Executive Summary: Hex Zoom cushioning and a soft mesh upper makes the XIV the most comfortable Lebron to date but comfort does not equal great performance. Comfort can’t cover up all the little flaws and annoyances of the XIV.
Pros: traction on clean floors, cushioning
Cons: traction on dusty floors, overall fit, ineffective lacing system, prone to tipping in the heel, average containment
Best for: Lebron James or cushioning lovers
Sizing: true to size length wise, wide forefoot regulars and narrow footers may be out of luck unless you can size down
Buying Advice: Buy the KD 9 for half the price. Does almost everything as well or better. Wait for sales if you really want them. $120 or less is fair, $90 near the bottom
Weight
Half an ounce heavier than the XIII which is surprising based on the materials. I guess more Hex added a little weight.
Traction
Similar rubber to last year so the performance on clean floors works well (what doesn’t). However, Nike added little textured holes that are perfectly sized for dust to fill so voila, you get a nice flat dusty surface to constantly wipe.
Adding insult to injury, the XIV has these little nubs like the Soldier X.
These little nubs don’t allow the sole to fully contact the ground like a traditional set up would. Once these little guys wear down, traction should improve but you still have the sticky outsole and tiny holes to deal with.
Cushioning
Cushioning is the highlight of the XIV. Hex Zoom pods are back and they finally got them to feel like I thought the first iteration should have felt in theory.
Aside from the placement, the change from the XIII is mainly the sheer size of each pod. Right when I stepped into the XIV I could tell the ride was higher and more plush from heel to toe than the XIII and XII. Rather than use small Hex Zooms in the forefoot, Nike used two large pods in the forefoot and as well as one large pod in the midfoot. This gave the XIV a consistent “Zoomy” almost full length feel from heel to toe which I really liked.
Also the heel Zoom covers the entire heel instead of just a rectangle like the XIII and XII. This gave the heel more Zoom feel than the previous two models. It is partially caged by the midsole to make it more stable.
One last note about the Zoom.. it isn’t protruding from the outsole, it’s just voluminous Zoom without the tricks.
Well done Nike!
Fit
These run very true to size. If I tried sizing down my toe would have no space in the toe box. Everyone should stay true to size length wise because the width is generous on the XIV. Regular and narrow footers, you’ll have to pick which is more important to you, better width or having your toes at the front of the toe box. This is a very specific fitting shoe so it’s best to try on or skip it altogether.
The XIV uses a one piece upper similar to the Soldier X/KD 9 which may or may not be good for you depending on your foot. Usually this kind of sock set up works for me albeit with a little bunching but this time it didn’t work for me at all. Movement on cuts inside the shoe, heel slip, you name it I had it.
The main culprit is the lacing system because it just doesn’t want to cinch anything back toward the heel.
I pulled the laces as tight as I could but never got a good secure feel for long. If you look at the lacing set up, the strap is supposed to pull the foot and ankle back but it’s just a lay over strap like the Soldier X so it doesn’t really have enough leverage. The top eyelets near the ankle felt like they were going to break( but thankfully never did) but it just seemed to pull my foot down more than back toward the heel counter. It would have made more sense to add eyelets at the yellow dots to help pull the ankle back and use the strap as insurance like the Lebron V and various other shoes with straps. One “trick” that helped a little was lacing through the top loop seen below. This allows you to cross over the ankle twice. Not perfect but better than knot doing it (get it?)
When laced tightly, there is a good bit of extra fabric and deadspace.
Since I couldn’t get the laces to pull my heel back perfectly, the heel fit was dependent on the contours of the ankle collar which feels almost exactly the same as the KD 9. The end result was heel slip that was better than the CLB16 but still sad for a shoe cut this high.
Overall, the fit of the XIV isn’t great for me and my feet.
Materials
Meh sh equals Meh terials
The XIV is composed of mostly mesh and foam with a few synthetic overlays and “leather” in high wear areas according to Nike. This pair appears to have Nubuck. The tongue also has a little patch of nubuck.
