Verdict from 2 experts and 9 user reviews

6 reasons to buy

  • The leather and suede in the upper of the Nike Zoom LeBron 3 form a great-looking combination, say many users.
  • Several testers claim that these LeBron basketball shoes perform well outdoors.  
  • The majority of Nike LeBron 3 owners attest that the shoe stays free from wear and tear even after months of use.
  • The Phylon and Zoom in these Nike basketball sneakers get the approval of many reviewers.
  • A good number of shoe owners mention that the insoles of the Nike Zoom LeBron 3 are durable; they remain cushiony even after so many uses.
  • Wide-footers enjoy the fit of these LeBron sneakers because of the extra space in the toe box.

4 reasons not to buy

  • The Nike Zoom LeBron 3 is a heavy shoe according to plenty of users.
  • A handful of wearers observe that the outsole rubber attracts a lot of dust.
  • Some buyers claim that the Nike LeBron 3 is heavy like the 6th Michael Jordan signature model.
  • A large number of LeBron James fans complain that the CTK colorway is limited.

Bottom line

LeBron’s shoes are just like other popular classic signature models; they keep on resurfacing. For sure, sneakerheads will cop the Nike LeBron 3 because it is great for not only casual wear but also playing hoops. The Phylon and Zoom combo is still a sought-after cushioning setup even in 2018. The leathers and suede in the upper are fashionable head-turners. The $175 price of the Nike Zoom LeBron 3 CTK QS may be quite steep but for a limited release, buyers consider this a one-time deal and a steal.

Tip: see the best basketball shoes.

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Good to know

The Nike Zoom LeBron 3 had a quick strike release in New York City in September 2018. A pair was retailed at $175 via the SNKRS app only in New York City. The previous release of the Christ The King colorway in 2006 was only for friends, family, and players of the Christ the King High School in Queens. The upper features a combination of synthetic leather, mesh, and patent leather. The midsole is made of Phylon with two Zoom units. The traction boasts a combination of triangular and linear patterns for a beastly grip and reliable court control.

Cushion. The Nike Zoom LeBron 3 CTK QS boasts large Zoom airbags. They absorb impact and provide explosive energy returns. They are embedded in a Phylon midsole. The setup is enclosed in a Pebax case. Pebax is a lightweight material similar to thermoplastic, but it is more flexible and it is better at resisting impact.

Traction. The rubber outsole Nike Zoom LeBron 3 has triangular traction patterns on the forefoot and heel and linear patterns on the sides. The midfoot has a carbon plate fiber for stability.

Length and Width. The Nike Zoom LeBron 3 CTK QS is true to size. However, there are reports that the toe box has some dead space, foiling the otherwise one-to-one fit of the shoe. On the bright side, wide-footers will not have any issue because of this extra space. However, wearers with narrow to normal-sized feet are advised to put an extra insole or double their socks to achieve a snugger fit.

Lockdown. To keep the foot in place, the Nike Zoom LeBron 3 CTK QS has standard shoe laces that are looped through stylish and uniquely designed gold plastic eyelets.

The upper of the Nike LeBron 3 Christ The King is a combination of different materials. The toe box boasts of patent leather, synthetic leather, and suede.

The Nike LeBron 3 CTK QS is unquestionably a stylish sneaker. The patent leather and suede at the toe cap already give the shoe an expensive look. Adding to its aesthetic appeal is the contrast between its dark maroon skin and gold plastic eyelets.  These LeBron basketball sneakers are best paired with jogger pants or shorts to show off its incredible design.

Nike Zoom LeBron 3 Christ The King

The Nike Zoom LeBron 3 Christ the King had a quickstrike release in 2018.  These LeBron basketball shoes are deep maroon color from the collar down to the midfoot. The upper sits on a white midsole and maroon and gold outsole. A “CTK” callout is seen at the medial side of the forefoot. This colorway was released in September 2018 and retails at $175.

How Lebron 3 Retro compares

This shoe: 77
All shoes average: 82
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This shoe: $450
All shoes average: $132
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Author
Dimitrije Curcic
Dimitrije Curcic

Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.

dimitrije@runrepeat.com