In the almost 80-year historical past of the NBA, a finite variety of gamers are in a position to say that they’ve had their very own signature sneaker. Even fewer can say they’ve maintained a line so long as LeBron James. Now on its twenty third installment, with much more supplementary low-top variations together with subsidiary Soldier and Ambassador strains, solely Michael Jordan has had an extended string of efficiency basketball sneakers bearing his identify than LeBron has.
Considering the infinite LeBron vs. MJ GOAT debates from media and followers, it appears slightly becoming that Jordan’s 40-year run holds the highest spot.
Since making his grand entrance with a 25-point efficiency again in 2003 in opposition to the Sacramento Kings with the Air Zoom Generation on his ft, James has constructed a legacy that few can rival. He’s received 4 common season MVP awards. He’s been named an All-Star 16 occasions. He’s received 4 championships. Off the court docket, he opened the I Promise School in 2018 for at-risk youngsters within the Akron, Ohio, space. And alongside the way in which, Nike has launched loads of nice trying sneaker for him too impressed by every part from champagne bottle corks to cult-classic tv collection.
It’s laborious to slender it right down to the very greatest, in honor of LeBron’s forty first birthday, we tried our greatest. Check out Complex Sneakers’ picks for the 23 greatest Nike LeBron sneakers ever launched. —Mike DeStefano
The Best New Sneaker Models of 2025
Nike LeBron 23: Complete Guide to All 23 Colorways
Release Date: 11/1/25
Retail Price: $210
The Nike LeBron 23 isn’t in a position for a number of causes, from the symbolism of the mannequin quantity, to the incorporation of his crown brand into the silhouette, to the way in which every colorway is telling a special story from LeBron’s profession. While quite a few these may have been thought of for this listing of the very best Nike LeBron sneakers, we’ve given the nod to the “Grand Opening” version. This sneaker takes issues again to the place all of them started by replicating the look of the “First Game” Air Zoom Generation that LeBron wore for his first residence recreation as a Cleveland Cavalier in 2003. The design not solely showcases the flexibility of the 23, however serves as a poignant reminder of how far LeBron has come.—Zac Dubasik
Release Date: Aug. 29, 2025
Retail Price: $510 (two-shoe pack together with “Metallic Blue” colorway)
If 2024 goes down because the final Olympics LeBron James ever performs in, then what a strategy to exit. Arguably the best Olympic basketball workforce (sure, I stated arguably) ever assembled took residence the gold in opposition to undoubtedly probably the most stacked Olympic subject in historical past. While doing so, LeBron debuted quite a few new LeBron 22 colorways, together with an insane metallic gold iteration through the gold medal recreation in opposition to the host nation of France. The 22 itself might be proper in the course of the pack so far as the King’s signature silhouettes go, however the legendary second related to this explicit colorway helps cement this explicit pair’s placement on this listing. —Ben Felderstein
Release Date: June 21, 2023
Retail Price: $190
From the second LeBron walked into Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals, followers clamored for a launch of the unique all-purple Air Zoom Generation he wore that evening. Calls obtained even louder when he wore them to a Summer League recreation a month later, as a freshly signed member of the Los Angeles Lakers, together with an identical pair of Don C shorts. It appeared like we would lastly have an opportunity at a launch when the sneaker was included as a part of the Nike SNKRS LeBron James PE Vote Back program. An early exit dashed these goals, nevertheless it turned out Nike had them on deck anyway. The colorway finally launched in 2023 (the contest-winning “Ring Ceremony” LeBron 10 has nonetheless by no means dropped), and whereas it wasn’t an enormous hit, it stays an elite iteration of LeBron’s first signature mannequin, with actual moments tied to it. —Zac Dubasik
Release Date: May 16, 2020
Retail Price: $200
