Our verdict

The nike max LeBron NXXT Gen is a badass shoe, we just have to be very clear on this. As a lightened version of the LeBron 20, it fuses LeBron's famous impact protection with an excellent ground feel which results in more solid control over footwork. We highly recommend getting this shoe if you plan to get aggressive on the court.

nike max Air Force 1 Low Camo Pros

  • Solid outsole traction
  • Lightest LeBron shoe (as of 2023)
  • Bouncy and responsive ride
  • A fine balance of court feel and impact protection
  • Effective foot containment
  • Very comfortable wraparound feel
  • Quality materials
  • Standout design and colours

nike max Air Force 1 Low Camo Cons

  • Surprisingly not for wide feet
  • nike max lunar hyperdunk usab

Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

In addition to Lebron James' fans, we think that this signature shoe from Nike nike max Sb Bruin High Women Dr0126-001:

  • Nuevas nike max Space Hippie 04 Mistic Navi This is Trash
  • look for a cheaper alternative to the LeBron 20
  • nike max Air Force 1 High Have A Good Game

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN review

nike max Air Force 1 Low Camo | Who should NOT buy

Unexpectedly for a Lebron shoe, the NXXT Gen has a snug one-to-one fit. Wide footers are going to be better off with the nike max LeBron Witness 7 instead.

Even though it is a step-down version of the Lebron 20 and is £40 cheaper, it still remains among the priciest options on the market. If price is a deal-breaker for you, check out Kevin Durant's signature shoe, the KD 15.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN lab test

nike max Air Force 1 Low Camo | Cushioning

For those who need to use custom orthotics with the shoe, the NXXT GEN has a removable insole.

Shock absorption

The LeBron NXXT GEN's inner workings look nearly identical to those of the flagship LeBron 20 shoe. But there are more subtle differences that affect the shoe's performance.

Our shock absorption tests showed that the NXXT GEN offers less impact protection than its more advanced counterpart. While the shoe's below-average measurements of 93 SA in the heel and 81 SA in the forefoot offer a decent buffer from hard landings, it feels notably more grounded and less cushioned.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Shock absorption heel
Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 93 SA
Average 103 SA
Compared to 41 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
34 SA
Shock absorption
121 SA

Energy return

Luckily, the shoe's Zoom Turbo and Zoom Air units still do their job effectively and keep the NXXT GEN's ride springy and dynamic.

The shoe's rebound proved to be on par with the more expensive LeBrons, with an above-average energy return of 66.3% in the heel and 63.2% in the forefoot.

Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 63.2%
Average 62.1%
Compared to 41 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
46.0%
Energy return
83.0%

Heel stack

The amount of cushioning in the NXXT GEN is exactly the same as in the Lebron 20. Using a calliper, we measured its heel stack height at 26.9 mm.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Heel stack

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 26.9 mm
Average 28.8 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
23.2 mm
Heel stack
37.2 mm

Forefoot stack

Measuring the forefoot stack height, we found its thickness to be the same 22 mm as in the Lebron 20. The large Zoom Turbo unit is still there, adding a sweet bounce to every jump.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Forefoot stack
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 22.0 mm
Average 21.4 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
15.5 mm
Forefoot stack
26.8 mm

Drop

The heel-to-toe differential in the Lebron NXXT GEN turns out to be 4.9 mm. This is lower than the average 7 mm of our lab-tested basketball shoes.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Drop

Placing the foot more parallel to the ground results in a more grounded experience. We are happy with the fine balance of cushioning and ground feel that the NXXT provides. It follows in the footsteps of the Lebron 20 in that regard.

As you can see from the photo below, the cushioning setups are pretty much identical in these two shoes.

nike-lebron-20-inside-view.JPG
nike max air max zero oreo
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 4.9 mm
Average 7.4 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
3.9 mm
Drop
13.7 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

While those Zoom Air units do an amazing job of adding spring to the feet, the carrying foam remains on the firm side.

Based on our durometer, the foam has a thickness of 30.6 HA. This is 10% firmer than the average.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Midsole softness

But we aren't here to complain about that! This is what makes the shoe so grounded and stable. We actually think that this is one of the best setups for balancing impact protection and court feel.

