After single-handedly carrying the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals last season in the first of the Zoom Soldier series, Lebron James debuted his latest version this morning in Cleveland as he takes on the Washington Wizards for a third straight season. So far we’ve been treated to some welcome playoff physicality, high-flying dunks, and the re-emergence of Gilbert’s swagger. The Cavs were able to take Game 1 at home, and the series will only get better, as Soulja Boy even promises to be in attendance once things head to DC.
Getting back to the shoes, the Soldier II aims to protect Lebron’s powerful frame needs with ample support, and also cushion his speed game with the help of heel and forefoot Zoom Air. “We felt like we could be bulletproof and at the same time, be really simple,” says Ken Link, Nike Basketball Design Director. James is wearing a player exclusive white/crimson version today in Game 1, but take a look at a similar colorway featuring a camo outsole and gold perforations that will be releasing in China early this summer.
For more extensive Soldier II coverage, as well as a look at over twenty colorways ranging from General Release versions to House of Hoops special make ups and unreleased samples, be on the look out for Issue 23 of Sole Collector, hitting in May and available at Foot Locker stores nationwide.
The first colorway of the Soldier II, in the white/midnight navy/metallic gold colorway, is now available for purchase at the Nike Store.
Popularity: 50%
April 19th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Personally, I prefer these to the ‘07 Soldier, as I felt the straps on the first iteration cluttered the design wayyy too much.
I’m digging the heel-oriented Swoosh, the flow of the stitching through the midfoot, & the perforations. These look like a shoe I can just put on and go. Probably won’t garner as much attention as the Hyperdunk or ‘Rache ‘08, but Soulja Boy got more props than Kooley High in ‘07 and we all know who got the most attention there!
Peace-
Jeremy
April 21st, 2008 at 11:36 am
looks good
April 25th, 2008 at 2:48 am
I like these. The ones he wore tonite where fresh also.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
these look like old tmac’s
April 27th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
hmmm?i really really like this new ZOOM SOLDIER II..hehehe..
May 16th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
These r the shoes!!!!! forget about those ugly Melo M5 (a.k.a. wanna be xx3’s) and get the shoes that r designed by the player who deserves to be be making shoes. Also look out for Lebron 6’s comin out in the fall.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:10 am
NIKE JUST THROWS SHIT 2GETHER FOR KOBE AND LEBRON; THEY DESERVE BETTER