Nike unveils LeBron James' latest signature sneaker, the 'LeBron 11'
LeBron James poses with the "King's Pride" version of his latest signature Nike shoe, the "LeBron 11." (Nike)
Nike unveiled Wednesday two versions of the "LeBron 11," the latest signature sneaker for Heat forward LeBron James.
James' newest kicks are billed by Nike as "the lightest and lowest" sneaker ever designed for the four-time MVP, as they weigh in at about14.5 ounces.
Pictures of two versions of the LeBron 11 -- dubbed the "King's Pride" (shown above) and the "Terracotta Warrior" (shown below) -- were released on Nike's site, along with explanations for the inspiration of the colorways.
KING’S PRIDE colorway
James plays with fearlessness, determination and the heart of a lion. The King’s Pride colorway draws inspiration from the lion - its dark loden upper color and the floral print on the collar lining reflect the pride of the wildlife.
TERRACOTTA WARRIOR colorway
James was impressed by the Terracotta Warrior Exhibition, which he visited when he was in Xi’An, China, in 2011. The exhibit, plus James’s playing style - which reflects a warrior's spirit of grit, confidence, hard work and determination - inspired the Terracotta Warrior colorway.
The design of the shoe is inspired by the Terracotta Warriors as we see them today -- in neutral stone colors along with pop colors of purple/teal/red to represent how they were originally painted. The graphic texture on the upper articulates the linked, plated armor that the warriors wore. The special lining shank design graphic is drawn from the style of Bronze Age art, the era in which the Terracotta Warriors were made.
LeBron James poses with the "Terracotta Warrior" version of his latest signature Nike shoe, the "LeBron 11." (Nike)
Nike also released the following product details about the LeBron 11.
The upper is built in a new way, featuring revolutionary Nike Hyperposite technology for lightweight lock-down, while taking protection, containment and responsiveness to a new level. The upper incorporates Nike Hyperfuse construction and dynamic Flywire technology to bring natural motion to James’s game.
The LeBron 11 is deconstructed to get James’s foot much lower to the ground so he can feel the court, while enhancing cushioning via the full length Lunarlon and Nike Zoom unit – a combination featured for the first time in a LeBron signature shoe. The LeBron 11 features key performance innovations and benefits including:
-- New Nike Hyperposite technology: Uses lightweight materials designed to move with the foot to provide -- protection, containment and responsiveness.
-- Nike Hyperfuse construction and Dynamic Flywire technology: Provides a dynamic fit and excellent lockdown, bringing natural motion to the court.
--A combination of Lunarlon and Nike Zoom units: For soft, springy responsiveness.
The King's Pride colorway will be released on Oct. 12. The Terracotta Warrior colorway will go on sale on Nov. 27 in North America.
James' LeBron X signature model made waves last year when it was originally reported that the price tag would top $300. Instead, the LeBron X retailed for $270. The LeBron X went on to be released in a variety of colorways, including a superhero edition, an Easter edition and an MVP edition. In May, Forbes reported that James led all NBA players in sneaker sales in the United States.
Below, find a gallery of LeBron 11 images that includes both the King's Pride and Terracotta Warrior colorways.
Nike unveils LeBron James' latest signature sneaker, the 'LeBron 11'