This is the one retro colorway LeBron to make the listing, and that claims loads in regards to the shoe. The LeBron 7, for quite a few causes, is a crucial sneaker. It modified the trajectory of his line after a number of dangerous fashions and led the way in which for the LeBron 8, 9, and 10, all of that are held in excessive regard. One of the very best variations of the shoe, nevertheless, is not one from the unique run of the shoe in 2010. It’s one which got here out in 2020. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers received the 2020 NBA Finals that yr, and it began with Media Day. James wore a pair of mismatched purple and yellow 7s to the affair. The sneakers, which appeared primarily as a PE, ended up releasing, giving the followers one thing particular. They even restocked. It wasn’t laborious to get your fingers on a pair of the Lakers 7s, however they signify an vital second in LeBron’s profession and look good, too. —Matt Welty
Release Date: Feb. 3, 2018
Retail Price: $200
I needed to Google the LeBron 14 to recollect which one it was. It’s definitely higher than the LeBron 13, however the one one I barely bear in mind is the pair made to appear to be Acronym Prestos. Nike wanted to rethink LeBron’s line, it had hit a rut. Just because the LeBron 5 and 6 have been clunkers in his line, so have been the LeBron 12 and 13s. Designer Jason Petrie was tasked with re-creating the magic of LeBron’s signature collection that was seen in fashions 7-10. To transfer ahead, he went backward with the LeBron Watch program for the LeBron 15. Nike would design LeBron 15s that have been paying homage to James’ favourite sneakers from the archive. Most notable was the Diamond Turf model, which got here with a strap to imitate Deion Sanders’ shoe from the ’90s. The sneakers would launch on the SNKRS app as James wore them in video games and promote out immediately. It was the advertising and marketing that introduced LeBron’s sneakers again to relevancy, however the design helped, too. A LeBron sneaker goes to promote regardless—it is LeBron James. But having the fitting shoe for him makes everybody wish to get on it. These did simply that. —Matt Welty
Release Date: March 4, 2011
Retail Price: $160
Somewhat of a time capsule launch, the “Entourage” Nike LeBron 8 V/2 celebrates one in every of James’ all-time favourite TV reveals, Entourage. For eight seasons, the collection advised the story of Vincent Chase, a fictional actor who rose to prominence in Hollywood whereas placing every of his greatest buddies ready to succeed on their very own. Sound acquainted? James was such a fan that he reportedly had his workforce attain out to creator Doug Ellin to e-book a cameo within the Season 6 finale. There is not an apparent palette connected to Entourage and there are not any overt markings that make the connection, however the vibrant blue shoe relies on a picture that doubled as a promo poster and e-book cowl for the present. At the time, something Entourage associated resonated with sneakerheads, with Jerry Ferrara’s character Sal “Turtle” Assante being depicted as a connoisseur of kicks. Tracking down a pair wasn’t fairly as difficult as securing Fukijama Air Force 1s, however they have been nonetheless a precedence for almost anyone who was into sneakers and HBO’s episodic hit. —Brandon Richard
Release Date: May 26, 2018
Retail Price: $175
Unreleased participant samples and particular makeups have been a trademark of LeBron James’ Nike signature line for the reason that very starting. From white and pink colorways to honor his mom, Gloria, to school-based variations for groups like Oregon, Christ the King, and Fairfax, to alternate Cavs, Heat, and Lakers seems to be, most of the most coveted LeBrons have been unattainable with out deep pockets and even deeper connections. One of the sneakers that began that custom, nevertheless, truly obtained a retail launch when the “SVSM” colorway lastly dropped through the Air Zoom Generation’s retro run in 2018. Since he by no means attended faculty, even informal basketball followers are effectively conscious of the delight James holds for his highschool alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary, in Akron, Ohio. The faculty has been laced with unique inexperienced and gold sneakers for the reason that early days of the road, which made this a becoming PE to lastly make obtainable to the general public 14 years after it was first seen. —Zac Dubasik
Release Date: Nov. 11, 2011
Retail Price: $170
