Throwback: Filipino pride on Nike LeBrons

LeBron James is headed back to Manila on September 2 as part of his ‘Strive for Greatness’ tour with Nike Basketball.

Aside from a visit from the three-time NBA champion himself, Nike Basketball is set to release three shoes linked to the LeBron James Tour Manila 2017 from September 1 to 3. Each shoe will be revealed only 23 hours before the pair’s launch.

As we eagerly await for the launch, let’s take a look back at two of King James’ limited edition colorways made just for the Philippines.

Nike LeBron 12 Low ‘World Tour’ 

The Nike LeBron 12 Low ‘World Tour’ is the special makeup of LeBron’s low top signature sneaker.

The Nike LeBron 12 Low ‘Rise’ featured Nike’s latest in basketball technology. (Photo courtesy of Sole Collector)

Equipped with Flywire cables, heel max air 180 unit, and hexagonal air pods, the Nike LeBron 12 ‘Rise’ was built to the exact specifications of King James. (Photo courtesy of SLAM Ph)

The tongue has a special badge that features LeBron’s crown logo, signature, and a lion logo, which is inspired by the Philippine National Basketball Team’s coat of arms crest. (Photo and caption courtesy of SLAM Ph)

MNL, LRJ.23 and WRLD TR 2015 is stitched on the heel pulltab, a nod to Manila, the last stop of the journey. (Photo and caption courtesy of SLAM Ph)

The shoe’s sockliner features a distinct passport stamp graphic, which refers to the global traveling aspect of the LeBron Rise Tour. (Photo courtesy of Sole Collector, caption courtesy of SLAM Ph)

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar with the LeBron 12 Low ‘World Tour’. (Photo courtesy of SPIN.ph)

Nike LeBron 14 ‘Agimat’

Released just in time before international tournaments, the Nike LeBron 14 ‘Agimat’ aims to provide the Philippine Mens’ National Basketball team a boost in their battles.

‘Agimat’, loosely translated as “lucky charm”, serves as the inspiration behind the shoe’s colorway – a nod to the myth and magic that envelopes traditional Filipino culture. (GIF courtesy of Titan22)

The tongue features gold accents with details such as ‘330’ which represents Northeast Ohio, LeBron’s hometown, and ‘MNL’ which stands for Manila. (Photo courtesy of Hypebeast)

The heel tab features the LeBron’s crown logo and the phrase ‘Para sa Kadakilaan’ which translated means ‘For Greatness’ (Photo courtesy of Hypebeast)

The LeBron 14 ‘Agimat’ draws inspiration from the mythical appeal of a transcendental talent such as LeBron James. (Photo courtesy of Titan22)