If your style or body doesn’t match the marquee players then you’re just out of luck. Got flat feet like me? LeBron don’t so don’t expect arch support in the LeBrons or Soldier lines. Historically, Kobe rocked the low tops so guess what you’ll see in the Kobe lineup (but not since his Achilles surgery)? Slash and drive like Kyrie? That’s why his shoes feature a propelling curved sole.

For me, Kobe’s low tops feel like they’re going to slip off my feet. Even with the impressive strap system of the LeBron Zoom Soldier 9, I couldn’t manage a lockdown that didn’t irritate my (non-)arches. Kevin Durant feet must match his lean, lanky frame. It’s like you need slim feet to properly fit the KD7.

Now, the exception to this, of course, is Air Jordans. All Air Jordans somehow fit my feet, even if they’re half a size different. It’s weird. There’s never been an Air Jordan that hasn’t fit me. Gotta be the shoes, right?

So my personal takeaway is that I must shun signature kicks except for Air Jordans.

My eyes popped when I saw these LeBron X Lows stashed away in the corner of the shoe section at Ross. In the size 8 area, but really a size 9.5, these kicks are the red plum/electric green colorway. Sadly, I could have fit these 20 years ago, but now a 9.5 is just too squeezy for my toes. If they were a 10 or 10.5, I would have snatched these up for sure, even at a higher than normal $60 price tag.

I always loved the LeBron Low with its full length Air Max unit. Even though two generations old, these are $100 cheaper and are very, very distinctive, and I’m a sucker for that paint-flecked look.

Wavering on that $200 price tag? Let LeBron motivate you (and the entire city of Cleveland).

Hard work. Together. Let’s get it.

More suggestions from the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide, 2014 edition.

Follow Gee Why’s board Holiday Gift Guide 2014 on Pinterest.

Pair of the Powerbeats2 Wireless? Check.

Remembering his heritage and returning home. Check and double check.

NBA-ready body? Judge for yourself.

Oh wait, there is a missing element to this, and that’s Take Me to Church by Hozier. I’ll make this easy on you. Order a pair of Powerbeats2 Wireless using my Amazon link, and I’ll gift you a copy of Take Me to Church! So all that’s left between you and an NBA physique are your memories.

More suggestions from the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide, 2014 edition.

Follow Gee Why’s board Holiday Gift Guide 2014 on Pinterest.

Seems like LeBron is shedding all kinds of weight in the offseason, not just him but his kicks as well. His shoes from years past were built like a tank, solid and heavy. Reading about the 12, it’s lighter by design and engineered for explosiveness. Speaking of colorways, there are seven variations already slated for release.

1. LEBRON 12 NSRL. Launch: Oct. 1 in China; Oct. 11 globally.
2. LEBRON 12 Heart of a Lion. Launch: Oct. 30.
3. LEBRON 12 Dunk Force. Launch: Nov. 11.
4. LEBRON 12 Instinct. Launch: Nov. 22.
5. LEBRON 12 Six Meridians. Launch: Nov. 29.
6. LEBRON 12 Trillion Dollar Man. Launch: Dec. 1.
7. LEBRON 12 Data. Launch: Dec 20.

Check out this video of the upcoming releases.

I’m digging the matching ensemble for the NSRL. Them shorts and socks, man.

Here’s a preview of The Twelve in the annual Dunkman colorway.

I love me my full length Max Air and lower cut. Gotta love the bright colors of course and the grey helps tone it down just a bit. If only I still balled…

The recent Nike Zoom HyperFlight Premium inspired by the universe was there as well.

Oh, those HyperFlight, gotta love and hate this minimalist shoe.

See if the “Prisms” are still available.

Or wait for the upcoming LeBron X Lows with Air Max?

What to do, what to do?

All I can say about this release of LeBron X+ is LeBron No Ka Oi.

A high school basketball team decked out in $200 team sneakers? Only at private school!

Yes, I know the image is big and extends outside the main column, but I kinda like this effect. I’ll probably leave it large for awhile. Okay, scaled it down to size.

So if you too want to be successful, you need to read a few books to clear then focus your mind. Here is LeBron’s reading list that earned him his first NBA Championship.

If I were still a baller, would I buy the Soliders looking at what happened to LeBron? Probably not. Look at the agony!

Next, Kobe Bryant showcased his new Strength shoe of the Kobe line.

And what does he do in Game 2 against the Suns? He turns his ankle.

Truthfully any type of shoes will not prevent ankle sprains, but you never know what sticks in the head of consumers who are shopping for kicks.

Technorati Tags: Kicks, Kobe Bryant, NBA, Nike, shoes, sneakers