MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: March 2024

Come on then, folks; it's time to help yourself to another POTM serving from the MORPRIME's friendly lab rats. Warning: this month's portion is extra hot.

Our top picks for this month come from Jordan and Awake NY. Their debut hookup pays homage to the enduring influence of New York City on basketball and street culture. First teased in June 2023, Awake NY's Air Ship effort lands with a pre-yellowed midsole (we know yellowing can be divisive, but we think it looks spot on here), swanky snakeskin overlays at the ankle collar, and co-branded hits throughout. Real head-turners.

The dynamic duo joined forces on a meticulously crafted wool-and-leather varsity jacket. Adorned with chenille patches on the chest and back, snakeskin embellishments on the sleeves, and intricate embroidery details. It's a stunner.

What other footwear have we picked this month? Let's see...

Berlin-based brand Overkill belatedly celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a trio of exclusive adidas Originals runners. Comprised of a ZX 6000, EQT Guidance, and Spiritain 2000, each pair has been specially selected and dressed with details that embody both brands. The ZX 6000 boasts blue hits – Overkill CEO Marc Leuschner's favourite colour. The EQT Guidance turns the clock back to 1992 with Adidas Radikal-inspired orange accents. And the Spiritain 2000 boasts pale green 3-stripes and 3M touches throughout. Here's to another 20 years of Overkill.

Adidas also treated us to another celebratory (or shall we say SHELL-abratory) collab with everyone's favourite crime-fighting, pizza-loving, half-shelled heroes. Honouring 40 years of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action, Adidas overhauled its Superstar with a rubber toe shaped like a shell and textured leather to resemble Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo's reptilian skin. Housed in action figure-inspired packaging and accompanied by an exclusive TMNT comic book – they're a collector's dream.

Another couple of pairs also caught our eye...

Firstly, Portuguese label Axel Arigato introduced us to the Satellite Runner. Inspired by space suits and inflatable structures and built with LWG-certified leather and supple suede, this handcrafted shoe is uber-premium. Secondly, Oakley treated us to the Icon Edge in a classic cream and navy combination. Lovely stuff.

Moving on from footwear to clothing now...

Stüssy's apparel collections never disappoint, and the label's latest capsule with American graphic designer David Carson is another brilliant effort. The pack sees two tees and a hoodie decorated with archival Stüssy imagery in David's unique visual style. Very, very nice.

Here's a pick for the casual connoisseurs: the Safari jumper. These jumpers were all the rage in the '80s, and now it's been reissued to introduce the iconic style to a new generation.

Shifting gears from fashion to film & tv…

There have been some incredible releases over the past month, and Dune: Part Two was always gonna make our picks. It's a feast for the senses – you've got Greig Fraser's incredible cinematography, Hans Zimmer's pulse-pounding score, and Butler's menacing performance as Feyd-Rautha. It might just be Denis Villeneuve's magnum opus. We'll intrusively bellow Lisan al Gaib until our obsession finally wanes.

And don't get us started on Shōgun. Every week we've been itching for the next instalment of the samurai series. What a show. It's not the only thing we've been watching on Disney+; our inner child is buzzing with X-Men '97. We never thought we'd see a revival of the animated series, but thank you very much, Marvel.

And here's a pick for the Warhammer fans. After years on the sidelines, the Kroot are back in a big way with the Warhammer 40,000: Tau Empire: Army Set: Kroot Hunting Pack. This massive box boasts 26 miniatures, including vicious Kroot Carnivores, monstrous Krootox Rampagers, and a Kroot War Shaper and Flesh Shaper to lead the pack. The box also includes a lore-packed 136-page hardback. It's not a want; it's a need.

Finally, from one footwear-focused community to another, we've been digging A vintage footwear fanzine from the Spanish group Krumble. Issue 4 is available now. Get your orders in; you won't be disappointed.

That's all we've got for this month. Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: February 2024

One of these days we'll drop POTM on time; we're blaming it on February's lack of days this time. But even though Feb's the shortest month, it was still stuffed with some seriously sweet releases. So sweet in fact, that we couldn't pick just one product as our No.1 POTM...

Blasting its way to the joint top spot is Helldivers 2. The chaotic co-op shooter throws you into the boots of elite soldiers defending democracy across the galaxy. There's just something about assembling your four-man squad, strategising, and unleashing powerful weapons and orbital drops against alien hordes that spikes our dopamine systems. It might already be our Game of the Year. Good god, it’s fun.

Sharing our POTM podium is Tony Rivers & James Burnett's MAGNETIC. This book isn't just about fashion; it's a cultural exploration of the early days ('86-'93) when Massimo Osti's visionary labels – C.P. Company, Stone Island, and Boneville – took the UK by storm. It's a treasure trove teeming with exclusive first-hand accounts and unseen photos. If you're a fan of Massimo's work, you need this anthology in your collection.

Now, let's move on to our February footwear picks, a selection that will transport you everywhere from tropical paradises to classic film sets.

We could all do with a sun-soaked trip to a tropical Shangri-la, but there's a fat chance of that happening anytime soon. For now, we'll have to step into the adidas Originals' Bali, click our heels three times, and hope the beautiful blue '70s trainer will transport us to the idyllic Indonesian isle.

Sticking with reissues, our favourite Mancunian label is throwing it back a few years and reviving one of its all-time great colourways. The stealthy "Black/Gum" combo first popped up on the CLINTS Inc. TRL Footprints in 2020. Now it's back on the 2.0s – brilliant news for those who weren't locked in four years ago.

If you draw your fashion sense from films like The Firm, you'll be happy to know 80s Casual Classics have dropped an exclusive Diadora Titan in a tasty "Sky/Yellow/Navy" palette. Slip on your Sergio Tacchini jacket and you're good to go. They're proper, proper '80s.

Moving from movie references to footwear staples, UNDEFEATED and Nike's Air Terra Humara pipped into our 2023 POTY at the last second. The Humara has always been one of our favourite silhouettes, so we're very pleased the Californian brand dressed the Nike classic in a beautiful "Cargo Khaki" colourway. Ballistic Cordura at the base, synthetic overlays, and panels of hair suede – what's not to love?

Beijing-based SoulGoods teamed up with Jordan to dress Michael Jordan's rookie sneaker, the Air Ship, in a textured blend of smooth brown and hair grey suede, accented with co-branding throughout. A top effort all round.

The Bodega x Saucony Grid Shadow 2 "Jaunt Woven" is an earthy-toned sneaker built for comfort. Its recycled midsole and outsole provide a steady foundation, while the upper combines stonewashed canvas, hemp, and cotton for a natural aesthetic.

One final footwear-related pick made the cut this month: Nike TN designer Sean Mcdowell chatting to Foot Locker and spilling the beans on all things Tuned Air. You can catch a snippet of it here.

Only one apparel piece made it into this POTM edition, the Stüssy x Metalheadz 30th Anniversary jacket. If you're unfamiliar with Metalheadz, the renowned record label is the brainchild of Kemistry & Storm and Goldie and boasts a rich history featuring countless drum and bass pioneers. They celebrated 30 years of greatness with a limited-edition collection – including this varsity jacket – stamped with the iconic Metalheadz logo designed by Darren Bartlett and refined by Goldie. It's an absolute stunner, but if you thought the $550 retail was eye-watering enough, you're best not looking at resale sites.

