Way of Wade DLo 1 Summary
Way of Wade DLo 1, DeAngelo Russell’s first signature shoe, is a very well-rounded basketball shoe that offers a ton of performance for a reasonable price.
Release Date: May 2025
Price: $120
Pros:
- Outstanding traction
- Full-length BOOM cushioning
- Affordable price point
- Breathable construction
- Great torsional support
Cons:
- Slightly narrow fit
- Materials feel basic
Table of Contents
D’Angelo Russell finally has his first official signature sneaker with Li-Ning and the Way of Wade brand. While he’s previously worn models designed with him in mind (like the Ice Blood series), this is the first time we’re getting a shoe that’s 100% his, from logo to silhouette.
D’Lo has worn his fair share of PEs and team-based silhouettes. The Way of Wade DLo 1 marks a major milestone, his first true signature model. Retailing at $120, this model is surprisingly budget-friendly considering what’s packed under the hood.
Way of Wade DLo 1 Review
Way of Wade DLo 1 Traction
The traction on the Way of Wade DLo 1 is elite. No exaggeration. Li-Ning equips the outsole with the Tough RB rubber compound, which we’ve seen on prior Way of Wade models, and it continues to impress. Whether you’re hooping indoors or hitting outdoor courts, this stuff grips, and grips hard, and is resilient enough to handle outdoor playing surfaces.
Right out of the box, the rubber felt tacky on both clean and moderately dusty courts. A quick wipe here and there is all it needed. The traction pattern offers very effective multidirectional traction and whether you’re a shifty guard or a forward with finesse, you’ll feel locked in and grounded. What really makes the Way of Wade DLo 1 stand out here is its versatility: these will work great for any position on the floor, on any floor that person decides to play on.
Way of Wade DLo 1 Cushioning
Cushion setup is where the Way of Wade DLo 1 punches way above its weight class. You get full-length BOOM cushioning, Li-Ning’s flagship foam tech usually reserved for higher-end models. BOOM offers a smooth ride with responsiveness and impact protection, which makes it ideal for players who like a little bounce underfoot without sacrificing court feel.
On top of that, there’s a dual-density setup with Light Foam Ultra in the heel of the shoe. It’s slightly firmer to provide added stability and containment. It helps tone down BOOM’s natural springiness without dulling the ride. For $120, this is a ton of bang for your buck. The combo of step-in comfort, energy return, and stability is rare at this price point.
Way of Wade DLo 1 Materials
Like most modern hoops shoes, especially at this price point, the Way of Wade DLo 1 doesn’t use premium materials, but the choices are practical and performance-driven. The upper is made up of modern textiles, open mesh, and hot-melt fused overlays, which are essentially TPU skins adding structure without bulk. You won’t find leather or suede here, but that’s not the point.
What you will find are effective ventilation zones in the forefoot and midfoot that actually function. You can see and feel the airflow, making this an ideal option for both sweaty indoor sessions and long outdoor runs. The tongue continues the theme with an open-cell mesh, keeping things light and breathable. At the rear, synthetic leather provides structure around the heel without being stiff. Is it premium? No. Is it effective? Absolutely.
Way of Wade DLo 1 Support
Support in the Way of Wade DLo 1 is nothing special, but it its adequate. The shoe features multiple structural components working together seamlessly. First up is the Probar Loc TPU midfoot shank, which adds torsional rigidity. It’s paired with a butterfly-shaped plate at the midfoot that extends into the forefoot. While not connected centrally, it adds a feeling of pop and propulsion that’s great for push-offs and dynamic movement.
An internal heel counter keeps your foot locked in without slippage, and the wide base platform offers a solid, stable foundation. The foam carrier’s firmer edges help with lateral containment, especially on aggressive cuts. Together, these features make the DLo 1 a sleeper pick for players who prioritize responsiveness and containment.
Way of Wade DLo 1 Fit
Let’s address the one area where some may hesitate. If you’ve worn D’Lo’s previous PE models like the Ice Blood series, you’ll know they ran extremely narrow. The Way of Wade DLo 1 does ease up a bit, but it still trends toward the slim side. Wide-footers beware: you may want to go up half a size. One pressure point we noticed was at the base of the laces, it’s a tight pinch initially, but may break in with wear.
One upgrade we do have in the DLo 1 is the semi-dense insole, which adds a nice layer of comfort and doesn’t bottom out like cheaper alternatives. Bottom line: if you liked the fit of prior Wade team models, you’ll likely be good here. But if those didn’t work for you, the DLo 1 might feel snug as well.
Way of Wade DLo 1 Overall
The Way of Wade DLo 1 is more than just D’Angelo Russell finally getting a signature sneaker, it’s a sign that Li-Ning is serious about offering top-notch products at a reasonable price. For $120, you’re getting: Top-tier traction that works indoors and outdoors, full-length BOOM cushioning, functional and breathable materials, solid support and torsional stability, and a better fit that’s snug but more forgiving than D’Lo’s past models
Honestly, we’ve seen shoes priced $40–$60 higher that don’t offer the same level of performance. This is a smart pickup for guards, wings, or anyone looking for explosive movement with a comfortable ride. If this is what we can expect from the Way of Wade brand going forward, especially for signature athletes, then the future’s looking bright.
