05 JUNE 2018 MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Nike Basketball saw the Pinoy’s unparalleled belief in spirit combined with their focus and dedication to raise their game. Together with LeBron James’ superhuman efforts to strive for greatness, these have inspired the new limited-edition LeBron Soldier 12 Agimat.
Following the successful release of the first edition in 2017, this latest LeBron basketball shoe features a simplified strap, lower collar, and circular knit upper that - according to Nike Senior Footwear designer Jason Petrie - is a “symbol of toughness,” just like the Filipino.
King James, now in an amazing 8th straight appearance in the NBA Finals, witnessed the love and dedication that Filipinos from all walks of life have for basketball when he visited Manila last year. He himself went through one of the toughest and most grueling seasons in his career to make it to this year’s NBA championship round. His unwavering belief in himself and his team is what LeBron wants Pinoy ballers to emulate on their own journey to greatness.
With features inspired by local cultural elements, especially the line ‘Mula Mandirigma Sa Mandirigma’, the LeBron Soldier 12 Agimat is aimed at inspiring basketball warriors on court. To celebrate and exemplify the Pinoy spirit ‘from one warrior to another’, Nike has incorporated the shoe visually into the Lebron James mural at the Nike Hyper Court @ BGC. Apart from that, Filipino Nike athletes in the FIBA 3x3 tournament in June have proudly been passed on this emblem for luck as they embark on their championship journey.
Unique symbolism stands out aesthetically for the shoes in various key features. Both MNL and the number 330 are found on the shoe as a shoutout to the players in Manila and LeBron’s hometown area code of Akron, Ohio respectively. A blazing flame stands for the volcanos the Philippines is known for and LeBron’s intense passion for the game. 4 stars remind everyone of his 4 MVP awards. Finally, a steep mountain is a subtle nod to the terrain of the Philippines and James’ relentless drive to be on top of the mountain and be the best to play the sport.
The Nike LeBron Soldier 12 Agimat will be available in the Philippines starting June 15. Limited pairs will be available at Nike Park Fort, Glorietta 4, Mall of Asia, Trinoma as well as Titan TwoParkade, Vertis, Conrad and on Titan22.com. The shoe retails for 6,745 PHP. For more information, visit nike.com.
