Nike LeBron 21 Performance Review From The Inside Out

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Real foot doctor reviews the Nike LeBron 21 basketball shoe. How does the newest LeBron James signature shoe hold up vs previous models?
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• Nike LeBron 21 Perform...
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:10 Uppers of the Nike LeBron 21
01:40 Breathability test of the Nike LeBron 21
03:09 Upper durability test of the Nike LeBron 21
03:57 Midsole teardown of the Nike LeBron 21
05:10 Difference between Cushlon and Cushlon 3.0
05:52 Bounce height test of the Nike LeBron 21
06:30 Outsole tread of the Nike LeBron 21
08:05 Speed of the Nike LeBron 21
08:52 Outsole durability test of the Nike LeBron 21
09:25 Fit of the Nike LeBron 21
10:34 Performance and best players of the Nike LeBron 21
Whats underneath the Nike LeBron 21 basketball shoe? Check them out for yourself with this deep dive on court playtest, review, teardown and durability test. As a foot doctor I look at basketball shoes and basketball shoe technology a bit differently as I focus more on what foot types benefit from these shoes as well as the basketball shoe's functional attributes on the basketball court
Some of the main areas we cover in this basketball shoe shoe playtest, and performance review of the Nike LeBron 21
- The weight, durability, fit and playability
- What are the features of the insole, midsole, and outsole
- Nike basketball shoe technology explained
Part of the 2023 Basketball shoe review series
DISCLOSURE: I often review or link to products I regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.
Many of my links to products/gear are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites
Disclaimer : This is not medical advice, nor can I give you medical advice. Everything here including videos and comment responses is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any health issue or condition. Nothing here should be construed to form a doctor patient relationship.

[@FootDoctorZach]

FREE Shoelace guide: geni.us/freeshoelaceguide

[@jonathanlondon8209]

Hey Zach! Have you had a chance to review the Puma All Pro Nitro? Really want to see your review before buying. Thank you! Love your content!

[@user9b2]

Hi Zach, how come I so not see any reviews of court shoes from Yonex on your channel?

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ve reviewed all their tennis shoes besides the sonicage 🤷‍♂️- not sure what else to do if they don’t make more shoes

[@ebrahimestrella9216]

Boss so nice you how to demo of any kinds of shoes..but don't destroy the shoe give in need like me...thats my dream shoe...😢now i will subscribe and follow you you already..🫡

[@t..454]

@@ebrahimestrella9216his destroying it to give us the best of the best performance review of a shoe 😊

[@christianeddielim5552]

Hands down, the gold standard when it comes to shoe review! The most comprehensive, the most objective, and now the fastest. And also a nice person to boot, always finds time to answer majority of the comments. Keep it up Doc, what you're doing is really an essential part of the daily sneakerhead life like me. Never fails to put a smile and excitement, every time the notification of your latest review pops up.

[@FootDoctorZach]

You’re the real MVP for having notifications on

[@christianeddielim5552]

More blessings to you, Zach! 🙂

[@TJYLai]

Didn’t even realise these were so close to release!! Looking forward to your thoughts

[@jaydeegreat88]

Fr like didn't the 20s just release yesterday? Lol

[@reed_vb]

FR@@jaydeegreat88

[@prodbyjatonye7031]

FR, these came out of nowhere

[@zoesh2441]

I don’t think these are that close to releasing. They most likely will come out November or December. Foot Doctor just has the plug lol.

[@bustermcthundernut]

@@jaydeegreat88last fall

[@thadvaldez]

gotta be proud of zach for how far hes come 🔥keep up the good work doc!

[@FootDoctorZach]

I appreciate you

[@SLAPTALK]

​@@FootDoctorZachNo, we appreciate YOU!! 👏👏👏

[@ElevatingInLife]

Very much reminiscent of the 2010s era of Nike hyperdunks, design team did an awesome job of a retro feel with modern era tech. Haven’t been interested in lebrons since the 16s. These are interesting!

[@adamkanizsai2990]

Tell me, what are the similarities between this and the Hyperdunks? :D In the hyperdunks always the newest material was used, therefore the name "Hyper", on the other hand this is a leather-like material. Hyperdunks were mostly high cut, and often used lunarlon instead of zoom. So where are the similarities? :D I always laugh on these comments. When AJ38 came out, everybody: they are like Nike Shoxs. No, they are not. And this and the Hyperdunks have nothing in common.

