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Today, April 14, 2011, Nike and LeBron James officially announced the third variation of James’ eighth signature model, the Nike LeBron 8 PS. In detail, this shoe, which releases on April 16, 2011, is the final version in the three-sneaker LeBron 8 series. Nike and LeBron opted to go lighter and leaner for the rugged, demanding playoffs period of the season.
?Heading into the final stretch of the season, the LEBRON 8 PS mirrors my evolving game as strength and endurance are tested,? said James. ?The lion symbol on the tongue of all three versions of my eighth signature shoe keep me hungry and focused each time I lace up.?
The LeBron 8 PS is James’ first signature shoe to feature the futuristic Hyperfuse construction, a technology which was first seen on the Zoom Hyperfuse. By incorporating Hyperfuse, the LeBron 8 PS sheds 1.5 ounces from the Nike LeBron 8 V2 and provides a more supportive, breathable and durable shoe for King James as he heads into the playoffs.
Hyperfuse construction is beginning to be a staple in Nike Basketball products. Inspired by outdoor basketball in Beijing, this lightweight technology provides strong and lightweight lockdown support with a unique breathable quality. The LeBron 8 PS actually combines three unique materials together to form the Hyperfuse constructed upper. The first layer features synthetic underlays for support, while the second layer is comprised of single layer mesh for ventilation. Lastly, the top layer is made of a thin TPU layer that is placed in high-wear areas for durability.
Nike LeBron 8 PS designer Jason Petrie was inspired by the different changes a player like LeBron James goes through during the course of an 82-game season in addition to playoffs. ?One of the main things LeBron and I talked about early on was how do we develop a series of shoes that syncs with the change in his body and in his game over the course of the season, especially as he moves from the regular season into the intense and critical post-season,? said Petrie. ?LeBron found success in the first two LEBRON 8 shoes and we want to make sure we give him every advantage as he enters this intensified last run of the season.?
Petrie, who also designed the Nike Air Max LeBron VII and the first two LeBron 8 variations, is credited for applying a full-length Air Max unit to sneakers within James’ signature line; however, he switched from the Max Air 360 unit to a lighter Max Air 180 unit in the heel for added lightness. It also possesses a Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot and carbon fiber in the arch to create an evolved cushioning system. Additionally, a full-length Cushlon midsole acts as a bouncy, springy surface for James. As for traction, the LeBron 8 PS features a traditional solid rubber herringbone pattern, along with flex grooves in the forefoot and heel.
As stated earlier, the Nike LeBron 8 PS will officially hit retailers on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Therefore, expect James to wear this shoe in game 1 of the Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat first round playoff series on the same day.
