It was bound to happen ever since Nike threw $90 million at LeBron some six years ago (going on seven). At the time, Bron was being labeled “The Chosen One” by Sports Illustrated and rocking the #23 in green and gold to suggest that he was, in fact, the heir apparent.

Over the years, we’ve seen Bron transform into the physical behemoth that may one day overtake MJ’s playing legacy. For sneakerheads, though (like myself), it’s been highly questionable whether or not he-or anyone for that matter-could overtake MJ’s kick game. Penny failed. So did Kobe. And Iverson had a spark when he started, but Reebok’s just plain ol’ garbage.

Back to 2003 when MJ hung it up for the last time, his last on-court signatures, the XVIIIs, were simple yet luxurious and of course, technologically forward-thinking-everything associated with Jordan Brand. Since, the designs have been rather head-scratching, from the woven cover guard of the 19s and the clunky space-boot look of the 20s-Who knew space boots would catch on, word to Kanye? -to the straight up half-assed 24s AJ 2009s.

Recently, pics of the AJ 2010s (25s) have surfaced. They have a window/eye smack dab in the middle of the shoe to represent MJ’s ability to “see through the competition.” The shit just looks like a goddamn hole, patched up with mesh. It’s the bottomed-out low point of the declining franchise (a charge once leveled at the 15s).

As for the LeBrons, they’ve evolved from the outlet-ready Air Zoom Generations to the Flightposite-esque 4s to the underwhelming 5s and 6s. But now we’ve reached numero seven. Out for some time, a looming all black colorway (probably cosigned by Jigga) is the zenith of the line thus far. After misguided, space-shoe abortions like the Huarache 2k4s, the LeBron 7s represent some of Nike Basketball’s best design work since (surprise) 2003, when ballers were blessed with the Zoom Ultraflights and Zoom Flight 2k3s (just wear tube socks).

Compared to those lightweight triumphs, the 7s are on the opposite side of the spectrum in terms of build (veering towards the Nike Total Foamposite Max in terms of proportions). Yet one look at the shoe and it’s clear that this is Nike’s signature shoe, perhaps across all lines. The feeling is similar to the one you had when you first saw the XIs, XIIIs, or even XVIIs-that this was the work of the best designers in the world. And if there was any confusion, it’s now evident that LeBron, not Kobe or MJ, is the face of the brand, Nike’s signature athlete.

Can’t say it didn’t take a while, though. By shoe number seven, there had been the iconic Air Jordan Is, IIIs, IVs, and VIs. The hit rate for the LeBron line hasn’t been quite the same but it’s finally his time. Maybe things will transpire on the court similarly.

Recently, urban artistry and apparel have extended their creativity to unlikely outlets in the effort to “go green.” So for those—the tech-savvy and trendsetting—that are having trouble succumbing to the requests of our peers and politicians to be “eco-friendly,” there are folks that are assisting in making it fairly easy. The result? Revamping the simplest, and least threatening, mode of transportation: your bike. The kind without a motor, of course.

Lance Armstrong did so. And for good reason. Le Tour de France, the 23-day, over-2,000 mile annual bike race, is heading into its final week, and Armstrong’s eponymous foundation, along with Nike, and Trek have teamed up to recruit some of the most influential artists of our generation to contribute. Each was asked to produce a bike dedicated to the fight against cancer and unique to their own style. The bikes would then be ridden by Lance himself throughout the race. KAWS, Kenny Scharf, Shepard Fairey, Marc Newson, Yoshitomo Nara, and Damien Hirst all delivered, most of them prominently using Livestrong’s signature yellow hue.

Though these bikes are set to be auctioned later this year, and unfathomable prices are likely, others can revive their ride courtesy of a Crooks & Castles collabo. The streetwear line recently dropped preview images of a two-wheeler created after joining forces with SE Bikes. No release date has been set, but with a quilted leather saddle and a dramatic black and white color scheme, the final product looks promising.

A limited-edition saddle made by renown maker Brooks is also making its rounds. Produced in partnership with New York graffiti artist Futura, the seat features a reproduction of his “For Love or Money” print, previously seen on Nike’s Dunk Hi model. This byproduct, complete with a collage of currency, represents both going green…and getting the green.

