Nike LeBron NXXT Gen basketball runners

LeBron NXXT Gen basketball shoes

LeBron James has been working with Nike since the beginning of his career. Alongside his main signature line, James has crafted various other silhouettes to support all basketball players. In 2023, Nike launched the LeBron NXXT Gen as a lightweight, accessible silhouette for the next generation of NBA stars.

The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen features a soft mesh upper with breathable open-hole elements, internal padding and a plush lining for durability and snug-fitting comfort. Nike Sphere fabric wicks away moisture and cradles the rearfoot, while the midfoot is secured by a gusseted tongue. A faux suede patch with a lace loop keeps the cushy tongue in place, a synthetic suede overlay wraps the lower heel and medial ankle, and a bumper protects the toe, further improving durability and support. Underfoot, lightweight, slightly firm Phylon foam supports the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen’s midsole. A Zoom Turbo forefoot unit delivers responsive propulsion while also emphasising court feel, and a thicker Zoom Air unit adds shock absorption at the heel below a supportive TPU clip. The midfoot is stabilised by an injected TPU shank which, alongside the low-profile design, ensures excellent balance and control. Traction comes from a durable, full-length rubber outsole with multidirectional tread lines that extend over the forefoot, providing consistent, reliable grip for fast, confident movement on indoor courts.

Visually, the LeBron NXXT Gen has stunning dual Swooshes on the lateral ankle and another on the medial side. Charismatic stitching and a distinctive pattern accent the upper, an “XX” badge nods to the mainline model on the pull loop and LeBron’s signature adorns the tongue alongside a set of Nike LBJ embroidery. Lastly, its geometric tread lines are a road map of LeBron’s beloved hometown of Akron, Ohio.

The success of this accessible basketball shoe led to subsequent editions like 2024’s Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD. Featuring the same agile sole, the AMPD has a durable, secure synthetic leather upper that emulates LeBron’s original signature shoe, with protective forefoot and heel panels alongside breathable mesh around the ankle and rearfoot. The lacing is also solid, with protected eyelets lower down and reinforcements on the uppermost ones.

In 2026, talented USC star JuJu Watkins became the first collegiate athlete to collaborate alongside James on the LeBron NXXT Gen collection with the ‘by JuJu’ edition. Built to support her speed and agility, its lightweight, responsive React foam and dual forefoot Zoom Air offers maximum propulsion, while its flexible synthetic leather upper and breathable sidewalls blend durability and stability with comfort and support. Sturdy TPU panelling increases containment without reducing flexibility, and the full-length herringbone traction pattern ensures top-tier grip for rapid, multidirectional movement. Launched in the striking ‘Silver Lining’ colourway, its classy storytelling details include a “By JuJu” doodle embroidered beneath the tongue, a quilted flower design stitched into the lining and shiny jeweled Swooshes.

Crafted for the next generation of young hoopers, the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen is a swift, low-profile silhouette that expertly balances court feel and manoeuvrability with stability, control and style.