Number 12 represents the completed cycle of experience and when an individual reincarnates as the number 12 they have completed a full cycle of experience and learned of the possibility of regeneration toward a higher-consciousness.
In LeBron James’ case his 12th signature shoe has a deeper meaning than just being another sneaker for his signature shoe line. The Nike LeBron 12 marked the end of an era but the start of a new one but some can argue was it necessarily a new start or more so unfinished business.
The Nike LeBron 11 can be considered James’s least performing shoe as far as comfort and visibility is concerned because he rarely wore the shoe on court in what ultimately ended up being his last season with the Miami Heat. The team was eliminated in the playoffs to the Spurs, so what was next for LeBron? Well we know how this story went, he returns home to Ohio and rejoins the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His stint with Miami is highly regarded as his ‘college years’ being that he went into the NBA fresh out of High School, so gathering that experience and winning two championships, he completed a full cycle of experience. Returning home -in a more conventional manner- he reincarnated with the Nike LeBron 12 and now he focuses on a higher consciousness which will be finally bringing a championship to Cleveland, something they have never experienced.
The Nike LeBron 12 released in several colorways with a regular mid/high version, a low, EXT, Elite, and Lifestyle version. Being officially unveiled on September 16, 2014 there was high hopes for this new silhouette but just as there was high hopes, early in the beginning there was disappointment from fans as the shoe was delayed with it’s first colorway releasing. Once the rocky start subsided though, it was smooth sailing for Nike, James and his LeBron 12.
With the Nike LeBron 13 set to start a new chapter in James’ signature sneaker line, check out below, the top 12 Nike LeBron 12 colorways according to us at Def Pen.
James has demonstrated the courageous heart of a lion while being tested both physically and mentally over his professional career. That grit and determination inspired the LEBRON 12 HRT of a Lion colorway.
“NSRL” (Nike’s Sport Research Lab)
James wasn’t made in a lab, but he is made better by Nike’s research, testing and analysis. The LEBRON 12 lead colorway reflects the process of turning data into design to create superior performance footwear.
“DATA“
James is arguably the most dominant player in the game today, with the statistics to support that claim.
“What If” (Favorite Football team is Dallas Cowboys) *Hint, Hint*
This colorway asks us, “What if…?” What if LeBron pursued another passion or was a multi-sport athlete? We can only imagine what he’d achieve.
“All-Star” (Flatiron)
Flatiron building inspiration for this LeBron 12. Flatiron is one of the icons of New York City architecture, one of the very first buildings to be built with steel for strength, flexibility and height. The LeBron 12 is all about leveraging materials for structure and obviously those unexpected angles.
Basketball is in LeBron’s DNA—he was born to play. The latest colorway of the LeBron 12 captures this truth with design elements inspired by the double helix structure of DNA. Bright pink and Volt erupt off the shoe’s burgundy base and through its translucent outsole, representing the creation of the double helix.
The latest LeBron XII EXT digs deep into James’ Ohio roots, featuring a design inspired by Akron’s long-established rubber industry. A city widely recognized for its bustling factories, Akron has produced countless rubber goods, most notably automotive tires for vehicles all over the globe.
The “Rubber City” inspiration is brought to life with a rubber upper emulating tire treads. A touch of luxury is added with chrome detailing taking place over the lateral side Swoosh. Additionally, the LeBron XII EXT RC features a translucent ice outsole that’s perfectly suited for off-court use.
The Nike LeBron 12 Elite was the mark of playoff contention so Nike took the Nike LeBron 12 to the next level as in the playoffs, you win or go home so elite level of playing is required. This colorway was a direct result from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ team colors.
The “LeBronold Palmer” is a colorway inspired by Arnold Palmer the legendary golf player and the famous drink named after him which consists of a blend of Iced Tea and Lemonade. The drink also happens to be a favorite of LeBron James.
“USA“
The colorway for this Nike LeBron 12 Low is pretty much self explanatory as it bares hits of Red/White-Blue, representing Team USA which LeBron James is a frequent participant of during the Summer months.
“SVSM“
It’s been twelve years since King James left the halls of St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School but he never forgets where he came from. Most NBA players don’t pay homage to their high school teams like LeBron does, so when he has a “SVSM” colorway, he makes sure it honors his alma mater the right way. Bron-Bron has said that St. Vincent-St. Mary’s will always hold a special place for him, since it was more than just a school. After everything he accomplished there on the basketball court and football field, the sky was the limit for young King James. (via: Finishline)
‘What The‘
Picking up where the ‘What The’ series left off last year with the Nike LeBron 11, the Nike LeBron 12 combines cues from various colorways of the Nike LeBron 12 that released throughout the year, can you spot any noticeable colorways?