Nike Zoom LeBron IV (4)

When images of the Nike Zoom LeBron IV were leaked into sneaker forums and websites, the already growing hype for the upcoming IV ballooned into the most anticipated Nike basketball release of the 21st Century. The design was a complete aberration from the soldier-boot motif of the LeBron III, as the flowing lines and curves of the LeBron IV seemed to lack any restriction or rules.

The LeBron IV was the first basketball shoe since 2003 to feature Foamposite , the material made popular in the 90’s by the Nike Air Foamposite One. The Foamposite material is very expensive to use – perhaps a reason why it was used so sparingly over the years – but it was the choice of material for the upper construction of the LeBron IV. LeBron’s fourth shoe features a “no-midsole” make-up, in that it does not showcase a conventional midsole. The overall construction of the shoe – grooved sole, Foamposite stability, inner mesh sockliner – was devised to maximize on-court feel, and it was a sure-fire success, as LeBron James rode the LeBron IV wave throughout the season and catapulted the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise into its first ever NBA Finals appearance.

Beyond the basketball court, the LeBron IV was regarded as the first LeBron shoe that made the crossover into street-wear much more readily. The first three signature models of the LeBron line were outstanding basketball shoes but could not compete with the fan-friendly design of the IV; the liquid sensation of the Foamposite material reminded Nike Basketball fans of the earlier hits such as the Foamposite One and Flightposite One. The wide array of colourways were instant hits, as were the limited/exclusive releases, which came packaged in a specially designed zippered case.

General Information:

Name: Nike Zoom LeBron IV

Broad Launch Date: November 13th, 2006

Retail Price: $125

Product Specs:

• Features the first use of Foamposite material  in a basketball sneaker since 2003
• Flex-grooved full-length Zoom Air sockliner for added on-court feel
• Tri-sectioned design with “no-midsole” construction
• Elastic bands at in-step that allows for flexibility without compromising stability of Foamposite

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“China Edition” Release Date: 11/13/2006 Color: Varsity Red/Varsity-Metallic Gold Style: 314647-611

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Release Date: 11/16/2006 Color: Black/White-Varsity Crimson Style: 314647-011

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Release Date: 12/21/2006 Color: Black/Black-Anthracite Style: 314647-001

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“” Release Date: 12/21/2006 Color: White/White-Midnight Navy-Metallic Gold Style: 314647-111

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“Birthday” Release Date: 12/31/2006 Color: Dark Neon Royal/White-Safety Orange Style: 314647-511

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“All-Star Game” Release Date: 02/15/2007 Color: Metallic Gold/White-Varsity Red Style: 314647-711

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Release Date: 02/22/2007 Color: Black/Black-Varsity Crimson Style: 314647-002

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Release Date: 03/15/2007 Color: White/White/Reflective Silver-Chrome Style: 314647-112

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“Playoffs” Release Date: 04/16/2007 Color: White/Varsity Crimson-Midnight Navy-Metallic Gold Style: 314647-161

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EXCLUSIVES

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“New York City” Release Date: 11/13/2006 Color: White/Black/Red Style: bam284-m43

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“Home PE” Release Date: 11/01/2007 Color: White/White-Varsity Red-Metallic Gold Style: 314647-114