LeBron James Discusses His New Shoe

Will Brinson kicked it in Akron with Nike and LeBron James for the release of LBJ's new shoe and documentary. We're referring it as 'Ballin' With LeBron.'

Previously, you may have read LeBron's comments on his future in basketball and entertainment. But that wasn't all he talked about during the global media summit in Akron -- oh no! He also discussed shoes. Mainly, his new VII's, which are beyond sick and innovative and aren't going to be released until October. But thanks to our presence in Ohio, you can get an early look at them as well as find out exactly what LeBron thinks about his new kicks.

On debuting the shoe in Akron:

It's big, it's huge for me. Being home, no matter where it is, no matter what community center it is, being home is a highlight for me. So the fact that we had the launch here and had the shoe ... I think it's great.

On the new VII's and how they compare to previous shoes:

"It's not simple, but it is simple. It's not simple for us, but for the guys who make it it is simple. The flywire all around and it makes the shoe, lighter and hold up for better wear and tear over the course of the season and the lighter the shoe the better. The full airbag gives it that comfort throughout the whole foot, not just the back of the foot or the heel or the front or the middle, so that technology – that technology that we have at Nike has given us options, has given us a way to create a shoe that we're going to see a lot of shoes follow it.

On how the VII differs on the court:

Well, I haven't – I've wear tested the shoes, and they feel great, they feel great and they feel like I can definitely get out there on the NBA court and get it done. But I haven't played a game yet, so I don't know compared to the six, five, four, three on down the line. So, but the wear testing I've had has worked out in them, they feel unbelievable. The airbag, the flywire stability that it has in the shoe, it feels great. So I'm looking forward to getting out on the NBA court and playing in it.

On form v. function for the new shoe for his age and 82 games:

It doesn't affect the design I don't think – the new technology that comes on every year we try and exploit it and see if we can use it in my shoe and we had an opportunity to put the air bag in my shoe and I was like, "wow, let's do it." Because I grew up with the Air Max 95 and the Air Maxes with just a small air bubble in the back and was like wow this is the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. It doesn't affect it, but it really helps it.

On whether he went to Jason or Jason came to him about changing the shoe:

First of all, we can't leave without ... Jason being the new guy came and said he was looking forward to the challenge and try to make your shoes just as good as you are. And I said, "Make my shoes better than I am." I said, "Use your inspiration and whatever's going on in your mind and make the best shoe." And he came with some early mockups and some early drawings and said he thought we could use a full airbag and I was like, the Air Maxes just have the small airbag and I'm comfortable, but let's try it. And as the drawings continued to evolve.

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LeBron James

FILE -- This is a June 28, 2009 file photo showing LeBron James at the 9th Annual BET Awards, in Los Angeles. In "Shooting Stars," written by James and co-author Buzz Bissinger, James said the SI cover and the media attention he and his high school teammates received was difficult to handle. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

LeBron James Photos

The new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes is displayed during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)

Saturday Night Live cast member Kenan Thompson, left, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, center, and footwear designer Jason Petrie, right, reveal the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, center, talks with Rich Paul, left, and former high school teammate Brandon Weems, right, before an event where James revealed his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)

Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James answers questions from the media after revealing his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)

Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James reveals his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes during an event at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)

Cleveland Cavalier forward LeBron James talks with friends before an event where he revealed his new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes at Ed Davis Community Center in Akron, Ohio on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Basketball player LeBron James (aka King James) is escorted by security as he leaves club MyHouse. NON-EXCLUSIVE July 21, 2009 Job: 90722W8 Los Angeles, California www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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