Nike Introduce the First-Ever LeBron James Training Shoe
After more than two decades in the NBA, it’s hard to find a box LeBron James hasn’t ticked yet. But today, Nike revealed King James’ first-ever training shoe: the LeBron TR1 (Trainer 1). Previously teased during Team USA’s gold medal run at the Paris Olympic Games, the TR1 is set to arrive in a quartet of launch colourways over the coming weeks.
In terms of the engine, the designers have removed the strobel, allowing athletes to be closer to the foam cushioning. An inverted waffle outsole (created specifically for the TR1) provides traction, while a glove-like bootie construction ensures there’s ample room for the wearer’s foot to swell during training – as well as providing comfort and containment.
‘The TR1 is for the athlete who’s in constant pursuit of greatness and puts in the work, day in and day out', LeBron says. ‘Training is a huge part of my journey, and this shoe is designed for athletes to use during any workout, any time, any place'.
Each of the four colourways alludes to a specific storyline in the LeBron James mythology. First up is the ‘Dunkman’, a reference to a LeBron 2 sample that still holds grail status among collectors. Then we have ‘Purple Rain’, a not-so-subtle reference to Prince. ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ is an allusion to LeBron’s social media blackout during the NBA Playoffs, and ‘Better With Age’ is of course a playful tribute to LeBron’s tendency to get better season after season (much like a fine wine – which LeBron is known to occasionally enjoy courtside).
The LeBron TR1 ‘Dunkman’ will be available globally at and select retailers on September 19. ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ follows on October 10, while ‘Purple Rain’ arrives on October 23. Finally, ‘Better With Age’ launches on November 11. A retail price of $130 is expected for all four.