Shining 1: Li-Ning’s Cheapest Basketball Shoe

Summary

In this video, the host reviews the Shining One basketball shoes, which are designed in collaboration with Fred VanVleet. Priced around $110, these shoes feature LifeOne Plus cushioning, providing a solid balance of comfort and responsiveness. With excellent traction, a secure fit, and a lightweight feel, they are suitable for outdoor play as well. While the materials are standard and durability may be a concern, the shoes offer great performance for their price. The Shining One is compared to other models in a similar price range, ultimately earning a solid A-tier rating for its overall value and performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Shining One basketball shoes are a budget-friendly option, priced around $110-$119 depending on location and colorway.
• 😀 These shoes are worn by Fred VanVleet and offer a good variety of color options, including light blue and black.
• 😀 The performance of these shoes is solid, with decent cushioning using Lifeone Plus technology, which is a tier below the premium Boom cushioning.
• 😀 Cushioning is comfortable, offering a decent amount of heel press without sacrificing impact protection.
• 😀 The traction on these shoes is excellent, featuring a loud, squeaky grip that works well even on dusty courts. They also perform well outdoors.
• 😀 The shoes fit true to size, but they are narrower than average, with a snug toebox. Wide footers may want to go half a size up.
• 😀 The materials used in the shoe are standard but don't offer any exceptional comfort or luxury, though they are durable enough for regular use.
• 😀 The shoe's design features breathable netting, though its long-term durability might be a concern as it could tear under heavy wear.
• 😀 Weighing in at under 390 grams for a size 10.5, these shoes are lightweight, making them a good option for players focused on speed and agility.
• 😀 Overall, the Shining One shoes are considered a solid performer in the A-tier, offering good value for their price point with good traction and decent cushioning.
• 😀 The Shining One shoes are compared to other budget options, like the Yannis Immortality 3, which has similar features but a slightly different fit.

Q & A

What is the price range of The Shining One basketball shoes?

The price of The Shining One basketball shoes varies depending on location, but they generally cost around $110 to $119 for the specific colorway with the logo on it.

How does the cushioning of The Shining One compare to other basketball shoes?

The cushioning of The Shining One is described as average for shoes in this price range. It uses LifeOne Plus, which is a tier below the premium Boom technology found in higher-end models but still better than shoes with stiff EVA midsoles.

What are the key features of the traction on The Shining One?

The traction of The Shining One is very good, with a loud and squeaky response on dusty courts. It features a herringbone pattern that is effective for hard stops, and it works well on both clean and dusty floors. It is also considered outdoor-friendly.

What size should I order for The Shining One basketball shoes?

The recommended sizing for The Shining One is to go with your usual size in US sizing. For example, if you typically wear a size 11 in Nike shoes, then size 11 should fit. The shoes tend to have a slightly narrower fit, so people with wider feet may want to go half a size up.

Are the materials used in The Shining One basketball shoes durable?

While the materials are standard and do not particularly boost comfort, there are no major issues with discomfort. However, the breathable netting on the shoe is very soft, which raises concerns about long-term durability and the possibility of tearing under extreme conditions.

How does the weight of The Shining One compare to other basketball shoes?

The Shining One is lighter than average, weighing just under 390 grams for a size 10.2, which makes it a good choice for players who prioritize speed and agility.

What type of player is The Shining One basketball shoe best suited for?

The Shining One is best suited for players who value speed and agility, as it provides excellent traction and cushioning without being a stiff shoe. It is a good option for players who want a responsive shoe at a reasonable price point.

How does the fit of The Shining One compare to other basketball shoes in this price range?

The fit of The Shining One is snug, especially in the toe box, and the shoe is slightly narrower than average. Players with wider feet might want to consider going half a size up for a more comfortable fit.

How does The Shining One compare to other basketball shoes like the Yannis Immortality 3?

The Shining One is similar to the Yannis Immortality 3 in terms of weight, traction, and cushion. Both are priced similarly, but The Shining One offers a snug fit, excellent traction, and decent cushioning, making it a solid performer at this price point.

What are the main differences between The Shining One and the Adidas Zero Select 2.0?

While both shoes are priced around $110, the Adidas Zero Select 2.0 has a wider fit but does not offer as good traction or lockdown as The Shining One. The Shining One is favored for its better performance in those areas.