Is it really POTM if we don't include an incredibly expensive model? Of course not. This time, we picked Wētā Workshop's 1/844 Grey Havens Environment. This captivating collectable celebrated 20 years of The Return of the King by capturing a Tolkien paradise in miniature form. Every detail, from the meticulously recreated architecture to the pain-staking hand-painted finish, stirs a sense of serenity. We need this peaceful patch of Middle-earth on our shelf.

We'll finish off POTM with television; February's slate almost gave us square eyes. With Clarkson, May, and Hammond's shenanigans in The Grand Tour: Sand Job, Master Chief's return to the small screen in Halo season 2, and Jack Reacher busting skulls in the second season of Reacher, we've barely been away from our Fire Sticks.






Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: January 2024

Our first POTM of '24 is hitting you with all guns blazing. If this month is any indication, 2024 is shaping up to be a blinder. And, since we missed December, we're throwing in a mix of our favourite pieces from that festive month. Dive in.

Kicking off with our POTM, it appears that Godzilla-fever has the planet in a chokehold. Cinema, apparel, toys – the mighty Kaiju is everywhere, and Super7 joined the frenzy with the Toho ULTIMATES! 1200°C Godzilla figure.

Standing at an impressive 8.25" tall and stretching 14" long, this imposing figure captures the gut-wrenching final moments of Godzilla's battle with Destoroyah in the 1995 film Godzilla vs Destoroyah. With two interchangeable heads, the King of Monsters boasts melted flesh or an exposed skeleton. It's a striking and memorable addition to any Kaiju collection – that's why it's our POTM.

But wait, there's more – the formidable Brain Dead x Godzilla Destroy All Monsters tee. This collaboration is so powerful; we'll be rocking it around the lab for sure.

Moving from Kaiju collectables to the football field, a duo of extraordinary boot releases needs your attention.

Adidas celebrated the Predator's 30th anniversary with a modern-day reimagining. Lucky revellers could cop a pair for £19.94 thanks to Pro:Direct Soccer. Anyone get lucky?

Nike turned to the archive for its latest boot. The Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 "Voltage Purple" draws inspiration from a UK icon, the TN. It's a crossover we didn't know we needed but can't get enough of. 

And now, let's talk boots of a different kind – proper stompers.

First up, Korean label thisisneverthat finished 2023 by teaming up with Timberland to dress its iconic 6" boot in a "Beef & Broccoli" palette – tasty, tasty. Likewise, Dutch imprint Patta took Danner's 1979 Light Boot, recreating it with a suede upper, co-branding, and 3M printed Cordura panels. 

Elsewhere in the footwear universe, Salehe Bembury dropped a scorching hot duo of "Lava" and "Magma" colourways of New Balance's 1906R as part of his "HEAT BE HOT" pack. These spicy steppers light up the streets with bold colours and top-notch quality. 

Another pair that slipped under our radar in December was Minnesota Timberwolves' standout, Anthony Edwards, first-ever signature shoe, the Adidas AE 1. Dubbed "With Love," Edwards' debut court silhouette showcased a vibrant "Acid Orange", "Core Black", and "Acid Red" colour scheme.

Sticking with collaborations, luxury-fashion stalwarts AT.KOLLEKTIVE and esteemed London-based Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov joined forces to create a coffee-hued Saida Slip-On. The striped bovine leather upper is outstanding. 

Transitioning from the digital landscape to physical sneaker creation, New York-based boutique Happy99 made waves with its unique take on Reebok's Instapump Fury 95. Drawing inspiration from '90s video games and anime, the design breathes new life into a classic silhouette with its removable shroud.

The last collab on our radar comes from Oakley and Piet. The Brazilian streetwear stars have put their spin on an obscure, early 2000s Oakley model, the Slip-On Teeth OG. This silhouette features sleek, contoured lines, rubberized uppers, and a distinctive "toothed" sole, offering a fresh interpretation guaranteed to turn heads.

Moving from collaborative efforts to solo releases, both ASICS and Athletics FTWR have unveiled impressive runners. ASICS dressed the GEL-KAYANO 14 in a neutral "Rusty Brown" shade; Athletics FTWR painted its 2.0 Mid in a timeless "Black/Bright White" palette. 

We'll finish off with an event we wish we could have visited. Like us, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) is a super MF DOOM fan. In homage to the late Villain, Bey treated Paris to a unique "BEYONDOOM" show at La Cigale, covering hits from DOOM's immense catalogue. We'll relive it through YouTube clips.

From fiery releases to innovative alliances, the footwear and collectable universe continues to push boundaries and cook up serious heat. Here's to a rousing voyage throughout 2024 and beyond.

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: November 2023

Baby, it's cold outside, so let us warm you up with another flaming dose of footwear and collectable goodness in this POTM edition.

Boulder-based innovator Nicole McLaughlin is renowned for her wacky approach to functionality. From Carhartt WIP toolbelt bras to orange peel Keen sandals, let's just say her work is slightly unconventional. After teaming up with Crocs and Vans, Nicole's collaborative portfolio has grown again, working with Merrel and Hoka on a duo of incredible outdoor-ready silhouettes.

As a self-confessed lover of mocs, Nicole revived the Moc Speed Streak for her Merrell collab. Typical of her thrifty designs, "The Moc-Laughlin'' is built from a blend of recycled and sustainable materials, including recycled cow suede, breathable mesh, and a plant-based material across the top. For her take on HOKA's Mafate Three2, Nicole added a removable, five-pocket gaiter – well, you can never have too much storage space when you're out on the trails.

Three more top-drawer collaborations find their way onto this month's picks. Let's dig in…

1. Nike Air Jordan 5 x A Ma Maniére "Dusk"

Dressed in a simple palette, A Ma Maniére's Jordan 5 "Dusk" is an understated stunner. Regal-inspired, fine black suede uppers, contrasting accents, and co-branding throughout. What's not to love?

2. ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov GEL-TEREMOA "Obsidian/Smoke"

Kiko and ASICS's long-running partnership has reached the next step in its evolution with the introduction of an all-new unisex line, ASICS NOVALIS. The line centres around a new creation, the GEL-TEREMOA, which debuts with the typical techy Kiko style we've grown to expect.

3. New Balance x UP THERE 1906RUP

UP THERE has followed on from its 'Backyard Legends' 2002R duo with a shiny spin on the 1906R. The 1906RUP features monochromatic shades of silver and grey across the top, with reflective hits for low-light visibility. We're very big fans of this one.

Now for a couple of bits that may have flown under our radar in October…

Firstly, Nike announced its 19th annual Doernbecher Freestyle Collection. This year's fund-raising collection boasts six new kid-designed projects drawing from each patient's journey and personality. Later in December, we'll be treated to an Air Jordan 3, a Nike Dunk High, a Nike Go FlyEase, a Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low, a Nike Cortez and a Nike Air Max 1 '86. Fantastic silhouettes from fantastic designers for a fantastic cause.

Another piece we missed last month was Sneep Crew and jumiArchives Pro Thunder "1987 Cracked Orange". A follow-up to the duo's Jordan-inspired "Cracked Blue" pair, this time around the Pro Thunder landed in time for Halloween dressed in pumpkin-like orange accents.

