Our verdict
- Our top pick in best outdoor basketball shoes
- Our top pick in best snakeskin nike Lebron basketball shoes
Pros
- Top-notch traction
- Lightest LeBron shoe (as of 2023)
- Nice bounce in the forefoot
- Nike Sportswear Hybrid Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie
- Effective foot containment
- Very comfortable wraparound feel
- Quality materials
- Standout design and colors
Cons
- Surprisingly not for wide feet
- Still kinda expensive
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar basketball shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 87 Great! | 87 Great! | 82 Good! | 85 Good! | |
Price | $160 | $70 | $90 | $85 | |
Signature | LeBron James | - | - | Giannis Antetokounmpo | |
Top | Low | Mid | Low | Low | |
Weight lab | 13.1 oz / 372g | 13.1 snakeskin nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Se Barcelona Sweater Chile Red White Me | 12.1 Мужские кроссовки snakeskin nike air jordan 4 white 41-42-43-44-45 | 11.3 Dunk Low Black White Black Panda DJ6188-002 | |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Outdoor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Drop lab | 4.9 mm | 7.1 mm | 9.5 mm | 5.2 mm | |
Nike Flyknit Trainer rouge fluo Denniscu | 26.9 mm | 29.0 mm | 33.3 mm | 29.0 mm | |
Forefoot | 22.0 mm | 21.9 mm | 23.8 mm | 23.8 mm | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Firm | Balanced | Firm | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Torsional rigidity | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | Moderate | |
Heel counter stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | |
Nike air huarache run ultra heritage mens running shoe hyper volt purple new | Narrow | Narrow | Medium | Medium | |
Рюкзак snakeskin nike y nk classic bkpk ba5928-015 | Narrow | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Nike Mesh Mix Leggings | Narrow | Average | Average | Average | |
Midsole width in the heel | Average | Average | Very narrow | Wide | |
Heel padding durability | Decent | Decent | - | - | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Insole thickness | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Outsole hardness | Average | Average | Hard | Average | |
Outsole thickness | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Heel tab | Finger loop | Finger loop | None | Finger loop | |
Ranking | #22 Top 50% | #23 Bottom 47% | #35 Bottom 20% | #29 Bottom 34% | |
Popularity | #20 Top 46% | #30 Bottom 31% | #18 Top 41% | #12 Top 28% |
Who should buy
In addition to Lebron James' fans, we think that this signature shoe from Nike is perfect for players who:
- want a quick, responsive, and light hoop shoe
- look for a cheaper alternative to the LeBron 20
- love antiquated silhouettes that stand out and make a statement on the court
Who should NOT buy
Unexpectedly for a Lebron shoe, the NXXT Gen has a snug one-to-one fit. Wide footers are going to be better off with the Nike LeBron Witness 7 instead.
Even though it is a step-down version of the Lebron 20 and is $40 cheaper, it still remains among the priciest options on the market. If price is a deal-breaker for you, check out Kevin Durant's signature shoe, the KD 15.
cortez snakeskin nike blanc rouge taille | Breathability
The NXXT GEN is a toasty one. With its sturdy upper materials, the shoe doesn't allow heat to escape from the interiors. Having pumped smoke through its upper, we saw only a little streak coming out on the other side. Thus, the shoe gets as little as 2 out of 5 for breathability.
Looking at the upper material through our microscope, there is not even a slight hint of perforations.
From the inside, the upper is also reinforced with foam padding and neoprene-ish lining, leaving no "breathing room" either.
There is a small ventilation spot on the inner side of the upper though. It can be seen in our transparency test below. This little window is not covered by the in-shoe padding allowing mesh to do its job.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 2 |
Average | 2.4 |
cortez snakeskin nike blanc rouge taille | Durability
Toebox durability
The shoe's upper material has an average level of durability for a basketball shoe.
After a 12-second encounter with our Dremel at the speed of 10K RPM, the shoe's toebox got only moderately damaged. We didn't get to a see-through hole and the shoe remained wearable.
