Nike Crafts a Crown-Shaped Midsole for Patent Leather LeBron James Air Force 1

The Nike Air Force 1 is a basketball shoe. It might sound crazy considering today’s on-court sneaker technology, but at first release, the thick, flat-soled shoe with a strap on the high top was the next evolution of Air, made for driving to the rim and getting up jumpers. These days, the shoe is a lifestyle classic with absolutely zero playing time, but the shoe is still an off-court favorite for hoopers around the globe.

The latest Nike Air Force 1 colorway is made for King James himself, taking the crown-shaped midsole of the Nike LeBron 23 and transferring it to a pair of Forces. The crowning cut-outs in the forefoot and heel of the midsole are eye-catching, but almost secondary to the shiny monochrome black patent leather upper and black monogram print on the sockliner made of crown logos. More nods to LBJ are found on the tongue and heel, with Nike LBJ and Air Chosen 1 found on the former and Nike LBJ by itself on the latter. Finishing touches include golden LeBron-branded lace dubraes, crown graphics on the insole, and LeBron signatures on the outsole.

Nike has been leaning in on transforming the Air Force 1 into a signature basketball shoe lately, and in addition to the new previews of the patent leather LeBron pair, Beaverton has been reworking pairs of Forces for Kobe Bryant and Ja Morant. Before next year is over, we’re hoping the project expands even further, with a KD, Book, or even Wemby Air Force colorway, too.

The Nike Air Force 1 LBJ Black Metallic Gold NYC will be released Holiday 2025 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $200. To keep up with every Nike LeBron drop, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.