Moving on from footwear, if you've followed MORPRIME Industries™ for quite some time, you should know how much we adore Oakley. We were obviously over the moon when we heard that the MUZM Mars X-Metal Leather glasses were returning after a 25-year hiatus; and slightly less excited when we saw their price.

Just look at them, though – they're sci-fi beauties, built with an equally sci-fi-sounding laser sintering 3-D-printing process. Apparently, this technique melts down X-Metal powder to yield a strengthened structured form. Do we know exactly what that means? Hell no. Are we obsessed with how supervillainous it sounds? Hell yes.

There's been two brilliant exhibitions that have caught our eyes recently.

Up north at Newcastle Contemporary Art, Adidas and END. teamed up on “Originals Newcastle presented by adidas SPEZIAL”. Like each previous adidas SPEZIAL exhibition, we were treated to a look into the rarities and hidden gems of the Adi archive. Exclusive to the event, lucky revellers could also get their mitts on two limited-edition books, one looking at the legendary Gazelle and the other exploring all things Superstar. We're praying they'll get a wider release soon.

The second exhibition on our radar, Lovewatts presents KEO XMEN Exhibition, is currently taking place on Sackville Street, London, until the 20th of December. If you're a fan of graffiti artists, you probably already know about KEO XMEN. But for those unfamiliar, Blake "KEO" Lethem (aka Lord Scotch 79) is a graffiti artist and designer renowned for his NYC subway style. KEO has worked with numerous hip-hop legends over the years, but one piece calls to us more than any other: MF DOOM's iconic Operation: Doomsday artwork. Viewing the exhibition is usually by appointment, but there's an open day on the 9th of December, so make sure you get yourself down and don't miss out.

We often like to round these posts off with an aspirational piece; this month, it's Polestar's futuristic Synergy concept car. Perhaps we'll one day go for a spin in the Tron-esque vehicle; until then, we'll keep dreaming.

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: October '23

Gather around and grab them while they're hot; October's POTM are fresh off the press.

Launching a new silhouette can be daunting. But success is pretty much nailed on when you employ the help of one of the world's leading luxury fashion brands. Enter the New Balance x Stone Island MADE in UK 991v2. Talk about kicking things off with a bang. 

Renowned for its impeccable quality, the 991 has remained untouched since its 2001 debut; you could argue a little tinkering was long overdue. This second iteration takes on a sleeker profile, with its most notable difference arriving underfoot: a full-length FuelCell midsole paired alongside classic ABZORB SBS pods and ENCAP cushioning – new yet familiar. 

Stone Island's effort draws inspiration from the industrial surroundings of the UK's electronic music scene. Moody hues of olive, grey, and black dress its mesh, nubuck, and leather uppers, while the brand's synonymous compass sigil sits on the tongue. Get that badge in, boys.

New Balance's 991v2 "Rock Ridge" has also made its way into our picks – something about a grey-hued 99X model calls to us. 

Apologies for geeking out on NB there. Let's move on to some other footwear bits…

Saucony has teamed up with the folks at Claima – an independent content agency – for their fantastic "Claim A Seat" project, which helps to tackle inequality and help raise money for several charitable causes. They're shining a spotlight on the talents of Black and Brown creatives in the footwear world with a reworked rendition of the 3D Grid Hurricane – which, by the way, was the first Saucony silhouette designed by the brand's first black designer, the talented John Acevedo. Co-designed with John Humphrey from Beignet Boys, it boasts a bold makeover with a fresh white base, royal purple suede overlays, and ochre details. Give this short film a watch for more info.

Another collab with hits of purple is Bodega's "After-Hours" reimagining of the ASICS GEL-NYC. Inspired by the gritty underbelly of most pretty cities, the pair draws inspiration from rust-ridden chain link fences and buzzing neon street signs. They're a really nice grungy pair.

Now, who's familiar with New Balance and Hikmet's legendary "Nazar Eye" 1500 from way back in November 2008? If you don't know it, check it out because Hikmet's own label, Sonra, is paying homage to the fabled model. Rooted in oriental folklore, the Nazar Eye is said to ward off evil looks. So, to shield you from judging onlookers, every pair comes with a protective eye of its own. And in true Sonra fashion, they're crafted from the finest veg-tanned leather sourced from organic German cows, a symbol of quality and uniqueness. 

We'll rattle through the rest of the footwear: 

  • The Clarks Originals Wallabee Eden – a classic reimagined with a sure-footed Vibram® sole.

  • Karhu x Footpatrol Fusion 2.0 "Snowstar" – a snow boot-inspired silhouette dressed in seasonally apt shades. 

  • HANON's SMU Archive Drop – we're truly gutted to see these guys go, honestly. Expect to see more about them from MORPRIME soon. In the meantime, look through their archive drop and grab a goodie before they're gone for good. 

Now for all the other bits we've been digging this month.

Between binge-watching sadistic superheroes in The Boys spinoff Gen V, listening to Big DA share soothing animal knowledge on Planet Earth III, and watching DiCaprio and De Niro in The Killer of the Flower Moon, our lab rats have read another book... 

When a book like Russ Bengston's "A History of Basketball Shoes in Fifteen Sneakers" releases, we footwear freaks are drawn like moths to a flame. Brimming with expert knowledge, it explores basketball's history by looking at 15 iconic silhouettes and the court icons who wore them. Go and grab it. 

While we're on the basketball topic, Shaq & Allen Iverson have been President & VP of Reebok Basketball – let's see what they start cooking. 

Models, artwork, and tea sets now: 

Has the release of Spider-Man 2 got anyone else obsessing over all things 8-legged? Probably just us, but we had to chuck in the announcement of Hot Toys' Spider-Man 3 Symbiote Venom Peter Parker 1/6th Figure. It's not even set to drop until late 2024 or early 2025. We get very excited by these sorts of things, though.  

Just like we love a good print. Matt Ferguson's incredible 1 of 250 giclee "The Empire Strikes Back" is a design we desperately need for our lab.

Oh, and here's another thing we thought would look great in the lab: the Palace x Wedgwood Tea Set. It's the perfect addition for all your super fancy tea parties (it'll set you back a pretty penny, though). 

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

An Exploration into Athletics Footwear

It's not easy breaking into today's sneaker market. One does not simply step into an Adidas, Nike, and New Balance-dominated industry. Athletics Footwear is one of the very rare exceptions to this rule. 

The British-born brand is the brainchild of Sneakerboy® founder Chris Kyvetos, former Puma veteran Neil Beeson, and footwear virtuoso Myles O'Meally – he's the founder of product creation studio Areté and has had hit designs for the likes of Nike, Off-White, and Raf Simons. With hands like that on deck, it's no wonder Athletics has made waves amidst the big boys since launching in October 2019. 

The brand's footwear finds itself at the crossroads of innovation and nostalgia. Only a handful of styles have hit the shelves so far, but each silhouette is a harmonious blend of high-class minimalism and performance-ready technology. The ONE, ONE.2, and ZERO V1 boast an elevated yet understated aesthetic; bold and brash isn't really Athletic's thing. However, with the recent tease of a Peter Fogg-designed trail-ready runner, we’re itching to see what path Athletic's Footwear takes next.

