Verdict from 29 experts and +100 user reviews
10 reasons to buy
- The deep grooves on the outsole of the Nike LeBron 15 reportedly provide a good court grip.
- Many wearers think that the three-dimensional design of the LeBron 15 is aesthetically appealing.
- Most users leave comments that these LeBron shoes are light.
- Many reviewers say the sharpness of the traction pattern works because the outsole does not attract a lot of dust; wiping is unnecessary.
- A large number of testers agree that the LeBron 15 has really good cushioning because of the Zoom and Max Air combination in the midsole.
- Compared to the regular Flyknit, several wearers love the texture, comfort, and flexibility provided by BattleKnit, which is also used in the more recently released Nike LeBron 16.
- Some buyers appreciate the one-to-one fit of these LeBron James basketball shoes. They have not experienced any heel slippage or side-to-side movements.
- Sneaker collectors enjoy the numerous colorways of the Nike LeBron 15.
- The shoe model has a pliable collar which makes it easy to put on.
- According to most wearers, the shoe does not need breaking in because of its premium, stretchy, and lightweight materials.
5 reasons not to buy
- A few testers say the spikes of the traction do not provide enough court grip which causes foot slippage.
- A handful mention that the LeBron 15 needs outriggers for stability because of its high ride.
- A number of buyers say the price of the shoe is quite steep.
- Some users lament that although these Nike basketball shoes are high-tops, they feel like low-tops when used on court.
- The upper may be comfortable but it does not provide enough ankle support and foot containment, claim a small number of reviewers. It seems that Nike’s knit technology lacks support since players also gripe about the lack of support in Kevin Durant’s 11th signature sneaker.
Bottom line
Overall, the Nike LeBron 15 is a good shoe. Though it is not that spectacular, the integration of the two great midsole technologies, improved upper material, and Flywire technology come down as good. For LBJ super fans, these LeBron shoes are a home run. As for those who are simply looking and shopping around for a new pair to play hoops with, the price tag is quite over the top. If you are a two-hundred-forty-pound forward like King James—an aggressive and powerful court beast—this setup is a winner for you.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 95/100 by Men's Health
- 90/100 by NicerShoes
- 90/100 by HumbleandRich
- 90/100 by DopeFoot
- 88/100 by StrangeLoopGames
- 80/100 by SoleCollector
- 95/100 by LiveforBball
- 90/100 by SneakerDebut
- 90/100 by newjordans2018
- 95/100 by BBallEquips
- 80/100 by Schwollo
- 83/100 by Head Jordan
- 87/100 by Head Jordan
- 90/100 by WearTesters
- 90/100 by HoopJordan
- 93/100 by BasketballDiagnostics
- 95/100 by HoopJordan
- 52/100 by Steemit
Video reviews
Good to know
The Nike LeBron 15 is another high-priced shoe model from LeBron James’s signature line. Released in October 2017 at $185, this pair has a hybrid of Zoom and Max Air technologies in the midsole, which gives the best of both worlds for responsiveness and impact protection. The innovative outsole rubber has a triangular traction with deeply grooved spikes resulting in a great bite on the court floors. This one-bootie construction comes in different colorways and outsole rubbers. The shoe has a stretchable, comfortable and plush BattleKnit upper with good support as a huge bonus. According to the basketball star, the Nike LeBron 15 is his favorite shoe model to date from his entire signature line.
Cushion. The LeBron 15 is the first shoe model from Nike to have a phenomenal combination of Zoom and Max Air. Zoom is a lightweight and pressurized air unit with tight and stretchy fibers that bounce back quickly, providing high energy returns. Max Air is lightweight, and it comes in large volume airbags to provide maximum impact protection. These two technologies being put together result in beyond unimaginable cushioning.
Traction. Depending on the colorway, the rubber on the outsole of the LeBron 15 comes in gum, translucent, or solid rubber. The traction has a triangular and spiked pattern that suits the linear movements of the King. The spikes on the outsole rubber also help with court grip even on dusty courts. Though playing outdoors with an expensive signature shoe is not recommended because it shortens the lifespan of the rubber, the rubber outsole’s thickness can withstand both indoor and outdoor play.
Length and Width. Shoe brands claim that their models come in standard length and width. However, the Nike LeBron 15 is designed after LBJ’s feet. While there are a number of buyers who claim that the shoe is true to size, more testers advise new buyers to go down half a size if they have normal-sized or narrow feet; LeBron after all is a really big guy.
Lockdown. The Nike LeBron 15 has a full-bootie construction equipped with Flywire technology for lockdown. The shoe has round laces, which are held in place by lace loops that appear to be connected to the Flywire. This technology is developed by Nike using nylon or Vectran filaments. It is strong and lightweight, and strategically placed in the midfoot to provide support and a one-to-one fit.
