Nike Officially Reveal the LeBron 16
After debuting the kicks with , have officially revealed the on-court rendition of the . A hardwood-friendly version of that fashion-forward colab, the LeBron 16 introduces a number of new additions to ' signature lineup, including Battleknit 2.0, a new collar height, and a refined version of the Max Air cushioning that graced the LeBron 15.
First up is the new knit. An evolution of the scalloped knit that handled the 15's construction, Battleknit 2.0 increases the tensile strength of those fibres in order to better support LeBron's lateral movements on the court.
'The knit team at Nike are geniuses,' says designer Jason Petrie. 'I don’t use that term lightly. They are mathematical artists and have created a new knit for the 16 that is strong enough to contain LeBron and successfully reduces any layers in the overall build that could slow him down.'
The shoe also features a gusseted leather tongue to create a slip-on upper while James had Petrie lower the height of the collar so he could 'get a little faster, ride a little bit closer to the court and be a little bit more dynamic.'
Finally, LeBron dug the Max Air cushioning of the 15 so much that Petrie brought it back for the King's latest shoe. The only change Petrie made: removal of the tendril that connected the forefoot to the toe and the addition of a supportive outrigger.
The LeBron 16 will hit on September 20 with a 'Fresh Bred' debut.