The $290 Nike LeBron X+ Was One of the Most Advanced Shoes in History

The Nike LeBron X+

Introduced in October 2012, the all-new Nike LeBron X was received with international praise and fanfare for its modern design, performance, and dynamic responsiveness. The LeBron X was the tenth installment of NBA All-Star and MVP LeBron James’ signature line of Nike shoes and the fourth designed by Jason Petrie, who employed Max Air impact protection and the very first visible full-length Zoom Air cushioning unit. Prior to the LeBron X’s release, a false report was leaked that rumored the new shoes would cost upwards of $315, working media outlets and prospective customers into a frenzy. Nike eventually released a statement claiming that the standard LeBron Xs would cost only $190, while the highly advanced LeBron X+ shoes would cost $290. “Inspired by the creation and beauty of a diamond,” along with the themes of heat, time and pressure, the LeBron X featured lightweight, breathable, and durable construction, diamond inspired detailing, maximum cushioning and comfort, and three initial unique color schemes: blue diamond, jade, and black. The LeBron X was the shoe worn by James on the way to his first of two NBA championships with the Miami Heat, while a special edition red, white, and blue version was released for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where the U.S. men’s basketball team took home the gold.

Along with the standard LeBron X came the limited edition LeBron X+, one of the most technologically advanced basketball shoes in modern sneaker history. The LeBron X+ was Nike’s first signature basketball shoe to feature Nike+ Basketball technology. Available in a number of selected colors, the LeBron X+ was sold in three versions: the full loaded LeBron X+ sport pack (which included the shoe and the Nike+ Sport Kit), a Nike+ Basketball enabled version with Nike+ technology embedded in the midsole, and a non-enabled version. For $290, fans and players would be able to experience an interactive training feature that allows users to track in-game activity with Nike+ technology. After a game or practice, users are able to review, analyze, and share the information gathered from their performance on the Nike+ Basketball app. Using sensors embedded in the soles of the LeBron X+, “Nike+ Basketball tracks every move of your game and syncs directly to your iPhone, letting you know exactly how high, how quick and how hard you play. And, with insights, feedback and a community of elite players, it helps you improve your game every time you hit the court.” By creating a shoe that tracks your game and provides real-time feedback and coaching, Nike continued to push the boundaries of what basketball shoes are capable of.

With an estimated net worth of $270 million and $30 million coming annually from Nike, LeBron James is the NBA’s biggest endorsement star. The two-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, ten-time All-Star, and two-time Olympic gold medalist recently signed a $42.1 million two-year contract in July to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. For more information on the LeBron X+, visit nike.com and check out an ad introducing the LeBron X below, courtesy of Nike Basketball’s YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BonIT2YM77I

Video by Nike Basketball/YouTube.com

Photo by counterkicks.com 

Written by Derrick Krom

Derrick is a recent graduate of Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia where he received a B.A. in English and Communication Studies. Throughout his life, Derrick has traveled the country and even got to study abroad in London, England for four amazing months. He's a guitar player, avid music fan and lover of literature, film, and all things entertainment.