My anticipation for the next overseas LeBron model has been in full effect since the last release. That model would be the Nike Lebron Ambassador 9 (IX).
I previously reviewed the Ambassador 8, which exceeded expectations and outperformed its signature model. If I was to hope that one LeBron model will perform well this year it would be the latest in the Ambassador series, but we’ll just have to find out.
The shoe features all mesh upper with fuse overlays on high wear areas along the forefoot and parts of the midfoot where the multi-layer mesh meet. A large Swoosh hits the toebox and the LeBron James crown logo is featured prominently along the lacing area. The tongue features reflective numbers 2 and 3 on the left and right shoe, respectively, for LBJ’s jersey number. The external heel counter features a digital camo print along with a pull tab for easy access, and the Flywire lacing system should keep you locked in.
The traction seems quite solid with its multi-directional diamond grid nodes. There is some herringbone mixed in with the XDR rubber which is solid for outdoor and indoor use. Now comes the interesting part, cushioning. The Ambassador 7 featured a Zoom unit in the forefoot with an Air Max heel while the Ambassador 8 featured a large forefoot Zoom unit and one in the heel. Now, the Ambassador 9 seems to have taken queues from its predecessor and the Soldier X by implementing Zoom Air units in both the forefoot and heel. I’m hoping that the Zoom unit is top loaded and/or is as responsive as what was in the Ambassador 8 rather than the Soldier 10. We’ll just have to wait and see, but if you’ve already played in the shoe overseas, let us know.
Our friends over at ID4Shoes have the White and Black pair available for purchase for a mere $125 — an absolute steal if it exceeds the performance of its predecessor, which was excellent. You can purchase the White pair here , Black pair here, And the Team Red here.
Do you like the look of the Ambassador 9? Did you try the Ambassador 8? Sound off down in the comments.
Images via
Looks like a cheaper version of lebron 13 low
The ambassador outperformed the 13. Period.
I have not played or wore any Ambassador but the 13 was good. I am light weight and I can feel the cushion and support was and lockdown was good too. Retail dollar for dollar the Ambassador (going by your review) is better than the 13. But only a sucker paid retail for the 13 as I got them for half of retail.
Of course. The looks remind me of the 13 low a little bit, this is just cheaper cause its only 125.
well, i have no idea how they perform, but they look really fresh in both all white and all black, the crown logo creeping up the side of the outsole is a nice touch too
Simplistic but nice. I dig it. Hopefully they perform jus as well as last year’s model.
Looks like the AE version of the CP3.IX with a KD Trey V III heel counter and LeBron 13 outsole.
I dig them. Wish they were an official US release, though.
Nate, we wish a lot of things, However it is what it is. It’s a very clean shoe IMO. We’re hoping to get a pair in soon for weartest.
Very clean looking shoe but the design it’s not something special. The traction seems to be very promising but who knows.
Ya never know right?
Should be getting a pair soon, so we’ll see how it compares to last years.
The maroon and gum pair looks really good. The white pair is just CLEAN
LBJTHEGOAT – Heck yeah it does!
The Ambassador always comes out with some clean colorways. Can’t go wrong!
Like these better than the 13 lows. They look cleaner without the crappy plastic heel counter.
We’ll find out when they come in right?
Where can I buy the lebron ambassador 8
You can search through Weartesters.com
The links are available on site.