Ranking the top 5 LeBron James signature sneakers

#3 Nike LeBron 4

One of the most recognizable LeBron James sneakers series is the Nike LeBron 4. Known for its eye-catching high-contrast designs and traditional hues, the Nike LeBron 4 had a very personal touch, as LeBron hoped to include features from his favorite sneakers from the Penny Hardaway series, including the Foamposite feature.

Special editions such as the “Fruity Pebbles” and “NYC graffiti” were some of the most colorful and intrinsic versions of the Nike LeBron sneakers ever released. Its marketability was on a level like none before it, as it became the first series to successfully cross over from the court. Also, let's not forget the interesting advert that came with its release.

#2 Nike Air Zoom Generation

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers wears purple suede Nike Air Zoom Generation sneakers

After securing the signature of their heir to Jordan, Nike sought to begin the new era with a bang, producing one of the most iconic sneakers of all time in the “AZG”. The kick, created in 2003, adopted the now popular “King James” mantra and was the first shoe won by LeBron James in the NBA.

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Designed by Tinker Hatfield, Eric Avar, and Aaron Cooper, it drew inspiration from the Humvee LeBron James' mum bought him while still in high school. It was also the first to debut Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning and plush "Sphere Liner" technology, possessing classic toe designs and a special color panel. The most notable coloring being the White-red & blue and the White-red & black features.

"We will design you the most comfortable basketball shoe you have ever worn -- period," Cooper told James.

Its iconic status saw the redesigned sneaker make its return in January 2018 to critical reception, and it remains a major fan and LeBron James favorite to this day.

#1 Nike LeBron 8

The LeBron 8 rounds up our list of top Nike LeBron James sneakers, and the 2010 release tops every other series out there. Adapting the iconic Air Max technology that was first featured in the LeBron 7 series, it was the first sneaker worn by James in his first year after moving to the Miami Heat.

It was also the first sneaker in the series to introduce a leather upper, and Petrie, who also designed the Lebron 7, drew inspiration for the oversized lion head on the tongue of the sneaker from one of Lebron’s earliest tattoos. The iconic design also represented LeBron James' quest for his first championship.

"The stalk of the lion and the lion's hunt really fueled the change in between the shoes and how that relates to LeBron changing as he goes through the season," Petrie said.

The intrinsic colorways and patterns on iterations like the "South Beach" and "Miami Nights" theme versions assured its place as the greatest Nike LeBron sneakers of all time. South Beach resold instantly after its launch, despite going for as high as $1000 back then.