[@ElevatingInLife]

@@adamkanizsai2990 if you read my comment with proper reading comprehension, I specifically mentioned the design. It has the chunky round abouts the hyper dunk has, the lateral outrigger also is chunky and filled with rubber. You don’t see a lot of shoes going this route but instead more roundness to them IE: Jordan 38, Melo, Kyrie, the list goes on. And your vision is completely different from mine, does the world revolve around you? No, you literally could’ve just said “oh wow, this is a new perspective I didn’t think about, interesting.” But here you are, acting all high and mighty lmao. Continue to laugh, I’m laughing at your narrow mindedness 😂

[@adamkanizsai2990]

@@ElevatingInLife This shoe doesnt even have a massive outrigger. You dont have to believe anything what you hear. Rather the mid part of the outsole and foam is very narrow, therefore the forefoot section looks like an outrigger. If you are talking about real outriggers, check Kobe 3 or Huarache 2K4 or 2K5... Yours is not a new perspective, it's a nonsense. By the way, the Hyperdunk series don't have notable outriggers neither, maybe the 2008 and 2010 are the exceptions.

[@chewang23]

Hell yeah bro I feel you 💯

[@Aristophocles]

Those were my favorite shoes!

[@ballersofthesix]

more power to you Zach! you're probably the most detailed and factual performance shoe review out there!

[@allensmith9879]

I ended up with 4 pairs of the 20s just because it's so comfortable & a great shoe to wear casually. I'm a bit upset they swapped the bottom loaded carbon fiber shank for a top loaded plastic shank but glad they kept the cushioning set-up of bottom loaded max heel zoom & top loaded zoom turbo.

[@Dipset415]

As a top tier lebron hater I had to cop 3💪🏿😭great shoes🤷🏿‍♂️

[@Aristophocles]

@allen how does that make a difference?

[@allensmith9879]

@@Aristophocles Bottom loaded shanks, such as the Jordan 11 / WOW 10 / Lebron 20 not only add torsional stabilization but a spring like affect when sprinting. You get greater energy return and aided spring in acceleration.

[@Aristophocles]

@@allensmith9879 man I wonder if should get the 20s then. These 21 look great though

[@filipiino96793]

The difference is very minor if any in my experience

[@tinongtravels7182]

This is insane, not even out yet but already a review! More power doc!

[@njoomasherif4132]

Thank you so much for what you are doing for the shoe community 👍🏻

[@josephdlr]

Kudos to Foot Doctor Zach! The First One to Review the Lbj 21 More Power to You As Always Doc 🤘🏼🔥🤘🏼

[@AHealedDevilThatsHeavenBound]

Waiting on the black and green ones for my AAU alumni game. But definitely needed to hear your expertise on these before I commit to these. Really loved the 19s didn’t grab the 20s so I’m looking forward to these 21s.

[@proby92]

I’m not in love with this color way but I like the overall silhouette. I’m sure Nike will make a bunch of cool color ways for this shoe, but my 20’s are still holding on strong. I’ll probably pick up a pair in the future. Great video Zach!

[@jinnn0]

great vid as always, appreciate your work!!

[@LuisTrey]

They remind me of the Kobe A.D. Purple Stardust. Will definitely be purchasing this colorway on release!

[@TheDundeal]

Early Exclusive!!! I'm impressed, Zach

[@vlh3448]

Damn it, Zach. I had no plans on copping a pair of 21s, now you got me convinced I gotta have em. Just hope they release a colorway with more durable uppers.

[@markkennethlacap27]

Got mine last week, thank you zack for the review !

[@zarnihtun5655]

Thanks Zach for all the hard work highlighting pros and cons of the shoes. It will be great to see retro jordan series (at least 1 to 14) comparing to modern days technologies for jordan sneakers heads. I'd seen 1, 2, 3 and a bit of 13 but would like to see more.Appreciate your work.

[@samhuang3339]

Great Review! I like how to quantize the shoes performance in number. But if it is possible, could you make a comparison of the performance between the main shoe and some benchmark shoes? For example, when talking about the heel height and jumping height test, you can make a colorbar and identify the numbers from the LeBron 21, gt cut, gt jump, and KD 15, which are usually under consideration simultaneously by the same style of players. Personally speaking, such a comparison would make the performance number clearer, and is helpful for the audience to make decisions to the shoes.