With the monumental activity of following the “South Beach” 8 within the line’s lineage of Pre-Heat colorways, Nike delivered the “Cannon” Nike LeBron 9. Initially, many believed the shoe to be a nod to the native Miami Hurricanes, and that colorway did come later, however its precise backstory is a little more intricate. Continuing to tug cues from James’ new hoop residence, the militaristic look was tied to Elgin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, the place the Heat held coaching camp to arrange for the 2010-11 season. Initially launched as a Miami unique earlier than a wider launch, the power fashion helped set the tone for what’s extensively thought of among the finest LeBron signature sneakers. There’s additionally some on-court historical past with the “Cannon” 9—James laced up a pair for the star-studded South Florida All-Star Classic forward of the NBA’s lockout in October 2011. —Brandon Richard
Release Date: Feb. 16, 2018
Retail Price: $255
The Kith x Nike LeBron assortment was vital for quite a few causes. At the time, a Nike Basketball collaboration of its scope was unprecedented. Kith founder Ronnie Fieg labored intently with LeBron, designer Jason Petrie, and Nike’s Tim Day to create an expansive assortment that included attire, equipment, and each way of life and efficiency footwear. One of the sneaker highlights was this “King’s Cloak” LeBron 15, an on-court model of the shoe which added a zipper up the middle seam. In addition to the zipper, the standout function of this fashion was its elaborate floral embroidery all through the knitted higher. Among probably the most restricted of the Kith x LeBron sneakers, it is also probably the most precious, with pairs nonetheless reselling for effectively over $1,000. There’s additionally a family and friends Lifestyle model in the identical colorway for individuals who are actually trying to splurge. —Riley Jones
Release Date: Aug. 10, 2013
Retail Price: $500
Remember the glory days of Nike Basketball? Remember the wild colorways and overwrought designs that fetched lots of of {dollars}? Remember the lineups and early social media frenzy over restricted sneakers from LeBron, Kobe, and KD? Remember when LeBron’s sneaker line had a yearly common season providing, a low model, and a beefed-up postseason model? These recollections demand point out of the Nike LeBron 10 “Champ Pack,” a two-sneaker field set from 2013 that celebrated LeBron James’ second consecutive championship with the Miami Heat. The bundle retailed for $500. The sneakers in it, LeBron 10 PS Elite and a LeBron 10 Low, have been sufficiently gaudy for Miami outings, wearing black, purple, gold, and floral patterns. The duo would possibly look clunky or brash now, with basketball sneakers waning in significance, however they have been undoubtedly a becoming marker of that second—for each LeBron and sneakers as a complete—after they launched in August 2013. Maybe you needed to be there. —Brendan Dunne
Release Date: Jan. 6, 2022
Retail Price: $230
The “Watch the Throne” Nike LeBron 9 initially appeared as a PE in 2011. Things appeared loads completely different then than when the shoe lastly dropped at retail, over 10 years later, in 2021. LeBron was nonetheless chasing his first NBA title, and Jay-Z and Kanye West have been on good phrases, touring in help of their collaborative Watch the Throne album, and Givenchy and Riccardo Tisci have been one of many hottest brand-designer duos round. Those parts all collided to create probably the most coveted LeBrons ever—one which resold for 5 figures at a time. Lots has modified although within the years since. Kanye West? His affiliation definitely hasn’t helped this sneaker’s fame. Riccardo Tisci? He’s additionally seen higher headlines. LeBron although? He definitely held up his a part of the discount, amassing 4 rings, topping 40k profession factors, and even sharing the court docket along with his son, Bronny. So, whereas the “Watch the Throne” 9 has a bit baggage, it’s not sufficient to tarnish probably the most legendary exclusives from the historical past of the road, due to LeBron. —Zac Dubasik
Release Date: Dec. 30, 2017
Retail Price: $200
