Nike Officially Unveils LeBron James’ First Training Shoe
Nike and LeBron James are branching out from basketball with the introduction of his first training shoe.
The Nike LeBron TR1, short for “Trainer 1,” will release in mid-September with an emphasis on both versatile performance and street appeal. An ergonomic and lightweight design sees the sneaker do without a strobel, the lowermost portion of most shoes’ upper, to bring the wearer closer to the responsive foam cushioning. Insights from the Nike Sports Research Lab were then used to inform an inverted waffle pattern on the outsole for targeted traction both indoors and outdoors.
To accommodate feet swelling during training, the TR1 also features a wide last and a glove-like bootie construction. A wrap extending from the midsole well up onto the upper offers both containment and the defining aesthetic for the sneaker, which James specifically sought to be stylish and easily worn all day.
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In addition to his first training shoe, the newest basketball model from his signature line will likely launch this fall. James wore the Nike LeBron 22 throughout the Olympics, including in an all-gold colorway for Team USA’s gold medal-clinching game against France. While watching the American women’s team, James also debuted the Nike ReactX Rejuven8 slides.
Nike has confirmed four colorways for the LeBron TR1 to release from September through November. The Nike LeBron TR1 will make its debut September 19 in a grey and “Volt” green “Dunk Man” colorway that’s been a mainstay of James’ signature sneakers. A grey and black “Zero Dark 30” variant will release on October 10, followed by the Prince-inspired “Purple Rain” edition October 23. The final confirmed drop will be a burnt orange, white and blue “Better With Age” edition coming November 11.
Pricing will be set at $130 for all four colorways.
Nike LeBron TR1 “Dunk Man”
Nike LeBron TR1 “Zero Dark 30”
Nike LeBron TR1 “Purple Rain”
Nike LeBron TR1 “Better With Age”
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
