# Speed-Focused Basketball Shoes Nike Introduces the LeBron Soldier 14 Silhouette for the Season By Amy Duong | Published 2020-07-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebron-soldier-14 References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2020/7/nike-lebron-james-soldier-14-ck6047-002-official-release-date-info) [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tr1) designer Jason Petrie has been working on [basketball sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-toe-version) designs since the launch of the LeBron 7 -- recently, the brand showcased a look at the LeBron Soldier 14 silhouette. The latest sneaker model spotlights speed and security first and foremost. Petrie states, that "designing the soldier is similar to designing, a sports car. You're innovating off of a single ideal, which is lockdown." The laceless enclosure of the model is discarded and is secured with a dual lace and toggle system. To add elements of comfort, the shoe is implemented with a [Zoom Air](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-fly-6) setup beneath the foot for maximum responsive practicality. The upper is woven with synthetics in black with white neoprene. Image Credit: Nike ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Speed-focused Basketball Shoes:** Designing basketball shoes with a focus on speed and security opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for the athletic footwear industry. - **Laceless Sneaker Design:** Incorporating a dual lace and toggle system in sneaker designs can disrupt the traditional lace-up sneaker market. - **Zoom Air Technology:** Implementing Zoom Air technology in athletic footwear maximizes responsive practicality, creating an opportunity for disruptive innovation in sports equipment industry. ### Where This Applies - **Athletic Footwear Industry:** Incorporating speed and security features to design basketball shoes can improve the performance of professional athletes. - **Sneaker Market:** Laceless designs with dual lace and toggle system in sneakers can attract consumers looking for customized, secure fit shoes. - **Sports Equipment Industry:** Maximizing responsive practicality through Zoom Air technology in athletic footwear can disrupt the traditional sports equipment market by enhancing athletic performance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Athlete-Backed Sports Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tr1.md) - [Performance-Focused Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt-cut-3.md) - [Dynamic Fashion-Forward Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-sneaker-1.md) - [Candy-Themed Tonal Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebron-xxii.md) - [Minimal Contrasting Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-toe-version.md) - [Sporty Dynamic Futuristic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vol-9.md) - [Dynamic Athlete-Backed Basketball Shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zion-4.md) - [Sleek Low-Cut Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/court-shot.md) - [Pink Tonal Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-promise-colorway.md)