The LeBron 15 represents a resurgence of kinds for LeBron’s signature line. After a number of years of lackluster showings compounded following the insane reputation of pairs just like the 8, 9, and 10, the 15 righted the ship with a renewed concentrate on way of life enchantment the latest pairs had lacked. To make sure the 15 crossed over appropriately, Nike tapped one in every of streetwear’s greatest names, Kith founder Ronnie Fieg. The relationship started in September 2018 when LeBron made a shock look to shut out Kith’s “Kith Sport” Spring 2018 runway present at New York Fashion Week to the tune of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “H.A.M.” One of the primary pairs to really launch because of the partnership was the “Rose Gold” colorway of the 15, designated for efficiency use, that had been given a premium remix by Fieg with the addition of a rose gold Riri zipper down the middle of every foot’s blush-pink Battleknit higher. LeBron would in the end lace up the collab throughout a memorable Christmas Day matchup with the Golden State Warriors. It was launched to the general public a number of days in a while his birthday alongside two of Fieg’s way of life variations of the 15 as a part of the primary chapter of the “Long Live the King” assortment. Not solely is it among the finest LeBrons ever, it is one in every of Fieg’s greatest efforts as effectively. —Mike DeStefano
Release Date: Aug. 1, 2010
Retail Price: $160
The LeBron 7 is considered among the finest LeBron fashions by many, nevertheless it got here at an attention-grabbing level within the participant’s profession. He was seemingly on the prime of his recreation—he can be awarded his second straight MVP award that season, however what followers did not know was that it will even be the final shoe that King James would lace up as a Cleveland Cavalier for his first stint with the workforce. Like it did with the LeBron 6 a yr prior, Nike determined to have fun LeBron’s newest MVP honors with a commemorative colorway of the 7. The “MVP” 7 swapped out the standard Flywire panels throughout the higher for quilted grey fleece, whereas a dual-layered wine and gold chenille Swoosh furthered the basic letterman jacket theme. Finishing touches included gold steel prime eyelets, a particular “MVP” insignia stitched on the medial heel, “Witness History” etched throughout every heel tab, and a gold-flaked translucent sole, an intricacy carried over from the “MVP” 6. All in all, there is no strategy to actually deny how stunning the execution right here is. But it is made that significantly better for what it commemorates. Nike even introduced it again for a retro run in June 2020 proving simply how memorable the colour scheme was amongst loads of nice 7s that launched again in 2010. —Mike DeStefano
Release Date: Nov. 11, 2006
Retail Price: $150
Though he is by no means known as it residence, LeBron James has at all times expressed an affinity for enjoying in New York City. Like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant earlier than him, James considered highway video games in opposition to the Knicks as a chance to showcase his expertise on the most important stage there’s—Madison Square Garden. In November 2006, he marked his return to “The Mecca” by breaking out a particular “Graffiti” colorway of the Nike LeBron 4 tagged with a scrawl that might have a look at residence on the town’s partitions. The day earlier than the sport, Nike opened a pop-up store in SoHo to launch the LeBron 4, together with a restricted run of the “Graffiti” colorway. Hundreds camped out forward of the opening, making fast work of the store’s 250 pair allotment. James went on to put on an alternate PE colorway within the 2007 All-Star Game, however that model by no means made it to retail. Nike introduced the shoe again as a retro in 2023, and the “Graffiti” colorways have been additionally celebrated with releases of corresponding makeups of the LeBron 17 in 2020. —Brandon Richard
Release Date: Sept. 2, 2011
Retail Price: $150
Oh, what may have been. This flashy model of the LeBron 8 V/2 Low had its story spoiled by destiny and the Dallas Mavericks. The shoe was initially designed as a celebratory colorway meant to launch as soon as LeBron James and the Miami Heat received an NBA title in 2011. Its graphic and radiant higher represented the confetti that might absolutely fall after James secured his first championship in South Beach. Except it did not occur, not till the subsequent yr not less than. And whereas this shoe did not get the second it initially deserved—slightly than a grand rollout, Nike dropped pairs abroad in summer time 2011 after which did a restricted launch that September at NikeTown in Miami—it nonetheless stands as among the finest examples of how brilliant and daring basketball sneakers might be on the time. LeBron’s Lows have usually not been very impactful, however the LeBron 8 Low is the very best of the bunch and returned as a retro in 2023. —Brendan Dunne
Release Date: Dec. 30, 2006
Retail Price: $150
