But there are a handful of sneaker heads around the world that are gladly willing to pay the price just to lay hands on a pair of custom Nike “All Black Everything” Air Force Ones for a good cause.

Nike and Jay-Z, in conjunction with the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, teamed up to help host the World Basketball Festival in New York City. Two pairs of custom shoes, each from five different countries around the world, were made to celebrate some of the premiere teams participating in the festival including France, Brazil and the United States.

Each winning bidder is guaranteed a pair of the shoes that they’ve won (in their size), a letter of authenticity and custom box to store their kicks in.

They look slick. I’m definitely a fan of the “Puerto Rico” pair, but the USA Ones are winning the “bidding battle” right now with a staggering $3,050 with more than four days of bidding left. If you have the disposable income to stake your claim I suggest you do it soon, because the 30 or so people who’ve placed their bids seem very serious about these particular items.

Anybody with decent access to the Internet has probably received an e-newsletter or Twitter/Facebook post announcing the new line of high-top designer shoes. Granted, I was a little skeptical of the finished product, mostly due to the fact that people can barely put their finger on BEP’s “It Factor” let alone what each individual brings to the group dynamic.

The Jump TD3 "Delegate" Shoe

Taboo surprised me, to say the very least.

The line is very futuristic; somewhere between TRON and a Lady Gaga video,  if you will. A higher-end collection, the “DeltahTM 3008″ line available right now at Foot Action under the “Jump TD3″ label.

Hailed as the flagship shoe for the Jordan Brand of sneakers, the Spizike was received with mix reviews. While devoted Spike Lee/Michael Jordan devotees reveled in the sheer nostalgia that took them back to some of the first Lee/Jordan commercials, younger sneakerheads were not very impressed with the iconic red/black/grey colorways of the first release.

Selling for a mere $175, the Jordan Infrared  Spizikes are a welcomed addition to anyone who connects with MJ and his iconoclasm…well…before he decided to make “Space Jam”.

A lovely model lip locking with a pair of Jump Vanquishes.

For that, I apologize…

But enough with the niceties, let’s talk about this gem of a retailer. JUMP Shoes started in 1975 and has since reached an audience encompassing well over 30 countries around the world. Prospering throughout much of the 80s, JUMP switched hands enough until it finally fell into the right combination that has since seen itself on the shelves of everywhere from Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.

A FRESH pair of "Taboo" (Black Eyed Peas) high tops.

I endorse these guys even now, not because they’ve been sported by the likes of Kanye West, Jason Derulo and The Black Eyed Peas, but more so because they’ve never ceased to amaze me with what  they come out with next.

Taboo with a sales associate promoting the collabo.

Bask in its presence. You won’t be disappointed.

Radii does not fail to disappoint with the introduction of their limited edition, kelly green 420 high tops to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Kelly Green 420 Tops from Radii Footwear

I suggest you pick up a pair from your nearest dealer. You shan’t be disappointed, feel me?

The Nike “112 Pack” collection Named after the beginning of all the Brooklyn zip codes has a late addition inspired by DJ Clark Kent. The DJ Clark Kent X Airforce 25 low features a reflective upper and elephant print at the heel with a black mid-sole, neon out-sole and neon shoe laces. These are supposedly exclusive to asia but if your itchin for a pair you can pick them up at Kix-Files.com for a reasonable buck fifty.

From the jungles of Argentina to the streets of the United States TOMS shoes is blowing it up. Check out designer Gabe Lecktmans latest creation the Neon Aqua fade.

The Neon Aqua fade: Inspired by luminous neon colors. Using his superb aerosol skills, Gabe Lacktman lays down some jive style with the Neon Aqua Fade TOMS.

Available at tomsshoes.com