Li-Ning JB 3: The Best Jimmy Butler Shoe to Date?

Traction can make or break a basketball shoe, and the JB 3 delivers in a way that might surprise you. The outsole features a unique pattern made up of multiple JB logos dominating the surface, similar to the JB 2’s setup. While it doesn’t have a traditional aggressive traction pattern, it performs exceptionally well on clean indoor courts. The rubber compound is Li-Ning/ Way of Wade’s GCU rubber which is ultra-tacky, gripping the hardwood like glue.

Now, GCU is supposedly a very durable rubber compound, but durability is still a concern for outdoor hoopers. If you primarily play on blacktop, the JB 3 might not be the best long-term investment. However, for indoor runs, this traction is elite, comparable to some of the best herringbone patterns on the market.

This is another top-notch feature of the Li-Ning JB 3. Li-Ning has been putting in work with their cushioning setups, and this model features full-length Boom foam encased in Cloud Plus carrier foam. The result? A near-perfect blend of plush comfort, responsiveness, and court feel. Unlike some brands that sacrifice impact protection for responsiveness (or vice versa), the JB 3 manages to give you the best of both worlds.

The midsole setup provides springy energy return while still keeping you low to the ground, making it ideal for guards and wings who rely on quick cuts and explosive movements. Compared to Nike’s Zoom Air or Adidas’ Boost setups, Li-Ning’s Boom foam holds its own and arguably surpasses them in terms of comfort and long-term consistency. If cushioning is a priority for you, the JB 3 is an easy recommendation.

Li-Ning took a unique approach with the upper materials, offering different variations of the JB 3. The colorway we tested features a TPU-based synthetic upper with a flexible but supportive structure, paired with a ballistic-style textile backing, and some raw material details. The combination provides a great balance of durability, containment, and breathability.

For those who prefer more old-school materials, there are also leather-based JB 3 colorways. While those might offer a more premium feel, this setup offers the best of both worlds: a modern, performance-driven build with some premium touches.

Support is another strong point of the JB 3, thanks in large part to its carbon fiber spring plate that extends from the midfoot into the forefoot. This plate adds torsional rigidity and provides snappy energy return when sprinting or jumping. Additionally, the heel counter is molded and textured for excellent lockdown, keeping your foot secure inside the shoe.

The midsole sidewalls also extend slightly to prevent your foot from sliding inside the shoe on lateral movements. Whether you’re a shifty guard or a powerful forward, the JB 3’s support system ensures you stay locked in without feeling too restricted.

Fit-wise, the Li-Ning JB 3 runs true to size. Compared to some previous Li-Ning models (like the ultra-narrow Li-Ning Liren 4), these are much more accommodating to different foot shapes. Regular and slightly wide-footed players should be fine going with their true size. However, if you have exceptionally wide feet, consider going up half a size.

One minor downside is the tongue padding. It’s heavily structured and can feel bulky against your shin. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer a more minimal tongue setup.

The Li-Ning JB 3 is an incredibly well-rounded performance basketball shoe that competes with and, in many cases, outperforms mainstream brands like Nike and Adidas. It delivers in all key areas. Traction is great, cushioning is super well balanced, the material setup features premium materials and premium support features. That being said, even though you are getting a lot of bang for your buck… it’s a lot of buck.

You can’t deny that this is a very expensive shoe. The price is slightly higher than some other mainstream basketball shoes. But considering the level of tech and performance packed into this shoe, one could argue that it’s worth every penny. For those willing to step outside the Nike/Jordan bubble, the Li-Ning JB 3 is easily one of the best basketball shoes available in 2025.