REVIEW: 5 Reasons You Should Try the Li-Ning Villains

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Complex Original

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The Li-Ning Villains. No, that’s not the name of some Wu Tang Clan inspired cover band. It’s a basketball performance shoe from Li-Ning,  the Chinese born athletic brand. Li-Ning made a major move by signing Dwyane Wade this season and releasing his Way of Wade signature shoes.  Aside from instant credibility, exposure in the U.S., and possible acceptance, might be the biggest thing Wade brings to the brand. The Way of Wade’s could be the eye-opener that Li-Ning needs for people to trust, or at least try out, their other kicks offered by the line. Let’s face it; if you step on the court in an unfamiliar shoe brand, you’re bound to get some questionable looks. But if the shoe performs and you don’t hurt yourself in the perceived ankle busters, looks of dismissal turn to side-eyes of curiosity and full on where’d you get those? conversations. Here are some reasons why you should give the Li-Ning Villains a try.

Best For: Shooting Guards, Small Forwards
Style: High Top

$100

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No. 5 - The Villain's Grip Provides Terrific Traction

When it comes to an outsole on a basketball shoe, herringbone is never a bad choice. Especially for guards and quicker players who need traction on the fly. The Villains’ traction patterns give you control in every direction and are great for cutting and making hesitation moves.

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No. 4 - There's No Break In Period

You can get these kicks fresh out the box and hit the court. The synthetic leather upper is lined by an internal stretch bootie that takes an immediate form fit to the foot. The sock lining is so plush and comfortable you might forget that the kicks are new. Mesh panels on the upper add to that comfortable feeling, by keeping the foot cool.

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No. 3 - The Villains Distribute The Weight Better Than A Wanna Be Rapper

Sometimes shoes tend to drag or have certain points where the outsole becomes uneven. The Li-Ning Villains combine CushioN technology (extra cushion in impact areas to provide shock absorption) and flex-grooves on the heel to help players maintain balance.

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No. 2 - Be the Phylon Don On The Court

Remember when you were a little kid and you had that Nerf hoop, gun or anything else that came with a ball. Now remember what it felt like when you stepped all the way down on that ball? That’s exactly what the Bounse midsole in the Villains feels like. Cushiony, yet firm enough to hold a secure fit.

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No. 1 - Good Price For A Familiar Feel

If you take a close look at the Villains, you’ll see a lot of familiar attributes from other kicks. The heel cup, the form fitting sock, the pronounced cushiony midsole; all features we’ve seen, and appreciated, before. Of course other brands are making newer innovations to the game, but if a simple Saturday kick for pick-up hoops is what you need, the Li-Ning Villians just might fit what you’re looking for.

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RELATEDLi-Ning Presents Wade "Shanghai Edition"