[@ericho5604]

Cool to see the Lebron 21 with 2 lace loops the Lebron 20 only had 1. When Lebron wore the Lebron 20s last year, he was actually wearing a player exclusive, where his had 2 lace loops

[@hariseldon6668]

These seem like they would be very good for volleyball. I'm excited to try them on when they release.

[@rogermeyer860]

Another great review Zach! I just picked up a pair. I hope they compare with my Jordan 36's and treat my old knees and feet as well.

[@l4unc3y]

OMG ! congrats doc! so early and thank you for this!

[@breyfuentesfilms]

Amazing review as always 🔥 checking your channel everytime I grab a new shoe.

[@thebrotherhoodofsleep9857]

You kill me every time you break down those gorgeous shoes, but your work is greatly appreciated.

[@Cadv-gw1xt]

A full time foot doctor and you still have time/energy to make high quality videos idk how you do it

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ve transitioned to more direct care/ concierge medicine so I can see less people in a day. Plus I have a wicked efficient review system now after doing so many shoes- takes all the fluff and filler time out of a review

[@jokimbuenafe13]

awesome layups Doc

[@SidChury]

Wow! You got your hands on these pretty quick! 👍🏼

[@ygoeb13]

these videos are amazing!

[@jmsflora279]

Are these even out yet??? Thanks for another great review. I'm old so I don't play basketball hardly ever but still like getting the new Lebrons and Jordans for running. I know Nike has a great running line, but I always get excited for the new game shoes.

[@kahlil2classy798]

Thank you for the review. I’ll definitely get these.

[@michaelmarks9002]

What an awesome surprise!! Great review as always brother

[@laosontop7019]

Thanks u so much for ur vid ❤Keep going Zach 🦾🦾

[@Msadlo]

Thanks for the outstanding info as always….would you recommend these for a tennis player?

[@hopeart91]

Brooo this is awesome I was looking forward to seeing these and then boom here they are

[@darwinmoresco7724]

I bought Lebron 21 "Algae" colorway for my son and I found it so comfy, both uppers and cushion. You can't go wrong to Cushlon midsole

[@nicknett8]

These look way more promising then the 20s! For me the 20s were so unstable on the heel like my foot kept rolling out. Hopefully these better

[@Edlouis564]

Man I've been saying this, how do they make hoops shoes with zero stability in the heel? The shoe just flops over if you put any pressure on the side.

[@pksangavaram]

Awesome Job sir! That durometer for a flagship is great. 15 hardness. That is an outdoor shoe for me baby!

[@eddievalle6412]

I just returned a pair of the LeBron 21 "Tahitian's" super cool looking shoes. Beware the steal eyelets at the top of the shoe gave me bad blisters on the inside of my ankles. Please try them on first to make sure. My friend also bough a pair and had the same complaint. He said it took about 5 runs to break in. I'm to old for that. Recommend the Curry 24 Splash Jam or the Puma Scoot Pro Nitro. Super comfy. You can just put these on and ball with no break in required. Those are my type of shoe !

[@reggie_sa]

When you mention that shoes initially needed some time to break in, do you mean that they start out really snug but loosen and get more comfortable over time? Thanks!

[@energiesoftheworld2552]

These look so good! I've never been much of a fan of the LeBron shoe line, but I might have to pick these up

[@pmontyjaaaymes488]

Lebron the only high profiled player to come out with sneakers numbering yr20. All while being active and still considered one of the best players in the league. That's just crazy when you think about it. Now on to yr 21. 😤

[@delus1053]

great video as always! if you had to pick one to play in, would you pick lebron 20 or 21's?

[@jungliano]

Thanks Dr! How do they compare to NXXT? Would you rank 21>NXXT>20?

[@DarkSmoke741]

Doc, please review the Ultraboost Light. Thanks. ❤

[@stanleyclydeflores4800]

Thanks for a great review Doctor Zach! Does it have better heel cup / clip and heel lockdown? That’s the only gripe i have w the 20s after playing it for almost 10 months (in rotation w other kicks). The 20s tend to get too soft in the heel. Do you think the design ok the heel helps? Thanks

[@nicknett8]

Found that too on 20s was so unstable on me foot kept rolling in

[@jonathanlondon8209]

Hey @footdoctorzach ! Have you had a chance to review the Puma All Pro Nitro? Really want to see your review before buying. Thank you! Love your content!

[@NeilanMedia]

Got a pair of the black + white! Been playing a few days in them and love them! Although the material on this purple, and the 'Akoya' colorway do look super nice.

[@Tricked.]

which do you mean black and white? conchiolin color way?

