by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
January 19, 2026
The shoe’s colorway pays tribute to the Memphis lodge the place King was assassinated, now the Nationwide Civil Rights Museum.
LeBron James has revealed his new Nike shoe paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.
The “Honor The King” sneaker, revealed as a part of the Nike LeBron 23 assortment, honors King in addition to the Memphis lodge the place he was assassinated. Upon Dr. King’s loss of life, the Lorraine Motel had turn into a logo of continued hope and resilience throughout the Civil Rights motion.
Now, a brand new image within the sneakerverse has arrived forward of MLK Day. Recognizing one other “King,” the sneaker has a vibrant teal colorway, evoking the identical colours of the famed motel, as reported by Kicks. It primarily options the enduring teal coloration, with accents of gold on the sneaker’s tongue with an accompanying golden Nike examine. The shoe additionally boast an “EQUALITY” featured alongside its heel, reminding purchasers of each “Kings” shared worth.
James is a long-time supporter of the cultural establishment and nationwide landmark. Now, the NBA champion additional honors the motel’s significance to Black and American historical past with the coveted sneaker.
Throughout its authentic operations, the motel served Black Individuals throughout the time of segregation, internet hosting Dr. King as he carried out what would turn into his closing speech. Since then, it has reworked into the Nationwide Civil Rights Museum to honor Dr. King’s legacy, additional highlighted by means of this shoe.
Nonetheless, the shoe has one other private notice from James, additionally nodding to his acclaimed 51-point sport towards the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008. As a part of the Nike LeBron 23 assortment, which acknowledges James’ 23 seasons within the NBA, every design will mark a storied a part of James’ monumental profession in skilled basketball and past.
In line with Sneaker Bar Detroit, followers of James and sneakerheads should wait just a little bit longer to cop the historic shoe. The outlet said that the “Honor The King” sneaker will come on the finish of Black Historical past Month, with an anticipated date of Feb. 24.
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