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 30.6 HA
Average 24.3 HA
nike max Air Force 1 Low Camo.
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Size and fit

Size

nike max Air Force 1 Low SP Utility true to size (147 votes).

Small
True to size
Large

Owners of this shoe, how does it fit?

1 size small½ size smallTrue to size½ size large1 size large

tiger striped nike max Stefan Janoski

At 98.9 mm in the widest part of the toebox, the shoe turns out to be a little narrower than average.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Toebox width at the widest part

For our medium-width feet, the NXXT GEN feels rather snug and precise. There is not much breathing room so if you need more space, it's better to go half-size up.

nike max lebron nxxt gen fit 20231849 main

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 98.9 mm
Average 101.6 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
92.6 mm
tiger striped nike max Stefan Janoski
109.2 mm

Toebox width

This LeBron shoe also tapers a bit more than the other basketball shoes we've measured. With a width of 74.9 mm around the big toe, the NXXT GEN is narrower than the average by a few millimeters.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Toebox width at the big toe

This test follows an older methodology, which is why you don't see recently tested shoes in the chart. Results from different methodologies can not be compared.

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 74.9 mm
Average 76.9 mm
Compared to 59 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
71.2 mm
Toebox width
85.1 mm

Traction / Grip

Whether the court is clean or dirty, it doesn't make any difference to the mighty bite of this Lebron shoe. It requires minimal wiping and remains consistent on both indoor and outdoor courts.

Cute fact: The shoe's tread pattern replicates the map of Akron, OH. This is a nod to LeBron James' roots.

nike max lebron nxxt gen outsole 20231843 main

Forefoot traction

Sliding the shoe's forefoot against a professional court surface, our machine recorded a solid friction score of 0.70. You can expect consistent grip from this nike max LeBron shoe, but it won't be as tacky and top-pier as in the flagship Air Max 97 Rough Green (0.95).

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 0.70
Average 0.75
Compared to 41 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.49
Forefoot traction
0.99

Outsole design

The shoe features a full-length translucent rubber with a very dense tread pattern. Cute fact: The pattern replicates the map of Akron, OH which is a nod to LeBron James' roots.

nike max lebron nxxt gen outsole 20231843 main

Flexibility / Stiffness

The nike max Lebron NXXT GEN finds a way to be flexible despite the large Zoom unit embedded into its forefoot.

Using a gauge to measure how much force it takes to bend the shoe by 30 degrees, we got a pretty low reading of 15.4N. It is less than it takes an average hoop shoe, especially if it carries LeBron's name, and translates into a pretty natural and manoeuvrable Sportswear experience.

However, bigger players may find it too forgiving and lacking support for their explosive moves and post-play.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 15.4N
Average 20.5N
Compared to 41 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
13.4N
Flexibility Stiffness
25.9N

Weight

LeBron basketball shoes have earned a reputation for being heavy. But the nike max LeBron NXXT GEN breaks away from that. At 13.1 oz (372 g), it is a lot lighter than the average for LeBron shoes (14.3 oz or 406g).

nike max lebron nxxt gen jump 20231848 main

It also turns out to be lighter than our lab-tested hoop shoes on average (13.7 oz or 387g). 

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 13.1 oz (372g)
Average 13.8 oz (391g)
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.3 oz (320g)
Weight
17.5 oz (495g)

Breathability

The NXXT GEN is a toasty one. With its sturdy upper materials, the shoe doesn't allow heat to escape from the interiors. Having pumped smoke through its upper, we saw only a little streak coming out on the other side. Thus, the shoe gets as little as 2 out of 5 for breathability.

Looking at the upper material through our microscope, there is not even a slight hint of perforations.

nike max lebron nxxt gen microscope 20231839 main

From the inside, the upper is also reinforced with foam padding and neoprene-ish lining, leaving no "breathing room" either.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN microscope upper

There is a small ventilation spot on the inner side of the upper though. It can be seen in our transparency test below. This little window is not covered by the in-shoe padding allowing mesh to do its job.

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Stability

Lateral stability test

For a s compared to the original Lebron 20, it retains a solid level of support and stability.

From the stiff shank in the midfoot to the firm hold of the upper materials, our feet felt safely contained inside the NXXT GEN.