For that reason, we rated its toebox durability as 3 on a scale from 1 to 5.
It is certainly not as sturdy as the Lebron 20 but it has more abrasion resistance than the cheaper Lebron Witness 7.
Nike snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior vs. snakeskin nike Lebron Witness 7
You can also see a suede piece embracing the toebox upfront. That really helps to protect the upper mesh from the aggressive toe drags.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 3 |
Average | 3.8 |
Heel padding durability
The heel padding of the NXXT GEN also showed off its wear resistance. This delicate part of the shoe performed a little better than most hoop shoes in our lab.
After 4 seconds of drilling it with a Dremel, the tear was not detrimental to the shoe's overall performance and comfort, earning a rating of 3 out of 5.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 3 |
Average | 3.6 |
Outsole hardness
Assessing the shoe's rubber outsole, we found its durability to be quite promising too.
First, we pressed a durometer against the rubber to measure its hardness. With a reading of 84.5 HC, it turns out to be harder than average. That translates to a higher chance of longer shelf life.
![nike lebron nxxt gen outsole hardness 20231815 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-outsole-hardness-20231815-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 84.5 HC |
Average | 81.7 HC |
Outsole thickness
Measuring the shoe's outsole with a caliper, we found it to be of average thickness at 3.8 mm.
Combined with the hardness, this gives us a solid base for hundreds of hours on the court. We can even recommend the shoe for occasional outdoor use for that reason.
![nike lebron nxxt gen outsole thickness 20231813 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-outsole-thickness-20231813-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 3.8 mm |
Average | 4.0 mm |
Weight
LeBron basketball shoes have earned a reputation for being heavy. But the snakeskin nike LeBron NXXT GEN breaks away from that. At 13.1 oz (372 g), it is a lot lighter than the average for LeBron shoes (14.3 oz or 406g).
It also turns out to be lighter than our lab-tested hoop shoes on average (13.7 oz or 387g).
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 13.12 oz (372g) |
Average | 13.90 oz (394g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
The amount of cushioning in the NXXT GEN is exactly the same as in the Lebron 20. Using a caliper, we measured its heel stack height at 26.9 mm.
The shoe also features the exact same Zoom Air units as its older sibling. This gives a green light to those hard landings and heel-dominant strikes.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 26.9 mm |
Average | 29.3 mm |
Forefoot stack
Measuring the forefoot stack height, we found its thickness to be the same 22 mm as in the Lebron 20. The large Zoom Air unit is still there, adding a sweet bounce to every jump.
![Nike snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-forefoot-stack-20231818-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 22.0 mm |
Average | 21.7 mm |
Drop
The heel-to-toe differential in the snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior turns out to be 4.9 mm. This is lower than the average 7 mm of our lab-tested basketball shoes.
Placing the foot more parallel to the ground results in a more grounded experience. We are happy with the fine balance of cushioning and ground feel that the NXXT provides. It follows in the footsteps of the Lebron 20 in that regard.
As you can see from the photo below, the cushioning setups are pretty much identical in these two shoes.
Nike Lebron 20
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 4.9 mm |
Average | 7.7 mm |
Midsole softness
While those Zoom Air units do an amazing job of adding spring to the feet, the carrying foam remains on the firm side.
Кроссовки мужские snakeskin nike air max 1 ultra.
But we aren't here to complain about that! This is what makes the shoe so grounded and stable. We actually think that this is one of the best setups for balancing impact protection and court feel.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 30.6 HA |
Average | 25.6 HA |
Insole thickness
A padded insole complements the shoe's primary cushioning. Measuring it with a caliper, we found that at 3.6 mm it is a little Match than average.
![nike lebron nxxt gen insole thickness 20231823 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-insole-thickness-20231823-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 3.6 mm |
Average | 4.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
For a s compared to the original Lebron 20, it retains a solid level of support and stability.