[@NeilanMedia]

@@Tricked. yes!

[@Tricked.]

@@NeilanMedia I have the same! they’re incredible

[@jodyisthatyou4296]

thanks for clarifying the fit for a bulky orthotic fam, first time I've seen a reviewer allude to it

[@BC21beats]

I'm loving the leather look! I'm excited for these! Although I'm surprised with the thin zoom stack

[@FootDoctorZach]

Eh- it’s a standard turbo

[@BC21beats]

@@FootDoctorZach for lebrons it's kind of thin

[@kirbyolsen5941]

@@BC21beatssame size zoom unit as the 20’s

[@ariefbw]

How do you feel about the arch support ? Does it have the same feeling molded arch support like XX ? 🙏🏻

[@sasukekyubii13]

Would you happen to know if containment and support is the same in the big kid version of the lebron 21? My size is 25cm and the big kid ones are on sale. I was wondering if besides the cushion there would be other major differences. 😢

[@kevroncreates1637]

With the 21, is the fit of them similar to the 20? I’m in between a medium and 2e. For the 20 I’ve gone up a whole size for comfort

[@asdrubalgalvez8033]

Me encantan tus videos Zach ! Keep going 🔥 salutes from dominican Repúblic

[@FootDoctorZach]

Gracias

[@bigz3685]

Love the reviews bro ! But watching you play basketball is hilarious 😂

[@FootDoctorZach]

And yet I’m still getting paid to play - that’s the American dream right there

[@JXsneakerhead]

The Doc always #1 Dope shoe dope review 💯

[@estac913]

can you please do a review about the puma all pro nitro?

[@billyellis4149]

Hey doc! So… i bought a pair of the orange patent 21’s, any idea how to battle the arch pain im getting? They fit me fine, i dont think theyre too tight? I think its from the top loaded shank. Any thoughts sir?

[@NETimIzPlayTim3]

Hey could you do the same review but for the translucent colorway? Like the Tahitian colorway

[@youngwang5546]

zach would you say these fit a little roomier than the 20s? I had a lot of midfoot cramping and discomfort in the 20s.

[@davidec4569]

Amazing review! You are definitely my favourite one in KZbin! Between lebron 21 and Jordan 38 which one would u suggest for a volleyball player? Or which one would u prefer?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Both good but the 21 is prob where I’d go

[@ecolon217]

Thanks for another vid Doc 👍 Maybe you could try out the Lg Two from the Ethics brand? 👀

[@FootDoctorZach]

If they send them

[@kxngdzy]

Love these can’t wait till I get my hands on a pair, I just hope they do the colorways justice. Because they started Great with the 20 but got lazy and focused on the nxxt gen which I hated. But these last 20 models are a huge step in right direction after the atrocious 19

[@demetrielenis40]

Burn the 19😂

[@aoo9332]

how does he do it ❤‍🔥

[@FootDoctorZach]

A lot of energy drinks and sushi

[@HaimingTheKing]

😂😂

[@reemartsi3843]

​@FootDoctorZach Love you doc!❤

[@educatedballer6602]

Love the reference to the LBJ1. I just ordered a pair of Ionescu's. What have you noticed as the biggest difference in playing style between the LBJ21 and Ionescu 1s?

[@grahamcarmichael6567]

Watch both videos and decide for yourself

[@Quuuelgh]

I didnt even recognize that the LeBron 21 is out yet. Thanks Doc Zach for the early review !! Edit: When i saw the midsole teardown it heavily reminded me of your LeBron 2 teardown (which i bought bc of your review!). You just cant go wrong with nice foam, thick Zoom in the heel and thin and responsive Zoom in the forefoot.

[@TheKiddballer21]

He was wearing the 2 in the playoffs too. Probably was the reason this set up is the way it is

[@ecedeniz8823]

Hi. I'am planning to buy this basketball shoe. I'am a size 43EU in kd16 and as I know both kd16 and lebron21 are small fit. Will lebron21 in size 43EU fit me or should I buy another size? Can somebody help me cuz I'am very curious about it. Edit: 43EU fits perfectly fine

[@levitate.africa4764]

I've been playing basketball with the Converse 70, and I really wanted to is it a shoe to play with?

[@haydenhouser]

These look great. Excited for more colorways.

[@S1unz_]

Hey Zach, was wondering if you could do a review of the adizero rose 1.5 restomod

[@absoluterainbow]

Nice, how did you get those early for this review?

