Closer Look // Nike LeBron 9 Elite in Varsity Maize / Black

While LeBron might not be wearing this Varsity Maize / Black version of the 9 Elite, check out a closer look ahead of the shoe dropping in May.

words & images // Nick DePaula

As the NBA Playoffs begin to get underway next weekend, LeBron James will be breaking out his most expensive sneaker yet in the $250 Nike LeBron 9 Elite. WIth a sizable carbon fiber support wing along the upper and helpings of Kevlar support cables throughout, James, designer Jason Petrie and the Nike Basketball team are hoping that the 9 Elite will also be the shoe he will finally win his very first championship in.

While he'll be rocking both white and black base versions of the shoe with gold accenting, and perhaps an all red PE for a game or two, we most likely won't be seeing him in this colorway launching next May. "Unfortunately, I don’t think Riles is going to let them wear the yellow," sighs Petrie.

Known for holding down one of the most strict uniformity policies around the league -- it was a hassle for Bron to even wear his trademark headband -- team president Pat Riley is even more particular about the shoes his players can wear. His famous quote is of course, "All of my soldiers wear the same color boots." 

This colorway of the LeBron 9 Elite will be the third to release. You can check for them on May 12th.

Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite

516958-700 Varsity Maize-Black-White

$250.00

Check back Tuesday for an exclusive interview with Jason Petrie and Leo Chang detailing the entire Nike Elite Series.