When I received the new LeBron 18 James Gang basketball sneaker in the mail, I was hyped – this was my first pair of LeBrons ever. And better yet, they hadn’t even released yet. I couldn’t wait to get them on foot to test them out.
Here’s what I’ll say about the Nike LeBron 18: I feel like for me, this is more of a casual wear/weightlifting sneaker than basketball shoes. After all, I’m only 6’0″, 155 pounds soaking wet. I need something lightweight and low-to-the-ground. The LeBron 18 is not that. It is a bulky, heavy shoe with all kinds of unnecessary plastic on it. Now don’t get me wrong, I still love the design and the tech in the LeBron 18, which you can read more about here. And I do have plenty of positive things to say about the LeBron 18 on feet, so let’s break down the pros and cons.
LeBron 18 on Feet: The Pros
If you’re a LeBron James fan, I think you will absolutely love this shoe. The Knitposite upper has a great feel to it and provides breathability. It also just looks cool. There’s a TON of cushioning in the LeBron 18 – not only is there a full-length Zoom Air bag unit, there’s also a heel max air unit stacked on top of that. If you’re a big man, you’re going to love the bounce and the cushioning.
There’s also clear Air bubbles embedded into the tongue of the shoe, which is very unique. I don’t think I recall Nike ever doing that before, so it’s something that I always notice first when looking at them. I also loved the traction of the sole – it was very grippy and great for sharp cuts and lateral movements. Out of the different colorways, this particular “James Gang” colorway is a nod to LeBron’s wife and kids, and the vibrant colors definitely pop next to the black Knitposite upper.
LeBron 18 James Gang: The Cons
As I already stated, the LeBron 18 James Gang is a heavy shoe. When I took them out of the box, I wondered if they sent me the wrong size. Not only were they heavier than other sneakers I wear, they were also bulkier. I thought for sure when I put them on that they ran big, but was surprised that they actually fit pretty well and run true to size. I would say that you need to lace them tightly, or else your foot will slide forward and your toes will get scrunched up.
I’m not a fan of the plastic tongue, as you can’t wear low-cut socks with them or else it will cut up your shin. I’m also not a fan of all the plastic on the heel, which basically just adds excess weight to the shoe. While the concept of a structured heel Air Max unit stacked on top of a full-length Zoom Air unit is a great idea, I don’t think it’s actually necessary and again just adds weight to the shoe. Really it’s just a novelty like the Air Max 270 – they did it because they could.
Wrapping Up
From the Lebron line, the Lebron 18 was designed for on-court performance and incorporates various technologies to provide support, comfort, and responsiveness for basketball players.
Some common features of the LeBron 18 include:
- Knitposite Upper: The shoe often features a Knitposite upper, a combination of knit fabric and synthetic materials, designed to offer a balance of ankle mobility and support.
- Max Air and Zoom Air Cushioning: The LeBron 18 typically includes a combination of Max Air and Zoom Air units in the sole for enhanced cushioning and responsiveness during play.
- Traction Patterns: The outsole is designed with specific traction patterns to provide grip on the basketball court, allowing for quick cuts and smooth transitions.
- Supportive Fit: The shoe is engineered to provide a secure and supportive fit around the ankle and back of your foot, addressing the unique needs of basketball players.
Overall, I’d say the LeBron 18 James Gang is a cool shoe with full-length Nike react technology, but it’s just a little bit too heavy to play in if you’re a guard or small forward. If you’re a bigger, physical player with a strong frame like LeBron, I think it’s definitely worth trying out. The cushioning and support are there to help soften your landings. If you’re smaller, you may just want to wear them to the gym or as a lifestyle shoe and stick to something lighter for when you’re getting buckets. Also you can’t deny that it’s pretty crazy that LeBron has 18 sneakers, so if you collect LeBron shoes this is obviously a must-have.
Make sure to try out the LeBron 18 on feet which released October 9th, 2020.
