LeBron XXIII Elite « For the Record »

The LeBron XXIII Elites are impressive from the time you open the box all the way to when you’re wearing the shoes. They are displayed well and opening the box was an experience in itself! You know you’re getting ready to put on a great choice for basketball shoes. They fit true to size and aren't overly heavy. I've been wearing them for a few weeks playing at least two games a weekend, and they're comfortable for the whole time. I only wear these basketball shoes during basketball games and from a comfort standpoint they're right on par with other basketball shoes I've worn. The thing I love most is that they fit well AND they look cool.

I was excited to try these with the eye-catching, vibrant colorway. After putting them on, the first thing I realized is how big these run - a whole size bigger. I usually wear a 10.5 but I probably couldn’t used a 9.5. Not only do they run long, but also very wide. Aside from the sizing issue, they provided a lot of comfort and weren’t too heavy. They aren’t the lightest basketball shoe, but they also aren’t the heaviest. Just a heads up, these definitely come in with a break-in period. Pictured below for comparison are my P-6000s, also 10.5.

For starters, this shoe is a visual show stopper. The bright pink immediately catches your eye and the way it works with the yellow is stunning. The gold details throughout the shoes truly make these an immediate favorite in my closet. The longer you look the more you notice. As for performance, they are durable, light and comfortable. The traction is great whether on brand new courts or worn in floors. I refuse to wear them out of the gym so I can’t speak for outdoor surfaces. They feel light on my feet but still supportive and durable. They have a nice bounce to them and the cushion really does absorb the shock better than most shoes I play in. While the flyknit upper is stylish, I do prefer a traditional tongue. The upper is a little tight around my ankle. I would love a little more give in the band but the material itself is comfortable.