LeBron James is regarded as the best basketball player in the world. Given his accolades, The King ultimately makes a case.

While James has carved out a Hall of Fame career, highlighted by four NBA championships, four NBA Finals MVPs, four NBA MVPs, an NBA In-Season Tournament Title, an NBA In-Season Tournament MVP, and the NBA All-Time leading scoring record, The King has also launched some of the best basketball sneakers with Nike. Here's LeBron James' 10 best sneakers, ranked.

Check out the gallery below.

1. Nike LeBron 21

A detailed view of the Nike Lebron XXI worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It's safe to say that the Nike LeBron 21 took the sneaker world by storm with its design and comfort. Comfort-wise, any hooper should enjoy some shock absorption and cushioning. Furthermore, it's also aesthetically pleasing exterior-wise, making it a great pick for any hooper who wants to try on some of The King's Nike sneaker line.

2. Nike LeBron 20

The Nike LeBron XX shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While being unusually low in James' history of Nike sneakers, the Nike LeBron 20 did garner some attention and gained the approval of several hoopers. A lot of basketball fans would even agree that this is the much-improved version of the low-cut Nike LeBron 19s.

However, it's streamlined look combined with its impact protection make it a must-have for any sneaker fan. Its low cut should also help with agility on the court.

3. Air Max LeBron VII

Detailed view of the Nike shoes of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)in the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Clippers 112-100.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Air Max LeBron VII was one of the most unique sneakers in James' Nike collection. It boasted the air max bubble cushioning that encompasses the entire bottom area of the sneaker. Moreover, it also incorporated the flywire technology to perfection.

As a result, fit and cushioning were the vital features of this sneaker. Moreover, it is also  arguably the most well-designed sneaker, at least aesthetically.

4. Nike LeBron 16

Detailed view of the Nike black and yellow Lebron 16 shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Staples Center.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LeBron sneakers have a knack for cushioning. That's just what the Nike LeBron 16 highlighted. Although it's a bit heavy, the Nike LeBron 16 was still a must-have sneaker that's perfectly compatible with bigger players. In addition to this, traction-wise and fit, the Nike LeBron 16 was one of the best sneakers to wear on the hardwood.

5. Nike LeBron 10

Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Miami won 110-95.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

2012 was a huge year for James. The King wore the Nike LeBron 10s to have arguably the best year of his career. He finished the 2011-2012 season with NBA MVP honors, his first NBA title and Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal. The Nike LeBron 10 was probably a huge help thanks to its elite comfort level. Moreover, it was also quite light for a LeBron sneaker.

6. Air Max LeBron VIII

Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at the US Airways Center.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Article Continues Below
Related Los Angeles Lakers News
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second quarter at Paycom Center.
Colin Cowherd shades Jayson Tatum with ‘alpha’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takeMalik Brown ·
Julius Randle playing for the Timberwolves. T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Julius Randle free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
NBA rumors: LeBron James, James Harden potential free agency departures unlikelyZachary Draves ·
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) passes the ball away from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum.
10 NBA playoff injuries that ruined a team’s campaignSpencer See ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball next to Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center.
Chronic LeBron James playoff victim sends NSFW message on 40-year-old dominanceBrett Siegel ·
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) in the first quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Are Karl-Anthony Towns, Aaron Nesmith playing? Pacers-Knicks Game 5 injury reportMalik Brown ·

The Air Max LeBron VIII was James' first sneaker after joining the Miami Heat. Although James leaving Cleveland certainly triggered most of his haters to the point of burned jerseys, James not only made an emphatic statement after joining the Heat by promising several championships, but he also made a splash in the sneaker world with the Air Max LeBron VIII.

Cushioning-wise, it was ultimately well-received by ballers on top of its well-designed exterior fit for a King.

7. Zoom LeBron Soldier III

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter of game two of the 2009 eastern conference semifinals at Quicken Loans Arena.
Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

In terms of being balanced in all aspects of a basketball sneaker, there's not a lot like the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier III. From traction to weight and comfort, any basketball player loved playing in these sneakers.

It isn't the most aesthetically pleasing sneaker with straps and laces to deal with, but it was still respectable enough with the elite performance to match. It was also considered to be one of the best LeBron sneakers during his first stint in Cleveland.

8. Nike LeBron Witness 8

Serbia player Mihailo Vasic (9) reacts after defeating the United States in the men’s pool basketball 3x3 game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at La Concorde 1.
Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

Although it belongs in the lower end of James' sneaker lines, the Nike LeBron Witness 8 was well-received among casual basketball players. It's softness and sleek design offers more agility. Moreover, any player who wears these should enjoy some comfort and stability. It was certainly a great money-for-value series in James' sneaker line.

9. Nike Zoom LeBron Ambassador II

While James was only publicly spotted wearing this once, when he toured around Beijing, the Nike Zoom LeBron Ambassador II wasn't the flashiest sneaker. However, it was probably one of the neatest sneakers in James' line with Nike. Furthermore, built with some premium materials, any hooper should enjoy playing with these sneakers, especially in outdoor courts.

10. Nike Air Zoom Generation

Brooklyn Nets guard D Angelo Russell (1) wears the LeBron \"wheat\" Air Zoom Generation Nikes during the game against Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center.
Nicole Sweet-Imagn Images

Although it's not exactly outstanding, the Nike Air Zoom Generation made it to the top 10 mainly due to being that it was James' first-ever sneaker with Nike. The Nike Air Zoom Generation was the sneakers that The King wore during his Rookie of the Year season. Furthermore, it was also the same sneaker that kick-started James' legendary line of sneakers with Nike.