Lebron James won the NBA’s league MVP, finally his first NBA Championship, finals MVP and then went on to represent the United States in splendid fashion by winning his second gold medal.  James has taken pictures with newly weds in hotel lobbies, been seen supporting other athletes in London during the Olympic games, donated time and money to numerous charities…..yup, King James has really rebuilt his image this past year…that is until now.

James, in conjunction with Nike, has given his stamp of approval for a $315 pair of gym shoes.  No, I swear, I’m not kidding.  $315 bucks.  In addition to the $315 price tag, Nike has announced that there will be a limited about of the Lebron Plus X shoes (50,000 pairs) as opposed to the 200,000 – 300,000 pairs of the regular Nike Lebron shoes.

I don’t have a problem with the shoe itself, but the ridiculousness of the price, driving up demand and the eventual aftermath that will soon make front page news.  What am I talking about?  I’m talking about kids, in the streets, killing each other for gym shoes…gym shoes!  Sometimes you have to ask yourself, “Is the profit, worth the perception that will become reality”? 

I hope that I’m wrong but history will dictate that I’m probably right.  Capitalism at it’s best isn’t necessarily right.

Bill, some women, managerial businessmen, the uppercrust of society; they spend hundreds of dollars on shoes every day, what makes Nike’s effort any different?

The target audience!

Those trying to fulfill a dream of some day playing in the NBA, those wanting to wear these shoes to make a statement, those thinking that this shoes will actually make some sort of a difference in their lives…..but all of whom can not come close to affording these shoes.