Need to decide now? My choice for the best LeBron shoes is the Nike LeBron 8.
Who does not want a pair of shoes under the signature line of the NBA’s King?
LeBron James surely has one of the best sneakers in the industry. Knowing he is also one of the best players, gathering several MVP awards in his entire career makes his shoe line even more popular.
You no longer have to go through the Nike LeBron 1 up to the Nike LeBron LeBron Witness 6. I have already gathered all the best LeBron James shoes to help you rock your next game.
- Nike LeBron 8
- Nike LeBron 20
- Nike LeBron 19 Low
- Nike Air Zoom Generation
- Nike Airmax LeBron 7
- Nike LeBron 17
- Nike LeBron Soldier 13
- Nike LeBron Witness 5
- Nike LeBron 9
Continue reading to know what pair among the King’s footwear suits you well.
9 Best LeBron Shoes For Basketball
Nike is known for making great basketball sneakers. They are also known to collaborate with the best and most popular basketball players.
Did you know that LeBron James said no to a $115 Million deal with Rebook to sign with Nike? Adidas also wanted to get the kid from St. Mary High School as he started his career in the NBA.
LeBron’s career so far revolved around three NBA teams—Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
He is one of the most dominant players in the league, winning at least one NBA title in all three teams.
The Nike LeBron line supports fast and powerful players like him. A few known names who designed his show line include Aaron Cooper and Jason Petrie.
1. Nike LeBron 8 – Best Overall
Features
- High-cut
- Leather Upper
- Open-hole mesh design for ventilation
- Flywire technology on the top
LeBron James received a lot of hate after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. He is like a villain who turned his back on his motherland—the team that drafted him.
Nike designer Aaron Cooper told James they would design the “most comfortable basketball shoe” for the young rookie.
The release of the Nike LeBron 8 with the South Beach and Miami Nights themes in 2010 sparked the King’s journey.
You can also see one of LeBron’s earliest tattoos on the shoe’s tongue—a lion. This represents his character and his earlier journey as an NBA player.
Nike LeBron 8 version 1 is considered one of the best Nike LeBron ever made because of its performance, especially the “South Beach” version.
However, when James wore version 2 of this sneaker, they lost to the Dallas Mavericks.
Pros
- Crazy cushioning
- True to fit
- Stylish
- Durable
Cons
- Quite bulky for small users
2. Nike LeBron 20 – Best Value
Features
- Low top
- Zoom Air cushioning
- Padded upper
- Colorway: Soft Pink
This is the one for you if you want a slightly different look than the previous LeBron models.
The Nike LeBron 20 is one of the latest releases that follow the recent developments in shoemaking technologies.
This shoe is designed for flashy and agile players. Its high-level traction and court feel are perfect for any movement you can think of inside the court.
Slipping will unlikely happen if you play on a clean or dusty surface.
It greatly caters to big players too. The LeBron 20 has a soft midsole that supports heavy players in forward or center positions.
On top of that, you can also rock the streets while wearing these fashionable shoes.
Pros
- Great traction
- Amazing feet impact protection
- Good court feel
- Great cushion bounciness
- Comfortable fit
- Stylish
Cons
- Not recommended for outdoor use
- Break in needed
3. Nike LeBron 19 Low – Best Budget
Features
- Low top
- Wide fitting
- React foam midsole
- Weight: 14 oz
- Colorways: Black, Red, White, Yellow, Blue, Pink
Where can you find an affordable signature shoe that is stylish and performs well?
LeBron James wore this shoe’s “Leopard” version and made monster numbers against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nike and LeBron, together with their designers, did a good job fitting this good shoe design at a lower price tag.
For a reasonable price tag, you can already have a LeBron James signature shoe that holds great on indoor surfaces. You can also ensure your feet are safe from impact with additional support.
However, you have to note that it is quite heavy despite its soft outsole. Other than that, it is still very durable for its price.
Pros
- Great traction
- Good cushion bounciness
- Enough feet impact protection
- Has additional feet support
- Durable
- Stylish
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Average court feel
- Not recommended for outdoor use
4. Nike Air Zoom Generation – Best Comfort
Features
- Mid-cut
- Wide fit
- Weight: 16 oz
- Colorways: Black, Red, White, Brown, Beige, Forest Green
You are now looking at the most historic sneaker in the LeBron James sneaker line.
The Nike Air Zoom Generation is LeBron’s first shoe after he signed with Nike. No wonder why they are built for explosive and powerful players like him.
This is due to its lightness and the presence of good ankle support. In addition, there is the option to use it with your casual clothing styles.
Since it is one of the LeBron shoes in his earlier career, it follows that wide-fitting style for users. The Nike Air Zoom Generation has a spacious forefront that is comfortable for big players.