ZEROS & ONES.

The ONE.2 and ZERO V1 are two of Athletic Footwear's most lauded silhouettes. Both styles are in their infancy – released in 2022 and 2023, respectively – but this hasn't stopped them from making an impression. So far, each of the brand's releases has been gimmick-free and primed for high-quality performance. And, if you're into technological terminology like us, there's plenty of it. 

The ONE.2 perfectly embodies the London-based brand's commitment to technological design and meticulous craftsmanship. They're built through a one-step MOLDTEC® moulding process – a construction method that merges several TPU layers together without the need for seams. Raised overlays provide a 3D-embossed aesthetic, while brand hits appear throughout for a signature finish.

Launching exclusively at Highsnobiety in July 2023, the ZERO V1 is Athletic Footwear's most recent effort. It exudes a premium aura, but its muted colourways keep it grounded enough for everyday wear. Time for the techy bits: the ZERO V1 boasts a cutting-edge MOLDTEC® monofilament mesh upper, seamlessly integrated with a snug, adaptive LYCRA heel counter design to keep things stretchy and comfortable. Its midsole features ENRGCORE®️ compounds, which vary in density and cater to your performance needs.

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: September '23

September has come to a close, and any hopes of scorching sun-kissed evenings have disappeared along with it. If, like us, autumn's imminent approach has left you feeling glum, our sizeable selection of the past month's spoils is here to stop the season from getting you down. And if that doesn't help, at least the dark nights are the ideal excuse for sinking several hours into Starfield – Constellation Collector's Edition, of course. 

Let's dive straight into the footwear as usual. Endstate honoured a true legend with The Red Bandana sneaker. The limited-edition pair is a fitting tribute to the life, legacy, and sacrifice made by Welles Remy Crowther. Crowther was a firefighter who saved the lives of at least 12 people during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His red bandana – which he carried around with him since childhood – was his only protection from the dust and the smoke. 100% of the proceeds go to the Trust to further Welles' heroic legacy. His tale is nothing short of inspirational, and you can hear more about it here. 

Fans of Nike TNs – aka Air Max Plus – will be pleased to know the brand dropped two magnificent pairs in September. First up, there's the Air Max Plus OG – old-school heat adorned in a striking flame-like pattern. Secondly, the brisk Air Max Plus 98 "Blue" effort. Designed by A-COLD-WALL*, it's a minimal yet head-turning pair that utilises full-grain two-tone leather across the top. The perfect winter stepper? We think so.

In a stunning collaboration with adidas Originals, SneakerQueen has birthed an exclusive masterpiece within the Court to Concrete collection – the limited edition 30 friends & family Conductors. The pair boasts an orange heel flex zone, nodding to the high-tech sports shoe that the model debuted as, and textured and coloured like a basketball for a playful touch. Inside the tongue, two slogans echo loudly: "Don't believe the hype" and "Vintage vs Retro." These words are more than ink; they embody SneakerQueen's philosophy with every stitch.

More footwear: Corporate Got 'Em teamed up with Jordan for a spectacular teal rendition of the Air Ship. Tooled up with shaggy suede and smooth leather uppers, the bright colourway honours the city of Cincinnati and the car that helped founder Matt Tomamichel excel in his sneaker career: a teal 2000 Toyota Corolla. 

Do we have any Fat Joe fans reading this? If so, this one's for you. The Nike x Terror Squad Air Force 1 "Blackout" arrived in 2005 as an uber-rare friends & family exclusive, and now it's finally getting a much-needed wider release. There's just something about a hip-hop footwear collab that gets us going. 

Last few footwear bits: Parisian boutique The Broken Arm joined forces with Salomon to create a luxe, red rendition of the X-Alpages GTX. Flowers for Society unveiled their all-new RADICLE OG silhouette. And finally, Kobe Bryant's custom, 1-of-1, Mark Smith-designed Air Jordan 3 Low "Laser" has been recreated – watch this video for more.

Clothing-wise, it was a no-brainer the MF DOOM x Supreme collab would get a spot in our monthly picks. Were any of you lucky enough to grab any of it? Aside from that, Better™ Gift Shop has been busy collaborating with Stussy for an exclusive clothing collection and putting on a custom t-shirt pop-up for our pals Heated Words. 

What else have we been digging… There's the Mini Green Slime Chair by Gustavo Barroso that we think would make an excellent addition to our lab – just need to finish building our shrink ray before we can sit on it. And there's the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale – just need to win the lottery before we can buy that one.

Over and out. 

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: August '23

August has been another washout of a month, but at least there's been a bountiful loot of footwear, fashion, and collectables to keep our lab rats' brains occupied. In fact, there's been so much heat this month that deciding what drops to include sparked plenty of debate around MORPIME HQ. Bickering aside, we got there in the end. So go on, keep scrolling and take in our POTM for August. 

Tommy Triggah is essentially part of the extended MORPRIME family, and seeing his latest work with adidas Originals has left us feeling like proud parents. Crafted by Tommy, Sneakerqueen, Erniepunk, and DeFY. New York, the adidas The Collective Pack: 'From Court to Concrete.' brings together sports heritage and street fashion, channelling the energy into two striking silhouettes. 

The pack aligns with hip-hop culture's 50th anniversary – saluting a genre that's successfully fused sports, style, and music, decade after decade. The Conductor High pays homage to court elegance, exuding game grace. The Rivalry Low redefines casual with a sprinkle of street-smart flair. There's self-expression in every step.

Sticking with footwear, our good friends at size? dressed New Balance's 990v3 Made in USA in suave, autumn-ready 'Cream/Orange' shades. While we're on the NB topic, have you seen their all-new WRPD Runner 'Sea Salt'? Charlotte Lee designed the pair, and we're digging the coalition of classic suede and mesh across the top with the fluid lines of the full-length FuelCell midsole. 

HAL Studios and ASICS teamed up for their third and final GEL-1130 collaboration, rounding off the trilogy with a "Glacier" palette. The runner draws influence from its namesake's rugged yet magical terrain and boasts a contrasting colourway reminiscent of icy landscapes and black sand beaches.

Another collaboration we've had on our radar is the Salamon x END. XT-6 "Dark Truffle". This one's for the mushroom heads: the silhouette draws from the hidden, underground fungi that flourish in Southern European woodlands. The trail-ready pair is painted in shades of "Black", "Kelp", and "Moss". Earthy hues aplenty. 

Believe it or not, we like a splash of colour in our rotation at MORPRIME HQ, and we love what Dutch designer Daniëlle Cathari has done in her first collaborative effort with Clarks Originals. Channelling her lively femininity, she's transformed the iconic Wallabee with new textures and hues for versatile styling. Her vibrant designs feature asymmetric uppers crafted from smooth and fuzzy suedes – sourced from the same long-standing family-run tannery that's been Clarks' partner for years.

We don't usually feature kicks for kids, but for those of you out there with little ones, you need to start them on their streetwear journey early and treat them to a pair of Air Max 97 OG. These tiny silver steppers could turn them into footwear fanatics for life, so it's probably best you force them to get a paper round as soon as possible. We all know the life of a sneakerhead isn't cheap.

