LeBron James is not limiting his domination to the court.
Forbes reports Nike generated $300 million in retail sales for James’ signature shoes, according to research firm SportsOneSource.
James’ footwear reportedly outsold his nearest rival’s 6-to-1 and Nike’s earnings represented a 50% increase from sales of the star’s shoes in 2011.
“The first thing is the aesthetics. The shoes look great and his star stature continues to rise,” SportsOneSource analyst Matt Powell said. “The media attention on him helps him sell more footwear.”
James' latest shoe, the LeBron X, had a base price of $180. It increased to $260 if a buyer wanted sensors that tracked how high they jump or how far they run.
Kobe Bryant is second among NBA stars, as his Kobe 8 signature shoes sold $50 million at U.S. stores last year. The Los Angeles Lakers star’s shoe sales were down in the U.S. last year, but he remained the NBA’s biggest star in China.
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is third, with U.S. retail sales of $40 million for his Jordan Melo M9.
Nike first signed then-high school senior James to a seven-year, $90 million contract in 2003 — still the largest initial player endorsement contract ever handed out by the company.
Nike re-signed James in 2010 in a deal that James’ business manager Maverick Carter calls “more of a joint venture.” Forbes estimated James earns $20 million annually, including royalties from the Beaverton, Ore., company.
Michael Jordan remains the NBA's king of feet, as Nike-owned Jordan Brand has generated $2 billion in U.S. sales in 2012, according to SportsOneSource.
