Short answer
The LeBron 22 is a 2024 low top with a top loaded forefoot Zoom Turbo unit, a bottom loaded 13 mm heel Zoom unit, full length Cushlon 2.0 foam, a top loaded shank plate and a molded midfoot stability saddle. Sole Retriever reported $180 for men’s sizes and $140 for grade school. Ross Klein, Nike’s senior director of men’s basketball footwear product design, led the design.
Tech specs
From Sole Retriever’s coverage of Nike’s LeBron 22 details
| Part | LeBron 22 |
|---|---|
| Forefoot cushioning | Top loaded Zoom Turbo unit |
| Heel cushioning | Bottom loaded 13 mm Zoom unit |
| Foam | Full length Cushlon 2.0 |
| Midfoot | Top loaded shank plate and molded stability saddle |
| Collar | Updated Nike Sphere lining |
| Cut | Low top |
| Release price | $180 men’s, $140 grade school |
Source: Sole Retriever. Top loaded means the unit sits close to the foot, under the insole, so you feel it more. Bottom loaded means it sits lower in the midsole, closer to the floor.
Colorways
Retail colorways rolled out from late 2024. Hypebeast reported the Blacklight colorway for December 6, 2024 (Hypebeast). Sneaker press also lists Moonlight and Crown Jewel releases in November 2024.
Who it suits
-
01Value flagship
LeBron 22
Best for: players who want Zoom units in both the forefoot and heel at a lower flagship price
- Year
- 2024
- Cushion
- Zoom Turbo + heel Zoom
- Retail
- $180
- Low top with a midfoot stability saddle
- Grade school version at $140
- Older flagships often sell under their release price
-
02Kids
LeBron 22 for big kids
Best for: school team players in sizes 3.5Y to 7Y
- Sizes
- Grade school
- Retail
- $140
- Same line, smaller sizes
- Leave a thumb’s width at the toe for growth
LeBron 22 vs LeBron 21
Both use a forefoot Zoom Turbo unit and a 13 mm heel Zoom unit. The LeBron 21 wraps the foot with zonal cables; the LeBron 22 adds the molded saddle and a shank plate. Compare in the LeBron 21 guide or go forward to the LeBron 23.
Questions people ask
How much did the LeBron 22 cost?
Sole Retriever reported $180 for men’s sizes and $140 for grade school sizes at release. That is less than the LeBron 21 and LeBron 23 were reported at.
Is the LeBron 22 a low top?
Yes. Like the LeBron 20 and 21, it is a low top. Ankle support comes from the heel counter, the collar lining and the midfoot saddle rather than a tall collar.
Does the LeBron 22 come in kids sizes?
Yes, Sole Retriever lists grade school sizing at $140. Grade school sizes run 3.5Y to 7Y on Nike’s US chart.
What is the stability saddle on the LeBron 22?
A molded piece around the midfoot that Nike describes as a guardrail. It holds the foot over the footbed when you cut, so the upper does not roll over the edge of the sole.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Models, colorways and listings change; check the size chart and product details on the listing before you buy.