Entering his 14th season, Jimmy Butler remains one of the most well-rounded players in the League. Consistently playing his way into the conversation of the NBA’s best two-way players, the main catalyst for the Heat’s identity and culture followed in the foot steps of his long-time friend and former teammate Dwyane Wade, parting ways with Jordan Brand in late 2020 and opting to sign with Li-Ning – the Chinese-based brand that’s proffered the The Flash’s Way of Wade collection for well over a decade.
A year and some change since joining the brand, Butler’s first signature silhouette has officially been announced, the JB1.
First seen during the Miami Heat’s season debut against the Chicago Bulls last Wednesday, the silhouette takes inspiration from Butler’s predator-like instinct on the court, forming the forefoot’s cup sole into the triangular shape of fangs. Constructed of a durable fiber, the “Tough” colorway pictured below coats its upper in a black and orange pairing while its full-length carbon fiber plate renders a luminous gradient of yellow, purple and orange thats midsole logo follows suit. Infused with the brand’s staple BOOM cushioning technology, a retooled tread features a tractional Honeycomb Cellular LOC outsole. The presiding build underfoot proffers a clad vibrant orange sampling that additionally fills the sock liner and dashed laces above concluding the model’s design elements.
Currently available in China, sit tight while we await word regarding a stateside release expected within the coming weeks. In the meantime, enjoy official images of the Li-Ning JB1 “Tough” below.
In other news, Halo Infinite is receiving its own collaborative adidas NMD V3.