The Nike Zoom LeBron 4 is in contrast to another sneaker within the line. For starters, it is a Foamposite. LeBron James’s early sneakers all resembled boots to a point, however this sneaker took it to a different stage. A basketball sneaker would not get far more indestructible than the LeBron 4. But its design can also be not par for the course for a Foamposite sneaker. The midsole has a wave-like move up the facet of it, making it stand out from the higher. The most memorable colorway of the LeBron 4 (to initially launch, not less than) was the “Birthday” pair made for, you guessed it, James’s birthday on Dec. 30, 2006. The sneakers have been a members-only launch on Nike.com, making them a tad extra unique. (Other LeBron 4 colorways launched as regional exclusives.) The colorway of shoe—white, orange, and blue—was a throwback to Cleveland Cavaliers uniforms of yesteryear. The sneakers themselves got here in a particular dopp-kit-like bag and the Knicks-esque colorway of the sneakers gave the New York trustworthy an inkling of hope that James would signal with the Knicks someday. All they have been left with was an excellent pair of sneakers. —Matt Welty
Release Date: Feb. 23, 2013
Retail Price: $250
In 2013, LeBron James was on prime of the world. He had, for the primary time within the NBA season the yr prior, turn into a champion. His already lengthy listing of profession accolades now included a title win and a Finals MVP award with the Miami Heat. (He and Team USA additionally casually picked up a gold medal on the London Olympics that yr.) A celebration was so as. Well after the locker-room festivities, parades, and rings, the celebration took form in sneaker kind with the LeBron 10 EXT “Cork.” The design challenged conceptions of what a contemporary basketball shoe may appear to be, changing the tech supplies with precise cork in reference to the numerous bottles popped after that championship win. In reality, it was much less a basketball shoe than any Nike LeBron earlier than it, this one created with Nike Sportswear, the extra lifestyle-leaning division of Nike. It got here in a time when each sneaker model was satisfied that each sneaker wanted a narrative, Few LeBron sneakers of that period advised their story in addition to this one. —Brendan Dunne
Release Date: Dec. 3, 2009
Retail Price: $160
In 2009, it was clear LeBron James was going to be a particular type of celebrity, however he had but to win a title and was removed from the battle-hardened veteran we all know at this time. Still discovering his stride, James was in his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers when the workforce hit the highway to tackle the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden early within the 2009-10 NBA season. The then-24-year-old confirmed flashes of greatness, taking pictures 12-for-17 and dropping 33 factors, 9 assists, and eight rebounds on the hometeam. He did so within the “Red Carpet” LeBron 7, a shoe notable for not matching the Cavaliers’ uniforms throughout an period when the league had stricter guidelines about sneaker colours. Nevertheless, no stories of fines ever surfaced, and the colorway went on to turn into probably the most common LeBron 7s. Designated as NFW (no Flywire) in comparison with its Flywire-equipped counterparts, this LeBron 7 was one of some OG colorways to obtain the retro therapy when it re-released in October 2019. —Riley Jones
Release Date: March 7, 2024
Retail Price: $250
Given that this listing is restricted to sneakers that truly launched at retail, a great deal of classics needed to be left off. For almost 20 years, the “Fruity Pebbles” Nike Zoom LeBron 4 was a type of sneakers. It was lengthy, probably the most coveted LeBrons ever created, however solely obtainable to a handful of family and friends of LeBron or these keen to shell out main money. That all modified in 2024, although, when the sneaker obtained a correct launch, full with a full Kith Treats activation that included particular packaging and cereal bowls. Such literal interpretations of a theme not often work, however this one does as a result of the visible therapy is so overstated, colourful, and simply plain enjoyable. The wider launch definitely took among the status away from the unique, however the colorway stays probably the most recognizable within the line’s historical past. —Zac Dubasik
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2004
Retail Price: $110
