Jared Ebanks Indulging in a one-piece drop-in construction, the Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra has quietly become a favorite amongst the casual hooping community, while the Chinese cohort has worked quietly behind the scenes to capitalize on their recent run of widely-regarded on-court silhouettes.
Boasting the lightest constructed build in the history of the Way of Wade series, Li-Ning has officially announced the brand’s ultimate evolution of design and craftsmanship, the WOW 10.
Inspired by the practice of industrial design, the pictured “TEST R1” colorway employs an unfinished, experimental aesthetic to mirror the notion that progress can never be perfected, that there’s always room for more growth. A mix of blue, red and yellow hues effortlessly paint the aforementioned picture of an unfinished build across a creme base layer, treating its branded dial, mudguard and embroidered insignia across the midfoot with jet-black contrasts. Further attributing embellishments are tucked away throughout the silhouette, including its double helix pattern and number 10 gracing the upper tongue and heel’s TPU.
Infused with the Chinese-based brand’s latest technological innovations, the Way of Wade 10 takes inspiration from the dragonfly’s complex structures – one of the most efficient predators in the bug world – enacting a thin woven one-piece upper acquired from the latter insects wings. Establishing a doubled-up TPU shroud that prevents roll-over on crosses and cuts, a full-length BOOM cushioned midsole boasts the lightest construction in Wade’s nine-year line.
Underfoot, a hallow patterned tread is derived from the orbiting planets within our solar system while the circular pucks below exposing a carbon fiber shank showcase the years Wade secured NBA Championships in the form of a periodic table of elements. The medial side however, proffers a high-tech inclusion as its lightning bolt graphic comes constructed with specially tooled fabrics that change color with the wearer’s movement.
While no release date information has been shared for the pair, enjoy official images of the Way of Wade 10 “TEST R1” below in the meantime.
For more propositions constructed for the hardwood, the Air Jordan 37 Low is set to take on the Chicago Bull’s tonal scheme.
