BEST OF 2017: PICKUPS

Many get confused when I say 'best pickups', so just to clear things up...I'm referring to older pairs that were not released recently that are getting more scarce by the day to find. Though I picked up quite a few from my hit-list, these are the ones that stood out the most and are what I'm wanting to share with you. Enjoy

990PS: My love for the 99X series is a love/hate relationship. I love the models, but hate hunting down the older pairs that catch my eye more frequently. Thankfully I have a friend who I met through this hobby of collecting NB footwear and his name is Kainoa. Kainoa is responsible for the reason why I have 3 of 6 of my total 990's (DKGN, BO, and PS) I can't thank him enough for the time he gave me first dibs on this 990PS. I'll forever remember his generosity. Thanks brotha. 

850JSF: The one known as 'Skippy' for its kangaroo leather. In 2009, Sneaker Freaker Magazine dropped this gem that slipped through the cracks for me in recent times. Luckily being in TeamNB led me to member Angel, who had these collecting dust for some time. He gave me the option to take them off of his hands at a decent price so I jumped all over the opportunity. This pickup was my first of 2017. 

998GB: One of the very few I was seeking to closeout my 998 list. At the the time I found these I still had the GR, GL, and GG in my crosshairs. I found these beauties in DS condition for a great price and shortly after the GR's for a similar price. I love the light grey rich sued with a hint of burgundy. It could be one of my top 5 favorite 998's to date. GL/GG I'm coming for you!

575JPG: Coming from a strong Nike SB background I've come to appreciate Jeff Staple and what he has done with the Staple Pigeon brand. Like most SB collectors in the early 00's...I wasn't able to get my hands on the easily-identified Pigeon SB Low. Now being an ambassador of NB I knew eventually I'd have to get my hands on the 575's that Jeff spilled his creative juices on, but at what cost? Luckily 2 teammates of TeamNB (Brent and Anibal) had these 10.5's collecting dust, and passed them to me at a killer prices. 

990HSN: Metallic Purple OG Jordan 1, Homegrown Air Max 90, FLOM Nike Dunk High, or maybe the Paris Dunk Low SB...these could all very well be on many 'grail' lists out there. These 990HSN's have been at the top of my hit list for some years now. If you would've told me that they'd be hiding in my own backyard amongst TeamNB (Nicolas) I wouldn't have believed you. It is still hard to believe the price I got these beauties for and best believe they will not collect dust in the box. These have and will continue to get frequent wears! Thanks again brotha for the deal of the year!