We'll round off our footwear picks with the Merrell Moab Speed Zip GORE-TEX® 1TRL. The latest member of Merrell's Moab lineage is built with the urban trail in mind. Zip functionality ensures speedy fastening, while a GORE-TEX® membrane keeps your feet cosy and dry when the rain batters down on the city streets. 

It's t-shirt time now. And just like last month, we've got a Terminator-themed stunner. This time, we're talking about NYC-based brand IRAK's tee. Black, 6.5 oz cotton, and printed with a T-800 graphic – our inner-nerd couldn't resist. 

Do we have any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans in our midst? We presume we do and this tee is for you. Our friends at Oinkdon have followed up their first drop with another bootleg TMNT t-shirt. It's boxy, cut from heavyweight cotton, and designed for lovers of pizza and the herb. Head over to Oinkdon's store and grab it while it's hot.

There's something about the futuristic design of G-SHOCK watches. They always draw us in. So, when HIDDEN.NY teamed up with G-SHOCK to celebrate the brand's 40th anniversary their creation was guaranteed a spot on our monthly picks list. It's the first time the streetwear giants have crossed paths, and they've produced a clean, off-white DW5600HDN227 timepiece that we need to have on our wrists. 

What else? Between the mecha-madness of ARMORED CORE™ VI and hordes of zombies on Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare reissue, we've crammed in the first three eps of Ahsoka – in Dave Filoni we trust. 

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: July '23

The rain has been relentless throughout July. But thankfully, the drops have been scorching hot. Cast your eyes over our POTM and see what pieces have kept us smiling through the summer storms.

Nothing gets our lab rats spinning in their wheels more than two of our favourite worlds colliding: superheroes and sneakers. So when ASICS, Marvel & Kith teamed up to celebrate X-Men's 60th Anniversary, you can imagine the grins on our faces.

They targeted the inner collector in all of us by reimagining the GEL-LYTE III in several X-Men-inspired makeups, housing them in blind co-branded boxes and complementing them with a Marvel | Kith for Upper Deck trading cards ranging in rarity. If you have any swapsies, give them here.

ASICS also dropped another noteworthy collaboration with Canadian skate label Dime. They dressed the GT 2160 in a gradient of 'Arctic Wolf' and 'London Fog' – that's white and grey if you were wondering. Simple, yet effective.

For those who like to 'get the badge in', New Balance & Stone Island teamed up on the Tokyo Design Studio Fuel Cell C_1. The forward-thinking silhouette harks back to Stone Island's past, boasting an archival A/W '90 camo print across its woven upper.

Wimbledon fever has its annual grip on the globe again this month, and our German bruders at AFEW store worked with Diadora to celebrate "the best player who never turned pro". That player is Italian athlete Dino Russo, and the collaboration sees the brand's B.560 arrive with a two-tone, distressed design across its premium pig skin and tumbled leather upper.

One last pair that caught our attention: Puma's Exotek NITRO. It's bold, futuristic and takes design influences from cutting-edge architecture – it was bound to draw us in.

Onto clothing now. Whatever side of the Barbenheimer fence you find yourself on, you can't deny wanting to slip into Mattel's "I am Kenough" hoodie. We know we do. Sticking with the film theme, Uncivilized dropped a heavy 6.5-ounce, Arnie-decorated "Hasta La Vista" tee that's ideal for the Terminator fans among you.

This is a first for MORPRIME’s POTM: a pen. New York-based brand Rōnin dropped a pen/letter opener printed with the phrase “You’re gonna carry that weight.”– a nod to The Beatles lyrics that appear on the closing frame of the 1998 Cowboy Bebop finale. It’s going straight into our pencil case.

We're suckers for a good action figure, and master toy-maker Delicious Again Peter and House of Pain's very own Danny Boy O'Connor collaborated to create a signed collectable art figure. It's a scorching hot piece of hip-hop memorabilia that certainly had us jumping around.

Souls of Mischief are another hip-hop group with a big release this month. Their 60-page hardback Air Wax book showcases their envy-inducing Air Max and vinyl. It gives our lab rats' collections a run for their money.

We like fast cars. We'll never be able to afford them, but that won't stop us from putting them in our POTM. The Koenigsegg Gemera is one of those cars. Starting at a cool £ 1.4 million and limited to 300 units worldwide, the HV8 model boasts a 2,269bhp hybrid V8 powertrain. It's the most powerful production car on the planet.

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MORPRIME Industries™ latest collection is raising money for If U Care Share

Have you hugged your mate today? We've taken the 1992 Nike Air Huarache strapline, given it a thought-provoking MORPRIME Industries™ spin, and placed it upon a selection of patches, posters, and curios for your shopping pleasure...and it's all for a great cause.

Why? Because MORPRIME Industries™ is committed to supporting mental health charities, and we're encouraging you to be there for your mates – sometimes all it takes is a warm embrace to make a difference. We also want to raise as much as possible for If U Care Share. They're a non-profit organisation that's dedicated to saving lives, supporting communities, and preventing suicide. The support they provide to the vulnerable and the bereaved is invaluable, and we're giving 100% of the profits raised from our latest collection to help them continue to do what they do.

Those of you who have followed MORPRIME Industries™ for some time might remember a similar campaign we ran back in 2018. Our 'HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR MATE TODAY?' patches raised over £1000 for the If U Care Share Foundation five years ago; we aim to smash that sum out of the stratosphere this year.

For 2023, we've stuck to our winning formula – albeit with quality-improving tweaks and a few collectable additions. Those of you who didn't get your claws on a patch five years ago will be pleased to know that our 'HYHYMT?' patch is returning in its OG 'Scream Green' design alongside a famed Air Huarache 'Purple Punch' iteration – which are both cut from a higher quality cloth than our 2018 patch.

Our third patch continues the Air Huarache theme: taking the foot-hugger's iconic tongue emblem and sprinkling in a dash of MORPRIME flavour. It'd be a shame not to make the most of a design as genius as this, so we've also slapped it on a rubber keyring and enamel pin badge to satisfy your MORPRIME collectable appetite.

We've also spun up an A4 HYHYMT? 'Purple Punch' print, rounding off our charitable collection with a banger of a wall-hanger.

Head over to the MORPRIME STORE to get your hands on our collectable knickknacks and show your support for If U Care Share.

Or, transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: June '23

We've navigated the deepest reaches of the footwear realm for another month and compiled a list of June's most drool-worthy bounty. Swipe through our selection of the best footwear, fashion, and other fun things from the last month. 

Whatever Action Bronson touches it turns to gold. And now Bronsolino is back with another exceptional New Balance 990v6 collaboration dubbed the "Lapis Lazuli". Adorned in an array of blue hues, the silhouette takes its name from the intense-coloured deep-earth stone. A gem of a pair, Bronson said, "It's been unchiselled from the depths of the rock. And now it's here." They are nothing short of incredible.

If you know anything about footwear, then you know Peter Fogg continually cooks up some of the best releases, decade after decade. Luckily for us, Foggy's been busy in the Big Smoke. He's been busy using his ACG expertise to retrofit Athletic Footwear’s training prototype, tooling it up for wet weather adventures. We're itching for further details. 

Back across the pond, innovative Oregon-based brand R.A.D dropped a "Utility Pack", dressing the R.A.D® ONE training silhouette in muted "Sand Storm" and "Green Storm" colourways. 

