Particle.news
Download on the App Store

JuJu Watkins Becomes First to Co-Design LeBron NXXT Gen as Nike Unveils 'Silver Lining'

Nike sets a summer 2026 release window, with some reports suggesting an earlier drop.

Overview

  • Watkins is the first athlete to co-create a sneaker on the LeBron NXXT Gen platform, a milestone announced through Nike press materials with praise from LeBron James.
  • The 'Silver Lining' design uses a mesh and leather upper, a full-length React foam midsole, and a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, with details like a jewel Swoosh, quilted inner collar, and “By JuJu” on the tongue.
  • Nike says the shoe will release globally this summer on Nike.com and at select retailers, while a Ballislife editor note cites March 2026, highlighting a public discrepancy on timing.
  • Watkins and Nike staged a community launch at the Nike Community Door in Watts tied to All-Star festivities, and she gifted early pairs to her USC teammates.
  • LeBron recently wore the JuJu colorway in a Lakers game, and Ballislife reports Watkins has agreed to a multi-year NIL extension with Nike.