The upper of the LeBron 15 is made of an innovated high-grade Flyknit material that Nike calls BattleKnit. It is designed by Jason Petrie specifically for the need of LeBron for a durable, comfortable, and highly stretchable upper. The inside of the shoe is lined with thick foam to provide the much needed comfort. Between the insole and the outsole is the midfoot shank for durability of the shoe and stability of the foot. Aesthetically placed on the heel is the external TPU which also provides solid containment.
The high-top silhouette of the Nike LeBron 15 comes in multiple colorways, and it has an a la mode design. Starting off with the outsole, there is a lion emblem on the heel which signifies Bron-bron as the king of the jungle—strong, fearless, and determined. The lateral side has a dragonscale-like design which makes heads turn. Located on the rear part of the collar is a three-looped pull tab made of synthetic leather with LBJ’s signature on top. The Nike Swoosh is located on the external TPU heel counter. The embossed logo of LeBron is found on the midfoot section of the synthetic leather. Lastly, the insole has the Roman numeral callout XV-XXIII, which stands for the signature model’s number and the King’s jersey number.
Nike LeBron 15 All Star
The Nike LeBron 15 will undergo a number of transformations for 2018’s NBA All-Star Weekend. The line’s official All-Star Game iteration has a Rust Pink upper that draws direct inspiration from the five-point stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The shoe has black laces and pull tabs, both on the tongue and heel.
The zoom units of the LeBron 15 All Star are painted gold instead of the usual translucent display. This is a clear nod to the luxury that characterizes the fun All-Star activities and this year’s host city Los Angeles. The Swoosh is also bathed in gold, and it is found on the black material that supports that heel.
The Nike LeBron 15 All Star also has Los Angeles-inspired insoles. It is released on February 15 at $185.
Nike LeBron 15 Ashes
The Nike LeBron 15 Ashes was released a few weeks after the high-top basketball shoes were debuted. According to Nike.com, this version “honors the embers of LeBron’s past, which ignited the unbreakable athlete and man of the present.” Some bloggers also say that this colorway also represents the rebirth of the LeBron line, especially that the fifteenth LeBron shoes sport a lot of firsts: the Flyknit upper and the combination of Air Max and Zoom in the midsole, just to name some.
Nike LeBron 15 BHM
LeBron is a vocal citizen who is never ashamed to use his influence to advance the causes that he believes in, especially racial equality. In a speech that he delivered together with Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade at the 2016 ESPY awards night; he made an appeal to his fellow athletes to stand up against racism. As a look-back to that momentous event, Nike released the Nike LeBron BHM in January 2018. It is a multicolor rendition that features the color of the Pan African flag. It has ‘07 13 2016’ scribbled on the side in reference to the date the powerful speech was delivered.
Nike LeBron 15 City Edition
The City Edition treatment transforms the Nike LeBron 15 into gray basketball shoes. Some signature Nike basketball shoes are also subjected to the same transformation. The Nike KD 10 is transformed into a dominantly blue version to honor the Chinatown district in the Bay Area. The Kobe AD Mid for its part sports a black and yellow look, which of course honors the City of Angels.
According to a LeBron-dedicated blog, the LeBron 15 City Edition subtly references the Hope Memorial bridge in Cleveland, Ohio. The “1927” found on its heel tab refers to the year the city of Cleveland approved a bond issue worth $8 million for the bridge’s construction. What’s interesting about this bridge is that it has huge statues of winged figures on its pylons. Dubbed the “Guardians of Transportation,” these figures honor the advances in vehicular technology.
Nike LeBron 15 Equality
Widely regarded as one of the most outspoken athletes, The King made a statement in one of his games in the 2017-2018 NBA season by wearing mismatched all-black and all-white LeBron 15 shoes to celebrate racial equality.
These shoes prominently display the word “EQUALITY.” on the heel; the word is embroidered onto the BattleKnit material using gold threads. A limited number of Nike LeBron 15 Equality shoes are up for grabs on March 2, 2018 through an online raffle organized by Nike.
Nike LeBron 15 Ghost
One of the first versions to come out, the LeBron 15 Ghost is a tribute to LeBron James’s unrelenting efforts to continue improving himself in spite of his current status as an NBA great. Nike says that this rendition of the high-powered LeBron basketball shoes particularly “pays homage to LeBron’s unbreakable drive to chase the greatness of the ones that came before him.”
Nike LeBron 15 Graffiti
In January 2018, Nike unveiled the Nike LeBron 15 Graffiti, which is a black-and-white iteration of The King’s latest basketball sneakers. Some of the previous LeBron models have been through the Graffiti treatment, and the style’s most defining feature is the graffiti-style scribbles on the upper or midsole.
The current release takes cues from what has been done to the LeBron 4 Graffiti, which featured a layered black-and-white appearance. Large graffiti-style scribbles appeared in the lower layer.
