While still going strong, LeBron James’ signature line has produced tons of hits for the past two decades. Here are a few of those hit pairs from the King and Nike.
LeBron James already has the second longest-running signature line behind the true hoops GOAT Michael Jordan with 21 models to date. And just recently, he’s already teased the LeBron 22s, which we can expect to have officially dropped by September or October this year.
Given the King’s storied career and off-court connections, his Nike LeBron line has produced hits that a lot of sneakerheads would be more than glad to have in their personal collections.
With that, here are five grail-worthy pairs from the King’s signature line.
LeBron 8 ‘South Beach’
Quite literally, it’s hard not to notice the South Beach LeBron 8s. Meant to celebrate LeBron James’ 2010 arrival in Miami, the sneaker is inspired by the city’s trademark vibe, which is expressed through the teal base and hot pink details on the lace and inner linings.
Understandably, the South Beaches went down to be one of, if not the most iconic LeBron pairs of all time, even getting the retro treatment in 2021.
LeBron 9 ‘Watch the Throne’
These LeBron 9s paid tribute to Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch the Throne” collab project in 2011, coming in an elevated look with its black and gold base. Given LeBron James and his longtime friendship with Jay-Z, it was expected that he’d release a tribute colorway for the project.
Besides the base colors, the pair also includes the huge golden lace lock, which was inspired by the album’s cover art. The lace and inner linings meanwhile, incorporated details from the project’s original artwork that eventually became a physical release poster.
All in all, these LeBron 9s are just a fitting tribute to one of the biggest hip-hop collaborations of all time. Like the South Beaches, they also got the retro treatment, which made them available for a time, to a wider audience.
Air Zoom Generation ‘Debut’
These were LeBron James’ first-ever NBA kicks. While it’s a simple colorway with just black and red details, a lot more basic than his other pairs, nothing can quite beat the shoe that helped start King James’ two-decade career.
LeBron 10 ‘What The’
The “What The” LeBron 10s were meant to celebrate LeBron James’ fourth regular season MVP nod (second straight in Miami). As with other Nike “What The” releases, these LeBron 10s mix up various colorways to create a multi-colored and entirely original colorway.
If you know your LeBron 10s, then you’ll likely identify which colorways Nike used for this celebratory sneaker.
Kith x LeBron 15 ‘King’s Cloak’
If there’s anything that screams “King James”, it’s these “King’s Cloak” KITH x LeBron 15s released in 2019. Coming in an elegant white base, these LeBron 15s are adorned with embroidery that’s as regal as it gets in this collaboration with the streetwear giant.
LeBron 7 ‘MVP’
LeBron James’ back-to-back MVPs in 2010 took place amid the LeBron 7’s lifespan, which was given a celebratory colorway. A luxury treatment was also given through a white leather upper accompanied by gray fleece quilting.
Of course, we can’t forget the Cleveland Cavaliers’ wine and gold colors. After all, the 2009-2010 season was the end of LeBron’s first stint with the Cavs.
Banner Images from NBA Kicks on X.
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