This shoe model is already considered a classic at present. But it can still perform well when used in today’s basketball games.
Pros
- Light
- Provides great comfort
- Blends well with your casual fit
- No break-in needed
- Durable
Cons
- Not good for rough playing courts
5. Nike Airmax LeBron 7 – Best Style
Features
- Mid-top
- Herringbone outsole pattern
- Air Max Cushioning System
- Flywire top
- Weight: 15.4 oz
- Colorways: Purple, White, Blue, and 5 others
Nike needed a change on LeBron James’ shoe game. Thus, designer Jason Petrie decided to create slimmer models starting from the LeBron 7.
One notable improvement in these Nike LeBrons is the increased air in its Zoom cushioning system. The 80% addition gives amazing comfort and responsiveness to movements.
The Nike LeBron also fits the playing style of shifty players. The herringbone traction pattern provides great traction for fast directional changes while playing.
This model is one of the few LeBron shoes that received a retro treatment.
Just think of how the colorway above matches perfectly with the jersey of the King’s current Los Angeles Lakers team.
Pros
- Great traction
- Comfortable basketball shoe
- Stylish
- Durable
- Provides additional feet support
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Could still be bulky for small players
6. Nike LeBron 17
Features
- High top
- High-impact absorbing cushioning units
- Weight: 16.2 oz
- Colorways: Black, Red, Blue, and 14 others
LeBron’s game leans towards the playing style of the tall and big guys. Those players who muscle their way into the paint or jump high to secure rebounds.
After its release date on September 27, 2019, the Nike LeBron 17 became known to be the go-to shoes of position 3-5 players.
A great cushion system for powerful players is just a consistent style element in LeBron’s shoes. You can expect that your ankle and feet are safe no matter how high you jump during games.
Lightness might not be common in most LeBron shoes, but the heavy weight of this option could be a deal breaker for some. Add that to the relatively high price tag it has.
Nonetheless, it is still a great LeBron James shoe on and off the court.
Pros
- Has good feet protection for impact
- High-quality materials
- Can blend well with casual fashion clothes
- Recommended for big and heavy players
- Stylish
Cons
- Traction inconsistencies
- Quite heavy
7. Nike LeBron Soldier 13
Features
- High top
- Zoom Air cushioning
- Strap lockdown
- Weight: 14.1 oz
- Colorways: Red, Blue, White, and 12 others
Almost all choices in this list have a lace-type lockdown. Like the LeBron 8 “South beach,” Nike and LeBron James changed his sneaker models with the LeBron Soldier Line.
Using straps instead of the common lace lockdown in the Nike LeBron Soldier 13 made the shoe stand out. This is among other shoes in James’ sneaker line.
I like that its foam midsole and Zoom air forefront help users sprint fast and jump high. In addition to that is its herringbone-patterned outsole for great traction.
No matter how long you play with this shoe, you can ensure your feet’s security with its good ankle support. You just have to endure a little with a few ventilation passages.
Pros
- One of the best traction shoes
- True to size
- Easy to wear
- It has good feed support
- Very responsive and comfortable cushion system
Cons
- Narrow fitting
- Not enough ventilation
8. Nike LeBron Witness 5
Features
- Mid-cut
- Average Air Zoom component
- Weight: 12.1 oz
- Colorways: Black, White, Hot Lime, and 11 others
The Nike LeBron Witness 5 will save you the LeBron James signature shoe dream at a lower price. You just have to remember that this option works best on clean playing surfaces.
It also has a narrow fitting that might not suit well with big guys. Regardless, its average cushioning and comfort are already enough for playing a good basketball game.
It is pretty light and holds good with the floor too. So, you can show your dribbling prowess without worrying about slips and falls.
Pros
- Clean court hold is great
- Comfortable fitting
- Light
- Affordable
Cons
- Pickups dust easily
- Zoom air cushioning is average
- Not recommended for outdoor use
9. Nike LeBron 9
Features
- Flywire and Fuse design
- Pro-combat material
- Unique lace lock design
This is the time Nike made an effort to create a Flywire and Fuse design. This is in addition to the powerful-looking design that it has.
Rather than a responsive shoe, James and Nike focused on ankle and foot support in this Nike LeBron 9. You can expect average traction and bounce with this option.
One standout for this shoe is the lacing feature that matches the soft midsole for exact fitting. You might also consider its P.S. Elite version with the Kevlar laces.
Pros
- Good foot grip upon wearing
- Great impact absorbing cushioning system
- Durable Pro Combat Bootie
Cons
- Traction can be improved
- Lacks bounciness
Why Should You Buy LeBron Sneakers?
For starters, designer Jason Petrie is one of the known names behind most of LeBron’s iconic sneakers.
LeBron sneakers are also one of the Nike brand’s greatest hits. This is with the Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan signature sneakers, among others.
