First and foremost, big happy birthday to Lebron James. Not only has he turned 31 today, but also he’s already had his thirteenth signature shoe. But we’re going to go a little off the threshold here and give you a look at his alternate model: the eigth iteration of the Ambassador series.
You might ask, what is the Ambassador line? Technically it’s another alternate team shoe (other than the Soldier) generally made with similar tooling of the original Lebron line with the ability of transition towards outdoor conditions with the XDR outsole traction implementation.
I loved the Ambassador line, probably even more than the regular signature shoe. I’ve been playing in the Ambassador VII for almost a half a year and I’d chose it over the Lebron XII. It’s a shoe that just went back to basics and worked. You might have seen the shoes worn last year by the King himself, including teammates J.R. Smith and former teammate Mike Miller (who has been wearing the Ambassador series for the past 3-4 years).
What do you think of last year’s model (below)? Zoom forefoot, 180 Air Max heel, Fused upper and poly plates that mold over the midfoot with a Flywire lacing system without protruding the foot. What more can you ask for in a basketball shoe? The price also was great for this model also (around $120-160).
But of course, we’re not here to talk about the Ambassador VII, we’re going to the next generation. The Ambassador 8 takes some intricate designs such as the shank plate from the XIII, but minimizes the upper of materials to give it a more simple feel. We have a Hyper Rev-like tooling of plastic heel counter that runs around and overlays the midfoot to finish off the top lacing and you also have a fused TPU along the forefoot. The internal Flywire lacing system with the overlay designs seem to be somewhat similar to a soccer boot (think Magista). Also, Zoom Air is visible along the forefoot and heel with XDR diamond nodule traction pattern.
If the cushioning and traction worked like it did on last year’s Ambassador shoe, there is without a doubt these shoes would perform amazing on court. Only catch is the Ambassador series is released mainly in Asia and just recently Europe. Let’s hope they do release in the U.S. because I’d pick these up in a heartbeat. Suffice to say, seems like the alternate or team models have somewhat been out-performing regular signature line in my opinion. That’s not to say all shoes are perfect, but there is always room for improvement with any brand in general.
There are a lot of releases to look forward to in 2016 — these will definitely be one of them. Release dates and price are tentative and subject to change so stay tuned. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
These look GOOOOOD
Agreed
Luckily Im from the Philippines and these will be available here. Another model with Zoom that can probably make my Hyperrev 2015 have rest periods.
Luckily you have access, I had to order from overseas to obtain mine. But Ambassadors always performed great
I can only rant off alot of stuff negative about shoes here in the Philippines getting this one shoe is one of the better things we get here.
I was overseas and was heavily considering the Ambassador VI, but if I had to be real, they weren’t totally worth it unless I found out they worked a million times better or I was seriously out to add to my collection. I could’ve picked up the Soldier 7 for less at home.
But still, with Nike bringing Kobe’s Venomomenon and Mentality stateside, it’d be nice if these release.
Can’t knock on something till you’ve tried it. Again, I stated that there is no perfect shoe. What works for you might not work for someone else. I personally found the Ambassador line stellar. I believe these should be a signature shoe overall. I’m still playing in my ambassador 7 today and it does great indoor and outdoor with cushion that could be felt upon impact. So it’s really a matter of if you’re in it to stunt via Collection, or utilize the shoe for its performance capabilities. Again, shoes that work for you, might not work for others. It’s up to you to decide. Thanks for reading.
I had no idea this was even a Lebron series. It looks like it can be more promising for guards who don’t want the bulkiness that comes with the major Lebron series. Do they release in the states?
I saw these in a shop here in the Philippines today, they seem alright. I was actually really surprised to find out that this was a LeBron Ambassador model, I thought it was some new Hyper-line. BTW, the heel counter is built like the KD5 although higher, the traction seems a bit thin for outdoor use though. Wanna try these out though.
Shouldn’t matter the thin-ness of the outsole/traction, it’s the rubber adhesive utilized to make the traction work. It shouldn’t be a worry at all tbh. Look at the traction on the AM VII above, it looks lacking, but it literally grips the floor even with dust. So it’s not something to worry about overall.
