LeBron James has been an icon since high school. The basketball star could be the greatest to ever play the game. Nike and LeBron James have had a legendary partnership since James was a teenager. LeBron signed a huge deal with Nike, a deal that was record breaking at the time, before he ever played a single game in the NBA. The deal has paid off for Nike and LeBron, both have elevated their profiles as a unit. The Nike and LeBron collaboration has resulted in some of the most famous sneakers of all time. Below is a guide of the first 21 shoes released from Nike & LeBron.
The Nike Air Zoom Generation
The first shoe released in the partnership was the iconic Nike Air Zoom Generation “Debut.” The King wore the model while playing in the first game of his career against the Sacramento Kings. The OG came in White, Black, Varsity Red and Metallic Silver. There was leather across the mudguards, toe boxes and throats. Glossy red windows are on the heels and jump onto the tongues, completing the design with game-ready soles injected with Zoom Air technology.
II
The II launched in 2004. Only three colorways were originally released widely, with exclusive colorways being available in very limited numbers. The LeBron II was also made available in a low top version. The II was applauded for its use of Zoom Air cushioning which made for an all-time silhouette when it comes to comfort. Max Zoom was used in the heel and forefoot. To this day, the II is beloved for its use of technology and the unique design.
III
LeBron James has always had a unique game. His combination of power, explosiveness and speed has never been seen before in the game of basketball. The soles were made to handle LeBron’s velocity and force moving up and down the court. There was a reinforced TPU clip to help keep his ankles safe. The middle of the shoe contained a carbon fibre shank plate, this gave The King added support. The III had full length Zoom Air units, this gave additional cushion.
IV
The LeBron IV was the first basketball ball shoe since 2003 to utilize Foamposite. The IV has a “no-midsole” design, or a nonconventional midsole. The construction of the shoe, grooved sole, Foamposite stability, inner mesh sockliner were all devised to maximize the on the court feel for LeBron. Elastic bands at the in-step allow for a flexible and stable shoe. The LeBron 4 was the first of the LBJ series to really make its mark on street culture.
V
Nike and LeBron wanted the V to be a sneaker fit for royalty. There was a luxurious design and look to the V. There were personal touches added to the V from the life of James. The ankle strap design is based on a milk crate LeBron used to practice on. Street maps of his hometown are put on the bottom of the sole and behind the tongue. The golden square emblem on the side and diamond tongue really highlights the royalty of the V.
VI
The Nike Zoom LeBron 6 was designed by Ken Link. The shoe was released in 2008. The goal of the 6, in the minds of the design team, was to give LeBron the most comfortable shoe to date. There was a double stacked Zoom Air heel unit, a carbon fiber heel counter, and a Dynamic Fit inner bootie. The shoe featured a durable leather upper with synthetic overlays and a dual density midsole for elite level cushioning.
VII
The Nike Air Max LeBron VII helped to make Air Max once again relevant. The appearance of visible Air is one of the things that made Nike so cool and so beloved. Many of the most iconic basketball shoes of all time had visible air. The shoe was released in 2009. It also incorporated flywire. The boot like shape was unique and helped give LeBron a more stable fit. The Nike LeBron 7 is possibly the most popular LeBron sneaker for its great mix of style and tech.
VIII
Jason Petrie designed the Nike LeBron 8. The 8 arrived when James was in a new phase of his career. He was a beloved figure in the sports world up to this point, but after “The Decision,” and his move to Miami, he was now looked at as a villain by many. Colorways of the 8, like the “South Beach,” were dedicated to LeBron’s new basketball life as a member of the Miami Heat. The shoe had a 360-degree Air Max outsole.
IX
The Nike LeBron 9 carried on the legacy of the signature LeBron line from Nike. By the time the 9 was released, the line was iconic for Nike Basketball. The Nike LeBron 9 was released in 2011. It was designed by Jason Petrie. The LeBron 9 has visible Max Air on the heel and Zoom Air at the forefoot. It was the first ever Nike shoe with Hyperfuse material and Flywire technology. In 2012, a low top version of the 9 was released.
X
The Nike LeBron 10 was released in 2012. The 10 was launched after Lebron won his very first championship with the Miami Heat. LeBron had now reached a new level of respect when it came to his career. James was now a champion. The 10 has a diamond inspired silhouette that honors the 10 years Nike and LeBron spent together. The shoe had a visible full length Nike Zoom unit along with Hyperfuse and Flywire tech.
