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SN: The idea of releasing a high profile athlete’s signature model in 3 different phases is pretty unprecedented, not to mention ambitious. How did the concept to release three versions of the LeBron 8 come about?
JP: Well, the original spark came from LeBron talking about there being an 82 game and a 28 game season and the idea of how he looks at an NBA season as literally being two different seasons with two totally different mindsets. So springing from that and through some more conversations with him and with the creative team here, we thought of the idea of providing LeBron with a shoe for the playoffs, and you saw that with the LeBron 7 PS. He’s kind of always had that with the Soldier before, but when we switched it to the PS, that was the first hint towards what was to come. Those shoes were obviously related. They were kinda built together and linked together, but they were different solutions to the different mindsets.
SN: So the PS last year laid the groundwork for the 3-phase concept for the 8?
JP: Yeah and we just wanted to expand on that and say ‘Hey, can we break the season up even further based on what’s going on with LeBron?’ From day 1 of training camp and the pre-season, all the way up to the start of the season, All-Star Game, playoffs… So the idea was – when you come into training camp, your body is different than it is at the end of the season. Your mindset is different. You’re getting to know new teammates. You’re learning new plays and incorporating new things. So the V1 was like coming through with your brand new car showing off a little bit. You know, with that shoe you’ve got really nice leather mixed with technology like that Bentley coming through super fast with a lot of horsepower, but it’s beautifully detailed and crafted.
The whole shoe has that different feel to it, and its leading off, so as you go through the season, you get more in tune with your team, you memorize those plays, you know your spots on the floor and your roles and you’re really fine-tuning. And as your body is getting leaner, that’s what we wanted the shoe (V2) to represent. Something to give LeBron that extra boost in the doldrums of the season when you’re in Milwaukee on a Wednesday night and its 20 below. It’s like that benefit when you train in a shoe that has a little more weight to it. Because then when you play in something lighter, you feel lighter and you get a little more of a boost. And not that it’s that literal, but that’s kinda the thought process behind it.
12 Responses to “Jason Petrie Discusses the Nike LeBron 8 V2”
January 13th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
really only lookin forward to those cool greys and all stars..got the white/red/black v2s…might get the xmas ones dependin..
January 13th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Out of all the hot V1 colorways they previewed, we don't get any? Booooooo!!!!!
January 13th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Great interview! Can't wait for the lebron 8 V3's!
January 13th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
I'm so anxious to see the Dunkmans……..V3's!!!
January 14th, 2011 at 12:01 am
Its messed up that they aren't doing anymore V1's. Just like the VII'S the best designs were samples. Damn shame. It funny how the VII'S had a million colorways as GR's and QS and the 8's are still trying to establish a identity. Having 3 different shoes would be cool if they gave us dope colorways but since the Pre-Heat what other Lebron 8 has been that crazy? AllStars and Entrouge look good but why no more V1's? Also, how do you not give the Dunkman the full treatment? It should be a V1-3 of Dunkmans IMO.
January 14th, 2011 at 12:42 am
Great interview SN!!! I've been so happy with the Lebrons that have been releasing I'm excited to see what we have coming! I too wish there were more crazy V2 colorways but oh well I guess. With the Christmas, All Star, Entourage, and Summit Lake Hornets I'm happy. I wish the Cool Grey V2 had more green but it sounds like we're gonna get what we want with the V3
January 14th, 2011 at 3:18 am
Now jason what are you going to say about the injury on lebrons left ankle with the V2 last night? Are you planning to switch to V3 right now?
January 14th, 2011 at 9:24 am
I am also wondering what happend to all those nice colorways of V1 from the previews? For me black andred is played out, every single signature line gets black and red. I am defenitly feeling the entourages. Hopefully we'll see V3 just before playoffs.
January 14th, 2011 at 10:37 am
ur right..more green woulda been DISGUSTING!! i never saw the summit lake hornets..gonna go look em up now
January 14th, 2011 at 11:55 am
best signature line out.. Lebrons are super comfortable with all the cushion and also good enough to wear casually unlike kobes which have poor cushioning because they sacrifice so much for light weight.
January 14th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
JP, SN, nice interview. From a true Nike head and designer I really love the effort put in on this.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:21 am
just to say J petrie all that models are so impressive that i can not pivent myselfe looking out more informations about jeson and is shoes designs . flywire technologiei yperfuse technologie AIR max technologi and the way is as been incorporeted lebron s perssonality on the shoe patern leather and so many other . i am a passionated of footwears design and i would realy like to be like Mr JP . i would like to tacke contact with him please.