Nike introduces a lighter version of LeBron James' signature kicks

The Nike LeBron VIII V/2 -- lighter, leaner and breathable.
(Image courtesy of Nike Philippines)

We all saw the release of the Nike LeBron VIII's October last year, Nike designer Jason Petrie brings back LeBron's latest sneaks with a much lighter twist -- the Nike LeBron VIII V/2. The Miami Heat Forward's game is vastly changing whenever he steps on the court, what better way for Nike to upgrade the same model fit for the King.

A more detailed look at the LeBron VIII V/2's
(Image courtesy of Nike Philippines)

This re-edition of sorts of the LeBron VIII V/2 got the lightweight flywire material -- much like his recent model, the Nike Air Max LeBron VII's -- combined with a breathable upper keeping King James lighter and play quicker with each step. With James' success since he took his talents to South Beach, the Nike LeBron VIII V/2 is bound to make the same impact as well.

Nike Designer Jason Petrie's early concept sketches of the LeBron VIII V/2.
(Image courtesy of Nike Philippines)

The Nike LeBron VIII V/2's are now available at Titan Barbershop and Nike stores all over the Philippines.

Props to Nike Philippines for the heads-up.

Here's the official press release of the Nike LeBron V/2:

Nike and LeBron James Unveil the Lighter and Leaner LEBRON 8 V/2

Design Geared Toward Critical Second Half of the Season

Manila, Philippines (January 2011) – Nike (NYSE: NKE) and LeBron James announced today the next generation of James’ eighth signature shoe, the LEBRON 8 V/2. At a full 1 ounce lighter than the first LEBRON 8 (men’s US size 9), the LEBRON 8 is the first Nike Basketball shoe with an upper made entirely of next generation Flywire technology supported by TPU-enforced lightweight mesh in key areas.

“During the first half of the season, the LEBRON 8s gave me a lot of support and protection,” James said. “Heading into the critical second half, the LEBRON 8 V/2 mirrors my evolving game as I become leaner and faster. And I use the lion symbol on the shoe for inspiration as we drive towards a winning season.”

Jason Petrie, who was the lead designer on the LEBRON 8 V/2, planned the shoe evolution from the start. “The first question we asked LeBron, before we even started designing the LEBRON 8, was how we could make his experience better on court,” said Petrie. “We designed an evolution and transformation of the shoe throughout the course of the season that correlates with the evolution and transformation of LeBron and his game as he goes through the season.”

To achieve a lighter, leaner LEBRON 8 V/2, the upper construction features next generation Flywire technology for strength and support. TPU and lightweight mesh are then strategically placed in high-wear areas to offer durability where it’s most needed. Meanwhile, the LEBRON 8 V/2 continues to provide outstanding cushioning with a basketball-specific Max Air 360 unit, a thin Cushlon footbed under the heel and a perforated high-performance sockliner.

Like the first LEBRON 8, the LEBRON 8 V/2 visual design was inspired by a lion and James’ ability to compete on the basketball court. Distinguishing details such as the tongue’s depiction of a lion facing his opponents, ‘LeBron’ on the right shoe and ‘James’ on the left, plus eyestays shaped like the number eight in reference to James’ eighth signature shoe, complement a design already personalized to James’ performance.

James debuted a special red colorway of the LEBRON 8 V/2 on court Christmas day. The white, black and red home colorway was launched at retail last January 8, 2011.

For more information including multimedia, visit www.nikemedia.com.