From The Decision to the New World Order-style introduction event (promising around 30 NBA 
championships), LeBron James’ image has been run through the mud over the past few years.
He’s been slammed for turning his back on his home state of Ohio by bolting to the Miami Heat in free agency. He’s been called an underachiever in big games.
But now his name may be dragged through mud – literally.
Nike has announced plans to launch the LeBron X sneaker, sure to be a best-seller.
But there’s a catch.
Nike will be releasing a limited-edition high-tech version of the kicks that will retail just above or below $300, based on what reports you are reading.
$300.
For shoes.
Even the “Sex and the City” ladies would cringe at that.
Let that sink in. (The “normal” version could cost $180. Pocket change, right?)
For it’s part, Nike has told retailers to expect rioting.
Let that sink in, too.
Nike is putting on the market a shoe that they fully expect to cause violent clashes.
In an interview I heard this morning on 105.7 The Fan (Baltimore) Norris and Davis in the Morning show, a FILA global shoe executive assured listeners that the namesake athletes are involved in all major decisions on their products, including pricing.
While LeBron may want to be a global icon, hawking shoes that you know will cause riots is not the way to do it.
What do you think? Is this a bold chapter in LeBron’s marketing profile or a misstep?
(Mar…
