Li-Ning made a significant splash in the basketball world in 2012 when it signed NBA star Dwayne Wade. This partnership marked one of the early instances of a major NBA talent embracing a Chinese brand, a trend that has only grown since, with players like Nikola Jokić signing with 361°. Li-Ning's collaboration with Wade led to the Way of Wade line creation, which has been a critical player in the basketball sneaker market.
In a nod to this groundbreaking alliance and its legacy, Li-Ning is set to re-release one of the Way of Wade 1.0's original colorways, the All-Star Purple (also known as Purple Stingray), on Christmas Day 2023. The All-Star Purple edition of the Way of Wade 1.0 is distinguished by its vibrant and attention-grabbing faux stingray skin in a rich purple hue. This bold color is complemented by black accents, which adorn the vamp, eyestays, tongue, and sockliner, creating a striking contrast.
The tongue comes embellished with Wade's branding in gold. Additionally, the heel boasts a combination of Li-Ning and Wade branding, also rendered in gold, which adds to the sneaker's aesthetic appeal and symbolizes the partnership between the athlete and the brand. The sneaker's sole is as meticulously designed as the upper, featuring a black and white midsole with a captivating splatter paint effect and subtle gold stitching. This dynamic midsole is coupled with a clear rubber outsole.
The Li-Ning Way Of Wade 1.0 All-Star Purple Stingray will release on December 25, 2023, exclusively through Way of Wade online. As of this writing, the retail price has yet to be announced. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on this release and more from the world of sneakers and streetwear.
Li-Ning Way Of Wade 1.0 All-Star Purple Stingray
Images via wayofwadechina