It appears laborious to consider there was ever a time when LeBron James was within the NBA and wasn’t an All-Star, however he truly missed the reduce his rookie season—regardless of posting strong numbers and largely delivering on the large expectations positioned upon him. James was nonetheless at All-Star Weekend in 2004, although, and had a sneaker for the event that went on to turn into one of many line’s most memorable. He laced up the “Wheat” Timberland-style colorway for a Rookie Challenge recreation that additionally featured the likes of Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade as they took on a sophomore class that included Amar’e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, and Manu Ginóbili. The sneaker dropped at retail that very same All-Star Weekend, after which returned as a retro in 2018. An analogous colorway dropped a yr prior for All-Star 2017 within the type of a Vachetta Tan version, however the unique nubuck model is the one with all of the historical past. —Zac Dubasik
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2012
Retail Price: $170
Flanked by a Kobe 7 and a KD 4, the LeBron 9 “Big Bang” highlighted Nike’s 2012 “All-Star” Pack that took the basketball sneaker world by storm. All three sneakers featured galactic coloration schemes, however the putting orange make-up of the King’s signature shoe set it aside from the remainder. Inspired by house fits of Ohio astronauts, a NASA-style lion patch is stamped on the tongue, whereas a colourful array of cosmic hues take form on its internal lining. While James’ Eastern Conference squad finally misplaced the sport by three, LeBron managed to rack up 36 factors to go together with six rebounds and 7 assists with this vibrant pair laced up on his ft. The colorway returned as a retro in 2022.—Ben Felderstein
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2003
Retail Price: $100
Despite its identify, the “First Game” Air Zoom Generation technically wasn’t the pair worn by LeBron for his first skilled recreation. That distinction went to the Air Zoom Generation’s white, black, and purple make-up, worn by James throughout his first NBA common season recreation, a highway contest in opposition to the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 29, 2003. Still, the “First Game” Air Zoom Generation is vital in its personal proper, having been laced up by LeBron throughout his first residence recreation in Cleveland. Days after the season opener, the Cavaliers hosted the Denver Nuggets from the Rocket Mortgage FieldHome (then the Gund Arena), and that is when James lastly broke out this historic pair. The Cavaliers took an L—their fourth in a row—and LeBron did not have a very noteworthy displaying, however it is a case the place the sneakers outshine the on-court second. There aren’t many gamers with a sneaker legacy like LeBron, and that is the place it began. —Riley Jones
Release Date: Oct. 16, 2010
Retail Price: $160
There’s actually no arguing in opposition to the “South Beach” LeBron 8 being the very best LeBron sneaker of all time. LeBron James taking his skills to South Beach after seven seasons as a Cleveland Cavalier was going to be the most important basketball information of Summer 2010 regardless. The jerseys had already been burned in Cleveland. He was already painted because the NBA’s greatest villain after his notorious “The Decision” telecast. But Nike nonetheless had to verify to mark the transfer to Miami with a splash of its personal to ensure that King James’ first shoe as a member of the Heat can be unforgettable. The model did it in a serious manner with this Miami Vice-inspired coloration scheme of the LeBron 8, the primary of the “Pre-Heat” releases which have turn into a Nike Basketball commonplace ever since.
Its Filament Green leather-based higher was like nothing we had seen from the Nike LeBron line as much as that time. Swapping within the scorching pink further laces (a compulsory transfer) was the proper element to make the shoe stand out much more, even throughout an period filled with brightly coloured sneakers. It even sparked a development all its personal that noticed the teal and pink coloration palette gown every part from Air Max NMs to Asics Gel-Lyte IIIs on the time. Quite frankly, the “South Beach” 8 was unavoidable in 2010, irrespective of how intently you adopted sneakers. It stays a grail for a lot of due to that hype, LeBron fan or not. Thankfully, Nike blessed us with a retro launch in 2021. Sneaker tradition has turn into an increasing number of mainstream through the years. Every week is full of coveted pairs, however one may argue that we do not get thus far with out this shoe. —Mike DeStefano