Founded in August 2002 by San Francisco based Keith Hufnagel – HUF was originally a skate shop specialising in the rarer items. Since then Hufnagel has opened a new store a year, and 8 years on has crafted his own branded footwear. The HUF collection is by no means exclusively hitop, and already with a collaborative project with the Converse Skidgrip Hi (HUF X 1HUND(RED)) (see image). Whilst the brand grows pairs will become more readily available, HitopHeaven will give updates of availability when possible.

The HUF collection includes the Hupper Hi Star – a canvas skate model with a leather panelling and a tonal leather brand badge sewn onto the side. Also woven brand tab sewn onto the tongue and further branding on the heel. The Converse collaboration with the AIDS charity RED was designed by Keith Hufnagel and Hanni El Khatib, who stated: “We wanted to reference the skate and surf vibe of the 1980s and the Skidgrip was a great, authentic foundation.” Available from 3rd October with money to charity from each purchase.

Star Wars Vs Adidas Round 2

With the huge success and popularity of the Star Wars Vs Adidas range from nearly a year ago – Adidas has announced a Round 2 of model styles, with new themes and imagery. Adidas will have given their designers more freedom with this Star Wars Round 2 campaign, with great news for hitoppers that the Jabba the Hut themed hitops are a real gem in the pack. The entire range will be available at all good Adidas retailers worldwide – consider reserving a pair as this range will get snapped up by sneaker freakers and Star Wars nuts alike!

Y-3 Neo Tech

Available now direct from the Y-3 website are these Neo Tech hitops, a model inspired by both 90′s Basketball footgear of the past and futuristic materials that in some cases we’ve only seen in concept/prototype designs. At $370 a pair you would be joining a small fraternity of wearers, these hitops look great in the flesh in large and small sizes – and have familiar characteristics in acute areas like the toes and the soles reminiscent of Adidas Originals and Adicolor models since the millenium. These thankfully are unisex so available (currently) in sizes 5.5 – 12.5 US, and we hope for more of the same from Y-3!

Y-3 Neo Tech

Nike Shaman

The Nike Shamon is the dark-lord guardian to Nike’s major competitors in this year’s World Cup in South Africa. More info to come!

Fresh on the Nike basketball scene are these Stewie Griffin Pack Zoom’s, Stewie Griffin being James LeBron’s favourite character from Family Guy. Otherwise known as the ‘Stewie Six’s', probably wont be available in smaller boutique outlets, let alone mainstream stores – so if you’re in the know, do what you can to get your feet on these!