Nike LeBron 12 'King's Cork' Release Date, Pics and Retail Price
The latest Nike basketball sneaker from Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is titled the "King's Cork." Incorporating James' famous nickname and a literal cork color scheme, the fresh kicks are about to hit store shelves this Saturday.
According to the Boombox, pairs of the "King's Cork" shoes will go for a retail price of $250. It's a hefty price to pay but gives collectors and neophytes alike an exotic design and a unique sneaker in the James line.
Foot Locker's official Twitter account revealed an image of the LeBron 12 "King's Cork" shoe:
SneakerFiles.com posted the official pictures Nike released that provide a closer look at the details of the "King's Cork" creation.
James has nurtured his brand for his entire basketball career, which has brought on criticism and scrutiny—especially before James won championships with the Miami Heat. Now a two-time NBA title winner, James has the on-court accomplishments to back up his larger-than-life brand image.
Off a fifth consecutive NBA Finals appearance in his first season back with the Cavs, this new shoe is another great stride forward for James. It marks the convergence of James' commercial appeal and transcendent basketball talent.
As for the appearance of the shoe itself, the dominant cork scheme is a nod to themes of luxury and, yes, basketball greatness. Champagne is the adult beverage of choice for major North American sports championship teams, and this is what the "King's Cork" sneaker brings to mind.
The concept of "King James" royalty extends to the finer details as well, including the trademark Nike swoosh that's a decorative and purposeful gold to seal the makings of an elegant layout. A neat dual crown logo drapes over the laces as a nice accessorizing touch.
Holding the laces together nearer to the toes is a gold piece in the shape of a crown, once again a nod to James' widely used moniker.
James' signature is in red on the front tongue in the regular sneakers, and the inside soles are colored red as well in an apparent nod to the Cavaliers. At the foundation of James the person is his allegiance to Northeast Ohio, and the corked-out design seems symbolic of the legacy James has built from his humble roots.
Now James has brought the goods he's developed as a person and player back to Cleveland in a bid to deliver the Cavaliers a championship banner. It would be the city's first sports title since the Browns won the NFL championship in 1964.
Even those who are still rubbed the wrong way by how James took his talents to South Beach or harbor hard feelings for any reason will have a hard time faulting the design of the "King's Cork" shoe.
