In the sneaker world, innovation and new designs are a daily thing, but only a few brands have managed to fuse the real culture, the sneaker art, and storytelling like the Way of Wade line. Rooted in Dwyane Wade’s legacy, this signature series has gradually developed into a strong emblem of basketball greatness and uniqueness. Every Li-Ning x Wade release has a clear purpose that appeals not only to hoopers but also to collectors and fashion lovers. Are you a sneaker fan? The Way of Wade might have something cooked for you.

Having only one ‘OWN’ design for an athlete might be a dream, but D’Angelo Russell might be having the time of his life. With names like “Canvas,” “Lunar Rock,” and “Energy Drink,” D’Angelo Russell’s first signature sneaker, The DLO 1, under the Wade banner, has already turned heads in the sneaker industry. The drop pays tribute to Wade’s larger-than-life impact and reflects Russell’s stylish on-court character and relaxed appeal. However, the discussion around the latest collaboration took a sharper turn after a social media event including the NBA icon himself.

D’Angelo Russell unveiled the latest lineup of DLO 1 colorways with a collaboration post with Way Of Wade. The sneakers are an array of vibrant designs featuring butterfly motifs and sleek signatures, with the excitement rippling through basketball circles. Dwyane Wade entered the discussion with a brief yet passionate response when the designs circulated, commenting, “🦋🔥” on Instagram. True to Wade’s style, the butterfly emoji caught the symbolic design motif; the fire support Russell’s first significant move into the world of sneakers.

Dwyane Wade’s journey from NBA superstar to visionary sneaker mogul is a reflection of his hunger. His hands-on role in building the Way of Wade empire, blending bold design, proves that he’s not just in it for the name, but for the future of the game itself. Now, with rising star D’Angelo Russell stepping in as the face of the brand with the DLO1, Wade’s legacy is evolving faster and stronger than ever. But fan responses, meanwhile, differed; some praised the aesthetics while others were unabashed in their criticism.

Fans Celebrate and Critique D’Angelo Russell’s DLO 1’s Bold Entry

Some admirers praised the creativity beyond basic parallels, combining several influences of big names into something they believed was new. “Combine the JT2 design with the Curry 12. Love it DLO,” said another fan, praising the unique style. Still, not everyone concentrated just on the sneakers. A tongue-in-cheek remark directed straight at Russell, one fan said, “Get in the gym @dloading,” referring to the guard’s on-court consistency problems rather than his shoe selections.

“Reminds me of the Curry 12,” said one admirer, who quickly linked it to another NBA legend’s shoes, as one cannot talk about NBA drip without taking the name of Stephen Curry. The similarity appeared to underline the known sleekness and lightweight design features both shoes share. Another fan said, “Them are nice, I would most definitely get them for my daughter’s first season,” showing real excitement. Clearly, for others, the DLO 1 isn’t simply a curiosity; it’s a stepping stone and a go-to option for aspiring sportsmen. Others, on the other hand, were not persuaded at first glance; one said, “Thought it was them JT for a sec,” referring to Jayson Tatum’s JT2 shoes, implying the design draws much from modern types.

Others criticized the concept of the sneaker release in several responses. “Signature shoe for a journeyman is wiiillldddd……😂,” one fan remarked, referring Russell’s career that has seen him suit up for multiple NBA teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, and then move again to the Lakers and now with the Nets again since 2024. It reflects the larger discussion on whether signature shoes should be saved for franchise players or if flexible talents like DLo have deserved their moment to be a big brand yet.

Amongst all the chatter, one simple query cut through the noise: “Any release date??” The remark draws attention to the underlying truth that fans are eagerly awaiting their chance to lace up The DLO 1 despite the debates, criticism or applause around them. Russell and Wade’s most recent work has at least sparked discussion by blending generational talent with ageless sneaker culture that shows no signs of slowing down.