[@chrischance1063]

So go wirh the same size I wore in the 20s bc uts the same setup or go with my real size? Bc i had to go up half size in the 2os I wear 10s normally but 10.5 in the 20s

[@CHINOEKUSH]

I just bought these after your review. But my feet, especially my arches hurt after hooping. I thought this shoe would help. Any advice?

[@AddOnKicks]

Dang, way ahead of the game with this review 👀

[@ironboy-eo8zt]

Do you think these are better than the wow 10?

[@BrownieHush]

Where did you get them ???

[@ShadowYT-rc2hl]

Lebron 21 vs GT Jump 2 vs KD 16 , Playing as power forward, i need a good amount of jump to snagg rebounds as well, what are your thoughts Foot doctor ???

[@menma6429]

could you do the jordan zion 3 early?(if you could get them early because right now i need some new hoop shoe and i am thinking between zion 3 and under armour FUTR 2 X)

[@Aristophocles]

These sound like an upgrade from the 20s and that was a great shoe! Am I mistaken? Not sure if i should get a pair of 20s since they'll be on sale

[@JCVantage1]

Damn Zach getting early heat, don't these come out like end of October?

[@227.Official]

Doc how did you got a pair of these?

[@aaronbryancastolo7131]

how in the heck did you get those so early but then again love the videos man

[@gaspercernilec4371]

Which shoes do you thing are the best for small dunkers?

[@yatusabe760]

Can you do a video on Jordan 11 ie and Jordan 19 please I subscribed and like the video

[@Boplakz.]

my actual foot size is 10.5 inches should i go for this size or make it size 11? any thoughts?

[@FrankWillTV]

Really looking forward to how they correct the heel slippage!

[@Dodgers007LA]

There was no heel slippage on the 20s for me

[@michaelmonagas8734]

i love the nike sphere helps my foot feel like a glove in shoe

[@user-bs5zp1hm8i]

Nice shot behind the backboard!😄 My favourite shots!😁😂🤣🤯👍👌😉

[@mylestho]

Nah these shoes had Zach in his bag @ 10:42 😂 Thanks for the review super helpful!

[@Edlouis564]

I wanna try these out but im afraid its just gonna be another Nike shoe without any lateral stability in the heel where most ankle sprains happen. Just wish they could put the lateral stability of the Metcon line in hoops shoes, they'd be perfect.

[@natemeers2242]

Is this guy Zack serious! He is so the best & how I’d want to review ANY SHOE! I mean after seeing his reviews how can you think anyone else can review this amazingly! Thanks Zack! Wow. Subscriber fo life.😂

[@manafront]

just got me a pair for 115 at a nike outlet, can't wait to get a few dunks in these

[@kbergrgb]

Now i dont have big feet but what do you mean by 2E and up? Always been curious about it

[@bigkeith41]

How did u get them

[@samlee458]

been waiting for these. never have i clicked so fast 😂

[@leonardomenezes6685]

You already was the best, now you the faster too!!! I mean, Doc is fire!!

[@kol182]

I wear true 12 in size in retro Jordans Lebrons etc. i have noticed that new shoes are so tapered on the forefoot. I just got the 21s in 12 and 12.5. The 12 was too tight in the forefoot and my big toe was touching the forefoot’s side. Then 12.5 feels better in the forefoot but then is too long causing heel slippage or toe drag while stopping. I had the same issue with all the later KDs, JAs and Freaks. I am not even a wide footer. Is there any shoe with more rounded toe nowdays except the Jordan 38s? I cant find a non tapered forefoot anymore. Doesnt make sense since the big toe always protrudes and end up being suffocating. Tapered toes are not following the normal shape of the average foot. I end up playing only in retroes like Lebron 2, Kobe 1, Kobe 4.

[@archieiii-il8zs]

I have the puma all pro nitro and I’m a true size 12.5 but I had to get them in a 13 they were a bit too big so I tried the power step pinnacle orthotic in them and it made the shoe wearable but there was still heal slip, You could try that or the move game day pro possibly as I’ve heard it is Lower profile in the shoe Though I have no idea if that will work.

[@abnerlaudato4037]

Nice job brother 👍

[@trismills1393]

How do you pay to get hoop shoes earlier I be so mad you have them 1-2 months before because it makes me anxious, ready to see lebron tip off year 21 in these , the 20s were his best comfortably can’t wait for these

[@Boazi_]

I got the rubber outsole version is that a downgrade