LeBron James Just Debuted Previously Unseen Nikes in Paris
The Paris 2024 Olympics continue to be a stage for big footwear moments, including the introduction of several new models from various brands. Perhaps no company has taken advantage of the opportunity like Nike, with the rollout of a captivating new “Winning Isn’t for Everyone” campaign and launching a sprawling 55-shoe “Electric Pack” collection. The Beaverton, Oregon-based brand also revealed the latest signature sneaker for one of its top torchbearers, LeBron James, with WNBA star A’ja Wilson and James himself lacing up the LeBron 22 during Team USA action. And on August 7, there was a more under-the-radar debut made by James as he took in the women’s basketball quarterfinals game between the United States and Nigeria.
Seated alongside wife, Savannah James, and fellow Team USA athletes Devin Booker and Bam Adebayo, the 21-year NBA veteran opted for a casual look, pairing a patterned blue Nike Team USA windbreaker with shorts and a mysterious pair of Nike slides. Although only portions of the shoe can be seen in photos, the overall build appears to use a one-piece foam upper with circular ventilation cutouts on top and wavy lines across its Swoosh-adorned lateral side. The long-trending aesthetic is comparable to the ubiquitous Crocs Clogs, although it’s one Nike hasn’t fully tapped into aside from designer Matthew M. Williams’ MMW 005 slides and the Jordan Roam.
James was also joined in attendance by former NBA great Dirk Nowitzki and former Team USA swimmers Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt. The U.S. women’s basketball team won the game 88-74, tallying its 59th straight Olympic win. They will meet Australia in the semifinals on Friday, August 9.
Early details shared by Sole Retriever pinpoint this model as the upcoming Nike ReactX Rejuven8, a brand new design destined for retail in spring 2025. Based on its name, the model will use Nike’s premium ReactX foam, a material often reserved for the brand’s higher-end running shoes. The name also references Nike’s 2000s-era Air Rejuven8 line, which emphasized breathability by way of a heavily ventilated construction.
With James wearing what’s said to be the Nike ReactX Rejuven8 in “Glacier Blue,” the shoe will also come in a wide range of colorways. Readers can expect “Elemental Pink,” “Green Strike,” “Light Orewood Brown,” “Muslin,” “Safety Orange,” “Smoke Gray” and “Triple Black” styles to release throughout ’25.
Retail pricing for the Nike ReactX Rejuven8 is reportedly set at $70 for unisex and women’s and $60 for grade school sizing. This story will be updated with more details as they are announced.