Dwyane Wade and Li-Ning Capture a ‘Futuristic’ Essence
Basketball star with has spawned an immersive range of lifestyle and court styles, the latest of which blends both environments into one ‘Futuristic’ .
According to the brand, this design adopts the visionary aesthetic of the signature Way of Wade 9 model and translates it into a contemporary daily driver. Durability appears to be the name of the game, as the design chooses sturdy textile for most of its upper, which is further reinforced by stitched and welded ripstop overlays. An all-black colour way is finished with various Li-Ning and WOW motifs.
The emphasis on hardware is evident up top too, with sizeable lace loops adding a second layer of fit adjustment, which works in tandem with the BOA ratchet system installed onto the tongue, providing single-handed operation.
Underfoot, things are similarly long-wearing. A chunky midsole is segmented into separate areas, preventing stress creases at flex zones; this is joined to a thick outsole that uses multiple tread patterns, with a horizontally siped mid foot for traction and triangular heel and toe pods for abrasion resistance.
The Li-Ning Essence ‘Futuristic’ is available now directly from Li-Ning.