BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 17, 2009-- LeBron James will debut the Nike Zoom Soldier III on the court tomorrow when Cleveland takes on Detroit. Designed with James’ playoffs needs in mind, the Nike Zoom Soldier III is the lightest shoe designed for James, to date, with this Nike Zoom Soldier series becoming LeBron’s perennial playoff footwear.

“A basketball player’s body takes a beating over the course of an 82 game season,” said Design Director Ken Link. “The Nike Zoom Soldier III is designed to give LeBron a lightweight, responsive shoe for the playoffs, when every game counts.”

Constructed to be lower to the ground and extremely responsive, the Nike Zoom Solider III weighs in at a mere 13.7 ounces, the lightest basketball shoe Nike has delivered to LeBron James, to date.

The Nike Zoom Soldier III features a mesh upper for lightweight breathability. Two synthetic-leather straps across the top of the mid-foot provide a stable, lock-down fit and add the stylish look. The mid-sole is comprised of Nike Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot for lightweight, responsive cushioning. A non-traditional solid rubber outsole provides unmatched traction and durability.

Link added, “LeBron challenged us to make the Zoom Soldier III even lighter than ever and we delivered. The shoe is also a great summer hoops shoe. It’s both lightweight and strong, so it’s able to withstand the pounding of outdoor play.”

The Nike Zoom Soldier III features a badge on the shoe’s tongue comprised of symbols that borrow meaning from LeBron’s life and personal beliefs.

Limited quantities of the Nike Zoom Soldier III with LeBron’s playoff badge on the tongue will be available to consumers in limited quantities. Nike will feature additional player-exclusive styles with the special badging for the playoffs.

Carrying on a tradition from the previous generation, the Nike Zoom Soldier III represents the essence of LeBron James: team, toughness, passion and vision. On the sockliner is LeBron’s credo for family and his pride for the game of basketball. On the back of the tongue is an image of a lion, representing LeBron’s aggressiveness on the court. LeBron’s signature is included on the heel of each shoe and his number 23 adorns the tops of the eyelets.

The Nike Zoom Soldier III will be available beginning April 17, 2009 at Nike.com, Eastbay.com, Foot Action, Foot Locker, House of Hoops and specialty retail stores nationwide. A total of four unique colorways of the Nike Zoom Soldier III will roll out over the next six weeks beginning today.

About Nike

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.

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Source: NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc.
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