Whole Foods Kailua Ready for Lane
Preparations for the oncoming Hurricane Lane continue, but it looks like Whole Foods in Kailua is ready. Boarded up windows and sandbags are in place, and they’re still open for the time being.
My Nike Wishlist Haul
Well, my chance at getting my Nike Wishlist came true. But first, I gotta say thanks to the No Ka Oi connection for a dream come true. I thought visiting the Nike Company Store in Beaverton, Oregon was a long shot, but the Nike gods were with me.
Let’s rewind to a Thursday morning in July when I was in line at the Company Store before its opening at 10am. It was game time, and I knew my first target was the “back wall” of shoe odds and ends. You just never know what you’ll find (and find I did).
But what was I looking for? Read up on my Wishlist series with version 4 looking like this:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
- React Element 87 ($160)
What I ended up with, looked like this.
If you recall my original list, I had the LeBron 15 but then changed to the LeBron 15 Low in Update 1. But as fate would have it, the colorway I randomly used in my original Wishlist is the exact colorway I found on the back wall in my size! Yeah, I did say the LeBrons didn’t fit my feet well so I did try them on again in the Company Store and even wandered the aisles finding other shoes to try on while wearing the BattleKnit LeBrons. And that’s when I changed my mind. The overall feet of the LeBron 15 was top-notch. The support, the feel of the materials, the colors. I couldn’t put these back to the back wall.
Then there’s those crazy Perry the Platypus colored Air Max 98. Truth be told I coveted these shoes when they released on Nike’s SNKRS app. Truth be told I passed on them and regretted it. Truth be told I have a watch on GOAT for these shoes going for around $180. Truth be told I was amazed to see a few of these on the back wall. Truth be told they’re a little big at size 10.5, but truth be told, I wasn’t putting these back. So that’s two from the back wall.
So what about my Wishlist? I did try on the VaporMax 97, and they were okay. Plenty were in stock in different colorways, and I even tried on a variety of VaporMax models. The Utility model wasn’t bad but overall, none of them were keepers.
The same goes for the Air Max 270. So many colorways. Some nice ones on the back wall as well, but none stood out. I tested out the Air Force 270 line for a change on the 270 bubble, but none of them resonated with me.
The Odyssey and Epic Reacts were really the most disappointing for me. I was fully commited to buying one of these React models to run in. But they just didn’t feel right. Super snug, going up half a size made the fit better. But the arches on both models felt problematic, and I really didn’t want to buy running shoes that would either be non-supportive or chafe too much.
Kobe 1 Protros had lots in stock. I even found a few Lakers gold and purple colorways on the back wall, but these shoes are super stiff. I didn’t like them as soon as I put them on.
The React Element 87 that released that week was a long shot to find, and I was correct in that assumption. But the React Vapor Street Flyknit was there, and they felt great. Surprisingly great. I was super close to buying a pair.
But right next to these were the brand new EXP-X14 that released the week prior. The colorways were neutral with either white/wolf grey or mountain blue, but of course, I had to try the on since they were right there. I’m glad I did. Super comfortable and an overall different feel and vibe to this shoe. I put back the Vapor Street in favor of a white pair of EXP-X14 which was also my substitute for missing out on the Element 87. While looking for my size, another shopper asks if I wanted the X14 in the Just Do It colorway. I don’t know where he found this special colorway since I didn’t see any others. And can you believe they were in my size too?!? Was meant to be…
While I tried on many more models and also helped family members pick out kicks (Epic React and Pegasus were popular), in the end, my Nike Wishlist was this:
- LeBron 15 Black/Sail/Bright Crimson
- EXP-X14 JDI
- Air Max 98 QS Cone/Tour Yellow-Hyper Grape
Summertime Sadness
Yes, this is a song from Lana Del Rey that I just heard, but really this song title reminded me that my loose clothes are now snug after all that eating in Oregon and Seattle.
Nike Wishlist Update 4
From my (hopefully discounted) Nike Wishlist, I have to sadly remove the LeBrons. Although now a Laker, the King has his same feet that aren’t like mine. Therefore, the LeBron signature shoes just don’t fit me well. Getting into the hightop version was tough, but my eye was on the low top version.
To get some early recon, I tried on a pair of LeBron 15 Lows. My usual size was too tight so I sized up. While this helped the overall fit of the Battleknit upper, the arch of any LeBrons has been and continues to be a problem for me. Just not enough support for my flat feet, and I can feel my arches collapsing when taking a step. This won’t be good if using these for performance purposes.
So the list of seven needs some changes:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)- React Element 87 ($160)
Air Force I “JDI” ($130)
I’m also striking the AF1 JDI – just don’t need it. Although I didn’t try on the Air Max 97 VaporMax version, they do have a hardened foot bridge-like structure at the midfoot. That typically feels good for my feet. But I’m also worrying about the support of the React models. The simplicity of the minimal Element 87 concerns me. From the images, the shoe base looks wide, offering midfoot support.
Oh look… Protros (terrible name but loving the older look infused with new tech).
If these are miraculously available then of course, I’d need to consider them. So revision 4 of my Nike Wishlist looks like:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
- React Element 87 ($160)
Remembering Pizza Hut Pearl City
If memory serves me, this building was once a Pizza Hut in Pearl City off of Kamehameha Highway.
