SoleGRIND
| 👟 Sneaker Release Info | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike |
| Model | Nike LeBron 16 |
| Colorway | Safari |
| Style Code | CI3358-800 |
| Release Date | March 2, 2019 |
| Retail Price | $175 |
| Available At | SNKRS App |
The Nike LeBron 16 Low “Safari” is a shoe that connects two important moments in sneaker history. The LeBron 16 itself was LeBron’s sixteenth signature shoe, and the Safari colorway pays homage to the legendary atmos x Nike Air Max 1 Safari that dropped back in 2003. That same year, LeBron was drafted into the NBA. So the connection between atmos, the Safari print, and LeBron’s rookie year makes this colorway more meaningful than your average PE.
The LeBron 16 Low Safari released on March 2nd, 2019, with a retail price of $175. The SKU is CI3358-800, and the official colorway is listed as Kumquat/Kumquat/Black. It dropped via Nike SNKRS as part of the #LeBronWatch campaign, which was LeBron’s hands-on approach to selecting and promoting colorways throughout the season. If you were following LeBron at the time, you might have spotted him wearing these during All-Star Weekend in Charlotte.
Looking at the construction, the upper combines suede and safari print overlays. The toe mudguard, heel counter, and eyestay area feature that iconic grey and white speckled safari pattern that made the atmos Air Max 1 legendary. The mid-panel, tongue, and collar use a tan and kumquat orange suede that gives the shoe warmth and texture. The contrast between the textured suede and the printed panels creates a layered, premium feel that you don’t usually get on a performance basketball shoe.
The LeBron 16 Low features a zippered lace shroud, which is one of the signature design elements of the model. The black zipper cover sits over the laces for a sleek, streamlined look. You can wear it zipped up for a clean appearance or unzip it to expose the laces underneath. It’s a divisive feature. Some people love the futuristic look, others prefer traditional laces. Either way, it gives the shoe a distinct identity on and off the court.
Underfoot, you get a sail midsole and a gum rubber outsole. The gum sole adds to the retro feel, tying back to the safari aesthetic. A visible Air Max unit in the heel provides cushioning, which is the same tooling used across the LeBron 16 line. The insole features a dark green background with an orange Nike Swoosh, a subtle nod to atmos branding.
The atmos connection is what really elevates this colorway. atmos is one of Nike’s longest-running retail partners in Tokyo, and their Safari print has become iconic in its own right. Seeing it applied to a LeBron signature shoe bridges the gap between basketball performance and sneaker boutique culture. It’s the kind of collaboration that makes sense on paper but still surprises you when you see the final product.
On the resale market, the Safari LeBron 16 Low has maintained decent value. It’s not the most expensive LeBron 16 colorway, but the atmos collaboration gives it staying power that a standard GR wouldn’t have. If you’re a LeBron collector or a fan of the atmos Safari legacy, this one is worth picking up. The combination of premium materials, meaningful collaboration, and unique colorway makes it a standout in the LeBron 16 lineup.
LeBron wore these during All-Star Weekend, which added to the hype. When the player himself rocks a colorway on such a big stage, it validates the design in a way that no marketing campaign can. The Safari LeBron 16 Low was one of those shoes that felt like an instant classic the moment it was revealed, and it’s only gotten better with time.
