Image via Complex Original
Since 2010, Nike Basketball has helped usher in its latest signature models for the likes of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and Giannis Antetokounmpo with special "Pre-Heat" colorways. Each is usually much more limited than its successors, dressed in loud colors, and linked to some sort of unique storytelling element like a player's new home city or even one of their favorite hobbies.
The latest example of this is the Kyrie 6, who's pre-heat release took place earlier today with an ambitious 11-colorway regional launch. With Irving's new drop in mind, we decided to rank the top 10 "Pre-Heat" colorways that have released over the past nine years.
From the "South Beach" LeBron 8 to "Dream" Kyrie 1, take a look at our selections below.
Nike Kyrie 2 'The Effect'
Release Date: Dec. 15, 2015
Coming off of the success of his simplistic debut signature model, Nike decided to take Kyrie Irving's sophomore effort in a bit of a different direction. The main feature was a strap that wrapped from the lateral midfoot to medial ankle collar. Swooshes were placed on the midsole and strap rather than the more traditional positioning on the side panels too. The Kyrie 2 pre-heat launch, "The Effect," stood out thanks to a psychedelic tie dye print wrapping the heel panel. A contrasting black and white graphic on the strap added yet another layer that made this release the perfect way to kick off Irving's second year as a Nike signature athlete.
Nike LeBron 14 'Out of Nowhere'
Release Date: Jan. 13, 2017
Initially debuted on the feet of the man himself during a 2016 Christmas Day matchup with the Golden State Warriors, the "Out of Nowhere" LeBron 14 would not release to the public until the following month. The release was kept fairly limited, originally only available via two Foot Locker locations in New York City and Ohio, and even led to some unfortunate altercations at the former location. The colorway featured prominent colors from the Nike archive like infrared and neon green. The limited nature of the drop and well-executed color blocking makes the "Out of Nowhere" one of the only colorways of LeBron's 14th signature that was fairly sought after.
Nike KD 6 'D.C.'
Release Date: June 28, 2013
Nike followed up the massively popular KD 4 with a bit of a hiccup in the much more generic KD 5 silhouette. The KD 6 was a step back in the right direction for designer Leo Chang. The "D.C." colorway was one the most eye-catching releases of Kevin Durant's sixth signature sneaker. Named after the superstar's home city, the pair's upper was covered in a unique graphic that fused a map of Washington D.C. with a white pattern inspired by watches. Neon green, blue, and pink detailng made the inaugural colorway of the KD 6 stand out that much more.
Nike Kyrie 1 'Dream'
Release Date: Dec. 24, 2014
After three years of stellar play on a less than stellar Cleveland Cavaliers team, Kyrie Irving was rewarded with his first Nike signature model. While the Kyrie 1 is fairly simplistic in design, the "Dream" preheat colorway sure got a lot of attention. The limited release was debuted by Irving on Christmas Day in 2014. It featured a black-based upper accented by a colorful gradient Swoosh, and pattern on the liner that incorporated things like his jersey number, a skateboard, and the Australian flag. Nike needed to bring eyes to is newest signature shoe and this certainly did the trick.
Nike Kyrie 4' Confetti'
Release Date: Dec. 26, 2017
The 2016 NBA Finals is one of the best in the history of the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in seven games. It would mark Kyrie Irving's first championship. A year later, the Cavs would fall in a Finals rematch to the Warriors. The "Confetti" Kyrie 4 is inspired by the confetti Irving carries around to remind him of his 2017 shortcomings. Storytelling aside, the pair is super memorable for its mismatched purple and neon green shoes, and motivational messaging scrawled on each side panel.
Taco x Nike Kyrie 5
Release Date: Nov. 16, 2018
The Nike Kyrie 5 has been arguably the most ambitious installment in Kyrie Irving's growing signature line up to this point. The storytelling and collaborations were abundant throughout the year, and this collaborative pair designed by Irving's close friend of Odd Future fame, Taco, was the perfect start point. He dressed the performance model in a color palette fit for a hunter with an all-over Realtree camouflage upper, bright orange accents, and an extra large silver Swoosh that was also unique to the project.
Nike PG 2 'Playstation'
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2018
For Paul George's second signature sneaker, Nike decided to channel his love for video games. The result was an official collaboration with Playstation. A black upper was accented by patterns incorporating the recognizable face buttons from the controller and their corresponding colors. The standout detail was the Playstation logo on the tongue that lit up blue. While not a direct sequel to the coveted Playstation Air Force 1s, bringing back the theme certainly paid off for PG13's signature line. Nike seemed to realize it too as multiple Playstation-themed colorways would follow as the year progressed.
Nike LeBron X 'Crown Jewel'
Release Date: Sept. 22, 2012
The LeBron X introduced a handful of performance features including the first visible full-length Zoom unit and short-lived Nike+ technology. It also released in a handful of memorable colorways. One of the first was the regal "Crown Jewel" colorway. Playing off of LeBron's royal nickname and the X design being inspired by diamonds, this pair was dressed in a Bordeaux upper with bright Fireberry accents. The best part was the special jewel-shaped hard shell packaging that this pair came in, which further played up its importance.
Nike LeBron 9 'Cannon'
Release Date: Nov. 11, 2011
Nike had some big expecations to live up to with the "Pre-Heat" colorway of the LeBron 9 after the massive success of the "South Beach" 8 a year prior. They delivered, albeit not quite as monumentally, with the "Cannon" colorway. This look was inspired by an army base that the Miami Heat held preseason training camp at in 2010. It also dropped excluisvely in Miami before getting its wider launch, which showed just how committed LeBron was to his brand new home.
Nike LeBron 8 'South Beach'
Release Date: Oct. 16, 2010
You knew this was coming, but there's no argument that can be made against the "South Beach" LeBron 8. The first pre-heat colorway, this pair helped Nike welcome LeBron James to his new home in Miami after he signed with the Heat in the summer of 2010. The bright teal upper, black details, and hot pink accents (the lace swap is a must) still make this pair coveted among certain collectors almost a decade later. The "South Beach" 8 is arguably the best shoe in the history of LeBron's 17-shoe line. It also ushered in Nike's pre-heat tradition of debuting with each new signature model with a standout colorway complete with a bit more pop of color and a bit more storytelling go with it.