Speaking of Oregon-based brands, Nike treated us to two top-quality pairs. There's the ACG Watercat+ "Phantom" – a woven, lightweight model designed for wear in and around water, just like its 2006 predecessor. And they've also gone and dressed the Air Huarache in the AM90's famed "Infrared" palette – a very well-executed crossover. 

Over in Canada, Montreal trail running specialists norda created the "world's most responsive trail running shoe for technical terrain". The 002's upper is made with bio-based Dyneema® – a high-performance, lightweight woven fabric that's also highly abrasion resistant. Worn on the trail or the road, they look good anywhere. 

Away from footwear, Manchester-based brand CLINTS ventured into homeware, creating a laser-etched wooden Mascot logo chair that draws inspiration from the classic Keith Haring Children's Chair. Sit correct. 

It’s time for a t-shirt. Gimme 5's Door Tee is a clean white piece stamped with an original 90s graphic by SKATE THING. A clean classic.

What else? Super7 paid homage to hip-hop villain MF DOOM's debut album with the debut 3.75" MF DOOM Operation Doomsday ReAction Figure – it’s the illest of products. 

Warhammer 40,000 fans will be pleased with the Leviathan box set. It's stuffed with miniatures, books, and more, ready to bring countless hours of fantastical fun. 

Bookworms might have noticed Sneaker Preservation Society dropped Provenance Recognized Volume 0 – a book chronicling sneakers from a collector's collection. 

Lastly, we've been loving the Arnold documentary on Netflix. The three-part series is a must-watch for any fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

We also missed some serious stunners from May's POTM. There's END. Clothing's KEEN Uneek "Kites"; TRÈS BIEN everywear's "Bordeaux" take on Diemme's Modiva Suede Hiker; and the Packer x adidas FYW Intimidation "Tech Ink" colour-ups – three top-tier collaborations that deserve your attention.

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

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Unveiling the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ": Another MORPRIME x Tommy Triggah x KangaROOS Collaboration

In the world of footwear collaborations, MORPRIME Industries™ and @tommy_triggah have once again been in cahoots, putting their devious heads together to pull off another INSIDE JOB. Following the success of our previous collaborations, it is now time to reveal our latest KangaROOS creation: the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ."

Crafted with precision and meticulous attention to detail, this limited-edition collab is set to captivate KangaROOS collectors and footwear enthusiasts alike. Let's delve into the world of this exclusive collaboration and explore the magic behind the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ."

Craftsmanship & collaboration.

Designed with the "sneakerhead" community in mind, the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ" is the result of a meticulous collaboration between MORPRIME Industries™, Tommy Triggah, and KangaROOS. This unique partnership brings together the expertise of footwear connoisseurs and the heritage of KangaROOOs's family-owned factory in Pirmasens, Germany. Every detail has been handcrafted using premium, locally-sourced materials, ensuring a product that meets the highest standards.

Intricate details & homages to icons.

Drawing inspiration from iconic shoes and colourways, the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ" pays homage to classic designs that have shaped sneaker culture. Notably, elements from the Air Max III 'Radiant Red' (1990), Nike Air Max 1 Pink Pack 'Flamingo' (2007), and ASICS x Slam Jam 'Fifth Dimension' (2010) have been expertly incorporated into the shoe's aesthetic.

The OMNI-RACER silhouette and Signature Features.

At the heart of the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ" lies the OMNI-RACER silhouette, a design created specifically for INSIDE JOB releases combining the ROOS RACER upper with the DYNACOIL tooling from the ROOS ULTIMATE. This fusion creates a distinctive look that sets the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ" apart from other sneakers. Additionally, the INSIDE JOB boasts a secret pocket concealed within the nubuck tongue, giving you a handy place to keep your wares away from prying eyes.

Embracing love and community.

Inspired by the rose quartz gem, known for its association with love and heart-opening properties, the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ" features delicate pink accents. While we can't guarantee that these sneakers possess love-promoting powers, they undoubtedly embody the love shared by the collaborators for their craft and the footwear community. Designed by collectors for collectors, this limited-edition release is a celebration of the passion and camaraderie that unite sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.

A symbolic partnership.

To signify the collaboration between MORPRIME Industries™ and Tommy Triggah, the mudguard proudly displays both logos. This symbol of unity and partnership further emphasizes the shared vision and dedication behind the creation of the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ."

The complete package.

The INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ" arrives in a custom shoe box inspired by a sci-fi photoshoot setting reminiscent of the world of Dune. This attention to detail ensures that the entire experience of owning these sneakers is truly immersive and memorable.

Heed this warning: the INSIDE JOB v1.5 "QUARTZ" is limited to 400 pairs worldwide. They will drop at select top-tier KangaROOS retailers on 30/06/2023. Be prepared.

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.






MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: May '23

Now that the MORPRIME Industries™ engine is firing on all cylinders again, it's only fair we treat you all to another monthly round-up of footwear, fashion, and funky things. We've seen some scorching heat in May, and we don't just mean the sun-soaked summer skies...

Flowers For Society Seed.One "Black Mud"

Flowers For Society's Seed.One "Black Mud" is one of our standout sneaker releases. The next step in the brand's 7 Gardens Series, the pair arrived in the "Garden of Innocence" drop and features dark shades across its entirety. FFS are renowned for linking the physical with the digital, and in typical fashion, you'll receive one NFT when you grab a pair from the 7 Gardens Series.

New Balance asked us to consider "What if New Balance was the first sneaker on the moon?" for its annual “Grey Day” celebration. If that was or ever is the case, it's a good chance the sneaker in question would be the Fresh Foam X More Trail V3 "Moon Daze" – a runner that wouldn't look out of place on SpaceX's next flight. Another standout 'Grey Day' pick is the highly-anticipated Made In USA 998 – a stunning silhouette meticulously crafted in timeless hits of grey, navy, and light cream.

We love a muted colour scheme and the latest size? exclusive Nike Cortez is a rich, chocolatey champion. Brown supple suede combines with black premium leather Swooshes, creating a palette so indulgent you'd want the silhouette served with a dollop of ice cream.

What else? @luisjumiguel teamed up with Spanish imprint @sneepcrew to paint the brand's Pro Thunder in a "1987 Cracked Blue" palette inspired by his first pair of Air Jordans, while Saucony paired with Brooklyn-based creative @jaetips for a mixed-media reimagining of the Grid Azura 2000. 

If you're into design and spend your time obsessing over typography and whatnot, then Heated Words: Searching for a Mysterious Typeface by Rory McCartney & Charlie Morgan (aka @sofarok) will be right up your street. However, if you're more into eliminating evil, battling beasts, and mastering abilities, you might have been lucky enough to dive into Diablo IV's Server Slam Beta. If you missed out like us, don't fret, it's available in stores now (here's to the 1000s of hours we're all going to sink into it).

While we're on the topic of video games, Link returned in the long-awaited sequel to 2017's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, and we've been busy exploring Hyrule's sprawling landscapes since. 

One for the Warhammer 40k fans – JoyToy has announced a new, 1/18 scale figure of the Avenging Son himself, Ultramarines Primarch Roboute Guilliman. The lord commander of the Imperium and the ruling Imperial Regent figure stands between 4" to 6" tall, features interchangeable hands and weapon accessories, and pays homage to one of the strongest warriors and most revered chapters in the Warhammer 40k universe. It's set to drop sometime towards the end of October, so get your pre-orders in now.