Here is your $175 piece of leather
I’m not a materials snob so the materials work fine and feel soft but for $175 I expect better. Would Flyknit have made them perform better? Very doubtful, but it’s about perceived value when you’re talking premium prices. These shoes are made for a King, not a pauper so please make me feel like it was money well spent.
Support and Stability
Usually I’d say the support comes from the fit and the heel counter but the fit isn’t that great and therefore support isn’t great either. The heel counter is fine but is on the more flexible side like the KD 9. There is a little extra strength added with the external plastic piece that the strap works into but it’s still not nearly as strong and sturdy as what you’ll find on the Curry 3 or Dame 3.
Don’t let the high cut fool you because it’s just and extension of the mesh upper and is very pliable. It doesn’t hug the ankle at all and there is a lot of dead space around the ankle. Nike really should have made this a low top…oh wait they did, it’s called the KD 9.
Stability
Forefoot stability is good due to a wide contoured forefoot that acts like a traditional outrigger. Heel stability on the other hand…
Not many shoes fail my heel test but the XIV gets a distinct honor of being the first pair to fail in recent memory. Other notable shoes that have failed for me include : Lebron X, Kobe IX, Hyperchase (hyperlive as well).
You can see that the outsole has gotten more narrow and more rounded outsole versus the XIII. Add in the generous width and height of the Zoom in the heel and you get a tippy ride.
Obviously different players have different gaits and needs but having experienced serious ankle sprains in the Lebron X and Kobe IX has taught me and my gait to not wear shoes that are tippy in the heel. If you don’t have issues with tippy shoes, ignore what I just said.
Containment
The XIV uses a mesh upper with a synthetic overlay at high pressure areas but no physical barrier. My foot sits exactly even with the top of the midsole. I thought the containment was going to be terrible but it is about average and should be adequate for most players. Usually Lebrons have excellent containment so this is still a bit of a letdown.
Pricing
I usually don’t comment extensively on pricing but at $175, the Lebron XIV is
- $15 more than the Harden Vol 1 PK
- $35 more than the Curry 3
- $25 more than the KD 9
Keep in mind these are retail prices so the gap is actually larger until coupons and sales
I really don’t have a problem with the pricing because I understand Nike is a very strong brand that commands a premium. I also get Lebron’s name is worth $30-40 so essentially it’s a $140 dollar shoe (Gotta pay Lebron some how for that lifetime contract). I also don’t expect a $175 shoe to perform twice as well as a $87.50 shoe, that’s just misguided thinking. Is it worth full retail on court though ? No, there are plenty of options below that price point that do things just as well or better. Wait as always with general releases because as I’ve stated before NOTHING SELLS OUT unless it’s a limited supply by design and not by actual demand.
Conclusion
As many of you know, I consider the AJ XIV the greatest performing Air Jordan of all time and I now consider the Lebron XIV one of the most comfortable but under performing Lebrons I’ve ever worn and I’ve played in every pair including the most of the Soldier line as well. Great cushioning and soft materials can only cover flaws to a certain extent. I felt hesitant to jump for boards because of the tippy heel, my foot would move inside the shoe on cuts and my heel would move up and down constantly. A few tiny tweaks here and there really would have made this shoe so much better.
I believe sizing down might have helped but then my toes would have been smushed, I’d still have poor traction on dusty floors, heel instability as well as average containment so no real point for me to try a different size. In my experience, shoes with excellent fit don’t need a perfect size, they work and fit well even a half size to a full size up.
Aside from the performance, the design feels like a rehashed Lebron V ( my second or third favorite Lebron sig to play in) with a KD IX one piece mesh upper.
The whole point of finding the right shoe is not that it makes you a better player because real life isn’t a movie called “Like Mike”. The point is to find a shoe that gives you the confidence to play your game and hopefully your best. The Lebron XIV feels great underfoot and is comfortable but all the little distractions from the fit to the tippy heel just had me thinking too much about the shoe rather than the game.
schwollo.com 
Minecraft
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Endermen
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Wtf this was like a surprise drop…Is there a way to follow this blog? And I guess another disappointing year (13s were OK, the odd year with the 12s) for LeBron shoes. When will Nike stop with this clear sole shenanigan!
