From A(ZG) to X: The Best of the Nike LeBron Colorways

The Complex Sneaker Team dives into their favorite Nike LeBron colorways

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In the world of sneakers, no shoe is more significant than the eleventh signature of Michael Jordan. You could argue otherwise but it was the Air Jordan XI that made people who refused to pay "such absurd amounts" for a pair of sneakers, take notice. To compare Michael Jordan and LeBron James is an impossible task. But one that everyone who enjoys the sport of basketball or sneakers, will probably attempt for the rest of eternity. Comparing modern athletes to former stars and hall of famers, is one of the most enjoyable debates a sports fan can have. We all have those athletes that we look up to and hold in a higher regard. The same can be said about sneakers. And the LeBron XI will inevitably ignite that debate for the next year.

With that said, the Complex Sneakers Team is a mix of individuals. All with different backgrounds, all with different tastes and all with different opinions. In fact, as much trash we talk about sneakerheads, aka ourselves, for the ridiculous idiosyncrasies we've come to be proud of, the best thing about this thing of ours is individuality. It brings a balance to our content and makes for some NSFW ("Not Safe For The Web") heated debates but it's the beauty of sneakers.

When comparing signature models before, we've each given our personal opinions on the 4th signature model and 6th signature model. But for the launch of the Nike LeBron XI we decided to take different approach. Each of our team members chose one of their favorite colorways. One for each signature model in the LeBron sneaker line. With that said, we want to hear from our readers, what their favorite LeBron colorway is of each LeBron signature shoe. So hit us up in the comments with your choices, as you check out From A(ZG) to X: The Best of the Nike LeBron Colorways.

Nike Air Zoom Generation

Year: 2003
Colorway: "Wheat"
Writer: @russbengtson

Maybe it's easy to forget now, 11 models in, but there was a lot riding on the Nike Air Zoom Generation for both Nike and LeBron James. Nike was in their pre-Kobe phase, with a (for real) retired Michael Jordan, and they had lavished a $90 million contract on the young rookie from Akron. The pressure was on. And Nike floored it from the jump, putting a dream team of designers including Tinker Hatfield on the young King's first signature model, then releasing a special "First Game" makeup (with the date embroidered in the liner) for his first home game in Cleveland. But the best of the bunch had to be the Timberland-inspired "Wheat" makeup that he wore for the Rookie Challenge in Los Angeles. There was a "L.A." variety all ready to go just in case he made the big game, but he had to wait a while for that. Not as long as we've had to wait for an AZG retro, though. (And how has there not been another "Wheat" LeBron makeup since?)

Nike Zoom LeBron II

Year: 2004
Colorway: "SVSM"
Writer: @kustoo

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the LeBron II, Nike was doing a great job at the time with the colorways. They kept it pretty simple. LeBron was such an exciting player, that unlike today, his shoes still seemed like a bit of an after thought. With that being said, When I do think of the LeBron ii, the color that jumps into my head is easily the SVSM colorway. The green really looked great over the leather upper and Nike added just enough gold to the model to reflect the school's logo. The logo placement on the heel was terrific and I thinking in retrospect, I like the old logo in this setting better than the new one. Another thing that really stands out about the SVSM colorway is the detailing around the ankle. The gold coloring against the ankle collar and heel really popped off he shoe and appeared almost in secret. And since we are talking about the LeBron II, I want to talk about the LeBron II Low...

Nike Zoom LeBron III

Year: 2005
Colorway: "White/Gold"
Writer: @LoveLiveUptown

My favorite color for the LeBron 3 is the White/Gold Colorway. I remember having them back in HS. I used to have school spirit so I had copped them because my high schools colors were white, black and gold and they went perfect with all my school gear. And I had gotten LeBrons HS jersey to go with them as well. I was obviously a huge fan back then lol.

Nike LeBron IV

Year: 2006
Colorway: "Fruity Pebbles"
Writer: @matthewjwelty

The LeBron IV was disgusting, and I mean that in the best possible way. The sneaker was a clunky Foamposite boot that was better suited as a replacement for your Timberlands than for posting up on the basketball court. The best color scheme of the IV was the "Fruity Pebbles," but they were a friends and family-exclusive--meaning that no one really get their hands on them. If the IV had come out these days, they would fly off the shelves and more than likely have a retail price of well over $250. If you still have your pair, you're good. There's no way you can beat these into the ground.