KAWS x Sesame Street x UNIQLO @ Ala Moana
Did you cop your KAWS collaboration with Sesame Street and UNIQLO? If not, I highly suggest you do so soon. Launched Thursday night online, physical stores started selling these graphic tees on Friday, including the Pop-Up location at Ala Moana.
While stock remained strong, there definitely was a steady stream of customers, all exiting with their neatly taped up UNIQLO bag. I didn’t get a picture of the people, but at times, the check out line almost reached the store entrance. The entire store had been rearranged with all the KAWS items at the back of the store to funnel people in.
From another fan, supposedly the Count shirt is popular and is sold out online. There were some at the store but less than all the other designs. Also, I had a hard time finding XL sizes. Not sure if they just weren’t put on the shelves or what. The stacks of folded shirts were small, medium, or large with a couple of XL mixed in.
I don’t know if this collaboration series is limited but judging by the traffic and popularity on day one, these shirts are not going to last long.
Nike Wishlist Update 3
This wishlist update is a fast turnaround. Since I removed shoes from the list in Update 2, of course, I need to fill those positions with other desires. Currently, the wishlist stands at:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
The first addition is the upcoming Nike React Element 87. Funky name, funky look – distinctive. But being new, I doubt these will yet be available at a discounted price.
My next addition is a whim. Taking it back to the old school, I think I’ve owned one pair of classic Air Force I, and this JDI “Just Do It” pack looks intriguing. Not sure if I can handle all that orange though.
So just to keep the wishlist at seven (just a random number), here’s how it now looks:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
- React Element 87 ($160)
- Air Force I “JDI” ($130)
When it comes to decision time (aka time to pay), I’d say I’d go with the LeBron (for badminton and to honor his past season) and the Odyssey React (since I want to try Nike’s new running foam). A third pair would have to be something deliciously good.
Nike Wishlist Update 2
It’s time for another Nike Wishlist update. Update 1 ended looking like this:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low ($150)
- Air Jordan 1 ($145)
- ACG Dog Mountain ($110)
Thanks to Nordstrom’s redemption, I can strike out #6, the Air Jordan I. But however, I always reserve the right to reverse my choice if a super fresh or rare colorway is lucked upon.
Looking at #7, the ACG Dog Mountain, I think I’ll also strike this outdoors-theme shoe from the list. Why? Because I found the Nike Air Zoom Albis 16 at Ross. While I would have loved that Concord purple colorway, the black and wolf grey makeup is just fine with me.
At #5, a refinement if available. This Flight Pack colorway of the LeBron 15 Low is too good featuring the Teal Tint and Sunset Pulse, but it’s not yet released.
So I’ll end Update 2 of my wishlist like this:
- Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
- LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
Air Jordan 1 ($145)ACG Dog Mountain ($110)
A Day of Working to Work
Sadly, today was a day of working in order to get work done. Instead of doing productive work, I had to do work that would eventually enable productive work. I completed a few mandatory online training sessions, and I filled out several justifications why I needed “non-standard” apps.
Why do I need Pixelmator instead of Photoshop? Well, to edit pictures, Pixelmator is good enough and the price is much more affordable. Why do I need SharePoint Designer? Well, at work we have this thing called SharePoint and sometimes, we need to design lists, workflows, and more for SharePoint. The best way to design these customizations is with this application called SharePoint Designer.
To make matters worse, I’m not convinced that anyone really looks at these forms and the information contained with them. Some of my justifications are sprinkled with creative reasons, yet I haven’t gotten any rejections or clarifications requested. It almost feels like the effort of filling out the form is sufficient justification that you need the app. Otherwise why would you bother? Of course, I’m sure that’s not how it works, right?
Overall, this day brought back a memory from years back when I was the admin for Windows NT workstations. When doing troublecalls and fixes, the users would inevitably ask what kind of computer I had at home since I knew how to fix Windows computers. I told them that I had a Mac and explained that I would rather get work done on my computer rather than work on my computer in order to get work done.
Anyways, enought complaining. Whatever.
Sony a7III in High Demand
Wow, you simply cannot find the new Sony a7III in stock. Major sellers are projecting availability at the end of June at the earliest.
Stopped by UNIQLO Ala Moana
So I finally got to visit the new UNIQLO Pop-Up store in Ala Moana, and as expected, it was crowded. For the most part, inventory was good except for this Doraemon shirt that was only available in medium. For a temporary space, this location is big-ish, but it is small for a UNIQLO.
To keep shopping easy, this store focuses on shirts, mainly the collaboration series. Missing from the store are the dressier clothing items, socks, underwear, and activewear. There are sections for men, women, and kids. Just think of this store as introducing Hawaii to the UNIQLO brand via its shirts.
I liked the ramen series along with the Jump 50th shirts. But I’m holding out for the upcoming KAWS x Sesame Street collaboration. Available only in select stores, I’m hoping they find their way to the 808. I had asked one of the store employees about this and while he knew the series was coming out shortly, he couldn’t definitely say if they would be available in the pop-up. I guess I just need to stop by to find out. I think this KAWS Cookie Monster would go well with my blue Air Jordan 1.
Here are a fe more pics from the UNIQLO Pop-Up at Ala Moana.