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There is a subscribe or follow button on here somewhere. I know WordPress put it in here somewhere lol . Btw PG1 up next
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Thanks for the review. Thought this would be great for wide feet but apparently not. At my age, the point of a shoe is to prolong my ‘good knee days’ lol.
Also, when’s the CE Low review coming out? Are you reviewing them or nay because it’s redundant with the regular CE?
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The Lebron xiv is just moving toward the trends not really as Lebronish as other models. If cushioning is your thing, this pair, kd 9 and whatever Boost model should be good for you (Rose 6 still feels the plushest overall out of the Boost line ups imo). Give body weight squats and lunges a shot to help with your knees too 🙂
Not sure about the CE low.. don’t really find it attractive or necessary at all but who knows..only diff in interested in is lockdown. It felt pretty good when I tried on in store though .
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Very very adequate and thorough review. Well done once again Schwollo!
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Oh well, too bad these aren’t so great. Thanks for the review, though!
Your line about the Vs got me curious: if they’re your second or third favorite LeBrons to play in, which are your first and maybe second? I’m assuming you meant only the sig line and not the Soldier line (I know you love the Soldier VIs). I have a few sigs but only ever hooped in the IIs and enjoyed them quite a bit.
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Yea I’m only talking sig line. Lebron II is my fav to play in by far. Lebron ix and viii are also great but traction is only ok on those two. The v does everything well although a little restrictive/overly supportive. Xiv definitely comfortable though probably most comfy of the lebron line.
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Right on. Thanks, as always, for your insights!
With the IIs, did you wear the straps to hoop? I did—always assumed that since they were designed that way, the straps might’ve been somewhat integral to the shoes’ performance. I mean, I was pretty skeptical of sneaker gimmicks then but now I’m quite skeptical so I’m wondering if they really would’ve made much difference.
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I liked the strap on..made it a little stiffer around the ankle but not a whole lot of difference. Looked better too 🙂
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Ah, see, that’s where I’ve gotta disagree. Haha! I prefer how it looks without the straps but, then again, I generally go for more minimal designs and dislike it when logos have prominent size/placement on sneaks (crowds out the rest of the design. So for casual, I go sans, but for performance, yeah, I used to attach the straps.
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I like the big logo sometimes it all depends on the shoe. Can’t really wear Lebrons with anything expect warm up pants haha
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Haha! I’m trying to think of examples of shoes where I like the big logo. Blazers are the first that come to mind, but I’m blanking on more recent models. Which ones do you like the big logos on?
I rock my LeBrons with shorts or with joggers 🙂
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Haha i liked the Hd12 big swoosh on the toe but I guess that’s not that new anymore lol
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Ha! Well, newer than the Blazers. And yeah, the HD12s looked pretty good. I’d say the Mambacurials are alright too.
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Hey Schwollo. Great review. My last Lebrons were the III’s, I’ve love the II’s which is why I got the III’s but the Zoom BB came out the same year as the IV’s and opted for that since it didn’t feel too clunky on foot as I was coming off some injuries. Ever since I’ve always regretted not getting the IV’s, hoping one day they will retro at a reasonable price. Anways, my take is that the earlier models seem to be better designer, though I know the 8’s and 9’s are quite popular too. I am surprised Nike is dropping the ball on this line as they have recently paid Lebron a buttload for his name on their product. Not just the shoes are overprices, his signature clothing are too! Both seem to fall into the same trend, overpriced and lack of imagination in design. Its a real shame, Lebron is still popular and not on the decline yet. I think he would sell more stuff if Nike can offer better products at more competitive prices, or ‘Premium’ products with best designed and materials. Just my two cents..
