Sex sells…Lebron James basketball shoes? Maybe?

Posted on November 4th, 2008. Written by Emmett Jones.

Sure, sex sells…but never has sex been so unnecessary.  Quite frankly, I’m appalled (but I just can’t turn away!)  Lebron James new basketball shoe, the Zoom Lebron VI, debuted all across the country at the end of last week.  While I’m sure that any shoe afficiando knew all about the release date the details regarding the shoes, the unfamiliar can get the details from NiceKicks below,

For the Zoom LeBron VI, James worked with Nike designer Ken Link to create a shoe that meets his performance needs and the needs of players with a powerful, dynamic style of play. The Zoom LeBron VI not only has a full-length Zoom Air unit in the mid-sole for the ultimate responsive ride, but also has a Zoom Air unit double-stacked in the heel.

The versatility of the Zoom LeBron VI stretches beyond its on court capabilities. While many have dedicated kicks for on and off court wear, the LeBron VI’s design give it the ability to come correct off the hardwood and in the streets. A clearly shaped toe-box, triple stitched leather midsole wrap, and toothed outsole create a bit of a throwback to a Nike Basketball favorite that debuted in ‘82.

The Nike Zoom LeBron VI releases today, October 31st for $140.

When you’re one of the most popular athletes on earth and arguably the most popular basketball player in the world, promotion of your product sort of takes care of itself.  I mean, if Michael Jordan never made one Jordan commercial, something tells me he still would have sold more than one pair of Air Jordans.  Lebron James falls into the Jordan category.  That being said, any commercials or promotions for ‘King James’ products are pretty much gravy, almost to the point of being superfluous.  That being said, check out his new commercial with Pussycat doll Nicole Scherzinger,

First off, let me say, that commercial was hilarious.  But, was it necessary?  Is that going to help Lebron sell more shoes? I doubt it.  Does it run the risk of having some kid ask some uncomfortable question to his parents?  I personally don’t think so, but there are probably some people that would feel that way.  So my question is, “What’s the point?”  Does that commercial pull in the fringe shoe buyer that might not otherwise buy shoes?  Would more people buy the shoe with that kind of promotion as opposed to the commercial that shoes Lebron using the shoes on an actual basketball court?  Can somebody please explain this to me…

…It was a great commercial though. Really.

NiceKicks — Nike Zoom Lebron VI Released

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