But the thin outsole would still burn quickly outdoors.
thick or thin..doesn’t matter..its xdr
How much are these going for and Where did you see it? Should be able to get it at 10% discount since I have Nike Park VIP. 😀
I saw this at Toby’s megamall. Price is 71XX.
Which shop did you see these? How much do they retail?
Retail price is at Php 7,195.00 at Nike Park Store in Festival Mall.
I’ve ordered some ambassadors over the last few years from eBay to the states for the sake of trying something really different and have loved them. They feel great and have the traction to hold up in and outdoors. I hope that I can grab those new black ones. They look really good to me aesthetically and look comfortable. People always ask me what they are and where they can get them.
These look really great. If the release here in US I would definitely want them.
That’s a pretty decent price actually. Since I play mostly outdoors, I might pick this up if NW does a review and it seems good.
Or anyone does a review really.
Will these be available in the states? Been looking for some outdoor hoop shoes and these look stellar.
the shoe looks really good imo but after ive a chance on personally holding them, they actually felt so cheap especially the rubber heel counter..
So you based your synposis on holding a shoe?
i guess it just didnt match/ surpassed my expectation based on images or maybe i just didnt get that “premium” feel i thought i would have. Happy new year!
Those really remind me of Hyper Rev 2015. LOVING IT and hoping it comes to Brazil (the previous was available for a while at around the same price of the Soldier line)
The heel counter is actually rubber. And these are the lightest Lebrons EVER. Whether it’s signature, team or asia-only, these are the lightest I’ve ever encountered. Definitely feel very Hyperrev like.
I have high hopes for these. @nyjumpman23 or anyone who would want to try these nike.com europe the UK site to be specific usually sticks the ambassador line. You could order these there when/if they release. You never know these might make a retail appearance there in the US. Lucky for me I have access to these since I live in asia.
Currently still tentative as Asia/Europe release only. We can only hope. If I can get access to them I will do a review. Will be starting the new year with learning to do video reviews. So we’ll see.
those red ones are way nice, the booty fit looks promising. I seen the ambassadors on ebay every year but always hesitant to order from Taiwan thinking they could be some serious Fakes, KObe has some shoes out that way also, it was a mix of the 3 at the toe and different upper with a fat zoom at the heal and then theres the Kobe dream Season Line. would love to have these drop in the US
I currently run on the Ambassador VII and I love them. I don’t see any reason why the VIII would be any different in terms of performance. I have high hopse for these, but will have to see if and when I can get access to a pair. Thanks for reading.
How durable are flywires since only the flywires serve as lace eyelets except for the last rubber eyelet?
They eventually snap but takes awhile and it takes a lot of beating too. But lacing too tight and getting stepped will eventually make them snap.
Is this based upon experience?
ambassador 1 and 2 had zoom, then the 3-5 (i think) went with phylon and heel max air. the 6-7 had forefoot zoom and 180 heel max air. now this. mamma mia
Saw these awhile ago. The “tongue” part is zippered so its easier to put on or off the shoes. Outsole feels durable and thicker than on pictures.
These are already out in China. With the zipper, go half a size up if you plan to zip all the way to the top. Real tight, lock down for.
Thanks for the insight Dave. And thanks for reading. Happy new yrs.
Not for, fit*
10% off Nike Park Sta Lucia Cainta Rizal, it will only cost 6,500. The best shoes ever in Lebron Ambassador line
I actually bought these about 4 weeks ago (China colorway). I have a wide foot and had to go a half size up. Regardless, they are great performers and very durable. This is my second ambassador sneaker (first was Ambassador III in the USA colorway, very good performer as well). I would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially outdoor ballers. This model is currently available in Mexico in the China colorway, that’s where I purchased it.
I live in Hongkong. I just start playing basketball recently, I bought this as my first kicks. I would say it’s real good and comfortable. The zip just fit my feet perfectly in the shoe even without tighting the shoelace. I chose this shoe mainly for 3 reasons:1) Price, only $549 Hong Kong dollars in Chinese colour way which looks cool! The new colours cost almost a double(~999); 2) It is comfortable, durable, perform really good in outdoor (never played indoor), the traction grips the floor very well, although I’ve never tried other shoes, can’t compare; 3) I love LeBron, thats it.