Following the big win over The Golden State Warriors LeBron James took it to instagram to introduce his 14th signature shoe by saying “Sorry guys for the wait but better late than never and great things are worth waiting for.” We still don’t know when we get to validate that claim since there’s no release date attached to Nike’s press release.
But we do finally get to inspect the 14’s. I applaud Nike to being able to keep them under wraps until the very end. Additionally, 24 hours before the tip off they threw a misdirection by posting the Christmas version of the Soldier 10, but turns out that was for Tristan Thompson.
The LeBron XIV has a simple construction and it’a a mashup of current trends and technologies. That’s ok, but what I’m missing most here is lack of signature elements that were always articulated within the Nike LeBron series. With the 14’s we only get signature tabs and straps. And there’s was a rumor about the straps being similar to LeBron 2’s mismatched Swoosh and NIKE signs, but in the debut both have Swoosh.
As for the technology involved, LeBrons used to push the envelope, but the biggest innovation here is the combination of maximum volume Zoom Air units and hex pods. The first hex pod setup used in LeBron 12’s was too stiff, which got better with the 13’s and I expect the ultimate solution here. There’s no posite on the upper so the 13’s biggest flaw goes away instantly. All I hope is that the bootie construction won’t be as tight as KD’s and that the laces and the strap actually do have a purpose.
We’ll find out soon enough, I guess. What’s your first impression about the LeBron 14 so far?
View Comments (7)
LeBron 14's signature elements I've seen so far:
1. LJ on the tongue tab
2. L-crown-J logo on the heel tab
3. L-crown-J logo on the outsole (heel)
That's not a lot. Usually there are more touches, but maybe we don't see them yet.
However if this really is a rushed redesign, as rumors claim, maybe that's the side effect.
Too many tabs, either way.
I now understand why nike so hiding this model.
This is garbage.
LBJ1 - good
LBJ2- very good
LBJ3 - Super
LBJ4 - Super
LBJ5 - amazing
LBJ6 - even better
LBJ7 - very cool
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LBJ8 - just OK>
LBJ9 - I do not think
LBJ10 - poor
LBJ11 - even Lebron did not play in them
LBJ12-I like them
LBJ 13- bad
LBJ 14 - Garbage
Is Jason Petrie still in charge of the LeBron line?
It appears so.
What do you mean by that? Is there an interview of him talking about it or what, because it's hard to believe he went from designing the LeBron 8 (one of the nicest shoes ever) to this.. The Black/White colorway is pretty sick but they just haven't stood out like the others!
I have no information they replaced him. I know for a fact he worked on the Soldier 10.
It's not all about what Jason can or can't do. Maybe it was an executive decision with the LeBron 14? There's a lot of talk about a different design created before these. Maybe Nike or Jason will own up soon. We all know they keep him off media... sadly.
they look like they should be part of the soldier collection