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via Getty

via Getty

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time top scorer, is about to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career. Nike has finally released information about his 21st signature shoe, the Nike LeBron 21. Fans anxiously anticipate the sneaker as it debuts on September 28th. However, this shoe is very special to The King as this year marks his 20 years with Nike.

Let’s take a look at what makes these sneakers unique and how they pay respect to the iconic Los Angeles Lakers forward and his daughter, Zhuri.

The new LeBron 21 Royal

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If a sneaker is being specially handcrafted for a superstar like LeBron James, it must require creativity and accuracy. The new Nike LeBron 21 is an attempt at giving everything the King requires during a game. It has lightweight materials and an upper design suggestive of shell veining. This design not only looks good, but it also helps to keep the player in check during explosive moves on the court. The shell veining includes properties of an oyster shell and is inspired by his daughter, Zhuri.

USA Today via Reuters

The shoe has a lightweight mono-mesh top supported with 360-degree zonal cables around the mid-foot to provide excellent support and security. Perforations on the middle Swoosh logos improve ventilation, allowing the player’s feet to remain comfortable during the game. To improve movement, the sneaker has a Zoom Turbo unit in the midsole and a bottom-loaded, 13-millimeter Zoom unit. The Nike LeBron 21 will be available in adult sizes on Thursday, September 28 for $200.

Read More: While the World Awaits for LeBron James’ 21st Year, Shaquille O’Neal Surprisingly Calls to Put Some Respect on Kevin Durant’s Name

Jason Petrie, Lead Designer for the LeBron 21, explains the design philosophy of this shoe. He says, “His trainer says it’s like taking care of an F1 car. You tweak the car between each race. You don’t need to rebuild the car completely.”

 

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The performance-oriented basketball shoe is not only stylish but also useful and aimed at the future generation of basketball stars.

LeBron James’ 20 years with Nike

LeBron James has proven to be a constant in the NBA’s ever-changing environment for the past two decades. Fans have watched his transformation from “The Chosen One” as a youngster to a 19-time NBA All-Star and the league’s all-time top scorer. Throughout his incredible career, one collaboration has been firm, his connection with Nike.

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On May 22, 2003, LeBron James signed his first footwear deal with Nike, kicking off a collaboration that would forever revolutionize the sneaker market. The seven-year, $87 million deal was a watershed event, with Reebok and Adidas fighting for the growing star’s endorsement

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LeBron James has proudly represented Nike throughout his legendary career. It spans through teams and cities from Cleveland to Miami, back to Cleveland, and now Los Angeles. This collaboration reached its highest point in 2015 when LeBron inked a record-breaking lifetime contract with Nike for about $1 billion. It was a transaction that represented the continuing legacy of a player who had not only mastered the floor but had also become a shoe legend. So, The Nike LeBron 21 is more than simply a shoe; it’s a monument to one of basketball’s longest-running legends.