Verdict from 20 experts and 100+ user reviews
11 reasons to buy
- The Zoom technology in the heel works because several reviewers mention that the shoe is responsive, and it provides good impact protection.
- Many wearers appreciate the mesh in the upper because of the steady airflow it provides the foot.
- A large number of buyers say that the Nike LeBron Soldier XI is true to size.
- The versatility of the shoe model is hailed by plenty of shoe owners, saying that it suits any playing style of any athlete.
- Most users are happy with the laceless design of the Nike LeBron Soldier 11. They say it provides ease and saves time.
- The insole of the shoe model is liked by a lot of purchasers because it is plush and comfortable.
- Majority of the wearers say the traction requires minimal wiping and performs well on any court.
- The straps of the shoe model keep the foot secured according to a huge number of wearers. Just like the eleventh Chris Paul shoe, the strap helps with the lockdown.
- Many buyers say that the price of the LeBron Soldier XI is reasonable given all the attributes it has.
- Several wearers love the futuristic design of these LeBron James basketball shoes.
- Some shoe owners leave comments that the Nike Zoom Soldier 11 features a wide and stable base to help with the balance during hard cuts, sudden stops and landing.
4 reasons not to buy
- A small number of users mention that the Swoosh on the shoe starts to peel off just after a few uses. The same happens to the outsole of the 6th Stephen Curry sneakers.
- Some users complain that the traction pattern in the middle of the outsole causes slippage during play.
- A handful of wearers say the ankle strap is unnecessary and does not provide support.
- These Nike basketball shoes are not breathable enough, say a couple of reviewers.
Bottom line
The Nike LeBron Soldier XI is a solid basketball sneaker. The shoe’s versatility makes a good impression on a good number of buyers. At $130, this is definitely a good buy. If you need a new pair that can last more than a season of basketball playing, pick up a new pair of the Nike LeBron Soldier XI now.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Good to know
The Nike LeBron Soldier 11 is a budget-friendly model from LeBron James’s signature line. The midsole has the Zoom technology and Phylon. The upper has mesh that provides ventilation to the foot. The outsole has thick and durable rubber that ensures an amazing court grip.
Cushion. The responsiveness of the LeBron Soldier XI comes from the Zoom technology and Phylon in the midsole. The Zoom units are located in the forefoot and heel area. They absorb impact and help shield the knees and muscles from stress and fatigue. The midsole is composed of full-length Phylon. It is a type of lightweight and responsive EVA foam that provides flexibility to the shoe.
Traction. The LeBron Soldier 11 has an icy and translucent rubber outsole that features a triangular traction pattern. There are reports that translucent outsoles cause court slippage, but the rubber on the LeBron Soldier XI proves them wrong. The durable outsole performs well on a wide variety of courts. The triangular traction just has an excellent grip on almost any surface.
Length and Width. The Nike LeBron Soldier XI comes in the normal width and length. As for wearers with wider feet, they are advised to go half a size up. They can also opt to fit the shoe in the nearest shoe outlet to make sure of their size prior to purchasing.
Lockdown. To keep the foot in place, the Nike LeBron Soldier XI has four straps that can be adjusted to achieve the desired snugness. The Achilles foam inside the shoe provides more support and comfort to the ankle.
The upper material of the LeBron Soldier XI may change with the colorway. There are colorways whose uppers are made of ballistic nylon mesh, which provides breathability and comfort to the foot. The toe box of the shoe is spacious enough to allow the toes to flex. After the shoe is broken in, the material in the upper area becomes softer and more comfortable. It also conforms better to the foot. The external heel counter is made of rubber which provides stability to the foot.
The mid-top Nike LeBron Soldier XI has a one-bootie construction. There are dainty and sturdy pull tabs on the tongue and heel counter. They provide convenience in getting in and out of the shoe. To showcase the technology used in the midsole, a NIKE ZOOM callout is found on the heel counter. The respected Swoosh is found on the outsole and both sides of the shoe. To signify that the shoe model is part of LeBron’s signature series, his logo is found on the tongue, insole, outsole, and heel counter.
