It’s Completely Ridiculous That The Nike LeBron X Might Cost More Than $300
First things first: I realize that not all of the Nike LeBron X sneakers that are sold this fall are going to cost upwards of $300. I know that Nike is going to be selling a Nike+ version of the LeBron X that’s going to be about $300 in addition to the “regular” version of the sneaker that will cost somewhere in the $180 to $200 range. So, save yourself the trouble and don’t hit me up to say that I’m wrong for criticizing Nike for making a sneaker that costs more than $300 because they’re offering a more “affordable” option for less than $300. Secondly, I know that Nike isn’t forcing me to buy the LeBron X for $300. I know that I have free will and that I don’t have to buy the LeBron X sneakers if I don’t want to. And, lastly, I know that it’s all the people who have stood in long lines and paid exorbitant amounts of money for sneakers (like myself!) who have made it possible for Nike to even think about charging more than $300 for sneakers.
I know all of that. But, with that said, here’s all I have to say: It’s completely ridiculous that a version of the Nike LeBron X is going to cost $300. And, it’s completely ridiculous that Nike is even giving kids out there the opportunity to harass their parents about sneakers that, in some cases, might be close to or even more than the goddamned rent!
I guess we all should have seen this day coming. After all, Nike has slowly been charging more and more for their sneakers. And, people have, more or less, accepted the prices. Even as some Nikes have started to go for upwards of $250, we’ve all sat back and eaten what Nike’s fed us. But, the LeBrons are one of the staples of Nike basketball sneakers. They have become the epitome of what a good, quality basketball sneaker should be. These aren’t some random $300 sneakers that are dropping. These are the basketball sneakers that all the kids out there are going to want. And, now Nike is telling us that we have to pay upwards of $300 for them? FOH!
I won’t be buying the LeBron X sneakers. Even though I’ve praised the design of the last few LeBrons—and, for the record, I love the look of the LeBron X—I won’t be picking up a pair. Not even when they go on sale. I hope other people refuse to pay $300 for them, too. It’ll send a clear message to Nike. Although there are some people out there willing to pay hundreds of dollars for retro sneakers and hard-to-find kicks, we’re not yet comfortable with the idea of paying $300 retail for a pair of sneakers. And, frankly, we’re a little upset that Nike—and LeBron James, for that matter—would even bother to ask. So, let’s hope they reconsider before the sneakers drop. Otherwise, the LeBron X won’t be getting much play from many of us.
