Web site of the week: Sole Collector

For some, collecting sneakers is more than a pastime - it's a passion. Kicks connoissieurs will search high and low for unique colorways and know the difference between an IPS and a TPU. To get immersed in the world of sneaker culture, visit Sole Collector magazine online (http://solecollector.com/).

Featuring lush photography, it's clear the people behind Sole Collector take shoes seriously. The site's "kicksology" section takes a lengthy, in-depth reviews of basketball sneakers, rating everything from cushioning and ankle support to traction. Sole Collector also features interviews with athletes, such as skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, and shoe designers, like Nike's Tinker Hatfield (known for his work on the Air Jordan line of basketball shoes).

The site also features an active online forum community so you can network with other sneakerheads. In addition, you can come up with your own colorways to classic Air Jordans and Nike Air Force 1's with the site's Sole Designer application.

One drawback to Sole Collector is that it is heavy on Nike news. Also, there's no online archive to past stories, which limits the site's depth of coverage.

Overall, however, Sole Collector is nice gateway to the world of sneaker culture.

Eric Goodwin writes for McClatchy-Tribune News Service. You can send e-mail to egoodwin@mctinfoservices.com.