The Nike LeBron 23 “Old Glory” Celebrates His Flag-Bearing In Paris

As Nike informed the media and consumers that his 23rd silhouette would be a far-reaching, comprehensive storytelling effort, regaling the world with some of his crowning (no pun intended) accomplishments as his legendary career winds down. Given how much of a presence he’s been over the past two decades, any NBA fan could’ve predicted some of the stories along the way: his first MVP award, “defecting” to Miami, and breaking the all-time points record.

Interspersed between have been homages to more abstract moments: the elder James joining his firstborn in NBA action with the “Chosen One vs. The One Who Chose,” a one-off, villainous outfit with the “Masked Menace.” The Nike LeBron 23 “Old Glory,” now revealed via retailer images, may not be an out-and-out celebration of Team USA’s latest gold, secured on the back of “elder statesman” like himself, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.

Instead, it arguably speaks to a bigger honor: the fact that James held up the United States’ colors in the opening ceremony, a tangible representation of how The Kid From Akron has become an all-time American icon. A crowned flag logo on the heel makes that connection abundantly clear, while the shoe overall wears the traditional patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. And though not the sole focus, the hardware is still a focus all the same; tongue detailing and a gold mini Swoosh allude to the Parisian podium.

The Nike LeBron 23 “Old Glory” is set to release on May 8th, arriving in both men’s and GS sizing. Catch detailed images via the gallery below.