This is a conversation i just had with a nike rep through live chat on NDC, if you read it, she gives away that they actually do know how the shoe will look and that they have some sort of image or at least knowledge of the shoe color layout
Amber: Hi, my name is Amber. How may I help you?
gene winch: hey amber
Amber: Hello gene, sorry to keep you waiting. What can I
do for you today?
gene winch: are you well knowledgeable about color
codes and the break down of what each number represents
and the way the color code is placed how a shoe would
look?
Amber: I'm definitely able to assist with color codes and
have resources to find out what each color code consists of
when placed next to a style number that it's referencing.
What do have in mind?
gene winch: 674 is the color code
gene winch: i want to know what each number
represents
gene winch: and because of the order of the
numbers, what is the primary, secondary, etc. color on the
shoe
Amber: 6= Red/Pink; 7=Yellow: 4=Blue.
Amber: You'd have to tell me the entire style number for
more precise information.
gene winch: 650884-674
Amber: The first number indicates the main color.
The second number can be a Swoosh or accent color.
The third number can be an additional Swoosh or accent
color.
Amber: LeBron 11 Men's Basketball Shoes, got it.
gene winch: yes anyway to tell me how it will lay out
on that shoe?
Amber: I see what's going on. Sorry..this is not an item that
we'd be able to show you. No peeks.
Amber: You'll have to wait and see.
gene winch: wait so you know what the shoe looks
like?
Amber: No, we don't get to it either. I couldn't tell you how a
color code is going to look on a shoe regardless. It could be
any of numerous combinations. We won't get to see them
until March, when they ship.
Amber: *to see it
gene winch: lol, you kind of gave yourself away thereearlier but its cool...have a nice day
Amber: You too, gene. Take good care and best wishes