LeBron James has how many signature lines?! We’ve lost count, but what matters is that there are several shoes to choose from — and we love having options. Now, we have a detailed look at a brand new overseas model: the Nike LeBron Ambassador 11.
The overseas LeBron line has always been chock full of top-performing shoes (minus last year’s LeBron Ambassador 10 and its mishap with lockdown). Not only are LeBron’s takedown lines budget-friendly, but the shoes often feature a full gambit of specs that the signature model doesn’t include at a much higher price point.
For instance, the LeBron Ambassador 11 comes equipped with a unique weather-resistant shroud that covers the midfoot and secures with Velcro. The underlying layer is a synthetic mesh material that keeps the shoe lightweight. While the shoe’s design says mid-top, the shoe absolutely feels and plays like a lowtop.
For cushioning, the LeBron Ambassador 11 utilizes a Phylon midsole with large heel and forefoot Zoom Air units for awesome cushion and impact protection (just like the Ambassador 8-10 before it). As for fit, the shoe is wide-foot friendly (as most overseas models are) due to the wider lasts they are built upon. Those with narrow feet who want a snug fit can get away with TTS, or possibly even 1/2 size down. However, not being able to try the Ambassador 11 on in-store (in the U.S.) makes things a bit more difficult.
There is a large external heel counter with pull tabs at the heel and shroud for easy on-and-off. Under the shroud lies a traditional lacing system and underfoot, of course, is the very thick XDR outsole traction pattern for those ready to not only play indoors but also to attack the outdoor blacktop.
Moreover, the LeBron Ambassador 11 features subtle hints that honor LeBron James like his name, his jersey number, an ode to his birthday, and the area code of Akron, Ohio, where James grew up. If this shoe ever came Stateside it would give the signature shoe a run for its money.
We’ll have a LeBron Ambassador 11 performance review soon so stay tuned. For those interested in getting a pair, you can head over to ID4Shoes and grab the White/Navy/Red (USA) colorway or the Black/Red colorway for $135 each.
Have you tried any of the previous LeBron Ambassador models? If so, how did they work out for you? Let us know in the comments below.
Photography by Stanley Tse, exclusively for WearTesters.com. All rights reserved.
This looks like YuShuai 12 actually……