Nike LeBron 9 ELITE "South Beach"

When did it become acceptable to charge $250 for a pair of basketball sneakers? Apparently, during a recession. When most people are making ends meet and struggling to pay rent and put food on the table, Nike comes out with a $250 LeBron James signature shoe made for the NBA playoffs. The Nike LeBron 9 regular season shoe was already in the upper echelon in terms of price at $170, and they sold extremely well in certain "LIMITED" colors, now Nike is banking that those same group that bought their $170 offerings will cough up $250 for what Nike tag as their pinnacle basketball shoes. What makes them special? Well according to Nike, they incorporated the most innovative materials and design techniques to take performance to another level by shedding the weight in the construction, enhancing the fit, better dynamic protection and add distinctive colors to create a buzz. 


Nike has always been about pushing innovations and creating outrageous buzz around the industry. $250 by today's standard might not be much to certain folks but they are still a hefty amount to pay for basketball shoes. At least they come with extra laces.


Nike LeBron 9 Elite
Wolf Grey/Mint Cindy-New Green-Pink Flash
Style #: 516958-001
Summer 2012
$250