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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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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