Nike Officially Unveils LeBron James’ Next Signature Sneaker, the Nike LeBron 23

The 2025-26 season may be LeBron James’ last time taking the floor in an NBA uniform. While that’s a sad thought (unless you're Skip Bayless), this is all the reason to celebrate the illustrious career and legacy LeBron has had in his 23 years in the league. After being crowned the “Forever King” by Nike earlier this week, the Beaverton-based sportswear giant has officially unveiled James’ 23rd signature sneaker, the LeBron 23.

Teasers and early looks at the LeBron 23 have slowly dripped out over the last month, leading up to this moment. First, James was spotted wearing an all-black weartest sample during summer workouts, but he provided a clearer look at the debut Uncharted colorway on his Instagram story two weeks back.

“The LeBron XXIII reflects the deep partnership I have with Nike, pushing the limits of design and innovation to create a new signature shoe that powers my game and tells the story of my career,” says LeBron James. “Over two decades later, we’re still going strong, inspiring the next generation with a shoe that’s made for greatness.”

Leaning into his nickname “The King” and the recent crowning of him as the “Forever King,” Nike incorporates his crown logo directly onto the upper of the LeBron 23. The “Crown Containment System” evolves the cradle containment system found on the LeBron 22, delivering stability for high-force movements and reinforcing the engineered mesh upper and soft interior bootie. Cushioning also sees major improvements. For the first time, a Nike LeBron will carry a drop-in midsole, this pair utilizes full-length ZoomX foam. Beneath the midsole sits a carbon fiber shank and a multi-directional traction pattern for quick cuts.

“One of the things that’s so powerful about the LeBron XXIII is that the foot engages directly with our ZoomX foam, enabling an unmatched level of connectivity and court feel,” says Ross Klein, Senior Director, Men’s Basketball Footwear Product Design.

Again tapping into the “Forever King” moniker, Nike has developed colorways inspired by 23 different stories across his career. The debut colorway, Uncharted, commemorates LeBron becoming the first NBA player to surpass 40,000 career points. The second pair, dubbed Miami Twice, recalls his back-to-back NBA titles and Finals MVPs with the Miami Heat. The Chosen One and the One Who Chose colorway celebrates LeBron and his son Bronny’s achievement of playing together as the NBA’s first father-son duo with a mismatched Foamposite-esque eggplant and metallic silver color scheme.

Apparel, including graphic tees, will coincide with the 23 stories and launch at the same time as its corresponding LeBron 23. Each model also comes packaged in a specially designed crown-molded box depending on the era of the story: The Chosen 1 Arrives (2002-2010), Taking the Throne (2010-2018), and Long Live the King (2018-present).

The Nike LeBron 23 will debut in the Uncharted colorway on September 25, 2025 in China for a retail price of $210 (men) and $160 (GS). A global release will take place on October 3, while The Forever King apparel collection will launch ahead of the Holiday 2025 season. Expect plenty of colorways over the following year. Check below for details on the three launch colorways of the LeBron 23, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Nike LeBron 23 Uncharted

Nike LeBron 23 Miami Twice

Nike LeBron 23 The Chosen One and the One Who Chose

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com