages. At least if they break you can just buy some more and its a nice easy replacement. It's something to consider regarding Puma Disc. But make no mistake, they are a great pair of trainers, and for the price it's well worth taking the plunge and buying a pair. There are some great new colour ways available as well.

Reebok Insta Pump Fury - Twilight Zone

Reebok Pump, like Adidas Torsion, Puma Disc, and Nike Air Huarache, are another pair of classic retro trainers that were super popular in the early 90's. Again, like the Puma Disc and the Nike Air Huarache, Reebok Pump were totally unique when they first came out all those years ago. Even now, Reebok Pump are still unique. How many other brands / pairs of trainers do you know of that can be pumped up! For those old enough to remember the days where people used to put a rolled up sock under the tongue of their trainers to make them look more bulky / pumped up.

Grey (Speckled heel) Reebok Pump Omni Lite Trainers

Yes, that was a trend at one point. Reebok Pump eliminated the need for the rolled up sock. Originally, Reebok Pump were a basketball shoe. Evidence of this can be seen on the shoes. The actual "Pump" on the earlier pairs was a basketball design. Pairs with that design have been re-released, so if you want a pair with the iconic basketball pump design they are not too hard to find. And some pairs are pretty cheap as well. To name of a few: Reebok OMNI Zone, Omni Lite, Insta Pump Fury, and Solebox Twilight Zone are for sale on eBay and other online outlets.

Reebok Pump Omni-Lite Trainers White / Red

The Pump design is exclusive to Reebok. And I believe that Reebok own the rights to the "Pump" technology built into a trainer so no one else can copy the design. Like Nike Air Huarache, Reebok Pump are another pair of trainers that have gone full circle.

They are very similar to Nike Air Huarache in that respect, very sought after when they first came out, dropped off the radar for a while, and now with most retro vintage trainers making a huge comeback, they are now all the rage again. Reebok are well aware of the demand, hence why there are more new styles and colours out now than ever before.

Reebok Pump Running Dual Trainers

These days the Pump system is not only found on the tongue, but also at the side or, on certain pairs, even at the back heel of the trainer (Emporio Armani xReebok Edition). Basketball Boots and trainer versions of Reebok Pump are available.

If you want a cheap pair of retro Reebok Pump, and you're not bothered about having a pump checkout the pairs of Reebok Reverse Jam, which still have Hexalite technology (Air Cushioning System) incorporated into the soles just like most pairs of Reebok Pump (E.R.S). If you want a rare pair of Reebok Pump and have some money to spend check out the super thick Reebok Pump Bring Back 20th anniversary limited edition.

Retro Nike Air Huarache Trainers

Nike Air Huarache were so in demand when they hit retail stores in the early 90's. When they first came out in 1991 the design was something very different to what people were used to. Maybe this is what made them so popular. Their strange appearance made them instantly recognisable. Even today, with thousands more trainers of different brands, different colours, and designs hitting the shelves since Nike Air Huarache first came out, they are still unique and unmistakable when seen.

 Original Huarache remakes with a free run sole

The ankle heel and side strap design is one of the main features that sets them apart from the rest. Surprisingly, although you may think this heel design would be uncomfortable because it's quite a thin strap support for an ankle, they are actually very comfortable trainers.

This is one of their main positives among buyers, including myself, having owned a few pairs over the years. Being an all in one "Sock Like" design, they really do feel like part of your foot. They mold to the wearers feet very well. They feel firm and secure but still flexible because the upper sock lining is made from the ever versatile and very flexible neoprene.

The heel strap is cushioned by the spongy neoprene "sock like" upper lining, which is another design feature that was unique to Huarache at the time. Nike Air Huarache were one of the first pairs of Nike to hit retail stores that featured the sock like, all-in-one upper lining where the square tongue was also all-in-one with the uppers.

If you're thinking; They are called Nike Air Huarache, so where's the air? The Huarache that have "Air" in the title have a hidden "Air" system concealed within the soles heel. Some pairs are just called Nike Huarache and I believe they do not have any concealed air unit in the sole.

