Breaking Down New Nike LeBron X Shoes

It's safe to say that you've made it if your name alone causes a pair of sneakers to price out at $315 in retail stores, and that's exactly what LeBron James will be a part of this fall when his Nike LeBron X sneakers drop, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Nike will also release a version for $180, according to Nike's blog, but those shoes won't include "four of Nike’s most innovative technologies. the LeBron X features dynamic Flywire technology, Hyperfuse construction, Nike Plus functionality (though there will also be a non-Plus model) and the first full-length visible Zoom Air unit."

These are some high-end shoes. Anytime you start mixing leather and electronics, you know something serious is going on.

No one wants to make a blind $315 investment, and that's what I'm here for. Let's break down LeBron's new kicks before they hit stores this fall.

"WOW" Factor: 10 out of 10

Normally, bright colors and shiny logos make you say "wow," but this grade has nothing to do with aesthetics. It has everything to do with the previously mentioned price and the technology attached to LeBron's newest creation.

I'm not even going to explain why $315 should astound you. I don't know anyone who would look at that price and calmly say "oh yeah, that's normally what I pay for shoes."

They're sneakers. People that purchase these will either leave them sealed in their box or wear them until their appeal is dashed by scuff marks.

Paying that much money for a temporary commodity is mind blowing, and people will be lined up to make it happen.

On top of that, you have this "technology" word that Nike likes to throw around. Attaching words like "hyperfuse and "flywire" makes these sneakers sound like Buzz Lightyear's jet pack. Will I be able to fly if I put them on?

The shoes themselves are somewhat unremarkable. A simple color scheme doesn't make you jump, but the impending sales and 21st-century additions will.

Design: 9 out of 10

This will differ based on your particular taste in style, but I think Nike and James hit a home run here. These shoes are basic, clean and force you to focus on the parts that matter.

Some shoes have an array of colors that borders on dangerous. When you have 17 different colors on one tiny area, you have no idea where to look. That takes away from the overall presentation of the shoe itself.

The LeBron X's avoid all of that. The large gold swoosh is shiny but tasteful. The sole is red and the tongue is mostly blue. Other than that, these shoes are plain Jane.

Sticking with basic design makes these shoes versatile, and LeBron's name alone ensures that your friends will notice you wearing these.

Maybe you need loud colors to make your shoes noticeable, but James' shoes speak for themselves.

Overall Swag Grade: 10 out of 10

I'm going to reiterate this one more time, partially for you to hear and partially to make myself believe it.

These are the most expensive sneakers ever released by one of the largest companies in the world. They have things on them that people 50 years ago would have never fathomed unless it stood in a scientist's lab somewhere.

What else could possibly define "swag?"

LeBron's new kicks pass the eye test despite the hole they'll leave in your wallet. That will be obvious once people line up at their nearest sneaker store to pick up their fresh new pair.

You're paying for the name and the amenities Nike's brains provide, but you're getting a great looking shoe in return.

If you consider yourself a sneaker connoisseur, make sure you're in line this fall to scoop up LeBron and Nike's newest product.

Even if you don't like the standard colors, there's probably a version for you.