The Nike LeBron 11, which is still considered to be a great looking shoe, had some serious performance and fitting issues due to the use of the drop in midsole, Nike did some good work with the LeBron 12. It became clear that full-length cushioning solutions might be over for the Nike LeBron line because they’re too heavy. The hex-pod solution that came along with the twelve was a step into the right direction, but the inability to feel the forefoot cushioning and poor heel-to-toe transition were the biggest flaws of this new technology. Well, that and the lacing system, which didn’t allow for a proper tight set up.
The thirteen fixes basically all the problems with the platform and resolves the lacing situation too… now you CAN’T re-lace the shoe, but at least you can tighten it up at the top properly. The heel-to-toe transition is much better now and the forefoot cushioning is noticeable too. I’m not sure that the anatomically placed posite, one of the selling points for the 13’s, does anything that special but it doesn’t bother me in any way other than casual appeal. Some things didn’t change cause we still get great support and the shoes are still kind of heavy compared to other kicks, but with a 15.30 oz. in size 10 it’s one of the lightest LeBrons to date… actually it’s #1 within the main line ex eqao with the 11’s.
That’s the numbers talking, but the end result is pretty damn good. The shoe feels great on foot and it feels light. The performance is right there and the shoe is more comfortable to wear even for longer periods of times… mainly because it works with your foot instead of leading its own life. Compared to the previous models I think the casual appeal is worse, but I’m certain there will be some more special colorways that will make up for that. Plus the general perception will change once The King starts to wear them.
Check out some new photos featuring the Mulberry colorway below, which after 10+ colorways unveiled takes the crown for the best looking version. Do you agree?