When they first came out it was the white, blue and yellow pairs that were the most made and the most popular, followed by the blue with luminous yellow. They were quite expensive trainers to buy back in the nineties due to the unique design and high demand, but in today's market, where the demand has reached a high point again with them now being classed as retro Nikes, they are even more expensive. They are generally priced between £80 - £150, with the most common price being over the hundred pound mark. The newer versions that are out today are still the same as the old skool versions but some have interesting differences.

You can now get suede Nike Air Huarache, and in many more colours than were available in the early 90's. Some newer pairs of Nike Air Huarache feature an updated flexible sole system, which is the exact same one used on many of the Nike "Free" (Free run) range of trainers. This makes the newer Nike Air Huarache superb trainers for running. And of course, a super comfortable trainer for everyday wear.

There are even remakes of the Nike Air Huarache basketball boots which look really cool, and are around the same price as a normal pair of  Huarache trainers. Nike Air Huarache also last quite a long time. Out of the pairs I have owned over the years, two have suffered from a broken ankle strap, but this was after about a year of frequent use so you'll definitely get a good wear out of them before anything falls apart.

Good trainers for the spring / summer being so breathable and lightweight. If your prepared to look around you may be able to find some limited edition Nike Air Huaraches for sale, they are available, but be prepared to pay a high price.

Adidas Tapper Evolution Trainers

Adidas Tapper Evolution are well made, very stylish and go well with lots of different styles of clothing. This particular pair, white mixed with brown definitely stand out amongst the rest. The most common colour Adidas Tapper come in is Black and White so this pair are a little harder to come by. And a bit more desirable.

Adidas Tapper are considered a Skate shoe, but they are widely bought by non-skaters for everyday wear because they are a great pair of trainers sold at a reasonable price. Adidas Tapper uppers are leather. The little dog ear Adidas tag above the three stripes is a nice little touch. As is the same logo that fits onto the laces so it's visible at the front of the sneaker. This little logo also has the letter "E" for Evolution.

Being made by Adidas, the Tappers are great quality. They have a double stitched toe cap and the sole is completely stitched to the upper. Not just at the front either like many other trainers, but all the way round the entire shoe. These two aspects ensure that Adidas Tappers will not fall apart easily and that means they can potentially last you for a few years. It's not just the durability that buyers of these sneakers are impressed by but also by how comfortable these sneakers are.

Almost every person who reviews these Adidas Tapper Evolution compliments them for that feature. Adidas Tapper Evolution also have a thick sole and come in a wide-ish fit being a skate shoe. These are classic, high quality Adidas that have been made to a high standard.

They have a similar build quality to Adidas Campus, again another good quality Adidas Sneaker. However, Adidas Tapper are more cushioned inside, making for a more snug fit. Just check out the reviews to see what others are saying about these shoes. One of the latest releases from Adidas is the ZX_4000_4D. They drop on 25th May 2019, and should be for sale online after that date. So look out for those.

Adidas Newton Heath Trainers For Sale

Adidas Newton Heath were released late last year (for sale in December 2018) in the UK. They were made to pay homage to Manchester United Football Club to remember where the club originated from back in the late 1800's. It was first Newton Heath FC, but then became MUFC in the early 1900's. And a few years after the name change they relocated to Old Trafford. The rest, as they say, is history.

Looking rather similar to Adidas Ardwick X, although a much lighter in colour but just as smooth to the touch (soft suede), the green, black and gold Newton Heath were released in limited quantities. Only 1200 were released, making them a 1/1200 limited edition. They have some cool little features, such as the little devil logo and "EST 1878" at the back of each ankle, and a map of Newton Heath in the soles.

If you weren't fortunate to grab a pair at the time they were officially released, you won't be surprised to discover that there are quite few pairs up for sale online in 2019. They range in price from £190 right up to £400 (UK). They were originally £90 to buy, but resale prices obviously will be higher. A nice pair for the collector, Adidas fan, or MUFC fanatic.