Ricky Powell is commonly known as the Fourth Beastie Boy and Def Jam’s unofficial chronicler. A New York native photographer, it seems logical that he has teamed up with PONY for a limited edition range of dunks that dropped in Berlin last week. I’m no die hard sneaker freak, but these are extremely fresh.

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We all love a new pair of kicks but when they’re ethically produced and the proceeds go to a well deserving charity, not only do your feet get a present but your conscience does as well. Brothers Matt and Rupert Noffs are the grandchildren of the much loved and respected Rev Ted Noffs, who started the Wayside Chapel in Sydney’s Kings Cross in 1964: an open door drop in centre for down and outs who needed a friendly shoulder to lean on.

Fast forward 43 years and The Noffs started The Street University, a retreat for marginalised kids in Western Sydney. Two years later, the brothers set out to start an ethical shoe company whose profits would sustain it: GIDEON was born.

If you’re looking for delicious, buttery and supple, Australian hand made and customised leather goodness that are guaranteed to make your feet swoon then look no further than GIDEON. Take your pick from those designed by creative directors Damon Downey (ex
Sneaky Sounds) and Rupert Noffs, or customise your own from classic leather and Kangaroo to fluro cane toad detailing.

The GIDEON Gould Street, Bondi store opened its doors last week and next stop is NYC later this year, with the help and guidance of PR guru, Kelly Cutrone.

Ageing skateboarders take note! As a skateboarder for over 25 years, I’ve seen Vans go in and out of fashion more times than not. The new Vans Pro series is particularly sweet for anyone who’s had years of heal bruises and bashed up feet from skating.

In Classic styles like the Era, Chukka and Half Cab, this new take features a really nice cushion sole, PU Sockliner, Duracap toe bumper reinforcement and soft terry cloth lining. Great for old, damaged feet and they last a really long time compared to the originals. I bought three pairs. Go figure. My favorites are the Jeff Grosso Era Pro Classics. I guess I can relate to heavyset 80s skateboarders.

Jordans, Jordans, Jordans. Do you know how many pairs of Jordans there are? I do, son! Flight Club has the illest selection of current, past and special edition sneakers. So whether you need a pair of 11’s — I always liked the 13’s and 3’s more, personally — or a fitted hat to go with your one-of-a-kind color scheme, go to Flight Club. Smell the sneakers. Fresh. Then tell the manager that Max Burgundy sent you, and if it’s slow, MAYBE he’ll show you something you’ve never seen before. No homogeny. Ya dig.

It’s time to shake up the art world. What’s that? We said, Shake Up The Art World. And there’s no better way to do that than by colouring-in a sneaker, and pocketing a first prize of AU$50,001 in the process. Yessir, this is the World’s Richest Colouring Competition. And entry is simple: just choose from one of eight sneaker templates — including kicks by Nike, adidas, Puma and Converse — and get customising. The dosh and the glory could all be yours. Respect.

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I don’t know if it’s nostalgia or what, but when the greatest rock band of all time, The Beatles, put out a product, I’m an instant fan. It looks like high-end brand Comme Des Garcon got in on the Beatle game too.

With a mash-up collection, the white Spring Court cotton kick comes adorned with The Beatles logo and their signature record label green apple. The shoes are available on Cliff’s Edge, so pick up a pair for your next walk down Abbey Road.

Feiyue shoes have arrived in Australia and I can’t wait to get a pair of these treads on my hoofs. They look like they could be the new Onitsuka Tigers, but with more edge and personality. The story goes that these shoes were big in China in the 1920s, before a brand revival in 2006 got them some traction in Europe. You can join the chat over at their Facebook page or check them out in person via their Australian stockists, Tuchuzy (Sydney), Nique (Melbourne) and Brave New World (Perth).

I stumbled upon these trainers at Classic Kicks in Elizabeth St, New York. Stampd LA was started by Chris Stamp as a creative avenue customising trainers by hand painting pop culture graphics. He soon began collaborating with N.E.R.D and DJ Steve Aoki, making them one of a kind collectible trainers.

With so many pairs of kicks on the market, we thought we’d cut through the noise and throw up (in the nicest possible way) a few of our favorite pairs to cut a swathe through the inner-city streets in, starting with these Puma sneakers, which would be kinda fun to celebrate the Chinese New Year in. Right?

A technicolour dream
You know all those colors you should never put together? Here they are, and the result isn’t gray!

The Zebra Sneakers
If you put a zebra in the wash with your red underwear what would you get? These amazing sneakers featuring stripes with a touch of pink. If I was in a really cool band, I might even wear these.

Converse goes rustic
Designed by John Varvatos shoes, and inspired by the Bosey boot from Converse’s archives, here’s a sneaker that’s actually wearable.

The Rudolf Dassler collection
Rudolf Dassler is the guy who invented Puma. I didn’t know that. This collection is based on his original designs, and looks to be a nice meshing of past and present styles.

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Common Projects is in the business of making damn cool kicks, and the latest collection from designers Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami could very well tip you into the obsession category. Their current season will have you harnessing safari styles and perforated leathers, without looking like a fashion victim. What these guys do best is subtly incorporate the latest trends into their designs, while maintaining the brand’s signature understated silhouette.

Do you want to be transported back to your childhood dreams? Check out Nike’s latest Dunk Hi for grrrrr girls. Pink, red, green, yellow, blue, white and, wait for it, a golden metallic orange. Oooohhhh. Be your own Rainbow Bright on a mission to save Rainbow Land. Just in time for the London sun, too.