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LeBron sneaker puts Akron in the footlights
2009-03-28


First, there was a sneaker inspired by LeBron James' pre-game chalk toss. Then there was the LeBron sneaker that resembled New York taxi cabs. Now, Nike will pay tribute to the NBA All Star's hometown of Akron.

The sneaker company will release a limited-edition shoe to honor the Rubber City at the House of Hoops in New York City today
The white, navy blue and gold sneaker has a stitched mural that shows a sign for Hickory Street, where the Cavalier star grew up, the downtown skyline and LeBron's first hoop - a milk crate.

Pictures of the shoe have surfaced on the Internet on Web sites for sneaker heads - people who collect rare and vintage shoes. Members of the University of Akron men's basketball team have worn the sneaker on the court.

Nike spokesman KeJuan Wilkins said more than a dozen color schemes of the Zoom VI have been released since the start of LeBron's sixth NBA season.

But this one, more than the others, is more of an extension of James' life story, personality and interests.

"This one is paying homage to the City of Akron," Wilkins said. "LeBron has a deep connection to the city."

Wilkins said the shoe was designed by Nike designer Ken Link. The mural of the city was designed by Erik Goto. He said the company has kept Akron in mind in every version of the shoe since LeBron first came into the league. Previous versions of James' signature game shoe have featured a map of the city in the shoe's insole.

"We've seen a tremendous response from the public when it comes to LeBron's footwear," he said. "LeBron has stated that one of his goals was to put Akron on the map, and this is a play on that."

 

 

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