words by Nick DePaula

photography by Zac Dubasik

After literally fighting for a win each and every night throughout their first round series victory over the Washington Wizards, LeBron and the Cavs can finally get a little rest as they prepare for the next matchup that’s sure to bring along with it more bruises and brawls. It’s the relentless and battle-ready approach to each game that carries James and Co. through the playoffs, and what better shoe to convey the post-season spirit and wrap up our series of unreleased LeBron shoes than this army fatigues inspired variation of the Zoom Soldier II?

This Soldier II colorway features a subtle map print along the dominant overlay of the upper, with hints to Hickory Street where LeBron grew up, as well as a bold camouflage pattern across the midfoot panel where King James’ familiar logo is adorned. A similar colorway to last year’s quickstrike Sole Collector exclusive Soldier I, this year’s rendition also features red accents and contrast stitching. The most noticeable difference between the two is the use of a semi-translucent outsole along the Soldier II that also incorporates a camo treatment, and the midfoot panel employs a more contrasting camo print with greater variance in color tones as compared to the more tonal camo found on the Soldier I.

As of now this Soldier II colorway is slated for a limited release early this summer at the House of Hoops in Harlem, New York, and while there’s no official word on production numbers, you can most likely expect rarity similar to the “Yankees” Zoom LeBron V that released this past March.

For an exclusive look at over twenty colorways of the Zoom Soldier II, from all General Release models to House of Hoops releases and even unreleased samples, be sure to check out Issue 23 of Sole Collector hitting newsstands this month at Foot Locker stores nationwide.

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words by Nick DePaula

Well it’s that time again, as later today Game 5 between the Cleveland Cavs and the Washington Wizards will tip off with LeBron et all hoping to finally put an end to all this madness. After rocking the Zoom LeBron V all season long and now the Zoom Soldier II through the playoffs, it was last year that ‘Bron wore perhaps his most daring shoe — the Zoom LeBron IV.

Here’s a first look at an unreleased sample of the LeBron IV that never made it. The Foamposite upper is an iridescent metallic silver tone, with the ankle collar made of shimmery green cobec and the swoosh a sharp neon yellow. There’s no official word on the inspiration behind this sample, but it appears that the University of Oregon Football team’s chameleon-esque helmets may have had a bit of influence on the colorway. (Maybe being a former Duck myself I’m just a bit hopeful that these can one day make it past production.)

There’s no plan to release these and at this point they’ll remain a sample, but at least we can hit you off with some pretty pictures.

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words by Nick DePaula

photography by Zac Dubasik

After the Desert Storm Soldier I seemed to cause quite a stir, here’s a first look at yet another unreleased Zoom LeBron Soldier I sample. This time around, it’s an all black colorway with a similar abrasion resistant textile along the entire upper. While the Desert Storm featured a lasered camouflage pattern along the straps and collar, this version has a more subtle black camo lasered underneath both the midfoot and heel straps.

Most likely these will remain a sample, as Nike Basketball has shifted all of its attention to the Zoom Soldier II. LeBron wore the next General Release colorway this afternoon in DC , and keep checking back as we have another surprise in store for you on Wednesday. You might want to actually root for a Wizards win or else we’ll have to hold back a few goods should the series end in 5 games!

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words by Nick DePaula

It’s already game day as the series shifts to DC, where the Washington Wizards hope to avenge their blowout loss in Game 2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. (And with Soulja Boy rooting them on! Way to motivate Lebron even more Deshawn!) In keeping with our unveiling of Lebron-related samples as the series progresses, we thought we’d treat you night owls to a first look at a pair of Nike Air Force 1’s that feature Lebron’s Dunkman logo, albeit in an unfamiliar colorway.

They might not be in the grey/neon color scheme we all have become accustomed to seeing, but this Friends & Family AF1 certainly still works well. A ridiculously buttery soft black leather makes up the midfoot and heel panels, and a perforated white leather is found along the toe panels. Lebron’s Lion crest is lasered along the right heel and a “Lebron James” graphic lasered at the heel of the left shoe. Just to make things better, the shoe also features a multi-color rubber outsole and leather wrapped midsole.

Sexy indeed.

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words by Nick DePaula
pictures by Zac Dubasik

In celebration of the start of the 2008 NBA Playoffs, we’ve decided to hit you with exclusive pictures of some unreleased samples from the LeBron James line. After first showing you the China exclusive Soldier II, check back during each game day of the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers series as we’ll be unveiling several unseen samples as the series progresses.

Game 2 tips off tonight at 7 EST in Cleveland, and here’s a look at an unreleased Zoom Soldier I sample colorway in wheat tones. This wheat colorway shares several similarities to the Sole Bar exclusive Soldier I, released last summer, as the ankle collar, midfoot and heel straps have a lasered camouflage pattern. With a metallic gold midfoot plate and strap clips, as well as a translucent gum outsole, it’s really a shame these were never released. The toe cap is also made of an abrasion resistant textile that has somewhat of a sandpaper like feel.

The Soldier I is done and over with for now, but maybe one day when a potential Retro is being discussed this colorway might be revisited. (HINT: That means speak up and get a petition rolling!)

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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.

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