Thus, here are the notable reasons why you should consider having at least one LeBron James sneaker:
- Great Cushioning System – Nike LeBron sneakers have cushion systems catering to big and strong players like the King.
- High-Quality Materials – even the affordable LeBron shoes are built with high-quality materials, as expected from a top company like Nike.
- Great Overall Performance – LeBron James would never wear average sneakers for a regular season NBA game to the NBA finals. Thus, you can expect sufficient traction, exact fitting, reliable cushioning, and great overall performance with any LeBron shoes.
- Premium Build – Regardless of the release date, everything is premium on every LeBron sneaker. This is from the unique colorways, great design, and amazing comfort.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a LeBron Shoe
Buying a basketball sneaker that fits your feet well is a major consideration when choosing the right one for you. However, size is only one of the many details to take note of.
Thus, I listed down a set of standards that can help you decide on picking your next LeBron shoes:
- Feet Support – giving your ankles and feet enough support is essential in playing basketball. It should suit your weight, playing style, and basketball position well.
- Cushioning – basketball requires a lot of running and jumping. Picking the most comfortable basketball shoes via the right cushioning is important to avoid injuries.
- Traction – courts can be indoor or outdoor. The same is true for signature sneakers that hold in both or either. For sure, you don’t want to slip while playing.
- Durability – lucky are those who can use a new pair of shoes every game. But not all have the budget for this, which is why durability to wear and tear is important.
- Fitting Style – people have narrow or wide foot types. Nike LeBron Sneakers are leaning more toward the wide-fitting style. Comfort is the most important thing in shoes, so choosing the right sneaker fit is essential.
- Price – the most important thing on this list is your budget. You surely want to pick the best LeBron signature sneaker within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are you still looking for more information about LeBron’s line and sneaker life? I will be talking more about that in this section.
How Much Is LeBron’s Nike Lifetime Deal?
Even at the start of LeBron James’ career, he is already gathering big deals from giant shoe companies—Nike, Adidas, and Rebook.
We will not know how his earnings may have developed if he had chosen a different label. But his recent deal with the brand is surely more than enough to satisfy the King for years.
With the Nike – LeBron lifetime deal, the King can already reach $1 Billion of excess earnings as he reaches the age of 64.
He surely will still rock up several digits even after retirement.
What Is LeBron James’ Favorite Shoe Brand?
By signing with Nike, it was evident that he liked the company even before going to the NBA. This is even though Rebook offered a way higher paycheck.
Adidas, too, expressed their interest in the young LeBron by offering $60 Million. This is compared to Nike’s $87 Millions and Rebook’s $115 Million.
But his liking for the Nike brand is NOT the only reason.
MJ also influenced the rookie King James’ decision to his sneaker line.
The Awesome Choices
I won’t argue if you say that James has several signature sneakers vying for the Best Nike Shoe title.
I even want to add the Nike LeBron 15 which kickstarted the LeBron Watch Program. The same is true for the Nike LeBron 4 he wore at Madison Square Garden.
But let’s go back to the top 3 on this list to narrow down your best choices.
Best Budget – Nike LeBron 19 Low
You don’t have to worry about the budget if you want to wear a pair of LeBron sneakers.
At an affordable price relative to other LeBron shoes, Nike LeBron 19 low offers enough performance for your basketball games. You can greatly rely on its floor traction, responsive cushioning system, and impact protection.
Setting aside its heaviness, you will have durable signature sneakers for several years to come.
Best Value – Nike LeBron 20
Use the Nike LeBron 20 indoor, and you will never want to look for another choice. The value you can get for the price you pay on that LeBron shoe is worth it.
Starting with its unique design, it stands out from the common looks of the LeBrons. It also has great traction while giving extra impact care for your feet.
In other words, its stylish style combines comfort and great performance.
Best Overall – Nike LeBron 8
The Nike LeBron 8 is very famous as a known contender to be the Best Nike LeBron James Sneaker ever made so far.
Its original release date is several years back in James’ NBA career. Yet, its consistent performance makes it a favorite in spite of newer models available out there.
May it be in ventilation, cushioning, style, fitness, and durability, the LeBron 8 will surely be at the top.
It is like a celebrity who deserves a red carpet walk for a good overall performance.
Conclusion
There are already many great LeBron James sneakers present in the market.
A few of them are the Nike LeBron 15, LeBron 8 “South Beach,” Nike LeBron 9, and the “Fruity Pebbles” and “NYC Graffiti” special editions.
I can still see several instances of LeBron changing the shoe game. This is together with his active NBA career. I expect more innovations to come from this line in the future.
For now, the list above is the compilation of the Best Nike sneakers LeBron James has ever released with Nike.
Wearing one of them feels like you are playing for the NBA finals.