Brendan Dunne 
Ten years later, the young man who started his career in his hometown and became a Champion in Miami will return to the hardwood this fall to prove himself as the world’s greatest once again. On LeBron James’ feet for the pending season will be the Nike LeBron 11, a shoe that is more than equipped to guide him through the battles ahead. His eleventh signature sneaker will be the lightest Nike LeBron model yet thanks to a combination of Hyperfuse and Hyperposite and will be locked down by the likes of the brand’s patented Dynamic Flywire technology. Amidst the first group of colorways will be the just previewed “Terracotta Warrior” and the “King’s Pride”, the latter being the one billed as the colorway-based”Parachute Gold” before the official info arrived. The sneaker features several design details calling out to what Nike is billing as the “duality of the number 11”, elements that include the Roman numeral XI in the lining and the “LJ” initials hidden in the side Swoosh hit. Continue reading for official images on Lebron 11 and make sure to mark your calender for the October 12th release date of the LeBron 11 “Kings Pride” colorway.
Nike LeBron 11 “King’s Pride”
10/12/13
via Nike INC
The number 11 represents new beginnings and is a step beyond a celebrated tenure. Starting his 11th year in the league, with two gold medals, two championship rings and four MVP trophies, LeBron James continues to succeed by constantly improving his game.
Designed to provide a protective suit for James’s unique style of play, the LEBRON 11 encompasses the duality of powerful precision. It is James’s lightest signature shoe to-date, while offering the protective feel, responsiveness and containment his game requires.
“LOCK ME DOWN SO I CAN FLY”
James has consistently fed back to his shoe designers that he wants to feel locked down, as if the shoes are an extension of his feet, for the 1,000+ directional changes he makes per game. Nike Basketball designers aim to build on the strengths of his game and provide protection for his powerful force without hindering his intricate precision on the court.
Built from the inside out, the LEBRON 11 is the lightest and lowest LeBron signature shoe ever. It weighs approximately 14.5 oz in a men’s size 9.
The upper is built in a new way, featuring revolutionary Nike Hyperposite technology for lightweight lock-down, while taking protection, containment and responsiveness to a new level. The upper incorporates Nike Hyperfuse construction and dynamic Flywire technology to bring natural motion to James’s game.
The LEBRON 11 is deconstructed to get James’s foot much lower to the ground so he can feel the court, while enhancing cushioning via the full length Lunarlon and Nike Zoom unit – a combination featured for the first time in a LeBron signature shoe.
The LEBRON 11 features key performance innovations and benefits including:
New Nike Hyperposite technology: Uses lightweight materials designed to move with the foot to provide protection, containment and responsiveness.
Nike Hyperfuse construction and Dynamic Flywire technology: Provides a dynamic fit and excellent lockdown, bringing natural motion to the court.
A combination of Lunarlon and Nike Zoom units: For soft, springy responsiveness.
DESIGN DUALITY
The duality of the number 11 is the main graphic design inspiration for the LEBRON 11 – it looks identical upside down as it does right side up. The graphic design on the LEBRON 11 also plays into the duality of the shoe and features ambigrams throughout including:
The graphic on the inner tongue of the shoe spells out the number six while further highlighting the Roman numeral XI.
The sock liner graphic reads “LeBron” but when flipped upside down reads “James”.
A closer look at the Swoosh on the shoe reveals a pattern inspired by modern chain mail in which the initials “LJ” make up the links and repeat at graduating weights.
THE STORY OF DUALITY:
Nike Basketball designers successfully channel the duality of James’s play and persona to tell the story via various LEBRON 11 colorways.
LEBRON 11 KING’S PRIDE colorway
James plays with fearlessness, determination and the heart of a lion. The King’s Pride colorway draws inspiration from the lion – its dark loden upper color and the floral print on the collar lining reflect the pride of the wildlife.
