Since the day in 2003 that LeBron James entered the NBA, he was touted to be the next Michael Jordan. A mere high schooler had to face the world and tackle incredible expectations. 21 years later, that very boy has become the King. James has easily surpassed the high benchmark set for him and even created a new standard, one worthy of being called the GOAT of basketball.

His excellence and greatness pinned him against Air Jordan. It’s an everlasting and probably will be an immortal debate for all of time. Both basketball icons revolutionized the game of basketball and built a retrospectively untouchable legacy. Each has a case to be the GOAT. Fans are divided. Some prefer the modern art of James and others the cold shrewdness of vintage Jordan.

Yet there is one place where no man can stand as an equal to the Chicago Bulls legend. Its impact is so vast that even opposing fans can’t help but unconsciously accept it as an acclaimed NBA analyst pointed out.

LeBron James is no rival to Michael Jordan in the sneaker revolution

During the most recent episode of Fox’s The Odd Couple podcast, Rob Parker and Chris Broussard invited fans to “trash” any player or individual of their choosing. One fan slandered Gilbert Arenas. He named him the catalyst to starting the notion that Michael Jordan had no left hand and later proceeded to say LeBron James would never be the GOAT of basketball.

Both Broussard and Parker are on team Jordan as history shows. Upon hearing his confession, Parker, a celebrated analyst laughed and recounted the instances he has had such debates at the barber shop. The 60-year-old remembers encountering LeBron stans all with one common trait, they would wear Jordan sneakers.

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“You know what’s funny Chris? When I am in the barber shop and arguing with guys and they are LeBron guys but then you look down at their feet, they’re all wearing Jordans,” said Parker with a notorious smile. “I think it’s comical. But they are making their case for LeBron. I’m like ‘What are you wearing? Why aren’t you wearing his shoes?’. Oh no that ain’t got nothing to do with anything.” 

In terms of basketball, there is a legitimate case to deem either LeBron James or Michael Jordan as the GOATs. They have impeccable resumes and the necessary attributes to qualify them for the position. But when it comes to the sneaker culture, Jordan stands alone, and his peak is far beyond anyone’s horizon.

In the very first year in 1985, 450,000 pairs of sneakers were sold. It became the hottest shoe on the market from the moment its designs were articulated into a product. From that moment, no sneaker has come close to the success of the Jordans. The single agreement with Nike has paid Michael Jordan millions and is the pivotal reason behind him becoming the first NBA billionaire.

Long after retiring, he outsells every signature NBA sneaker, including those of LeBron James. It accounts for nearly 13% of Nike’s revenue. Last year, the Jordan brand generated $6.59 billion in revenue for Nike. James is responsible for making $600 million a year for Nike. That’s the stark difference.

Jordan ascended to that throne long before King James even made his NBA debut. Overthrowing him from the throne of the sneaker revolution is not an improbable, but an impossible reality.

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Michael Jordan stands unrivaled, and there won’t be a shoe that creates such a rave in this industry. At least not soon.