THE FINAL QUARTER of the year will be a busy one for drops for Nike as it is set to release locally the latest sneaker of National Basketball Association superstar LeBron James and new takes on the classic Air Force 1.

Slated for an October release in the Philippines, the LeBron XVII lands ahead of the start of the new NBA season later next month, the 17th year that “King James” will be lacing his shoes in The Association.

The LeBron XVII, Nike said, worked on resolving the Los Angeles Lakers star’s “quest for speed and support in his footwear.”

“We had ‘the blueprint’ in mind for the 17, and we started from the ground up on everything, whether that was the construction of the knit or the way we could protect him underfoot with Air bags,” said Nike’s Jason Petrie, designer of the LeBron XVII, in a press release for the new shoe.

Adding, “The silhouette was a way to reset the mark for LeBron, and futuristically explore how we could help his game with the best that Nike offers.”

The new LeBron shoe is touted to have the Highest-Volume Heel Max Air Unit than any in Mr. James’s line of shoes, providing shock absorption for his explosive play. A soft foam pod directly under the Max Air units adds cushioning.

It also has two Independent Air Zoom Pods under the forefoot which allow for downhill speed response from point to point.

The LeBron XVII introduces Knitposite, combining lightweight Flyknit construction with heat-molded yarns that add structure and color. It makes the shoe durable and supportive and resists stretching.

The Lion and the silhouette of LeBron dunking, steady details in past iterations of the LeBrons, have been put onto the tongue in the 17, in combination with phrases and symbols like “I’m King,” “LJ,” and “23.”

The “Purple and Gold” colorway of the LeBron XVII drops on Oct. 10, followed by the “In The Arena colorway” (Oreo) on Oct. 20 and “Air Innovation” colorway (white/light grey) on Oct. 29. The shoe is available to the public for P9,895.

AIR FORCE 1 FOR WOMEN
Meanwhile, new seasonal treatments of the Air Force 1 will be launched from October to December.

Nike said each treatment is led from a female perspective, building from the strength of the 1s Reimagined and extending belief in continually shifting the paradigm of what it means to celebrate Nike classics.

“We know women are infinitely diverse. They want something unique, and they want to use sneakers as an expression of themselves and their wardrobes. They also have deep respect and love for the icon,” said Georgina James, Senior Creative Director, Nike Women’s Footwear, in a release.

First to be launched is the Air Force 1 Shadow, on Oct. 3. It will be augmented by the debut of two additional women’s Air Force 1s, namely the AF1 Shell and AF1 Reflective.

Nike said inspiration for the Shadow, which is characterized by double design details and layered pieces, comes from thinking about women who are setting examples in their communities as forces of change.

It features a slightly higher mid-sole providing a modern lift and core-outed outsole making the shoe lighter and more comfortable.

The AF1 Shadow is priced at P5,795.

The AF1 Shell, set for a November release, has its style predicated on lightweight protection from seasonal elements. Its design comes from a staple hard shell jacket and incorporates cording details that allow for an adjustable shape. A DWR spray helps repel damp and cold.

Meanwhile, the AF1 Reflective, to be released in December, mixes pebbled leather with 3M to create visibility in low winter light. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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