I have to give the biggest shout-out to our friends over at Blends!!!  I can’t believe they’re finally here!  When sample pics first popped up online of the black Old Skool with the familiar bones jazz stripe, we instantly knew who was behind this creation, and started beasting over them.  It was only about a year ago that Blends released their 10th anniversary Sk8-Hi Reissue Zip LX “Bones”, and with that epic shoe, and instant cult status, a legacy was born.  Now, we’re only two shoes deep into this legacy, but this awesome design is all theirs.  Nobody did it before them, and quite honestly, who would dare replicate it?  We’d shame them in an instant!  The apparent motorcycle culture inspiration is awesome and makes for some great design aspects.  Simple black colorways, with white accents, and white soles are all that you need when you have premium leather, a side zipper reminiscent of a leather motorcycle jacket, and a bad-ass bone on the side of your shoe!  And let me go back to the leather on these once more.  If I’m not mistaken, Blends utilized a higher grade of leather on these Old Skool Zip LX’s, than they did on the Sk8-Hi Reissue Zip LX from last year.  It just feels softer, more supple, and the grain looks to be of higher grade.  Take a peek at my detailed shots for a better look.  Unlike the 100 pair production of last year’s release, this year there are about triple that, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to stroll into your local Blends location mid-afternoon and be able to pick these up.  If I were you, I’d be dusting off your camping chairs, and deciding on which location you want to line up at, as these are on everyone’s radar this time, and there shouldn’t be any rain in the forecast like last year, to keep some folks at home.  Bottom line…don’t underestimate these if you want them.  I’ll be seeing some of you in line on Saturday morning, if you plan to go to the Costa Mesa location.  There will also be pairs allocated for Blends online shop, so stay tuned to their newsletter, twitter, Instagram, etc. for drop info and pricing.

Drops:  Saturday 5.31.14

In-store: 11:30 AM PST

Online:  10 AM PST / 1PM EST

tons more DETAILED pics after the jump Read More