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The Nike LeBron 12 release event took place earlier this week at the Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon revealing LeBron James 12th signature shoe. The LeBron 12s looks to build off of its highly successful predecessor the LeBron 11 by re-introducing Hyperposite technology seen on the previous model and adding a Megafuse upper along with a new revolutionary Zoom Air cushioning system.
The newest installment to LeBron’s signature line is the first Nike sneaker to incorporate numerous hexagonal Zoom Air Bags. Nike hopes to enhance responsiveness yet providing a more natural motion for the foot. LeBron clearly stated that this new incorporated technology was his favorite part of the shoe aside from having his name on his shoes. The hexagonal Zoom Air Bags are designed and engineered from the pressure mapping of the foot to be meticulously placed underneath different areas of the foot. This allows for comfortable landing upon impact protection and more responsiveness for different areas of the foot. Instead of using traditional foam, the new pattern uses a unique combination of pressurized air and fibers, where in each air bag contains thousands of fibers. The fibers are under high tension allowing for more responsiveness under impact.
In addition, to the hexagonal Zoom Air Bags, Nike has also introduced Megafuse with the LeBron 12. Similar to Hyperfuse, it is a thick one piece construction throughout the entire upper which is extremely durable and able to adapt to different foot shapes. Megafuse on the LeBron 12 is seen to have a fabric layer over it for enhanced protection in certain areas. On top of the megafuse, Nike has brought back the Hyperposite from the LeBron 11 for support and stability purposes.
The Nike LeBron 12 seems to be receiving mixed reviews based upon first images leaked onto the internet, let’s see what a few members of the Kicksologists staff have to say about the sneaker:
Reece Chau:
Personally, I do like the shoe. Like last year’s model, this silhouette has a futuristic look, which is unique and it seems to be packed with the highest level of Nike Tech. The new cushioning system looks dope and seems to be really responsive. In addition, the hexagonal Zoom Air Bags allows for better flexibility and natural motion so they say. I want to emphasize and mention this is what the previous LeBron models lacked. Also this year’s model looks slimmer so hopefully it will be a lighter shoe. If this is true, throw in cushioning with great responsiveness and good traction and these will be a must cop especially that Lion Heart colorway.
Jefferson Santos:
The Lebron 12 is a performance shoe so first and foremost, I can’t wait to try it on court. To be honest, the aesthetics isn’t the most appealing, but I’m sure it’ll perform a lot better than the Lebron 11. The Lebron 11 didn’t meet my expectations at all for the hardwood so my hopes are high for the 12. I’m really looking forward to the cushioning system as it is sort of a new take on Nike Zoom which is by far my favorite Nike cushion system. I also really want to feel how the upper flexes with the foot. The inner bootie is a nice add on since it is a first for the Lebron series. It’s going to be interesting this year to see how the consumer responds to the new look and to see if Lebron James actually loves the shoe. He loved the Lebron 9 and 10 quite a lot so I’m curious to see where the 12 will rank.
Roy Chen:
My initial thoughts on the the LeBron 12s are that the silhouette of the shoes looks dope, but the actual detailing of the sneaker looks too techy. For instance the heel panel has a claw like exoskeleton but it takes away from the sleekness the sneaker can possess. I liked the sleekness that the 11s provided although they too looked techy .There are just too many Flywire and cut patterns for me on these kicks. Another thing that I disliked was the colorful hexagonal outsole, I’m sure the color choice was probably due to LeBron’s infatuation for Fruity Pebbles cereal but it doesn’t work for every color. I’m hoping they only put those in to show the detailing of the hexagonal traction temporarily because I do believe that the traction on the shoes will be great for better responsiveness. If I had to choose one of the colors that have been revealed so far it would have to be the “Trillion Dollar Man”.
Nike has set to release seven different colorways in the upcoming 3 months for a retail price of $200. The first colorway, the NSRL (Teal, Multicolor colorway) will be the first to hit shelves on October the 1st in China and October 11th worldwide.
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