words // Brandon Richard
LeBron James' unforgettable 2012 continues with the official introduction of the Nike LeBron X. Designed to the specifications of James, the shoe combines dynamic containment, protection and responsiveness in a silhouette tailored to complement the game's most explosive player.
The design of the LeBron X is inspired by the creation of a diamond and draws a metaphoric comparison that runs parallel to James' career. Diamonds are formed by heat, time and pressure, three things LeBron relates to. Refined diamonds are beautiful to look at, but start out as dull rocks that gain clarity and sharpen with multiple facets over time.
Stories within in the LeBron X series will be told through colorways. "Blue Diamond" is symbolic of the blue tint acquired through interaction with electricity, which can be paralleled to James' style of play. "Cutting Jade" is inspired of the Chinese are of using diamonds to cut jade. The black-based pair has been dubbed "Pressure" and will be worn for Miami's road games. The story continues throughout the season with multiple colorways linked to the diamond.
The LeBron X+ is the first signature basketball shoe featuring Nike+ Basketball technology and is available in select colorways and in three versions: the fully loaded LeBron X+ Sport Pack – which includes the shoe and the Nike+ Sport Kit, a Nike+ Basketball enabled version with Nike+ technology embedded in the midsole, and a non-enabled version. The interactive experience allows users to track in-game activity with Nike+ enabled shoes and later review, analyze, and share that information using the Nike+ Basketball app.
Technical benefits include a lock-down fit, excellent cushioning on impact and a lightweight feel. The very first full-length visible Nike Zoom unit, dynamic Flywire technology, Hyperfuse construction and Nike+ Basketball all bring the shoe to entirely new heights.
The Nike LeBron X is now available globally.
via Nike