Last to jump on the bike bandwagon is Izaxon, maker of the iPhone application “BrakeLights.” Doing just what the title says it will, it allows you to turn your phone, rather literally, into brake lights for your two-wheeler. With the help of an accelerometer, it has an ability to detect when you brake which results in the flashing of a red light on your screen. A $1 application may not be worth the demolishment of your insurance-less phone worth hundreds, but if willing to strap the gadget to the back of a moving vehicle in the name of nature (and its preservation), so be it.

-Danielle Cheesman

Sure, Nike was left looking foolish after Bron flamed out of the Finals, but their “Most Valuable Puppet” ad campaign has been their best in years, probably since they hooked up with The Neptunes for the “Battle” campaign in 2003. The introduction of Lil’ Dez (voiced by Bobb’e J. Johnson of Role Models fame) helped people move past the now-irrelevant rivalry between b-ball’s best. And now, with the Finals drawing to a close this weekend (or soon enough) and Kobe set to add another ring, Nike closes up shop for the season fittingly.

Bonus: Lil Dez’s introduction

- Devin Chanda

Nike must have known that its star basketball player Lebron James was going to be named the 2008-2009 NBA MVP yesterday, Monday May 4. How else then would you explain the commemorative edition of his sneaker, the Zoom LeBron VI coming out so soon?

Hitting Nike retailers on May 30, the shoe will retail for $150. Nike’s also released a Witness tee, which will retail for $30 and is available staring today, May 5.

With summer officially around the corner, it’s time to get in shape. And as any work out aficionado knows, the key to a good workout is a good soundtrack. Lucky for you, Nike and De La Soul have got your body, mind and ears in mind.

As De La Soul celebrates the 20th anniversary of its classic debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, the trio are releasing ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run, the group’s first new material in five years. 

Specifically written for runners, and featuring additional production from Chicago’s Flosstradamus, ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run, is De La Soul’s musical interpretation of a runner’s journey and makes a great soundtrack for a jog in the park.

The 45-minute ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run composition is available download on iTunes today, April 28, for $9.99.

LeBron James is one of the best basketball players in the world and off the court he’s one of the best dressed men on the social scene. It’s not easy dressing a 6 foot, 8 inch and 250 pound baller, but the Cleveland Cavalier’s small forward does it with ease and confidence. When he’s not in uniform or sporting his LJ 23 Nike sportswear, you may find King James rocking Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton or Gucci. James is now on the cover of GQ — a slam dunk recognizing his satorial swagger. Witness LBJ’s style.

For more Celeb Style, click here!

Can we kick it…well, yes we can. It’s time to reconsider the high-price of over-the-top sneakers. Now that we are officially in a Recession, it’s the moment to be smart about being stylish. The sure money is always on the classics. Keeping it simple, basic and clean is a great way to look cool without breaking the bank. My favorite types of sneakers are timeless and all endorsed (and named after) sports legends throughout the ages. Stylish, functional and “best in class”, these sneakers win every time. Check out my choice classic kicks.

Using the Dunk base, Nike merges one of their most popular platforms with the boat shoe upper to create the Nike Mad Jibe.

The iconic “swoosh” has been removed to create a shoe that’s business on top, party on the bottom and can help you slide easily into those clubs that sport the dreaded “No Sneakers Allowed” sign. 

Look for these to drop in Spring ’09.

Not even bad weather or the economic recession could stop sneakerheads from lining up for the highly exclusive release of the Air Jordan XX3 Premier. Some even waited in the snow and bitter cold just for a chance to get a pair.

Released today, December 23rd, and limited to 23 pairs in 23 stores (most stores are selling via raffle) for the retail price of $230.00, the black/varsity red has had Jordan Brand fans of all ages camped outside of retailers carrying the highly sought after shoe.

How happy would you be if you got a pair of these this holiday?

This is not to undermine the artists in anyway, but below are some quick points-of-reference for the simple-minded, i.e. those who have been living under a rock for the last decade or so and are completely unaware of their work, talent, and cultural influence.

Takashi Murakami is the one who designed the artwork for all of Kanye West’s Graduation album and website.

And if you’ve passed the Louis Vuitton 5th Ave flagship recently, you would’ve noticed the building got gift-wrapped by his signature multi-colored monogram print.

