Short answer
The LeBron 21 released in fall 2023, starting with the Akoya colorway on September 28, 2023. Nike lists a Zoom Turbo forefoot unit, a 13 mm bottom loaded heel Zoom unit, full length Cushlon 2.0 foam, a TPU midfoot shank and zonal cables that wrap 360 degrees over the footbed. Jason Petrie was the lead designer. Sneaker Freaker reported a $200 retail price. It came in full family sizing.
What Nike says is in it
From Nike’s LeBron 21 release page
| Part | LeBron 21 |
|---|---|
| Forefoot | Zoom Turbo unit |
| Heel | 13 mm bottom loaded Zoom unit |
| Foam | Full length Cushlon 2.0 |
| Midfoot | TPU shank |
| Lockdown | Zonal cables wrapping 360 degrees over the footbed |
| Designer | Jason Petrie, lead designer |
| Sizes | Full family sizing |
Source: Nike, LeBron 21 release information. Price: Sneaker Freaker.
The pearl colorways
Akoya came first. Conchiolin and Tahitian followed in the same theme, and both are still listed in the shop feed on our home page. Abalone and Purple Rain are among the colorways people still search for.
Buying a LeBron 21 now
-
012023
LeBron 21
Best for: players who like a cable wrapped, low to the ground fit
- Forefoot
- Zoom Turbo
- Heel
- 13 mm Zoom
- Retail
- $200
- Cables pull the upper around the foot as you lace
- Pearl and shell colorways
- Kids versions exist in full family sizing
LeBron 21 vs LeBron 20
The LeBron 20 kept a Zoom Air setup with a top loaded Air Zoom Turbo forefoot unit and a carbon fiber shank. The 21 keeps Zoom Turbo up front, adds a 13 mm heel Zoom unit and Cushlon 2.0 foam, and swaps to a TPU shank. See the LeBron 20 guide and the LeBron 22 guide.
Questions people ask
When did the LeBron 21 come out?
Nike unveiled it on September 14, 2023. The first colorway, Akoya, released September 28, 2023.
Why are LeBron 21 colorways named after pearls?
Nike says the design draws on his daughter Zhuri, and the venting on the upper is based on the veining of a shell. Colorways such as Akoya, Conchiolin, Tahitian and Abalone carry the pearl theme.
How much was the LeBron 21?
Sneaker Freaker reported $200 at release. Nike’s release page does not give a price.
Does the LeBron 21 fit true to size?
Nike’s release page gives no fit statement. Most buyers start with their usual Nike size; wide feet should try a half size up as well and keep the better fit.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Models, colorways and listings change; check the size chart and product details on the listing before you buy.