Short answer
The LeBron line runs from the Air Zoom Generation (2003) to the LeBron 24 (2026). Models 1 to 6 used Zoom Air. The LeBron 7 (2009) switched to a full length visible Max Air unit. From the LeBron 9 to the LeBron 19 most models mixed Max Air and Zoom Air. The LeBron 20 (2022) was the first to debut as a low top, and every flagship since has been low. Nike calls the LeBron 24 his lightest game shoe.
The full list
Years are the first retail year reported by the source cited. Cushioning for models 2 to 8 comes from Complex’s tech history of the LeBron line; for the LeBron 20 to 24 from Nike’s own release pages. For models 9 to 19, cushioning is as described by sneaker press and retailers.
- 1
Air Zoom Generation2003
The first LeBron signature shoe, worn in his rookie season. It debuted with his first NBA games in October 2003. (Complex)
- 2
- 3
Zoom LeBron III2005
Zoom Air, heel and forefoot
Complex notes a carbon fiber shank in place of the earlier plate. (Complex)
- 4
Zoom LeBron IV2006
Full length Zoom Air
Complex describes a Foamposite upper with no traditional midsole. (Complex)
- 5
Zoom LeBron V2007
Full length Zoom Air, double stacked heel unit
Complex notes a removable midfoot strap. (Complex)
- 6
Zoom LeBron VI2008
Full length Zoom Air
- 7
Air Max LeBron VII2009
Full length visible Max Air
The line switched from Zoom Air to a big visible Max Air unit here. (Complex)
- 8
Air Max LeBron 82010
Visible Max Air
- 9
LeBron 92011
Max Air and Zoom Air
- 10
- 11
LeBron 112013
Zoom Air with Lunarlon foam
The South Beach colorway followed in June 2014. (Sneaker Freaker)
- 12
- 13
LeBron 132015
Zoom Air
- 14
LeBron 142017
Zoom Air
Complex describes maximum volume Zoom Air units and a large carbon fiber plate. Sneaker News reported a $175 release price, down from the LeBron 13. (Complex)
- 15
- 16
LeBron 162018
Max Air and Zoom Air
- 17
LeBron 172019
Max Air and Zoom Air
Released September 27, 2019 at a reported $200. (Sneaker Bar Detroit)
- 18
- 19
LeBron 192021
Zoom Air forefoot, Max Air heel
- 20
LeBron 202022
Zoom Air and a top loaded Air Zoom Turbo forefoot unit
Nike calls it the first performance LeBron to debut as a low top. (Nike)
- 21
LeBron 212023
Zoom Turbo forefoot, 13 mm heel Zoom unit
Nike says it is inspired by his daughter Zhuri; zonal cables wrap the foot. (Nike)
- 22
LeBron 222024
Zoom Turbo forefoot, 13 mm heel Zoom, Cushlon 2.0 foam
A low top with a molded midfoot stability saddle; $180 for men’s sizes per Sole Retriever. (Sole Retriever)
- 23
LeBron 232025
ZoomX foam drop in midsole (per Solefeed)
A late 2025 release, with colorways running through 2026. (SNKRDUNK Magazine)
- 24
LeBron 242026
Air Zoom forefoot and heel, React foam drop in midsole
Nike calls it his lightest game shoe ever. Global release November 17, 2026. (Nike Newsroom)
Three eras in one paragraph each
2003 to 2008: Zoom Air
The Air Zoom Generation and the Zoom LeBron II to VI used Zoom Air, a thin pressurized unit that springs back fast. Complex notes straps on the II and V, a Foamposite upper on the IV, and full length Zoom on the IV to VI.
2009 to 2021: Max Air and mixes
The Air Max LeBron VII put a full length visible Max Air bag under the foot. Later numbers mixed Max Air in the heel with Zoom Air up front, added knit uppers from the LeBron 15, and grew in price: the LeBron 17 retailed at a reported $200 (Sneaker Bar Detroit).
2022 to 2026: low tops
The LeBron 20 dropped the collar and the weight. The LeBron 21 and LeBron 22 kept Zoom Turbo up front, the LeBron 23 tried a ZoomX drop in, and the LeBron 24 combines a React drop in with Air Zoom front and back.
The other LeBron lines
- LeBron Witness: the budget line, about half the flagship price.
- LeBron Soldier: the strapped team shoe, 14 models from 2007 to 2020.
- LeBron NXXT Gen and TR 1: a lighter 2023 game shoe and a 2024 training shoe.
Shopping for an older number? Search the exact name and colorway, and check the size chart on the listing. Browse LeBron shoes on Amazon.
Questions people ask
What was the first LeBron shoe?
The Nike Air Zoom Generation, which debuted with his first NBA games in October 2003. Complex covered its retro release as the Air Zoom Generation Debut.
How many LeBron shoes are there?
Twenty four numbered models as of October 2026: the Air Zoom Generation, then the LeBron 2 through the LeBron 24. The Witness, Soldier, NXXT Gen and TR 1 lines are separate.
Which LeBron is the most popular?
Search interest is highest for the newest model and for famous colorways of older ones, such as the LeBron 10 Cork, the LeBron 11 South Beach and the LeBron 20 Pink Diamond. Popular is not the same as best for playing; see our picker.
When did LeBron shoes become low tops?
With the LeBron 20 in 2022, which Nike says was the first performance LeBron to debut as a low top. Every flagship since has been a low top.
Sources
- Complex, The complete tech history of the Nike LeBron
- Complex, Nike Air Zoom Generation debut release
- KUER, Nike LeBron X sneakers with Nike+ will sell for $315 (2012)
- Sneaker Freaker, Nike LeBron 11 South Beach
- Sneaker News, Nike LeBron 12 release coverage
- Complex, Inside the Nike LeBron 14
- Complex, Nike LeBron 15 unveiled
- Sneaker Bar Detroit, Nike LeBron 17 release date and price
- CBS Sports, Nike LeBron 18 colorways and release dates
- Nike, LeBron 20 release information (Nike News)
- Nike, LeBron 21 release information (Nike News)
- Sole Retriever, Nike LeBron 22 unveiling: tech specs and release details
- SNKRDUNK Magazine, Nike LeBron 23 release coverage
- Nike Newsroom, the LeBron 24, his lightest game shoe ever (Oct 2026)
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Models, colorways and listings change; check the size chart and product details on the listing before you buy.