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I have a review on azg through Lebron iv on here. Cushioning is very good on the iv almost too much imo. They are built like tanks so i wouldn’t be afraid to pick one off eBay (go half size down). The iii was nice just sloppy fit compared to the II.
As far as originality on all things Lebron, I rarely look at his clothing so I have no clue lol . Gotta pay a premium with any sig apparel/shoes, just the way it goes. Not really worth it if you a) don’t like the player b) don’t care lol . Btw I’d take the Zoom bb over every Lebron expect ii, maybe v, viii ix
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Another well written review Schwollo.
I was really looking forward to this model and will still probably give it a go once I can find a pair at a reasonable price.
Hopefully it fits my foot well (fingers crossed).
Keep up the great work
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Thanks donwong! It is very comfortable don’t get me wrong but that’s about it for me lol
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Another well written review. Keep it up!
We’re you able to try on the half size down? Did you get the same size as the 13’s? I felt the 13s were long and wondering if the 14s are equally long. Might have helped the fit and stability by going half size down as you stated. I really want these to work for me after 12’s and 13’s were busts. Thanks!
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These run a little shorter. If I sized down my feet would be at the end of the toe box or too close for my liking. It would have helped but still other issues with the shoe so I didn’t bother.
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I’ve never played in any signature Lebron shoes, even though I have the Zoom Generations and at least one Lebron from 3-7 (I messed up and didn’t get the 2). His shoe always seemed a little TOO specific for him to play in (if that makes sense, since it is his shoe, so why wouldn’t it?). Soldiers are more my speed. The 8 was great in spite of how wack the zoom cushion was, and the 9 was also a really good shoe.
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The Lebron ii worked for almost all my friends back in the day and the three wasn’t terrible (not great). But after that it became a tech showcase ..5, 8, 9 were good, 10 was overly done and unstable but nice underfoot. Soldiers have been solid though.
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Great writeup. Tried these on. Loved the forefoot cushion, heel cushion was lacking on heel strike, but fine when standing flat (who does that?) … and lockdown overall was lacking. Couldn’t picture playing seriously in them. Looking forward to PG1 review! Lockdown seems like it would good. Hoping for decent cushion …
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Pg1 great all around shoe so far. Cushioning isn’t the best but it’s in line with budget Nikes. Fit is the best part even if it’s a little tight in the forefoot
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And the traction :)? if it gets “schwollo approved” badge I’m gonna cop. 🙂
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Haha I haven’t played on a dirty court yet but so far so good
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Same here, I’m not coping the PG1 until your performance review comes out.
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Haha appreciate it!
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Well your review confirm my suspicion,trough the main lebron line i almost like them all with the exception of lebron 7 and 10 ,be it design or performance
I dont like the design of the 14, i feel like this shoe is not a true lebron shoes
Lebron shoe is supposed to be a tank ,the way lebron play,while the midsole still a tank ,the upper is like a normal sedan,and its simply does not a good fit
Sure lebron shoe often time using a tech that doesn’t necessarily needed,but the in one way or another help to reinforce the shoe
This time
Yikes
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Yep I agree
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Why’re the shoes so white? I’ve n v the seen this level of whiteness. Whiter than my teeth, whiter than white-out, whiter than tighty whiteys, whiter than endermen, almost as white as Keegan, and whiter than college basketball analysts, and that’s saying something. But not as white as Brad Hallenburger. Also, why doesn’t this model feature boost, or even a lesser cushion like SPACEXXXL? Bikee these days…… I don’t really see why Bikee made these for Stephon, because he has a skinny A frame and his feet probably won’t even fit in there. Should’ve made these for like Santicarlo Monu or Mavu Singalingadinga. Thanks for this amazing ankle bracelet review, I won’t be purchasing though.
BTW, could you do a top ten easiest to put on shoes list? I saw Brad Hallenburgers but he just is an insuperior reviewer imo, and it would mean more coming from you.
Bottles up!!!
Not Bill
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Fit them in store and I’ll have to pass on these which is a shame. I really liked how they felt underfoot just from trying them on but the size 13 had my toe jamming and size 14 was too wide for me.
