Nike has delayed the launch of the new Lebron 12 shoes due to product quality issues. In a brief statement on its website, Nike said, “Product quality is a priority for Nike. Due to a small cosmetic issue with some of the LEBRON 12 shoes we have delayed the initial retail launch that was scheduled for China on October 1, and the global launch that was scheduled for October 11. We will communicate an update on the retail date as soon as possible.”
Among active players, the annual LeBron shoe is Nike’s best-selling shoe. SportsScanInfo, the market-retail-tracking owned by SportsOneSource, said $300 million worth of the 11th version of James shoe were sold at retail last year. That compares to $125 million coming from Kevin Durant’s signature shoe.
James endorsed the LEBRON 12, which will sell retail for $200, a major media event held in Beaverton on Sept. 16. Last year, James declined to wear the LEBRON 11 for portions of last season because of sizing and fit concerns, although it didnt impact sales, the Oregonian reported.
Nike had aimed to avoid any controversy with this shoe after James refused for parts of last season to wear a previous version, the LEBRON 11, over sizing and fit issues. With the popularity of James and at least seven colorways expected to
come out with the LeBron 12, sales arent expected to be impacted.
The Nike statement is here: http://nikeinc.com/news/nike-unveils-new-lebron-12
