Confident. Dynamic. Composed.
JuJu Watkins, a rising star in basketball, requires footwear that enhances her ability to accelerate and maintain speed throughout each possession. She has collaborated to design the LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu, a shoe engineered to support the exceptional pace and control integral to her style of play. This partnership marks the first instance of an athlete co-creating a basketball shoe within LeBron James’ NXXT Gen platform.
“Working with LeBron to co-create a first is wild,” says JuJu. “It’s built for my game, my story. Shaping something to share with the next generation of hoopers means everything.”
JuJu collaborated with a team of experienced Nike Basketball designers to develop a shoe that prioritizes durability, comfort, and cushioning, featuring a modern design that honors her roots in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The result demonstrates a well-calibrated combination of court awareness and bounce, allowing JuJu to effectively drive to the basket and create her own shots from long range, commanding the game with each possession.
The silhouette incorporates a full-length Nike React foam midsole designed to deliver exceptional responsiveness, enabling quick and precise cuts from any position on the court. Forefoot Air Zoom units provide the necessary bounce for explosive movements, whether with or without the ball. A flexible leather upper combined with durable TPU support underneath offers notable cushioning and stability during gameplay. Additionally, the midsole and outsole construction contribute to a modern yet timeless aesthetic.
JuJu’s custom design features include a high-quality jewel Swoosh, 16mm performance laces, double-row stitching, a quilted floral pattern on the interior collar and tongue, and an embroidered “By JuJu” signature on the back of the tongue.
“JuJu is a great ambassador of today’s game, and this shoe gives her one more tool to chart her own path on and off the court,” says LeBron. “Nike footwear has been another way for me to share my story with athletes and fans around the world, so it’s exciting to share the NXXT Gen platform with JuJu for a shoe that will inspire a new generation of hoopers to put in the work and believe in themselves.”
The Silver Lining launch colorway highlights JuJu’s story and personal style, reflecting her resilience and ability to seek support within her community during challenging times. Each surface of the shoe interacts with light uniquely, symbolizing that adversity often presents a different perspective and that growth occurs in the shadows.
The upcoming colorways also honor Watts and JuJu’s connection to the nearby University of Southern California, serving as an additional tribute.
This emphasis on elevated storytelling and attention to detail reflects LeBron’s commitment to personalized athlete expression, innovative design, and premium off-court style. By collaborating to develop the new NXXT Gen silhouette, LeBron is highlighting JuJu as a key influence shaping the future of the sport and reaffirming his ongoing dedication to supporting the next generation.
The LeBron NXXT Gen by JuJu will be available worldwide in the Silver Lining colorway this summer through nike.com and select retail locations.
Photos/NikeNewsroom
Nike Newsroom contributed to this column
