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Nike is marking a milestone in LeBron James’ legendary career with the unveiling of his 23rd signature sneaker — the Nike LeBron 23. For James, who has worn the number 23 for most of his 21 NBA seasons, the release carries a poetic symmetry, and Nike is leaning into the moment with some of its most ambitious storytelling yet.
Each of the sneaker’s 23 colorways will feature a unique heel graphic tied to a chapter in LeBron’s journey, paired with a matching T-shirt from the new Forever King apparel line. Nike is also introducing three distinct packaging designs to reflect the eras of his career: “The Chosen 1 Arrives” (2002–2010), “Taking the Throne” (2010–2018), and “Long Live the King” (2018–present).
On the performance side, the LeBron 23 debuts the line’s first-ever full-length ZoomX drop-in midsole, reinforced by a carbon fiber shank for added stability. The engineered knit upper, soft interior lining, and crown-shaped medial panel balance comfort with iconic branding, while the traction pattern incorporates James’ signature number 23.
“One of the things that’s so powerful about the LeBron 23 is that the foot engages directly with our ZoomX foam, enabling an unmatched level of connectivity and court feel,” said Ross Klein, Nike’s senior director of men’s basketball footwear product design.
LeBron himself described the shoe as both innovative and personal: “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. Over two decades later, we’re still going strong, inspiring the next generation with a shoe that’s made for greatness.”
The first colorway, “Uncharted,” celebrates LeBron becoming the first NBA player to score 40,000 career points, featuring an iridescent gold finish and a diamond-patterned knit upper. Following that will be “Miami Twice,” honoring his back-to-back championships with the Heat, and “The Chosen One and the One Who Chose,” a mismatched purple-and-gold design commemorating LeBron and his son Bronny becoming the NBA’s first father-son teammates.
Every pair will include a collectible charm tied to its heel logo, along with a booklet mapping out all 23 stories across the line.
The Nike LeBron 23 “Uncharted” launches Sept. 25 in China, with a global release set for Oct. 3. Pricing has yet to be announced.
ALL 23 NIKE LEBRON 23 STORYLINES/COLORWAYS 👑
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) September 4, 2025
“From this Point Forward”
“Shoe Bag”
“Best in Class”
“Motor King”
“Honor the King”
“Out for Redemption”
“Honor Society”
“Good Intentions”
“Heat Wave”
“Green with Envy”
“Dreams and Nightmares”
“The Masked Menace”
“Hurt… pic.twitter.com/hUdFvejuuM
Fit for a King.
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) September 3, 2025
Introducing the LeBron XXIII. Give your game the royal treatment every time you grace the court.
Arriving 10.3. Get notified on SNKRS. pic.twitter.com/en9ITzQOpl
The Nike LeBron 23 will retail for $210 USD 👑 pic.twitter.com/wqsiQ1EeQ7
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) September 4, 2025
KING JAMES: Here's your first official look at @KingJames' 23rd signature sneaker — the Nike LeBron XXIII 👑👑👑
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) August 30, 2025
The "40k" colorway celebrates LeBron reaching 40,000 points ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ZRHbwMgWf2