Hiroshi Fujiwara is the DJ-turned-designer who’s collaborated with Eric Clapton, mentored Nigo (Bape), appeared alongside Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation, and created the one-of production of the most luxurious AF1′s to date: crocodile leather and 18k gold.

The two paired up this month to produce the “Hi & Lo” exhibition at Murakami’s KaiKai KiKi Gallery in Tokyo. The display included the original pieces and exclusive products that have been dropping one-by-one over the last few weeks all in one dope setting. This includes T-shirts with Fujiwara’s art, flower-stamped sneakers, bags, and jeans by Murakami, and byproducts of the collabo’s with Kangol hats, Head Porter bags, and Visvim sneakers. Fujiwara described the concept as being “from the unknown to famous, cheap to expensive.” I call it wearable art.

-Danielle Cheesman

The UK brand Zoltar never does too much at once. In fact, just when you think they’ve gone into hiatus, a project drops that stays true to their unwavering concept of American counterculture—think of their models, faces often reworked via skeletal replacements, Santa Claus beards, and neon ski masks, or their 2006 dinner jacket—classy, but trimmed with gun lining.

Their latest project, “Wunderland,” does not divert. The apparel, design, and art collective was appointed by Nike to create an installation for the Georgian Group in London. The 70 year-old national charity seeks to protect and preserve the buildings and gardens of the eponymous time period that contributed to Britain’s architectural heritage. So it is no surprise that the people at Project Zoltar designed pieces intended to recapture the eras ideals.

Nor is it a shock that Nike, named after the mythological Grecian goddess of victory, backed this exhibition, as Georgian architecture frequently borrowed elements from the Greco-Roman period.

Inspired by classical themes including Corinthian-style columns, triumphal arches, and elegant friezes, Zoltar also uses Lewis Carroll’s famed “Alice in Wonderland” as a stimulus. The affection for the novel, often characterized as “literary nonsense,” could be credited to their shared penchant for questioning the logic and reason of the norm.

And so as not to forget the presence of the sportswear royalty, Zoltar’s etchings and sculptures pay homage to the Air Jordan IV, V, and Air Max 90, that in their transformations to animal and human become worthy of adoration themselves. Like, you know, a God.

When GIANT spoke with Married to the MOB honcho Leah McSweeney (Flash, Oct/Nov ’08) a few months back, she dropped some hints about an upcoming Nike collaboration. Well, as McSweeney posted on her blog, the “cat is out of the bag.” Here it is: The MOBxNike Dunk Hi Supreme. What do you think?

[The sneaker, with its patent leather toe and woven body, is a refined departure from McSweeney's lip-smacked Reebok.]

[All images courtesy of Married to the MOB.]

Yeah, we know we already gave you your fix for this week. But we missed last week and once we got our hands on these images of the new Jordan CPs we couldn’t resist.

New Orleans point guard Chris Paul is the latest athlete to receive the high honor of being selected to join Team Jordan with his own signature shoe. Paul joins select Team Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony and Derek Jeter as members of the Brand with their own signature shoe.

The Jordan CP showcases personal moments in Paul’s life, demonstrating his devotion to basketball as well as the people he admires. The “61” etched in the shoe symbolizes his grandfather. Just days after the passing of his family hero, Paul played in a high school basketball game scoring exactly 61 points, one for each year his grandfather had lived. The letters “SP” stitched on the backside of the tongue are in loving memory of his mentor and former college coach Skip Prosser.

The Jordan CP comes detailed with Chris Paul’s signature stitch; a bowling pin configuration on the ankle that spotlights his other favorite sport – bowling. The sneaker also takes its design inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Mardi Gras Indians and the city of New Orleans paying homage to the Hornets with a New Orleans stinger heel pull tab.

The Jordan CP will launch nationwide on Saturday (March 1) with a suggested retail price of $115. The Jordan CP release will also be supported with an online feature launching tomorrow (Friday 29).

Nike just released their new “Trash Talk” sneaker, which is made entirely from garbage – literally! The whole shoe is created from scraps left in the sneaker factory. While $100 is normal for just about any pop sneaker nowadays, doesn’t it seem like you’re kind of playing yourself by dropping a bill on these joints? Maybe it’s just me. Some companies seem like they’re making going green the new Hallmark fake holiday.