Since joining the pro ranks in 2003 straight out of high school, “King” James has worked his way up the leaderboards to sit second all-time among scorers.
Shoes to choose
So large is LeBron’s profile that one signature shoe just wasn’t enough to contain his legacy. Nike unveiled his first signature sneaker, the Air Zoom Generation, on Nov. 5, 2003. His second followed in July of 2007.
The original, which Nike began re-releasing in 2017, originally drew inspiration from LeBron’s H2 Hummer that he drove through the last half of his senior year in high school. (LeBron poked some fun at the ensuing controversy by guiding a remote-control Hummer around the basketball floor during pregame warmups a few weeks later.)
It featured Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot to help LeBron stay lower-profile and more responsive, and a higher-stack Air-Sole in the heel to help cushion impact. Leather and synthetic overlays at the midfoot and around the heel allowed for easy color blocking.
Footlocker.com carries all the LeBron looks you need, including the Nike LeBron 17, with its dual forefoot Zoom Air and heel Max Air cushioning. The LeBron 16 Low brings you all the strength and cushioning of the King’s on-court shoe but in a low-cut collar for easier street wearability. And retro looks such as the LeBron 7 show off full-length visible Air.
In July of 2007, Nike began releasing the Zoom Soldier lineup. It followed the Zoom 20.5.5, which Nike designer Ken Link billed as a tribute to LeBron’s having averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in his first season while somehow getting snubbed for an all-star appearance. With the idea hatched for a second shoe, originally designed with outdoor play in mind, the Nike Zoom Soldier series has come to symbolize reinforcements, of sorts, as LeBron’s postseason shoe.
Like the double-strapped 20.5.5 that preceded it, each Zoom Soldier comes with a noticeable midfoot strap to secure your fit.
Wear LeBron out
Your LeBron look starts at the ground, but you can continue and complete it in a number of ways.
Rep his name and team colors in a Nike NBA Swingman jersey. Warm up or just chill in LeBron fleece pants.
Elite crew socks, hoodies and crew necks, and even official LBJ basketballs can help you ball out like a King.