From the stiff shank in the midfoot to the firm hold of the upper materials, our feet felt safely contained inside the NXXT GEN.
Torsional rigidity
The stiff midfoot shank is very helpful in stabilizing the foot for agile multi-directional movements. Having twisted the shoe sideways in our manual test, we rated its torsional rigidity as 4 out of 5. Nearly the stiffest in our range!
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 4 |
Average | 4.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
Our heels and ankles felt securely contained inside the NXXT GEN.
On a 1-5 scale where 5 is the stiffest, we rated its heel counter stiffness as 3. This is a little less rigid than the average but solid enough for a proper hold.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 3 |
Average | 3.6 |
Nike Mesh Mix Leggings
The NXXT GEN doesn't have as wide an outrigger as the Lebron 20. Measuring the widest part of the forefoot with a caliper (107.9 mm), we found that it is a few millimeters narrower than the original.
But in our opinion, this is a rather small sacrifice to make if you want to experience the lightest Lebron shoe in the series. It is in no way detrimental to the shoe's stability.
![Nike snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior snakeskin nike Mesh Mix Leggings](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-20231824-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 107.9 mm |
Average | 114.5 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
To reassure you of the shoe's ample stability, the widest part of its heel (90.3 mm) is still the same as the average.
![nike lebron nxxt gen midsole width in the heel 20231825 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-midsole-width-in-the-heel-20231825-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 90.3 mm |
Average | 90.4 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
The snakeskin nike snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior finds a way to be flexible despite the shank and the Zoom Air unit embedded into its sole.
We used a gauge to measure how much force it takes to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. Turns out, only 32.4N! This is 30% less than it takes on average.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 32.4N |
Average | 39.8N |
Grip / Traction
Whether the court is clean or dirty, it doesn't make any difference to the mighty bite of this Lebron shoe. It requires minimal wiping and remains consistent on both indoor and outdoor courts.
Cute fact: The shoe's tread pattern replicates the map of Akron, OH. This is a nod to LeBron James' roots.
Size and fit
Nike air huarache run ultra heritage mens running shoe hyper volt purple new
At 98.9 mm in the widest part of the toebox, the shoe turns out to be a little narrower than average.
For our medium-width feet, the NXXT GEN feels rather snug and precise. There is not much breathing room so if you need more space, it's better to go half-size up.
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 98.9 mm |
Average | 101.5 mm |
Рюкзак snakeskin nike y nk classic bkpk ba5928-015
This LeBron shoe also tapers a bit more than the other basketball shoes we've measured. With a width of 74.9 mm around the big toe, the NXXT GEN is narrower than the average by a few millimeters.
![Nike snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior Рюкзак snakeskin nike y nk classic bkpk ba5928-015](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-20231829-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 74.9 mm |
Average | 76.7 mm |
nike air force 1 07 white team red white
A fully-gusseted tongue really enhances the lockdown capacities of this shoe. There was no sliding of the foot or the tongue even during the most shifty situations on the court.
![Nike snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior snakeskin nike air force 1 07 white team red white](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-tongue-gusset-type-20231831-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The tongue is very generously padded in the NXXT GEN shoe. We measured its thickness at 10.2 mm. It offers plenty of in-shoe comfort and guards the instep from lace pressure.
![nike lebron nxxt gen tongue padding 20231832 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-tongue-padding-20231832-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | 10.2 mm |
Average | 9.5 mm |
Heel tab
The shoe has a small finger loop at the back but it acts more as a decorative element. It comes with an "XX" embellishment to signify the shoe's relation to the LeBron XX (or 20).
![Nike snakeskin nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-heel-tab-20231830-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | Finger loop |
Removable insole
For those who need to use custom orthotics with the shoe, the NXXT GEN has a removable insole.
![nike lebron nxxt gen removable insole 20231833 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39780/nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-removable-insole-20231833-main.jpg)
Nike Conjunto Liverpool FC Dri Fit Primera Equipación Kit 22 23 Junior | Yes |