“A basketball player’s body takes a beating over the course of an 82 game season,” said Design Director Ken Link. “The Nike Zoom Soldier III is designed to give LeBron a lightweight, responsive shoe for the playoffs, when every game counts.”

Constructed to be lower to the ground and extremely responsive, the Nike Zoom Solider III weighs in at a mere 13.7 ounces, the lightest basketball shoe Nike has delivered to LeBron James, to date.

The Nike Zoom Soldier III features a mesh upper for lightweight breathability. Two synthetic-leather straps across the top of the mid-foot provide a stable, lock-down fit and add the stylish look. The mid-sole is comprised of Nike Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot for lightweight, responsive cushioning. A non-traditional solid rubber outsole provides unmatched traction and durability.

Link added, “LeBron challenged us to make the Zoom Soldier III even lighter than ever and we delivered. The shoe is also a great summer hoops shoe. It’s both lightweight and strong, so it’s able to withstand the pounding of outdoor play.”

The Nike Zoom Soldier III features a badge on the shoe’s tongue comprised of symbols that borrow meaning from LeBron’s life and personal beliefs.

Limited quantities of the Nike Zoom Soldier III with LeBron’s playoff badge on the tongue will be available to consumers in limited quantities. Nike will feature additional player-exclusive styles with the special badging for the playoffs.

Carrying on a tradition from the previous generation, the Nike Zoom Soldier III represents the essence of LeBron James: team, toughness, passion and vision. On the sockliner is LeBron’s credo for family and his pride for the game of basketball. On the back of the tongue is an image of a lion, representing LeBron’s aggressiveness on the court. LeBron’s signature is included on the heel of each shoe and his number 23 adorns the tops of the eyelets.

The Nike Zoom Soldier III will be available beginning April 17, 2009 at Nike.com, Eastbay.com, Foot Action, Foot Locker, House of Hoops and specialty retail stores nationwide. Beginning on Saturday, a total of four unique colorways of the Nike Zoom Soldier III will roll out over the next six weeks.

 OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK

• Amazin'! Alyssa Milano Opens Clothing Boutique at Citi Field - The Biz of Baseball
• The Yankees Are Taking It on the Chien - The Biz of Baseball
• MLBAM Releases "World Series 2009" for iPhone and iPod Touch - The Biz of Baseball
• Costas Set for MLB Broadcast Return at Yankee Stadium Opener - The Biz of Baseball
• MLB Reaches Four Major Sponsorship Deals - The Biz of Baseball
• Could Tom Hicks Be Forced to Sell the Texas Rangers? - The Biz of Baseball
• Sale of the Cubs Should Be Completed by End of May - The Biz of Baseball
• The Biz of Baseball Organizational Report - The Boston Red Sox - The Biz of Baseball
• Rays Players, Coaches, Staff Presented with ALCS Rings - The Biz of Baseball
• Eagles Land Jason Peters - The Biz of Football
• John Madden Retires From Broadcasting - The Biz of Football
• Maurice Jones-Drew Signs Extension - The Biz of Football
• Sprint To Stream NFL Draft to TV-Enabled Phones - The Biz of Football
• Round-Up: Harrison, Thomas, and Leftwich Reach Deals - The Biz of Football
• DISH Network Reaches Settlement to Carry NFL Network - The Biz of Football
• NHL GameCenter LIVE to Stream Up to 24 Stanley Cup Playoff Games in the U.S. - The Biz of Hockey
• Isle Be Damned: A Tale of Two Cities (A ‘Dickens’ of a story) - The Biz of Hockey
• NHL Offers GameCenter LIVE for $19.95 per Day - The Biz of Hockey