As the LeBron signature line evolves, so does the use of the Swoosh<\/p>\n
The Nike Swoosh has changed on a number of shoes throughout the brand’s rich history of production, but never have we seen a consistent and extremely recognizable alteration in every installment of a signature line. Throughout LeBron’s 11-year history with Nike, we have seen the Swoosh sized down, enlarged, flipped and reversed. With the official unveiling of the LeBron 11 taking place today, we take a look at The Evolution of the Swoosh on LeBron James’ Signature Sneakers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \n Size<\/strong>: The 2003-released Nike Air Zoom Generation features a rather modest, standard-sized Swoosh instead of the larger, more aggressive Swooshes we have seen on LeBron’s latest signature shoes.\u00a0Placed on the lateral panel, the Swoosh’s position on the Generation is very standard, orthodox and in line with some of Nike Basketball’s most recognizable silhouettes, such as the Huarache 2k4, the Foamposite Pro and the Air Penny I. While LeBron’s latest signatures command attention by featuring Swooshes that dominate the entire side panel, the AZG’s branding is smack dab in the center of the side panel.<\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n Size<\/strong>: Unlike the Air Zoom Generation, Nike opted for a lengthier Swoosh on LeBron’s second signature shoe. The “NIKE” branding is reminiscent of the brand’s vintage silhouettes, such as the Big Nike, Blazer and Dynasty and also gives the LeBron II a distinctive element. Nike\u00a0has always made use of the velcro strap for branding purposes. From the Nike Air Revolution to the Zoom KD IV, the strap, whether ankle or mid-foot, has always served as a branding opportunity as much as a tool for lockdown and support. Here, the Swoosh and lettered branding appear on the strap, which makes the Swoosh more visible than ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n Size<\/strong>: The LeBron III’s Nike emblem is similar to the Zoom Generation’s Swoosh in that it is standard in size. As for placement, it is the most unique of the first three models in that it’s positioned vertically towards the heel of the silhouette and runs parallel to the structure of the model from heel to toe.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n The LeBron IV’s Swoosh is smaller in size and even more subtle than the first three models in terms of placement. The use of Foamposite material is the focal point here, so a moderately-sized, flat Swoosh is located on the collar area, away from central body of the shoe.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n The Nike Zoom LeBron V is the last instance of subtle Nike branding on King James’ signature sneakers. Much like the LeBron II, a large, outlined Swoosh is placed on the velcro strap – this time directly in the center of the lockdown element. Two more solid, diminutive Nike logos – one on the heel panel and one on the toe area – add visible branding from all angles.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n The Zoom LeBron VI marked a return to broad, bulky branding thanks to Ken Link’s design. Similar to the Generation, the Swoosh is placed in the standard side panel position on the lateral side. This is the start of Nike’s aggressive Swoosh branding on LeBron’s line, as it features a protruding, bulged-out logo that takes up the entire sides of the shoe.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n The LeBron VII’s Swoosh was contemporary and remindful of Nike’s classic silhouettes. The transparency of the outlined Swoosh visibly shed light on Nike’s then-new technology, Flywire, which was a first. As for the position, it began in the middle of the side panel and tailed off at the center point of the heel, much like the Air Force 1 and the Dunk.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n The LeBron 8’s enlarged Swoosh seemingly dominated the quarter panel of the silhouette. It too connected at the heel but returned to its solid form instead of the clear look seen on its predecessor.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n On LeBron James’ ninth signature shoe, designer Jason Petrie brought the Swoosh closer than ever to the toe area. The tail of the LeBron 9’s Swoosh ends where the front of the 8’s Swoosh began, leaving the quarter panel open.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n The most unique of all LeBron’s, the X integrates one of the most irregular Swooshes of any King James signature. The X’s Swoosh is again found on the quarter panel, but in reverse direction this time around. Its Swoosh position is parallel to the heel\/collar design and became a consistent feature on other beloved, up-to-date models, such as the Zoom Revis and the Hyperposite.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \n Nike put more emphasis on the LeBron 11’s Swoosh, design-wise, than any other model in this line. Inside the Swoosh, LeBron’s initials make up the links of a repeated pattern inspired by modern chain mail. It also protrudes very\u00a0aggressively, making it look almost three-dimensional. The placement is also noteworthy, as it id almost as if the Swoosh is positioned directly on top of the design.<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the LeBron signature line evolves, so does the use of the Swoosh.<\/p>\n The Nike Swoosh has changed on a number of shoes throughout the brand’s rich history of production, but never have we seen a consistent and extremely recognizable alteration in every installment of a signature line. Throughout LeBron’s 11-year history with Nike, we have seen the Swoosh sized down, enlarged, flipped and reversed. With the official unveiling of the LeBron 11 taking place today, we take a look at The Evolution of the Swoosh on LeBron James’ Signature Sneakers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":327800,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[618,1224791,1225493],"tags":[1225537,117,1203859,1206335],"cultivate_rss":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nNike Air Zoom Generation<\/h3>\n
Nike Zoom LeBron II<\/h3>\n
Nike Zoom LeBron III<\/h3>\n
Nike Zoom LeBron IV<\/h3>\n
Nike Zoom LeBron V<\/h3>\n
Nike Zoom LeBron VI<\/h3>\n
Nike Air Max LeBron VII<\/h3>\n
Nike LeBron 8<\/h3>\n
Nike LeBron 9<\/h3>\n
Nike LeBron X<\/h3>\n
Nike LeBron 11<\/h3>\n