LeBron James’ New Nike Sneakers Were Designed with the Help of Menswear God John Elliott

The L.A.-based designer dishes on the new Nike x John Elliott LeBron 10 Soldier sneaker.

Other brands might not be shy about their desire to dethrone Nike as the sneaker industry's all-time leader, but let's not forget who's still king. And who has The King on its team. During his epic NBA Finals run in June, LeBron James trotted out a pair of Nike Zoom 10 Solider sneakers for the third game of the series, a game where the Cavs defeated the Warriors 120-90. (That night, James scored 32 points and added 11 rebounds, beginning what would ultimately be a herculean effort to bring a title to Cleveland.) But James isn't just a champion on the court—he's proven time and time again that he has royal-level taste in fashion, too. So when it came time to put a fashionable-but-sporty twist on the sneaker that turned LeBron's NBA Finals hopes around, he enlisted John Elliott—fashion's reigning prince of casualwear. Here, Elliott talks us through his brand new, never-before-seen Nike collab.

What was it like to work on a sneaker not only for Nike, but one that represents that best basketball on the planet today?

It's amazing just to be able to take a crack at something that not only is made by a company I have so much respect for but have also been a hardcore addict of since I was eight years old writing them letters. And [with LeBron James], I think he is the best athlete of our generation, and the fact that he introduced the [Nike Zoom 10 Soldier] in what was really a must win game in the Finals...yeah, there was a lot of contemplation there.

What about this shoe drew you to it?

The NBA Finals were just so epic, and the fact that he introduced it in game three, when the Cavs were down two-none, and just put on this incredible performance and ultimately went on to win, made it really appealing. I heard him say he needed to have a little bit extra in that game, and I think that shoe in the all-black colorway with the laceless design, it just did that for him. So it has cultural currency, but also is super important to his career. I also just think it's beautiful.

Why a basketball sneaker? Your company is now exactly making performance-wear.

For one this is the opportunity that presented itself, and as most know if you ever get the chance to work with a company like Nike, you take it. But also I grew up playing basketball. I lived in gyms. I played all through my '20s, and it's something that I'm addicted to in terms of following the league. So I understand the feeling of stepping onto a court and having a pair of kicks that translate off-court with cultural currency and know how that can affect your performance. The saying "Look good, play good" is definitely true.

What did you change about the shoe to make it a uniquely John Elliott sneaker?

Whenever I'm working on something, I try to just strip it down to the bare minimum and work back up. That comes from the beginning of my own brand as just a basics company. So I wanted to keep the same color palette we use for our brand. We took this gradient sublimation print, which helped us tell this layered, texture story we always like to tell. We also tried to incorporate some kind of striking detail to represent the way LeBron came out in game 3 and affected the series.

I was in Paris on a massive trip recently, and it started to hail. These two emergency vehicles pulled up right out front of the cafe where I was, and the design of the vehicles just worked. It has this bright orange bumper and all these reflective stripes. I really liked the idea of taking a design that has functionality and bringing it to the sneaker. It calls out for your attention. So that's why there's the orange near the toe and the 3M reflective stripe on the top strap. We just wanted to add cool details to what's a pretty minimal shoe.

What would you wear these with from your own collection?

I would wear them with the oversized, raw edge sweats, Nike socks, hike the sweats up and tuck the sweats into the Nike socks. Up top I'd wear our gray mock neck hoodie and an olive flight jacket. I could wear that on a plane, to the gym, to get coffee, or for me to work. I think the way we did the shoe, it's obviously a technical style but it's somewhat subtle as well. I just think something with more volume in the sweatpants works better because, let's be honest—it's a larger shoe.

What feedback, if any, has LeBron given you on your designs?

I kicked it with him the day before training camp, and he told us about his feelings on the Nike Soldier in general and how much he loves playing in them. He told us that, like a little kid putting on Jordans, the sneakers gave him something extra on the court. But honestly I don't know. I hope he likes ours!

How would you feel if he wore them on the court this season?

That would be an all-time bucket list item. I won't hold my breath for that, but just to even have this opportunity to work with [Nike], who I just have so much admiration for, is an honor.

Do you think brands like Nike will be doing more collaborations with fashion designers because the sneaker industry is so competitive right now?

I do think that. I wouldn't be comfortable saying Nike needs me, but I do think in general that there are certain things we do that Nike doesn't do and that's the essence of a collaboration. Both sides have to be able to get something out of it, and I think when you're a brand like Nike, you get to a certain level and size where you can start to learn from some smaller brands. They just do things differently.

What is the importance of basketball sneakers today in a climate where it seems everyone just wants to wear lifestyle shoes?

I think any person today living any sort of aspirational lifestyle wants to look good. And if you want to look good you've gotta keep your ass in shape. Working out and staying in shape are always going to be cool. I recently took my girl to the Nike store and she got a new pair of sneakers and was like, "I can't wait to work out in these." That's a feeling so many people have had. So there's always going to be a place for people wanting to stay in shape as well as a place for curiosity and innovation in performance. I think the Flyknit Racer is a perfect example. It's a directional shoe with tons of technology but is also beautiful. As long as people continue to work out, and Nike continues to be curious, they're not going to lose.

The John Elliott x Nike Zoom 10 Soldier ($200) will be available on Thursday, November 10 exclusively at Nike's new flagship store in Soho, New York City.

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS ONE

http://ift.tt/2fkvWMp

Best Product Soap
Defense Soap Bar 4 Oz (5 Pack) All Natural Antibacterial Antifungal Therapeutic

Kirk's Original Coco Castile Bar Soap, 4 Oz, 3 Count

Raw African BLACK SOAP Organic From GHANA Pure Premium Quality CHOOSE

Dial White Antibacterial Deodorant Soap, 4 Oz, 10 Count