Nike Kids Sneakers Son of Force Nero | Nike Metallic Teases LeBron James' New Nike Kids Sneakers Son of Force Nero Metallic Shoe

LeBron James may or may not be a Los Angeles Laker during the 2025-26 NBA season, but one thing's for sure: "King James" is ready to take on his 23rd professional Metallic campaign. For the occasion, the 40-year-old is set to debut the Nike Kids Sneakers Son of Force Nero Metallic shoe.

James was recently captured training with Chris Johnson, a mental fitness coach and founder of JUSHOOP™. In an Instagram Reel shared to the public, the "kid from Akron" is spotted wearing a Liverpool FC-branded pair of athletic pants in addition to a logo-less, all-black pair of sneakers. As is customary with other impending footwear models, the pitch-dark, swoosh-Gear pair is likely a wear-test sample. The procedure was recently seen on both the nike w air max 2090 sneakers white black pure platinum bright crimson by Nike SB and Vomero Premium running model, and helps maintain unreleased products discreet as athletes put them through elite-level tests.

Screenshots obtained via Johnson's Instagram video leave much to the imagination, but an initial view of the LeBron 23 wear-test sample reveals a number of important details.

For starters, the sneaker's shape doesn't deviate much from the current LeBron 22, Nike Move Dry Top i lynggrå Nike Metallic offerings. The upper is effectively split into a mudguard that extends from the sole unit and a textile base visible from vamp to upper hind-foot, a detail that takes after the crown shape seen on early Nike LeBron branding. The design execution has led netizens to draw comparisons between James' potential next signature model and the oft-overlooked Nike KD 8 Suit Collection. The sneaker also evokes images of the Air Flightposite 2 once endorsed by Kevin Garnett, a player the Ohio-native has vocally admired in the past.

A connection to the Flightposite franchise makes sense given the Swoosh's recent push of the series' original model, as well as modern takes rooted in heritage like the G.T. Future. Additionally, the Foamposite-derivative material is much more protective than textile executions found on past Nike LeBrons; the Flightposite material would mold to James' feet better, delivering an enhanced fit as the 25-26 NBA season progresses.

Specifics about the LeBron 23's cushioning solution are currently under wraps, but some combination of Cushlon 3.0 and ZoomX is expected as these components have appeared on Ja Morant, Sabrina Ionescu, and Giannis Antetokounmpo's latest signature designs.

The outsole has been completely reworked from the LeBron 22. Segmented traction is replaced by full-length rubber coverage that seems to include a stability zone and flex grooves for quicker movements; better engagement of potential enclosed Air or Zoom Air units; or a combination of both.

Nike Metallic released a commercial teasing the upcoming release on September 1st, as seen below.

Enjoy a number of shots of the LeBron 23 sample ahead, as well as an early look at production pairs from "King James" and Instagram user @sober_production_. James has gone on record to tease that the model's first official colorway is "insane!" and likely is the golden style ace below. Pairs should release via Nike.com by the end of October to coincide with the start of the new NBA season.

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