Nike Zoom LeBron II (2)

The Nike design team had set a high bar for the Nike Zoom LeBron II. With the all-around success of LeBron’s original shoe, the Nike Air Zoom Generation, Nike pumped up the volume and produced a shoe that surpassed the AZG in both technological and design standpoints. The Nike Zoom LeBron II was arguably the most anticipated shoe of 2005; LeBron James had garnered an increasing bandwagon following by his second season, and sneaker fans were excited to discover what Nike’s planned direction was with the LeBron Line.

The Nike Zoom LeBron II was released to retail locations on November 6, 2004. Only three colourways of the LeBron II were made readily available throughout the course of the ’04-’05 season; the original black/white/red colourway was an instant sell-out as was the white/navy/red colourway. Not much later, a special NBA All-Star Game edition of the LeBron II was released as a congratulatory gesture to LeBron James. For the upcoming summer season, two low versions of the LeBron II which features a lasered mudguard were released in two colourways in April and May.

If you believe there weren’t enough LeBron II releases, think again; a number of other color-renditions were available but in very limited numbers. The most “available” of the limited LeBron IIs was the ‘Birthday’ edition, which featured an all-black leather upper and special lasering design. The exclusive colourway was limited to just 500 pairs and was released on LeBron’s birthday of that year, which fell on December 20th. A number of other limited/exclusive/friends-and-family-only releases were also produced (refer to bottom of the page for additional info).

Was there a sophomore slump for the Nike Zoom LeBron II? The checklist Nike and LeBron James had pre-set was completely filled; it followed a map which led ut-of-the-box design and use of progressive technology which, based on opinions of LeBron and Nike Basketball fans, resulted in the best LeBron James signature shoe in terms of aesthetics and comfort to date.

General Information

Name: Nike Zoom LeBron II

Broad Launch Date: November 6th, 2004

Retail Price: $125

Product Specs:

• Full-length large-volume Zoom Air with Pebax shell for optimal support of heavier players
• Xytel mid-foot shank for added stability
• Detailed laser-graphics on the upper and outsole traction with newly design King James lion logo on the ankle
• Fully removable  velcro-based ankle strap

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Release Date: 11/06/2004 Color: Black/White-Metallic Silver-Varsity Red Style: 309378-011

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Release Date: 12/18/2004 Color: White/Navy-Varsity Red Style: 309378-441

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“Birthday” Release Date: 12/31/2004 Color: Black/Black-Light Graphite Style: 309378-001

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“All-Star Game” Release Date: 02/15/2005 Color: Cool Grey/White-Varsity Royal Style: 309378-012

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LOWS

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Release Date: 04/01/2005 Color: White/White-Metallic Silver Style: 310845-111

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Release Date: 05/01/2005 Color: Black/Black-Anthracite Style: 310845-001

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Other notable Exclusives/PEs/Samples:

‘Chamber of Fear’ Zoom LeBron II – Two colourways released exclusively in Asia

‘Dunkman’ Zoom LeBron II – Given to friends and family only; 65 pairs known in existence

‘SVSM’ Zoom LeBron II – Two colourways made exclusively for players on the St. Vincent-St. Mary team

‘Retro Night’ Zoom LeBron II – Player Exclusive made for LeBron for Cavaliers Retro Night

“Gold” Zoom LeBron II – Player Exclusive worn by LeBron during the ’06-’07 Season