Fans are lining up to buy the Lebron 11, the latest in the reigning MVP's signature shoe line. However, many of them are disappointed as their own idol leaves them hanging.

The sales of the Lebron's sneaker line increased 18% from last year (numbers from Wall Street Journal) credited to the King's stellar performance, winning the MVP and keeping the title in Miami. While most of the fans (hopefully) no longer believe the myth that "it's in the shoes," buying your idol's signature shoe carries the implication that you will wear what he wears.

It has been noticed that in the early stages of the 2013-2014 NBA season, James has worn them twice only, and he switched on the very first timeout to the Lebron X.

ESPN clarifies the issue, and the King responds: "I just want to be able to wear them. It has been a frustrating process. But obviously, I know that Nike wants to do what's best. They're not going to put me out there in harm's way. So we're redefining the shoe to fit what's best for my foot."

He adds: "I could wear them, but they don't feel as great as I want them to feel. So we're redefining them, and I feel like this next round is going to be perfect."

This blows the bubble that the players themselves have a hand in the shoe designs. On one hand, you have Kobe Bryant who has insisted that he does give input on the design, and he has faithfully worn his shoes even if other players criticize the low-cut style. On the other, you have Lebron could not even wear it for one full quarter.

Nike had no choice but to admit the fact, and try to sugarcoat as much as they can: "The LeBron 11 is one of the most innovative Nike basketball shoes to date, and we look forward to LeBron stepping back on the court in his latest signature shoe soon. "

This is not the first incident wherein the global sneaker leader had an issue with its endorsers. Look no further than the Miami Heat starting five. Dwyane Wade didn't wear his Converse signature shoes because he had trouble getting used to the fit. Wade quit Converse and transferred to the Jordan brand before leaving Nike altogether for Chinese brand Li-Ning.

The reviews on the shoe were not very encouraging either. From Esquire:

"Nike wants you to pay $200 for ugly, uncomfortable, too-low-cut sneakers that the man they were ergonomically designed for can't even stand to wear for more than four minutes a night."

While they did consider the sales increase, Esquire insists that Lebron's choice not to wear the shoe is validation for their review:

"It is a shoe for consumers, and 99.99 percent of the world sees the LeBron 11 as fashion over function. But it's also a nod to their favorite player that says, 'We know we can't do the things you can do, but we'll do almost anything else we can to be like you.' So maybe, when producing the 'most innovative basketball shoes to date,' Nike should have made sure the icon with his name attached was actually willing to wear them. And also, that they didn't look like the LeBron 11."