Nike LeBron 23 Performance Review

LeBron James has completed what I believe is the longest career in NBA history, 23 seasons, wearing a signature shoe every year—a feat even Michael Jordan did not accomplish. As an NBA fan and a sneaker enthusiast, I think the Nike LeBron 23 is a truly significant and dope achievement.

The presentation of the Nike LeBron 23 is extraordinary. The packaging is, in my experience, the coolest I’ve ever seen, second only to the Air Jordan Countdown Packs and the very first Defining Moments Pack. The outer box is huge, similar in size to the Air Jordan 17 Low packaging. Inside the main box is a clear case, complete with a pull-out tab, which I would call a clear briefcase. The entire presentation is covered with LeBron’s crown logo and other details, making it an insane package.

The package also comes with trinkets, including a small metal piece with the crown logo and basketballs. Even cooler is the included booklet, titled “23 Years, 23 LeBrons, 23 Moments.” The book details his career and even has tear-out sections showcasing career moments and product breakdowns. This concept perfectly intertwines the packaging and the product, fulfilling what Nike calls “storytelling.”

Traction

The outsole of the Nike LeBron 23 features wavebone traction, which is very similar to herringbone. One of the coolest features is the design within the outsole itself, which forms the number 23. This feels different and cool, as even Jordan Brand only featured the “23” in the paneling of the Air Jordan 6, not the outsole pattern. Furthermore, they implemented flex grooves as a functional design piece within the “23” pattern, giving it actual purpose.

Cushion

The cushioning setup on the Nike LeBron 23 is a double-lasted design, meaning the midsole is situated inside the upper. From a “sneaker nerd” standpoint, I appreciate that you can see the exposed strobel construction at the bottom, showcasing how the upper is wrapped over the last.

The cushioning is a drop-in system made of ZoomX, which is Nike’s latest foam technology. ZoomX began in the running category and was adapted for basketball. The feel is interesting; it’s perhaps the most muted variation of ZoomX I’ve experienced. While still clearly comfortable, it doesn’t have the extreme “zoom-y” feel of the Air Jordan 39 or Air Jordan 40.

A key feature of the Nike LeBron 23’s drop-in is the massive, thick carbon fiber shank plate, which is extremely firm and provides excellent torsional support—perfect for those who want a rigid midfoot.

Materials

The upper is visually cool and features what appears to be a Posit-like shell, which Nike calls a “foot frame” in the booklet. I don’t believe it’s true Posit material, as it creases in ways Posit does not; I think it’s a synthetic that moves with the foot. This “foot frame” is attached to an engineered textile build that is very intricate and looks like a thick Jacquard. This particular colorway features a pattern that looks like little palm trees.

The lacing system is complex: the laces go through thick nylon strands (like Flywire), and those strands are wrapped in little components that are themselves attached to nylon cables going down into the footbed. This creates a two-tiered system for ultimate lockdown.

The tongue features Nike’s Torch material for ventilation, similar to the Kobe 9’s tongue. The top of the tongue is made of a really nice leather with LeBron’s signature, which adds a premium touch to a shoe largely made of synthetics and textiles. Similarly, a leather panel is placed on the medial arch to maintain the crown design shape. The ankle lining and back of the tongue use Nike Sphere material for moisture wicking and contouring.

Support

Coming soon

Fit

My main complaint with current Nike basketball shoes is present here: the foot shape. Unlike older Kobe drop-ins, which had a rounded shape that fit my foot perfectly, the Nike LeBron 23 drop-in has a foot shape that pushes the toes over. This shape, which Nike is currently insistent on using, stops me from comfortably wearing the majority of modern Nike basketball products because it causes pain. Until Nike fixes this ridiculous foot shape, I can’t fully get behind their current line.

LeBron James has completed what I believe is the longest career in NBA history, 23 seasons, wearing a signature shoe every year—a feat even Michael Jordan did not accomplish. As an NBA fan and a sneaker enthusiast, I think this is a truly significant and dope achievement.

I tried on three different pairs of the Nike LeBron 23 and found that my true size felt a little long, so I recommend going down a half-size for most people. Wide-footers, however, may be fine going true to size. The fit is perfect in length, but the underlying foot shape is still a major flaw.

Nike LeBron 23 Summary

Overall, the Nike LeBron 23 is a premium and significant release that celebrates an amazing career. The packaging is mind-blowing, the traction is thoughtfully designed with the “23” detail, and the ZoomX drop-in offers a firm but comfortable ride with great torsional support. Despite the aesthetic success and premium touches, the major flaw for me is the uncomfortable, narrow foot shape that is inconsistent with older, more accommodating Nike lasts.

Disclosure

While purchased the Nike LeBron 23 to facilitate this review. Nike had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.