The former 8x NBA All-Star is visiting Shenzen in China to promote his shoe brand collaboration with ‘Li Ning. Dwayne Wade’s ‘Way of the Wade’ shoe brand is a long-time partner of the Chinese sportswear company. Owned by the former Olympic gymnast Li Ning, the sportswear company endorses athletes from all over the world.
In a recent Instagram video that Dwayne Wade posted, he can be seen channeling his inner ‘Al Johnson’.
History of the ‘Way of Wade’ collaboration with Li Ning
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Dwyane Wade has had a sneaker journey only a few players can even compare to. He started with Converse in 2003, was a key athlete in the Jordan Brand, and then began his own sportswear brand, Way of Wade, in partnership with Li Ning.
There are other international players who are a part of the Li Ning roster such as D’Angelo Russell and his son Zaire Wade too. The former 3x NBA champion was just 30 when he signed the multi-million-dollar deal with ‘Li Ning’ in 2012.? Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson are the only others in the basketball world who got a brand deal that extends beyond their careers and Dwyane Wade gets to be part of this elite group.
In a recent Instagram video that Dwyane Wade posted on his stories, we can see him channeling his inner ‘Al Johnson’ as he strengthens his bond with the overseas crowd. He puts on an R&B performance as the caption reads, “Casually getting my Al Johnson on in Shenzhen.”
Dwyane Wade designed shoes with Converse, Jordan Brand and Li-Ning. He has a good connection with Li Ning.
The history of ‘Li Ning’ and the future of the unique collaboration
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Mr.Li Ning is a former Olympian who represented China in the 1950 Olympics, the first that China participated in. Mr.Li Ning is a Chinese sporting legend who has won 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals and one bronze medal in his Olympic career as a gymnast. With a simple goal of providing Chinese athletes a national brand to wear on the world stage of the Olympics, he founded the ‘Li Ning’ sportswear company in 1990.
Dwyane Wade’s ‘Way of Wade’ is more than just a sportswear brand. Established in 2012, it is a unique collaboration with ‘Li Ning’. From its inception, Way of Wade shoe sales have grown with each season and Dwyane Wade’s son was able to secure a very lucrative shoe deal with the Chinese sportswear company as well.
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Despite already being a billion-dollar company while signing Dwyane Wade in 2012, ‘Li Ning’ has hugely benefitted from the collaboration as he is recognized as a style icon all over the world.
What are your thoughts on this unique shoe collaboration? Let us know in the comments below!