Matt Varga When you’ve got a catalog as deep and storied as LeBron James, it’s only natural that certain colorways emerge as standard bearers within that mix. While odes to Cleveland and Miami are no doubt the populous within the King’s backlog, it’s some of his one-off fare that’s loomed the largest in the minds of collectors. Within that vertical, the Nike LeBron 6 “Stewie” became a shoe of legend, finally given the chance to shine in public as he and Nike issued the LeBron 18 Low “Stewie” in 2021. As the era of the LeBron 23 marches on, the Kid From Akron utilized a matchup with the Suns to give us a far-ahead preview of the colorway’s return.
Obviously, the compositional changes that the LeBron 23 features as opposed to the silhouette sixteen years ago make for some creative liberties. Most evidently, the lack of a midfoot strap doesn’t allow for the buttoned adaptation of the infant Griffin’s overalls. Pedantry aside, the spirit of the OG is still felt throughout the whole shoe, particularly in the Swoosh detailing and outlines of the topmost section on the upper, further splaying into trademark tones of red, yellow, and teal within the Crown-laden design.
All things considered, the run of the LeBron 23 has been one of weighty narratives so far: James’ high school Sports Illustrated cover, his first NBA title in Miami, playing alongside his son Bronny, and making NBA history in the process. With a Fall 2026 date attached to the shoe, the core series developing those career-defining moments will no doubt take precedence in the time between, dropping off some more metatextual, playful fare at the expected tail end of the model’s run.
Again, the Nike LeBron 23 “Stewie” is expected to make its public debut come Fall 2026, with a projected $210 retail price. Catch some on-foot shots via The King, included below.
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- Nike LeBron 23 “Stewie” @nba
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- Nike LeBron 23 “Stewie” @nba
Initial report of release info via SneakerFiles.
