This Nike LeBron 17 Nods to the Classic Command Force

LeBron James‘s Nike Basketball line has long paid homage to the King’s favorite Nike kicks, and the latest classic pair to receive a tribute is the Command Force, which has provided the inspiration for a new LeBron 17. First released in 1991 and worn on NBA courts by Hall of Famer David Robinson, the Command Force’s “Volt” colorway was made famous by streetball hustler Billy Hoyle in 1992’s White Men Can’t Jump — and it’s that bold style that comes to roost in modern-day fashion.

Textured white Battleknit uppers are dressed with swirled multi-color accents, nodding to both the Command Force’s vibrant nature and the eccentric outfits worn by Woody Harrelson‘s Hoyle over the course of White Men Can’t Jump. Most LeBron 17s use a snarling lion on the tongue, but here the apex predator is replaced by a modified version of the Command Force’s tongue badge, which has been altered to read “LeBron.” Special “The Official Shoe of LeBron James” text branding is present on the insoles, and further hits arrive via a backwards black Swoosh on the crown-shaped heel clip plus a small black LeBron logo on the forefoot.

Down below, the midsoles use a volt green Air Max unit in the heel and volt Zoom Air pods in the forefoot, the latter of which is surrounded by speckled EVA foam. Icy translucent outsoles complete the look by ensuring that this giant Air unit and Zoom pucks are fully visible from all angles.

The Nike LeBron 17 “Command Force” is available now at Nike JP, and is slated for a US release at retailers like Foot Locker come April 17, priced at $200 USD.

For more basketball shoes, check out PUMA‘s Sky Modern in its new “Easter” colorway.