Air is our film of choice for the month. It's probably obvious a film about Nike kickstarting the Jordan line was going to be our pick, but what a cast and what a story it is. If you haven't watched it yet, grab an Amazon Prime subscription and watch the true tale of how Sonny Vaccaro and Nike swiped basketball rookie Michael Jordan's signature away from Adidas. The best decision the brand ever made? Most likely. 

Lastly, does anyone fancy a speedy new golf cart? Because the Mansory Garia Supersport Golf Cart is a beauty.

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

Are sneakers antiques? Morgan Weekes shares his trainer collection on Antiques Roadshow

You may have seen a familiar face on your screens if you were watching BBC One on March 12th 2023. If you didn't spot him on TV, you probably heard the buzz about our very own Morgan Weekes (aka @morprimus) dropping his expertise on Antiques Roadshow.

Are shoes the antiques of the future?

Sneakers being collectables is probably nothing new to followers of MORPRIME Industries™. But not everyone holds footwear in such high regard. So, when we were kindly invited down to Belmont House to chew the fat about footwear being antiques of the future, we couldn't pass on the chance to share our encyclopaedic knowledge with a less-familiar audience and showcase our passion to the nation.

With 15 years of collecting under his belt, there was no better person to go along than our main man himself: Morgan Weekes.

Collaborations, storytelling, and scarcity are just a few of the things that help determine a shoe's value and collectability. So, could sneakers be the antiques of the future?

Morgan explains, "What happens is people wear them (shoes), and it limits the supply pool... if you've got 100 shoes, about 50 pairs of those will be worn out in the wild... which brings down the market and size of supply which of course increases the value, so you end up with bidding wars and crazy estimations."

People always long for history, rarity, and beauty when buying antiques. It's not hard to envision a world where footwear falls under the antique category. Just give it time.

Which collectable shoes appeared on Antiques Roadshow?

With a hoard of over 850 pairs to pick from, Morgan took along some absolute heat. Swipe through a few of our antiques-in-waiting below, or head to BBC iPlayer, forward to the 49:06 mark, and watch our main man talk about his passion while the Antiques Roadshow episode is still available.

From Nike, he took along the iconic Christian Tresser-designed Air Max 97 OG (1997), the obscure Air Max Sunder (1999), and the highly sought-after Air Jordan 1 "Banned" (2016).

From Adidas, Morgan presented Sneakersnstuff's Arsenal-inspired adidas Originals SNS GT "London" (2020) and an OG pair of Adidas Equipment Support Guidance (1993). History time: the Equipment Support Guidance was designed by Peter Moore. Yeah, the same Peter Moore you probably know from Nike. Moore was the co-founder of Adidas' EQT line and was responsible for designing the Adidas Mountain logo. He certainly left his mark on Adidas still to this day.

Morgan also brought down our very own MORPRIME x Tommy Triggah x KangaROOS Inside Job 1.5 collaboration (2020), and lastly, he shared one of the oldest and rarest pairs in his collection: the ASICS x McLaren MA-II (1992). History time pt2: only 40-ish pairs of the MA-II were made for the McLaren pit crew. Finding a pair is incredibly rare, especially in such pristine condition. You may see one pop up on eBay from time to time, but they'll cost you a pretty penny for sure.

PS. ITV: give us a shout when you want us on Dickinson's Real Deal.

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adidas Originals x MRBAILEY® OZMORPHIS – an otherworldly wonder

If you've stumbled across this report and you're asking yourself: "Who is Mr. Bailey?", perhaps we should take a moment to get you acquainted with one of the UK's best contemporary designers before you dive in.

MRBAILEY® is the forward-thinking founder of CONCEPTKICKS®, an innovative platform dedicated to pushing the technological boundaries of footwear. He has a distinctive style with designs that bring a unique and eccentric aesthetic to the sneaker landscape. It is truly an honour to call him a friend of MORPRIME Industries™.

MRBAILEY® is no stranger to a deep sea-themed silhouette. The London-based designer's foray into the adidas Originals ocean began in 2020 with the creation of the Ammonite Superstar – an extinct, marine mollusc-inspired take on the brand's famed shell-toe shoe.

Another highly-exclusive collaboration washed ashore in 2022. The OZLUCENT was heavily influenced by the aurelia aurita, aka the moon jellyfish – a creature known for its distinctive biological clock. And in February 2023, he turned his attention to this liquid-like invertebrate once more and created the OZMORPHIS.

This stealthy, blacked-out pair goes hand in hand with the underwater topic of the previous two futuristic footwear obscurities. MRBAILEY® explored the relationship between humans and nature, manipulating his findings into an almost alien-like design inspired by adidas Originals' OZWORLD sneaker series.

MRBAILEY® took a biomimetic approach to the OZMORPHIS's design, looking at the moon jellyfish's younger ephyra period and turning it into something fresh and intriguing.

The otherworldly pair takes on a cocoon-like form. A supportive TPU shroud starts at the sole and rises to cover an insanely comfortable adiPRENE midsole, then surrounds a snug, neoprene sox-bootie upper. It's as though the moon jellyfish is absorbing the collaborative release – a spectacle that even the most serious marine biologist would appreciate. Circular grips at the toe mimic the lappets the aquatic creature uses to move around, completing the pair with one last underwater reference.

The OZMORPHIS is a unique and futuristic sneaker that showcases MRBAILEY®'s ingenuity and fascination with the deep sea in both a visually striking and comfortable manner. The CONCEPTKICKS® head honcho continues to push the boundaries of footwear design, and we can't wait to see what he comes up with next.


Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

MORPRIME Industries™ Picks of the Month: April '23

Well, well, well; would you look who's got the guts to show his face around these parts again. That's right, Picks of the Month is back in business, and we're making up for lost time. 

We've taken a yearlong hiatus, but just like R2D2  powering down while searching for Master Skywalker, our cultural radars have continued to scan the streets and kept a tally of the latest and greatest releases, ready to fire back up when the time is right. And that time is now.

There have been some big hitters over the past couple of months, and it doesn't get any bigger than Action Bronson's New Balance 990v6 "Baklava" collab. Bronsolino draped the pair's premium suede and mesh upper in eye-catching hits of olive green, fluorescent yellow, and silver. They're rounded off with a bright-blue midsole, purple laces, and Baklava branding – almost as bold as Bronson himself. 

Nike brought a smile across all our lab rats' faces with the release of the Zoom Vomero 5 Doernbecher – a striking sneaker designed by 11-year-old Jaren Heacock, a young patient from Doernbecher Children's Hospital. The pair nod to Jaren's Zodiac animal, the dragon. Flaming orange and yellow hits dress the runner's mesh, rubber, and velcro uppers with interchangeable patches for a customisable look. Serious heat.

What else has shaken up the footwear realm?

  • Pretty in pink: the PUMA x RHUIGI B-boy Suede sneakers served some classic court style. 

  • HAL Studios returned to ASICS' GEL-1130 sneaker for their second collaboration, marking the occasion with a "WELLNESS OASIS" pop-up event curated by sabukaru.

