Player exclusive colorways have always been at the helm for collectors, fans, and historians of sneakers. Since the integration of basketball and sneakers, brands have ensured that their shining stars are treated like royalty. There's no better example of this than Nike's relationship with King James.
Since joining the Swoosh, LeBron James has had his fair share of exclusive colorways. One colorway, however, never made its way to the court.
In 2010, the tides turned in Cleveland as the kid from Akron was rumored to leave the Cavaliers. The Swoosh already had the Nike LeBron 8 planned including a throwback to the 1987 Cavs with a "Hardwood Classic" colorway. However, the colorway was scrapped once LeBron joined the Miami Heat.
Speculation rose that the colorway would also work had LeBron James left Cleveland for The Mecca after a sample of the PE surfaced. The colorway quickly became a coveted pair for many. Years later, the once-vaulted Nike LeBron 8 "Hardwood Classic" is finally stepping onto the shelves.
Stay tuned for official release information.
