Nike and StockX launch auction for LeBron James' first and latest sneakers

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Jan 16, 2017

The footwear market thrives on sneaker enthusiasts and the billion dollar sneaker resale market that has become synonymous with huge product demands, long lines and ‘hype’. Nike this week launched a sneaker release auction that is far from the typical sneaker launch.

 
The sportswear company partnered with StockX to auction the LeBron 14 and Air Zoom Generation sneakers that will be delivered in special packaging built with actual hardwood from the Cleveland Cavaliers home court during the 2015-2016 NBA Championship-winning season. The sneakers also come with championship rings that were given to Cleveland Cavaliers employees. 23 packages of the LeBron 14 sneaker and the Air Zoom Generation sneaker are being auctioned until Thursday, January 19.
 
Both sneakers highlight LeBron James’ storied career—the LeBron 14 is the All-Star’s latest sneaker silhouette and the Air Zoom Generation is the first sneaker Nike made for LeBron. In addition, 23 pairs of each sneaker is being auctioned to nod to LeBron James' jersey number.

Founded in February 2016 by CEO Josh Luber and Quicken Loans Chairman and Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert, StockX is considered to be a “stock market of things” offering products to be purchased like company stock. In August, the company partnered with Roc-A-Fella Records Co-Founder Kareem “Biggs” Burke for the 20th anniversary of Jay Z and Roc-A-Fella Records’ platinum debut album Reasonable Doubt, and it announced plans to enter the sneaker resale market.
 
The Air Zoom Generation sneaker will launch globally on January 25 and will retail for $175.