  • Reebok treated us to the third rendition of the Zig Kinetica.

  • The AJ3 touched the hardwood in a fresh "White Cement Reimagined" colourway. 

  • Oakley Factory Team joined up with Brain Dead for a rich "Jacquard Red" reimagining of their Chop Saw silhouette. 

  • And the latest iteration of the Mizuno Wave Rider 10 took on a utility-inspired approach, thanks to a collaboration with London-based label Maharishi. 

Moving away from footwear and onto some cultural must-haves, do we have any Warhammer 40,000 fans in the house? Because this is a big one.

The long-awaited return of the Lion El'Jonson, Primarch of the Dark Angels, is finally upon us. This release marks a significant moment in Warhammer 40,000 history, as the Lion returns to lead his Space Marine Legion after his mysterious disappearance following the Horus Heresy. It's a true miniature masterpiece, sculpted to perfection with intricate detailing on the armour, weapons, and wings. Oh boy, it's a beauty. 

One for the hip-hop heads: The Legacy of J Dilla documentary. Streaming State-side on FX and Hulu (UK viewers, we're sure you'll find a workaround), this documentary explores the life and legacy of the legendary producer and rapper, painting an intimate portrait of his creative process and industry impact.

In the clothes space, UNDERCOVER dropped another selection of Star Wars-inspired garments just in time for the big day (and by that, we mean May the 4th). Our stand-out pieces have got to be the Yoda-printed shirt and shorts; an out-of-this-world co-ord, it is. And Stussy paid homage to Brooklyn-based hip-hop duo Gang Starr with their latest drop, decorating their short-sleeved tee with a picture of MC Guru and DJ Premier. 

Car fans, if you happen to have a cool £2 million lying around, why not treat yourself to the record-breaking McMurtry Spéirling electric hypercar? Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.4 seconds and completing a quarter-mile in just 7.97 seconds, the lightning bolt of a vehicle comfortably knocked the previous record holder, the Rimac Nevera, off its perch by 0.5 and 0.6 seconds, respectively – serious speed.

There's a bit of a Star Wars theme within this POTM, so it's only fitting that our film pick is Return of the Jedi (40th Anniversary) Reissue. None of us at MORPRIME are old enough to have witnessed the third chapter in George Lucas' epic saga in the cinemas in '83, but you can rest assured we grabbed tickets quicker than Han Solo completed the Kessel Run. Seeing Boba, Vader, Yoda, and Chewie on the silver screen brings back so many childhood memories. So if you get the chance, please go and see it. 

And while we're on the topic, you can imagine how elated our lab rats were when three new live-action Star Wars films were announced at this year's Star Wars Celebration Event. Oh, and let's not forget that Ahsoka trailer – August can’t come quick enough.  

So whether you're a sneakerhead, a music lover, or a Star Wars fanatic, there's something for everyone in our Picks of the Month.

Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

Revisiting the Nike Air Zoom Drive

Sergio Lozano understandably receives the majority of his acclaim for the creation of the Air Max 95, but there's another model in his portfolio worthy of a lot more attention: the Nike Air Zoom Drive. 

This top-of-the-line, lightweight runner arrived as part of Nike's Alpha Project line, which debuted at the turn of the millennium with a mission to create cutting-edge footwear that enhanced athletes' performance. 

Before we discuss the Air Zoom Drive's intricacies any further, it's probably best to take a brief detour and explore the backstory of Nike's Alpha Project. On New Year's Day 1999, Nike launched the Alpha Project with a problem-solving ethos, collaborating with athletes to develop innovative footwear that would make them stronger and faster and improve their all-round performance. 

Each silhouette released under Nike's Alpha Project banner contained five famous dots within its design – a hallmark certifying the model as one of the brand's best offerings and symbolising one of the five steps in the product development process: Enquire, Research, Create, Test, and Compete. 

The groundwork for the Alpha Project can be traced back to 1996 when a focus group requested footwear that offered the comfort of slippers. Designer Tobie Hatfield developed a prototype that he'd later dub the "V-Notch": a deep, fit-improving carving at the ankle. The V-Notch ankle feature debuted on 1998's Nike Air Gauntlet – the next step in the evolution towards the Air Zoom Drive in '99 and, ultimately, the Air Presto in 2000 (we'll save the extensive Presto story for a later date). 

When it came to the Air Zoom Drive's lightweight, responsive design, the Air Gauntlet's deep-lying V-Notch was exchanged for a more conventional collar and a ventilated arch bridge was added for increased support and breathability. However, like the Air Gauntlet, it still featured an almost seamless interior and a dynamic "Power Mesh" fabric for added stretch and comfort. 

Below, the Air Zoom Drive's Phylon midsole housed Nike's relatively new Zoom Air cushioning to improve heel-toe transition when running. A lattice-webbed, BRS 1000 carbon rubber outsole enhanced wet road traction, flexibility, and improved stability on push-off. The underside also featured an intriguing, water-droplet-shaped window displaying the Zoom Air cushioning and the Alpha Project's signature five dots. 

The Nike Air Zoom Drive is a hidden gem in Sergio Lozano's design portfolio and the Alpha Project lineup. Its innovative features and sleek design make it a head-turning running shoe that deserves more recognition.


Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.

A look back at Peter Fogg's Nike Air Minot

Designed by veteran ACG designer Peter Fogg – the same brain who brought us the famed Nike Air Terra lineage, amongst many other celebrated pairs – the Nike Air Minot (pronounced my-not, for those interested) first took to the trails in 1997 and lifted its name from the city of Minot, North Dakota.

Nike Air Minot 1997 - Morprime Industries

Often mistaken for being a member of the ACG clan, Nike's outdoor-ready Air Minot arrived as part of Nike's Trail Running lineup. In true Fogg fashion, it featured a bold, energetic design that epitomised its era and still hits hard today.

Technical in its aesthetic and components, the mid-rising model featured free-flowing overlays and drew inspiration from several sources, including road warning signs, which are apparent on the hazard-like heel stripes. Hits of 3M also popped up across the top to guarantee visibility on those late-night runs – they were a formidable bit of kit.

Although the runner wasn't a part of Nike's ACG sub-division, the Air Minot could have easily slipped into it; their waterproof design kept runners' feet bone-dry even on the wettest trails. They featured an inner Gore-Tex membrane, a water-repellent textile mesh upper, and a faux leather inner bootie. This combination excelled in keeping the elements out, but gave the pair a tight-fitting finish in the process.

The Air Minot was ideal for anyone hitting the trails in severe winter weather. A low-density 'Phylon' midsole ensured excellent cushioning even when the temperatures dipped below 40°F (4°C) and housed an Air unit in the heel and a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for tried and tested comfort. Snow and ice weren't a concern; a heavy-lugged, dual compound outsole provided stellar traction on troublesome terrain.

Gary Payton wearing the Nike Air Minot in 1998 - credit Getty images

Gary Payton wearing the Nike Air Minot 1988 - Credit Getty Images

Like many of Nike's trail runners, the Air Minot transcended the rough and rugged terrain it was built for and found itself lauded on the streets and on the feet of celebrities. Take a look at Gary 'The Glove' Payton donning a pair in '98; get-ups don't get much fresher than that.


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