By Sarah Gearhart
See the issue: October 2009

A down-to-earth force with out-of-this world capability—equally descriptive of LeBron James and his latest signature shoe, the Nike Air Max LeBron VII.

With its 360 unit, Nike's first basketball-specific cushioning component, the Air Max features 80 percent more air. Senior footwear designer Jason Petrie says the foundational unit "provides air all the way underneath LeBron's foot through every bit of his footstrike." That translates to better stability and impact protection—as well as added comfort on the court. 

Scope out the architecture, and you'll see Flywire wrapped on the upper portions. This cable-like technology provides a supportive cage around the foot and contributes to the shoe's light weight. In fact, the VII is the lightest shoe in LeBron's signature collection. "We have a lot of wear and tear throughout the course of the NBA season," LeBron says. "The lighter the shoe, the better for me."

Additional features include: a rubber-wrapped toe for durable protection; an articulated internal heel pad, which reduces irritation and locks the ankles in place; a modified herringbone pattern with flex grooves on the outsole; and an aluminum eyestay for added lock-down on the traditional lacing system.

Besides high function, the shoe sports high style, heel to toe. LeBron's initials are imprinted on the heels, L on the left and J on the right. When you rotate the shoe, King James' credos—Tradition, Loyalty, Passion, Fearless, Family and Community—are visibly reflected on a 3D decoder key.

 
Elevate your game with the freshest basketball shoes and basketball clothing, including the latest from Nike basketball. 

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