Nike LeBron V

Year: 2007
Colorway: "Yankees"
Writer: @NickEngvall

Any shoe with straps to me gets more points than those without. The LeBron V is one of those shoes I can proudly say I slept on completely. Not that I didn't like it, it was just a time in my life I was focusing on other things. What I did notice was the "Yankees" themed colorway. Being a Giants fan, I'll never own these but it is one of the most well done Yankees themed sneakers ever. The metal details gave it a sense of class, much like the Bronx Bombers clean-shaven appearance does. (The gold detailing on the SVSM colorways was also perfection.) My love for the game might be different than most people but the respect for a properly done sneaker design and colorway is something I will always have. This colorway highlights the intricacies of the LeBron V in a way that the others don't. From the baseball themed logos to the Sinatra-esque New York, New York details, This shoe couldn't have been done any better.

Nike LeBron VI

Year: 2008
Colorway: "Chalk"
Writer: @JSawyer86

Pulling some inspiration from the classic Air Force 1 High, how can the LeBron VI from nike not be one of the more prized Bron Bron models? Probably my second-favorite to date, the overall aesthetic was simply quite pleasing, in my opinion. Garnering the silhouette for street and indoor hopping alike, you could really feel at home no matter where you wore the VIs. My favorite colorway, probably along with many of you out there, has to be the "Chalk" iteration (yeah, he's bringing the toss back this season, too), albeit the Swoosh held nothing back with the color options for this model. From high school editions (SVSM, Akron, Christ The King), to city entries (Big Apple, Miami, LA) and even a blacked-out pair, there really was a colorway for everyone here. Oh, and can't forget about the Business, Athlete, Wise, Kid series. I will say, though, the low-tops were pretty awful. Sorry, Nike.

Nike LeBron VII

Year: 2009
Colorway:
Writer: @swcdex

When the Nike LeBron VII hit stores, it kicked off the trend of hype coming with his name and his shoes. It wasn't until the release of the "Red Carpet" (Far From Red October) that we witnessed how sneakerheads took to his shoes and how they will when the next iterations come out. While people were awaiting the Nike LeBron VIII "South Beach", no one wanted to miss out there chance to get their hands on these - some were more lucky than others.

Nike LeBron VIII

Year: 2010
Colorway: "PreHeat"
Writer: @bgolliff

There has been very few shoes that have had the effect of the Lebron 8. This shoe changed release strategies for all future signature models. We now get a "pre" shoe that is the pinnacle of what the signature will be before its formal debut. And it changed how colorways would be forever. Since this shoe, fluorescent colors have become the standard and limited quantities have become the norm. The PreHeat Lebron 8 is by far my favorite colorway of the whole Lebron line because the shoe game has never been the same since.

Nike LeBron IX

Year: 2012
Colorway: "Watch The Throne"
Writer: @IamJeffreyJason

To me, the Nike LeBron 9 is the most visually appealing sneaker in the LeBron line. I feel the Hyperfuse and woven ankle panel lend themselves to some really great colorblocking; the "Freegums", "MVP", and "Big Bang" colorways are perfect examples of that. It is rather ironic that I find the Nike LeBron 9 appealing due to its colorblocking abilities when the "Watch The Throne" make-up is my favorite 9, by far. Now, the "WTT" 9 is not my favorite because Kanye, Jay-Z, and LeBron wore it; or because it is beyond limited. It is my favorite because the solid black upper pairs very well with the gold Swoosh and tab while the graphic collar and laces add a great amount of character to what is a relatively quite sneaker. With all that being said, the LeBron 9 is actually the most uncomfortable LeBron sneaker in my opinion. I am not a fan of how the Hyperfuse and woven panels feel around the foot. I know I am in the minority on that as we have seen tons of sneakerheads and basketball players wearing the Lebron 9 for years now but it is what it is.

Nike LeBron X

Year: 2013
Colorway: "Cork"
Writer: @DeadsotckNYC

The LeBron X has been the shoe that solidified where Nike & his fans have been and where everyone wanted the line to go. From the Sport+ option to colorways to the numerous variations. They made it & we bought it, so with all of the options out I selected the Cork LeBron X. The Cork was the snowball of the X line, it was dropped at the top of the mountain and by the time it released it was a monster. It had the eye catching appeal, the deep meaning to the hardcore fan & set the bar for future Lebrons tied to career accolades to come.