The Nike LeBron Soldier XI comes in many colorways:
- Nike LeBron Soldier XI Black Gum
- Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Black Sail
- Nike LeBron Soldier XI Bred
- Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Grey Gum
- Nike LeBron Soldier XI SFG Light Bone/Dark Stucco-Black
- Nike LeBron Soldier 11 SFG Medium Olive
- Nike LeBron Soldier XI University Red
- Nike LeBron Soldier 11 White Ice
- Nike LeBron Soldier XI White/Metallic Gold-Black
- Nike LeBron Soldier 11 White/Racer Blue-Infrared
Special colorways are also released.
Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Cavs
With a midnight blue upper, the Cavs colorway is inspired by the alternate jersey color of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It comes with a gum outsole rubber, white midsole, and metallic gold Swoosh and LBJ logos.
Nike LeBron Soldier XI Cavs PE
The LeBron Soldier 11 comes in team red with a speckled midsole, a silver Swoosh, and silver LeBron logos. This another player exclusive was worn by Tristan Thompson during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals 2017.
Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Christmas PE
The King rocked a player exclusive Soldier 11 while practicing for a match against the Golden State Warriors. This dark green pair comes with a light green shade at the rear panel down to the heel. The bright crimson LeBron James logo and metallic gold Swoosh give the shoe a great holiday look.
Nike LeBron Soldier XI College “Ohio State”
Instead of having the regular single-tone basketball outsole, the College Ohio State colorway sports one that matches the scarlet red and white jersey of the school.
Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Court General
The Court General colorway is inspired by the leadership of LeBron James. It comes with a white upper, a translucent outsole rubber, metallic gold Swoosh, and black LeBron logos.
Nike LeBron Soldier XI Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers may have lost to the Golden State Warriors in the 2017 NBA Championship but the Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Finals won the hearts of many LeBron James fans. It is dressed in an all-black upper with metallic gold LBJ logos and Swoosh. For a contrasting appeal, the shoe model comes with a translucent outsole rubber.
Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Kay Yow
Dressed in dual chromes white and pink, the Kay Yow colorway promotes breast cancer awareness.
Nike LeBron Soldier XI Markelle Fultz PE
The 2017 NBA Draft’s first overall pick Markelle Fultz received a Soldier 11 player exclusive from Nike. It comes with a teal left shoe and pink right shoe. The shoe comes with a speckled midsole and an outsole that comes with a multicolor gradient.
Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Silver Bullet
The inspiration for the Silver Bullet colorway is derived from LeBron James’s favorite sneaker the Nike Air Max 97. The shoe features a metallic silver upper. On the midfoot strap is a black oval with a red Swoosh. It also has a white midsole, a striped outsole, and red Swoosh and LeBron James logos on various parts.
Nike LeBron Soldier XI SFG Safari
Inspired by the classic Nike Safari releases, the SFG colorway features a Safari print of black, white, and gray in the upper. It has orange accents on the Swoosh, ankle collar, and LBJ logos. The shoe model comes with a contrasting gum outsole.
Nike LeBron Soldier 11 Steel
Since his return in 2014, LeBron James has brought the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Finals yearly. It made him a great structure of the team. The shoe features a black mesh upper with a white Swoosh, gray soles, and red and blue accents are scattered.
Nike LeBron Soldier XI TD Cleat “Ohio State”
Though created mainly for basketball, the eleventh LeBron Soldier was also made available as soccer cleats. The Ohio State Buckeyes faced the Penn State Nittan Lions wearing the Nike LeBron Soldier 11 TD Cleat “Ohio State”. This red pair is a great match to their uniforms.
Nike LeBron Soldier XI Wheat
Just in time for fall, the Wheat colorway was released as another reference to LBJ’s Strive for Greatness campaign. The signature shoe comes in wheat and metallic gold, and it has a gum rubber outsole.
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