When I can’t fall asleep at night, I don’t count sheep. I count the top-10 samples in Nike Basketball history that’d want in my collection. No joke, I literally do this when restless. Typically, 4-5 of my dream samples are LeBrons, more specifically, LeBron VII’s. The Jason Petrie design has a devout following for it’s classic elements like leather while blending (then) new technology like Flywire. Collectors of the LeBron line typically rank the seventh silhouette in their top-3 lists. For me, it starts with the comfort. The full length Air Max unit provides the perfect level of bounce and responsiveness. The ankle padding never feels too bulky or thin; overall it’s just pleasurable to wear.
For this week’s Sample Sunday we’ll take a detailed look at the Hardwood Classic set of LeBron 7s from 2009, enjoy!
The Hardwood Classics pack exists as a trio; two traditional builds and a third pair that would accurately be described as an EXT version (by today’s terminology). Casual fans would say the pack resembles the New York Knicks colorways, but they’re based off of various Cavs jerseys from 1983- 1989. In the 2006- 2007 season the NBA had select teams wear retro jerseys, hence the inspiration for this Hardwood Classic came into existence. Paint platter on the Swoosh and Air unit really makes this (and the set) pop. The patent leather mudguard contrasts the orange upper flawlessly.
A more muted and classic approach was taken with the blue based colorway. Influences from the Jordan 11 can be felt with the patent leather, do you agree?
Blue Alternative rounds out the pack. mixing elements of both, this model uses a blue base partnered with splatter print accents. Unlike the other two, the mudguard and upper accent panels are premium suede. If you want a pair of these it’ll cost you at least $1,200 at Flight Club for the white/blue colorway. Would you like to see Nike retro these as a Hyper Strike or something? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and check out our IG feed for more! While you’re here, peep the in game photos of LeBron doing work in the Hardwood Classic LBJ VIIs!
Nick Engvall
Aaron Nojima
Mike Guillory