11
When the 11 was released, LeBron had earned 2 rings with his Miami Heat. His legend was continuing to grow. The Nike LeBron 11 was released in 2013. His two rings, two Finals MVPs and four regular season MVP awards all informed the creation of the LeBron 11. The shoe had Lunarlon cushioning and a state of the art Hyperposite upper. The shoe would be on the feet of LeBron during his final season with the Heat.
12
The Nike LeBron 12 was released in 2014. The shoe continued the quality and legacy of the Nike x LeBron series. The 12 utilized hexagonally shaped Nike Zoom Air bags that correspond to the pressure points of the foot for maximum flexibility. LeBron was an explosive and powerful player. The Flyknit on the upper was called Megafuse. The shoe gave Lebron the ultimate stability and energy return. When the 12 launched, James was back in Cleveland and playing for the Cavaliers.
13
LeBron James wanted the 13 to be the simplest and sleekest in the line. It would continue the goals of the 12. It would strip away all the excess. Nike wanted to make a shoe that could support the power of LeBron’s game. A one piece sleeve of breathable mesh offers sock like comfort, flexibility, and support. Hyperposite material on the toe, midfoot and collar provides protection where LeBron needs it the most.
14
The 14 has a midfoot strap that stretches for your foot. The wide midfoot strap spreads the force of impact and provides stability. It is a light and flexible shoe. It has four Nike Zoom Air Cushioning units that maximize the King’s steps. James tried to improve every season, he wanted to be faster and stronger. The cushioning was maximized and anything that was deemed nonessential, was removed. The foot is exposed to a lot of Zoom, and there is not a lot of rubber or foam blocking.
15
The 15 uses BattleKnit material and powerful cushioning that is ideal for someone as explosive as LeBron. BattleKnit is a Flyknit material that was designed specifically for LeBron. The material offered ultimate support, ultra-lightweight flexibility, and a locked-in feel. The full inner sleeve offers a secure and sock like fit. There is a high stretch collar that provides flexible support around your ankle. The 15 was the first time Nike Zoom Air and Max Air were together for a basketball shoe.
16
The upper of the 16 was reinforced and lowered when compared to other LeBron sneakers, at the request of the King himself. LeBron was dedicated to making himself a better player every season. He wanted to be faster, stronger, and better every time he stepped foot on the court. James demanded the same thing from his signature line. Designer Jason Petrie, a LeBron sneaker line veteran, once again worked with LBJ on the 16.
17
Cushioning was the key to the 17 in the mind of LeBron. It was what he wanted Nike to focus on. He wanted a smoother and softer ride. To supply the ultimate cushion, Nike would put Air everywhere it could in the shoe, in the Heel and Forefoot for example. There is a lightweight Knitposite upper. The upper allowed for elite movement and flexibility. Designer Jason Petrie wanted Max Air to protect LeBron.
18
Power and speed were the focus of the 18. The focus of the LeBron series has always been cushion. That has always been crucial to James. It is easy to understand when you look at the power and explosiveness of LeBron’s game. Staying light and stable is a significant part of his process on the court. The 18 integrates Max Air and Zoom Air bags. The LeBron did a special thing by dividing the shoe in halves. Speed is in the forefront and power is in the heel.
19
The Nike LeBron 19 was originally released in 2021. It continued to push the sneaker line forward, despite its years of existence. In many ways the line mirrors the career of LeBron, the dedication to constantly improve despite needing to prove nothing. The 19 was made to maximize speed and power. Both are huge components of LeBron’s game. There are 360 degrees of visible Max Air and a thick, responsive Zoom Air unit under the forefront.
20
The LeBron 20 celebrates the legendary career of The King. The shoe marks not only LeBron’s 20 years with Nike, but also his 20 years in the NBA. The LeBron 20 was first released in 2022. The 20 is the lightest signature sneaker from LeBron yet. It has a luxury inspired design. It is the first LeBron signature sneaker to debut in a low top. The 20 has Zoom Air in the forefront and the heel. It has a carbon fiber midfoot shank.
21
The Nike LeBron 21 has an interesting inspiration. It took motivation from an oyster shell that protects the pearl it houses. The shoe’s upper venting is informed by a shell’s veining. This helps keep the foot in place during explosive movements on the court. The XXI showcases a Zoom Turbo unit in the forefront and a full-length Cushion 2.0 foam carrier. James had his daughter in mind, Zhuri, when crafting the XXI.
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