The Nike LeBron 15 Graffiti adapts the same layered look. The style’s defining aesthetics are described as rather subdued this time because the scribbles that were prominently displayed on the LeBron 4 are now just found on the midsole, partially covering the otherwise transparent material that puts the shoe’s Air units on display. These signature LeBron basketball shoes are released on March 2, 2018.
Nike LeBron 15 Hardwood Classics
The early months of 2018 saw the unveiling and release of the Nike Lebron 15 Hardwood Classics. This pair of high-powered high-tops is largely light blue, which was the main color sported by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the early 2000s. Like the Cavs jerseys at that time, the shoe also has orange accents.
Nike LeBron 15 New Heights
In late September 2017, the Cleveland Cavaliers had their annual media day. In that event, LeBron James was seen wearing a LeBron 15 that features a unique combination of dark blue and red, making the shoe look like a volcanic rock that still has red hot lava at its core. The appearance of those Nike high-top basketball shoes led some bloggers to call it the LeBron 15 ‘Volcano.’
When the shoe was released in December 2017, it was called ‘New Heights’ by Nike. Some fans are quick to notice that this rendition is the closest the LeBron 15 has gone to being a Cavs-exclusive.
Nike LeBron Watch
Through the company’s LeBron Watch program, iconic Nike shoes and athletes are honored with special PE transformations of the Nike LeBron 15.
“When I was a kid, the athletes and the shoes represented in this series inspired me to chase my dream of one day becoming a professional athlete,” says LeBron James who has obviously become so good at what the does that he is now the one who inspires others, especially kids. “It’s important to me to share these stories and inspiration with my fans. I want them to be a part of every step of my journey, so I’m excited we’re making these shoes available to them.”
Five of the shoes in this special collection are made available to the public the moment LeBron James wore them in a game. These five are the following:
- Nike Lebron 15 Air Max 95. On Air Max Eve 2018, or the night before Air Max Day March 26, Nike LeBron Watch released a LeBron 15 that takes design cues from the iconic Air Max 95, which was originally conceptualized by Sergio Lozano.
- Nike LeBron 15 Diamond Turf. This rendition of the LeBron 15 honors NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and his Nike Diamond Turf. It has the original shoe’s iconic strap on top of the tongue. A white version was initially released, and it is followed by a red one in August 2018.
- Nike Lebron 15 Griffey. Ken Griffey Jr., or more commonly known as ‘The Kid,’ is definitely one of LeBron James’s favorite athletes. The King honors him by releasing the LeBron 15 Griffey, a black shoe that features the blue-green accents of the original Air Griffey Max 1.
- Nike LeBron 15 Mowabb. The early months of 2018 saw the release of a LeBron 15 that pays homage to the Nike Air Mowabb from the brand’s All Conditions Gear (ACG) collection. This LeBron 15 rendition features the color scheme of the original Mowabb. It also has the LBJ logo rendered in such a way that it resembles the classic ACG mark.
- Nike Lebron 15 Orange Box. It’s no secret that LeBron James is a huge Nike fan ever since his childhood. As a tribute to original orange shoebox of the brand, the LeBron 15 Orange Box becomes the third to release from the LeBron Watch program.
KITH x Nike LeBron 15 King’s Cloak
During the 2018 All-Star Break, all eyes are on Los Angeles as the center of the festivities. It was also at that time when Ronnie Fieg’s KITH opens a flagship store in LA. Kith has long been partners with the Swoosh in creating interesting iterations of some of the most iconic Nike basketball shoes of the modern times. To celebrate the opening of the brand’s LA shop, Kith and Nike release the Chapter 2 of the ‘Long Live the King’ collection, which is yet another fruit of the two brands’ collaborative work on the Nike LeBron 15.
The All-Star Break release features two performance pairs. The first one, dubbed the KITH x Nike LeBron 15 King’s Cloak, features intricate multicolor embroideries on an all-white BattleKnit upper. The pair’s all-white laces are tipped with gold, and they criss-cross above a golden riri zipper.
KITH x Nike LeBron 15 Suit of Armor
The other performance sneaker from the ‘Long Live the King Chapter 2’ collection is dubbed the Suit of Armor. It’s an all-black iteration that has a lacing system and a gun metal riri zipper for lockdown. Its BattleKnit upper features floral designs that are embroidered using black thread.
The KITH x Nike LeBron 15 Suit of Armor and the King’s Cloak are released on February 16. They are available only in very limited quantities.
Aside from the ones discussed above, the Nike LeBron 15 is also released in ordinary colorways such as the following:
- Black/Black/Metallic Goldstyle
- Black/Gold
- Mica Green/Gum Light Brown/Mica Greenstyle
- Multicolor/Blackstyle
- Multicolor/Whitestyle
- White/Black/Metallic Silverstyle
- Wolf Grey/Cool Grey/Metallic Goldstyle
How LeBron 15 compares
