Nike

In 2003 – at 18 years old – the highly scouted and highly anticipated LeBron James skipped college, entering the NBA directly from high school. An Akron, Ohio native, LeBron was selected as the first overall pick by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, and soon after inked a 7 year deal with Nike, foregoing other offers from Adidas and Reebok. 

After an extension in 2010, LeBron signed a lifetime contract with Nike in 2015, the first ever issued by the brand. Nearly 20 years after his entrance to the NBA and his initial signing with Nike, LeBron is certainly among the greatest to ever play the game. A four time NBA champion, a four league time MVP and 2nd on the all time scoring list, LeBron’s legacy on the court is undeniable. 

Off the court, LeBron’s endeavors are equally noteworthy. To commemorate LeBron’s appearance on the 33rd Season premiere of Saturday Night Live, Nike produced an incredibly limited Nike Air Force 1 paying homage to both LeBron and the iconic show. 

Dressed predominantly in a black and red upper, this unique Air Force 1 features a variety of materials, Nike design technology, and unique color blocking. With a black toe, midsole, and Swoosh, the pair gets progressively lighter with red leather panels across the side, and is finished with a red cracked heel bearing laser print designs. The left shoe is inscribed with ‘LeBron James’, and the right, a Lions Head. Accompanied by yellow stitching, a yellow heel tab, and outsole, this pair also features a unique visible Air unit. The insoles have a label with ‘Saturday Night Live’ sewn in and the right deubré features ‘SNL’. The back of the tongue tags have the number ‘33’ - likely an homage to the 33rd season of the show. 

The Air Force 1, arguably Nike’s most iconic sneaker, is in many regards, the first of its kind. Previously realized in running shoes, the introduction of Nike’s ‘Air’ technology in the midsole was a revolutionary concept for basketball sneakers. Tasked with bringing the concept to life, designer Bruce Kilgore and an aerospace engineer brought the project to fruition with a hiking boot inspired, ankle strapped, high top. Kilgore’s first basketball sneaker, the Air Force 1 was brought to market in 1982.