Converse’s Chuck Taylor kicks that is. This year Converse has been celebrating its 100th year anniversary and this fall debuted a collection that celebrates its influence and contribution to pop culture. As part of that celebration, it is paying homage to the musicians that have influenced and disrupted the status quo. Of course many come to mind, but the ones that stand out the most are the ground breaking artists The Grateful Dead and Kurt Cobain. Yes, I know, it does seem like a huge sell out that an iconic band like The Grateful Dead is doing something as commercial as a signature limited edition sneaker. Thankfully though The Dead was very much involved with this design process according to Converse. What does that mean? Jack’s that have the signature of The Dead — skulls, roses, skeletons, and the psychedelic dancing Gerry bear. The trainers will sell for $49.99 and be available where Converse kicks are sold. So, Deadheads rejoice. Um, okay, maybe not.

On the seventh day of Christmas, I hope my love gives to me... (okay sing it with us) seven wonderful pieces from Ed Hardy. On the eighth day of Christmas...

Ah, the musical, lyrical, edgy cool Mr. Phil. Stylish Brand Designer by day, musician, father and husband by night. Phil rocks the sweater vibe, brings an understated cool to the sweater vest, works multiple faux hawk dos, styles hot kicks, and works vintage levi denim like no one else. But perhaps what is most wonderful about Mr. Phil is not just his style sense, but his humility and humanity. Thank you Phil, we are loving your style.

Reebok, the purveyor of fresh kicks, funky clothes and ultra cool workout clubs, opened its first pop-up concept shop, called Flash, at 169 Bowery. The pop-up, like most concept shops, will exist in its current space for one month only, but will feature new, limited-edition clothes and kicks that changes from week to week. So just in case it is too early for math, that is four different kicks and multiple items of clothing to collect before your buds might. Got it? Hopefully, they will also include their cool Monopoly board kicks, even though they are not new or never seen. After all, shouldn’t cool trump just plain old new?

There is a fast building trend in the air and it is catching on like a true fashion fire. The last few weeks have been abuzz with news of recklessly edgy sneaker companies pairing with equally edgy, funky store outposts around the country to carry their lines exclusively, as well as big game companies like Nine West collaborating with innovator New Balance, to refine their fashion-comfort offerings.

Bling king sneaker maker Supra, will have their Skytops, a favorite of Jay-Z and worn in Rihanna’s Umbrella video, carried at Oak, the new impossibly hip store in New York City. Nike, in honor of the Beijing Olympics, will premier their limited-edition metallic Nike Air Max 1 and Nike LunaRacer at Opening Ceremony, another über boutique in NYC and LA, by an initial invitation only event on August 8, with all remaining pairs being made availabe to the public at a later date. Nine West decided to get comfy and put an extra spring in your pump enhanced step with their latest design collaboration with New Balance. Women will have to cross their toes and dream of fashionably shod sugar plum fairies dancing around in their heads in anticipation of the new Nine West styles that will surely include exquisite ballerina flats, kitten heels and fabulous pumps that premier for Spring 2009.

Italian manufacturer Superga — the maker of uber cool kicks — has designed a limited-edition pair of kicks that will give you a little piece of your native or adopted country, even if you won’t be visiting them any time soon. They have designed triple-tone sneakers in the colors of the flags of Italy, France, South Africa, Spain, England and the USA. So if you are feeling very patriotic, whether it be due to the upcoming elections here in the States, the Euro Cup for Spain, Anglomania for England, etc... these are the perfect accessory to show your country pride. The sneakers will be sold in the coming weeks on the company’s website, superga-usa.com. National anthem ringtone optional!

Summer fashion should be comfortable and casual, which is why sneakers are ideal for guys. So, tell us fellas, which sneaker would you choose to wear out and about from the beach to the bar and why? The Cesare Paciotti Euro-inspired sneaker or the Marc Jacobs sportier pair?