Breaking Down The LeBron 16

He is now entering Season 16.

After 15 years at the top of the NBA, LeBron James’s athletic ability, relentless work ethic and maturity has set him apart among modern athletes. This mix befuddles opponents, and for Nike designer Jason Petrie, James’s longtime collaborator, it creates a series of evolving challenges, not least of which is the four-time MVP’s constant need for balancing support and weight in his shoe.

Petrie and the basketball footwear team at Nike know that each iteration of the LeBron line calls for fresh tools. With the new LeBron 16, the breakthrough tool is knit.

Nike releasing Special Edition Soldier 11 Colorway to send off Lebron James

With the Air Max 97 being one of the most iconic Air Max sneakers in Nike’s history, the Swoosh is honoring  LeBron James’ visit to Manila by releasing the Zoom Soldier XI in one of its first and original colorways, , the ‘Silver Bullet.’

The Air Max 97, which is also celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year, in one of its most famous OG colors is the inspiration for this latest version of the Soldier XI.  This iteration of LeBron’s go-to shoe for the 2017 championship series features reflective accents, a metallic silver upper together with some hints of red, white, and black on the collar, heel, midsole and outsole while maintaining that superior lockdown and responsiveness enabled through the Zoom Air units when worn on the court. It will ignite speed and power to unleash your ultimate game.

The Soldier XI ‘Silver Bullet’ is the third and final of the limited shoe launches tied to the LeBron James Tour Manila 2017.

Nike releases Lebron James' first signature shoe to welcome him in Manila

First worn in 2003 during his first professional basketball career game, the Nike Air Zoom Generation is set to makes its return tomorrow as King James himself touches down in Manila for his third visit to the country.  

The shoe will release in its black/white/university red colorway – exactly the same set of colors James wore when he went up against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2003 at Arco Arena. Designed specifically for the rim-rocking, go-hard-like-a-runaway-garbage-ruck player the King epitomizes, the freshly iconic profile kicked down the door as he ushered in the next generation. He would go on to wear the shoe throughout his rookie season – one of the best ever for a rookie in the league – to win the Rookie of the Year award.

"BATTLE GREY" pack opens the basketball season

As the NBA season tips off, Nike Inc. athletes take the court in Nike Basketball’s "Battle Grey" shoes. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving wore the Soldier 10 and KYRIE 2, each adorned with special gold highlights commemorating their 2015-16 Championship.

Additionally, other members of the Nike Basketball family — including Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, Paul George and more — also began their respective schedules in "Battle Grey" colorways of their chosen footwear.

Always Believe - Nike

On the way to a historic NBA Finals comeback victory for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James put on a show by leading not just his team - but both Finals teams - in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. And he did it wearing the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 10 iD.



Lebron James Podcast: Akronite Philosophy

LeBron James's recently signed, and unprecedented, lifetime deal with Nike marks the triumphant arch of a skinny kid who combined deep-rooted Midwestern values with otherworldly athleticism to find incredible success on and off the basketball court. James’s sphere of influence now extends from sports into style and from entertainment to charitable endeavors, solidifying his status as an international icon.

How did he do it? In Prototype Episode 3: Akronite Philosophy, LeBron James — joined by director Judd Apatow, Nike Senior Basketball designer Jason Petrie and childhood friend Willie McGee — charts his journey from middle school through to the release of the LEBRON 13.

Prototype can also be accessed via iTunes here.

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Introducing the Lebron 13 Akronite Philosophy Shoe

The LEBRON 13 Akronite Philosophy incorporates a five-color upper graphic that attests to James’s loyalty and pride for his hometown of Akron, Ohio, and his journey to Miami and back. The composition features star, lake, hill, field and beach motifs in bright pops of blue, orange, yellow, green and fuchsia — all representing James's path. For example, wheat fields symbolize his upbringing in Akron while abstract palm trees nod to his championships in Miami.

Introducing the Lebron 13 Balance Shoe

LeBron James works hard to find equilibrium between on- and off-court life. A testament to his commitment to both family and basketball, the LEBRON 13 Balance features a predominantly blue (representing tranquility) and orange (a nod to the player’s team) color scheme though an all-over geometric print.

Nike honors Lebron James's 25K-point milestone

Nike Basketball celebrates LeBron James reaching the 25,000-point mark with the limited-edition NIKEiD LEBRON 13 25K shoe.

As the youngest player in league history to achieve this distinction, James continues to redefine greatness as a teammate and leader.  

The Akronite: LEBRON JAMES

There’s a beautiful symbiosis to LeBron James’s relationship with his hometown, Akron, Ohio. His strong work ethic is drawn from the city’s industrious origins; James’s success has inspired his community.

On September 27, 2015, James officially launched his new shoe, the LEBRON 13, before 2,000-plus Akron locals. It was a special moment for James, as he also celebrated his pledge to support the future leaders of the city and the message that all within it are “built for greatness."

Lebron James visits Manila to inspire and mentor young Filipino basketball player

 Basketball superstar LeBron James was in Manila for over 2 days from August 20 to 21, as part of the LeBron James Rise Tour to mentor the Rise players, inspiring them and young Filipinos to realize their true potential. During his visit, James met with local street-ball children, played at an exhibition game and launched the new LeBron 12 Low. He also introduced the final 12 Rise players who will play their final game as part of the Rise program on August 23, 2015.

NIKE brings Lebron James back to inspire Filipino youths! See Lebron James live in the flesh!

LeBron James will be in Manila to inspire and mentor the final Rise team

Nike is bringing back two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP LeBron James to Manila to mentor the Rise players.  James will also announce members of the final Rise team on August 20 and will continue to inspire the young athletes to leave their comfort zone and get better in the game like never before.

Nike Basketball Debuts the LeBron James “Together” Film

Nike Basketball launches a new film entitled “Together,” which celebrates the pride and emotion of LeBron James’s return to Cleveland. One team. One city. One goal.


The film portrays Cleveland citizens joining James and his teammates as they huddle before the opening night tip-off. Cleveland fans from all walks of life converge on the Quicken Loans Arena and join hands as a show of unity.

LEBRON 12 HRT of a Lion

LeBron James embodies a rare skill set that requires innovative footwear tailored to his multidimensional game. James’s latest shoe, the LEBRON 12, is designed to enhance his explosiveness while combining three key benefits: superior cushioning, harnessed support and natural flexibility.