LeBron James Unveils Lebron XII Nike Shoe (News/Photos)

The "LeBron 12" incorporates "Flywire" technology to maximize strength without adding weight, and the shoe's sole incorporates five multi-color hexagonal Zoom Air cushions that are located specifically on pressure points where the shoe takes impact during gameplay. 

"[It was a priority] for me to be able to have a shoe that allows me to be fast, not weigh me down," James explained. "The new technology is lightweight. It allows me to explode. When I land, it allows me to absorb the landings. It's great." Judging from the immediate responses on social media, the rainbow-colored cushioned soles are a bit polarizing. Of greater concern to James than those push-the-envelope aesthetics? Whether the shoes will stand up to his in-game needs. Last season, James drew some media attention for switching out of his "LeBron 11" signature sneakers during games. His frustrations with that shoe led Nike to begin the design and engineering process for the LeBron 12 earlier than usual, and James said he has been testing the latest iteration for roughly a month with no issues. 

The "LeBron 12" sneakers will be released in seven initial colorways. The first version -- dubbed the "NSRL," which is the acronym for Nike's Sport Research Lab -- will launch on Oct. 1 in China and Oct. 11 everywhere else. The shoes will retail for $200 via Nike.com .

LEBRON 12 NSRL – James wasn’t made in a lab, but he is made better by Nike’s research, testing and analysis. The LEBRON 12 lead colorway reflects the process of turning data into design to create superior performance footwear. Launch: Oct. 1 in China; Oct. 11 globally.

LEBRON 12 Heart of a Lion – James has demonstrated the courageous heart of a lion while being tested both physically and mentally over his 11-year professional career. Launch: Oct. 30.

LEBRON 12 Dunk Force – Inspired by the power of James’s statement tomahawk dunk and equated to the speed and force of a helicopter rotor blade. Launch: Nov. 11.

LEBRON 12 Instinct – James’s keen 20/20 eyesight combined with his uncommon speed and agility translates to pinpoint, instinctual decisions, much like the way a hummingbird sees and navigates. Launch: Nov. 22.

LEBRON 12 Six Meridians – A key component of James’s training recovery and preparation is massage therapy. The ancient Chinese practice of reflexology releases energy to different points of the body, or meridians, when massaging pressure points in the feet and hands. Launch: Nov. 29.

LEBRON 12 Trillion Dollar Man – Are we looking at the athlete of the future today in LeBron James? Inspired by James’s legendary work ethic and physical gifts combined with Nike’s finest performance technology. Launch: Dec. 1.

LEBRON 12 Data – James is arguably the most dominant player in the game today, with the statistics to support that claim. Launch: Dec. 20.