Summary:
- Nike combines LeBron 21 basketball shoe with Air Diamond Turf 93 football design elements
- Black, white, red, and gold colorway references Deion Sanders' athletic legacy
- Retail price set at $210 USD with July 17 launch date through Nike SNKRS
The Nike LeBron 21 "Prime '93" represents a fusion of basketball and football heritage, merging design elements from LeBron James' current signature model with the classic Air Diamond Turf 93 originally worn by Deion Sanders.
Scheduled for release on July 17 through Nike SNKRS and authorized retailers, the shoe carries a retail price of $210 USD. The model designation HQ3480-001 corresponds to the black, white, metallic gold, and fire red color scheme that defines this particular iteration.
The design incorporates several distinctive features that differentiate it from the standard LeBron 21 silhouette. A midfoot strap bearing Nike branding spans the shoe's center, while modified upper paneling creates a different aesthetic profile. The tongue features "Primetime" branding, referencing Sanders' well-known nickname from his professional sports career.
This release follows previous collaborations between James and Sanders-inspired designs, including last year's LeBron 21 and Air DT Max '96 hybrid models. The partnership continues despite the LeBron 22 already entering the market in 2024, with multiple variations of the LeBron 21 hybrid series planned for 2025.
The colorway draws inspiration from Sanders' time with the Atlanta Falcons, utilizing the team's traditional color palette. Gold mesh panels appear beneath the midfoot strap, complemented by Swoosh logos on the medial side. The heel section displays a stiff-arm logo, positioned above a black midsole and white-red rubber outsole combination.
Sanders, known as "Coach Prime" during his coaching career, originally wore the Air Diamond Turf 93 during his dual-sport professional career in both NFL and MLB. The shoe became synonymous with his athletic versatility and flashy playing style across multiple sports.
The release represents Nike's continued strategy of combining elements from different signature lines to create limited-edition models that appeal to collectors and fans of both athletes. The basketball-football crossover design targets enthusiasts of both sports while maintaining the performance characteristics expected from LeBron's signature line.
Production delays initially pushed the release from an earlier May 9 date with a lower $180 USD price point. The final version incorporates additional design refinements and carries the higher retail price consistent with premium LeBron releases.
Nike SNKRS app users will have access to the shoe on the official release date, with select retail partners also carrying inventory. The limited nature of hybrid releases typically results in quick sellouts, particularly for models combining two popular signature lines.
Share this article
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.