I need a 13.5 for these and those are very hard to find.
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Yea some shoes just aren’t made for certain feet
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is it safe to say that these are pretty much kd9s w/strap for people with bigger frames/heavier players? cause I have multiple kd9s (just in case the zoom pops) and love how they play.
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Yes very similar but not as good imo. Sloppier fit, less stable and traction isn’t as good.
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Ok thanks
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Is the kd9 wide footer friendly?
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It is ok for widefooters if you go true to size. Kds have never been very wide footer friendly but these are easily more wide footer friendly than the kd 8, 6 4
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Ok Thanks, probably picking up kd’s and harden’s if it fits right. Was also thinking about ce low, but honestly the mid didnt wow me.
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CE didn’t wow me either..I tied the low on and it was ok but nothing to write home about. Kd is pretty specific with its fit while the Harden can fit more variety of feet imo let me know how it goes!
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These vs the hd 2016 flyknit which would you recommend? Very good review btw!
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Thanks ! Hd16 Flyknit would be my preference. Half size down. Better fit, slightly better traction, more stable underfoot. Hope that helps!
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Is the traction rubber hard? Kinda worried about the zoom units hahaha got a friend with 13s and his outsole is now flat after maybe 1 yr of playing
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Not hard very similar in terms of softness. Probably wear down faster than the 13 bc of the shallow design
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damn I was hoping these were to replace my xx8’s! They’re about to pop any minute now, got an in tear in the sole right now. What would you recommend right now? (have tried most of the boost shoes and not a huge fan)
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Grt another pair of xx8 if the cushioning is what you like. Kd9 are well cushioned as well even if they aren’t for me.
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Great review dude! You’re my number 1 source for ball shoes reviews.
Have you tried the Lebron 14 lows by chance? They’re $60 at the store which shall not be named and have my size in stock. But wanted to hear your input before pulling the trigger. Btw I love cushioning above all else.
Thanks mate!
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I have not tried them but if the cushioning set up is the same you’ll enjoy them! Thanks for the praise !
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Either lebron 14 lows (for $60) or wait for 15s to go on sale lol; i guess main question being how would you rank the cushioning between these:
xx8 se
lebron 14
lebron 14 low
lebron 15
kd 9
thanks again!
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Never tried the low . 14 feels a little more comfortable/soft than the 15 so that’s up to you. Kd9 sits lower but still has plenty of zoom. It feels the smoothest from heel to toe out of the 14,15 and kd 9. Honestly all three are super comfortable. Xx8se feels greet and is almost perfect for bball (wish it sat a little lower).
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I love my Lebron 14s. Got the silver reflect colorway for $50 and it has been the biggest steal in basketball shoes for me. Ever.
What I loved about the Lebron 14 was the Cushion, the materials, and the overall durability of the shoes. As expected, cushion from LBJ shoes was great. No explation needed there. I get that a lot of people feel that the materials were cheap considering the price, but I had no problem with it since It’s a breathable, durable mesh (combined with something). It also made this Lebron a lot lighter than previous models
The best thing I loved about it is the durability. I got the ones with a solid outsole, and boy they sure are hella strong. Traction wise, it was average and required a lot of wiping both indoors and outdoors. However, I once used these bad boys in 2 successive tournaments (roughly 35, 10 minutes games in the span of 3 months) 1 indoor, and 1 rubberized court and both the upper and outsole held strong (and are still holding as of this date) as hell. No tears. No heeldrags. Only signs of usage so far are creases and along the midsole and scratches around toe area but I can live with that.
I get why you said that KD9 > Lebron 14 and for most part, I actually loved the KD9 as well. My stint with the KD9s didn’t end well at all though…… They ended horribly in fact
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Cushioning is definitely great w the lbj xiv..if the shoe works for you keep with it is my opinion.
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My son wants to know what the (3:30) mean in the side of the shoe.
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Probably from the Bible john3:30. He must become greater; I must become less.”
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