Torsional rigidity

The stiff midfoot shank is very helpful in stabilising the foot for agile multi-directional movements. Having twisted the shoe sideways in our manual test, we rated its torsional rigidity as 4 out of 5. Nearly the stiffest in our range!

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 4
Average 4.5
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Our heels and ankles felt securely contained inside the NXXT GEN.

On a 1-5 scale where 5 is the stiffest, we rated its heel counter stiffness as 3. This is a little less rigid than the average but solid enough for a proper hold.

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The NXXT GEN doesn't have as wide an outrigger as the Lebron 20. Measuring the widest part of the forefoot with a calliper (107.9 mm), we found that it is a few millimetres narrower than the original.

But in our opinion, this is a rather small sacrifice to make if you want to experience the lightest Lebron shoe in the series. It is in no way detrimental to the shoe's stability.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 107.9 mm
Average 114.8 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
106.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.5 mm

Midsole width - heel

To reassure you of the shoe's ample stability, the widest part of its heel (90.3 mm) is still the same as the average.

nike max lebron nxxt gen midsole width in the heel 20231825 main
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 90.3 mm
Average 89.7 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
80.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
102.0 mm

Durability

Toebox durability

The shoe's upper material has an average level of durability for a basketball shoe.

After a 12-second encounter with our Dremel at the speed of 10K RPM, the shoe's toebox got only moderately damaged. We didn't get to a see-through hole and the shoe remained wearable.

For that Mean, we rated its toebox durability as 3 on a scale from 1 to 5.

nikelab dunk lux low vachetta tan Lebron 20 Air Force 1 White Dark Blue 306353 071 Air Force 1 High Sculpt "Worn Blue".

nike max lebron nxxt gen toebox durability comparison 20231844 main
nike max Lebron NXXT GEN vs. nike max Air Force 1 High Sculpt "Worn Blue"

You can also see a suede piece embracing the toebox upfront. That really helps to protect the upper mesh from the aggressive toe drags.

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 79 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding of the NXXT GEN also showed off its wear resistance. This delicate part of the shoe performed a little better than most hoop shoes in our lab.

After 4 seconds of drilling it with a Dremel, the tear was not detrimental to the shoe's overall performance and comfort, earning a rating of 3 out of 5.

Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 76 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Assessing the shoe's rubber outsole, we found its durability to be quite promising too.

First, we pressed a durometer against the rubber to measure its hardness. With a reading of 84.5 HC, it turns out to be harder than average. That translates to a higher chance of longer shelf life.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Outsole hardness
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 84.5 HC
Average 81.5 HC
nike max Air Force 1 Low Camo.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
61.3 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

Outsole durability

The tongue is very generously padded in the NXXT GEN shoe. We measured its thickness at 10.2 mm. It offers plenty of in-shoe comfort and guards the instep from lace pressure.

Outsole thickness

Measuring the shoe's outsole with a calliper, we found it to be of average thickness at 3.8 mm.

Combined with the hardness, this gives us a solid base for hundreds of hours on the court. We can even recommend the shoe for occasional outdoor use for that Mean.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Outsole thickness
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 3.8 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.9 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

A padded insole complements the shoe's primary cushioning. Measuring it with a calliper, we found that at 3.6 mm it is a little thinner than average.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Insole thickness
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 3.6 mm
Average 4.9 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Removable insole

For those who need to use custom orthotics with the shoe, the NXXT GEN has a removable insole.

nike max lebron nxxt gen removable insole 20231833 main
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN Yes

Tongue padding

The tongue is very generously padded in the NXXT GEN shoe. We measured its thickness at 10.2 mm. It offers plenty of in-shoe comfort and guards the instep from lace pressure.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Tongue padding
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN 10.2 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 88 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Tongue: gusset type

A fully-gusseted tongue really enhances the lockdown capacities of this shoe. There was no sliding of the foot or the tongue even during the most shifty situations on the court.

nike max Lebron NXXT GEN Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN Both sides (full)

Heel tab

The shoe has a small finger loop at the back but it acts more as a decorative element. It comes with an "XX" embellishment to signify the shoe's relation to the LeBron XX (or 20).

nike max lebron nxxt gen heel tab 20231830 main
Test results
Lebron NXXT GEN Finger loop