
via Imago
Dwyane Wade

via Imago
Dwyane Wade
In a sneaker world, a very few lines manage to stay true to their roots while still pushing the culture forward. And that’s exactly what Dwyane Wade has done with his Way of Wade series. 13 years deep, this isn’t just about hoop shoes anymore—it’s a movement built on legacy, culture, and storytelling. And just when you thought they’d done it all, they pulled out something that’s making noise across the basketball and fashion worlds.
D’Angelo Russell joined Way of Wade and dropped his first signature line: The DLO 1. With colorways like “Canvas,” “Lunar Rock,” and “Energy Drink,” Russell’s debut sneaker doesn’t just reflect his on-court flair but his laid-back, smooth style off the hardwood. But here’s where it gets even better. Recently, Wade himself had some powerful words on the collab.
“Yeah, D-Lo is on year six with the brand,” Wade said. But the most interesting part is it’s D-Wade who wanted D-Lo as his first guy. “I had other athletes who were friends of mine who came along and joined my brand. But once I got done playing the game, D’Angelo was the first athlete that was planned that I signed, that I was a part of the negotiations, I was a part of saying, ‘This is the guy I want.’”
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Naturally, seeing D-Lo get his own signature sneaker hit differently for Wade. However, Wade also revealed the length of their partnership. “Now, after five years of that relationship going into year six, he’s coming out with his own line. It’s so amazing to me,” he said to SI. “To see D-Lo go on tour to China, drop his signature sneakers, and have his own lane is just really cool.” But that moment wasn’t just about Russell—it was a celebration of the 13-year legacy of Way of Wade.
Wade’s move to sign with Li-Ning back in 2012 raised more than a few eyebrows. “When I started this 13 years ago, everybody was like, ‘What the hell are you doing?’” Wade recalled. But now, that vision is paying off big time. “And now, I have an NBA player who is happy and excited about this journey he’s going on.”

via Imago
Oct 28, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade honored at halftime during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Still, Wade’s not done dreaming. “Also, we’re looking for the next wave,” he said. “We’re talking as a team about who we want to sign in 2025 and 2026. Who is going to be the next D-Lo? So it’s really exciting.”
So what’s next? A new signature sneaker? A rising star joining the team? Only time will tell—but right now, let’s take a closer look at D-Lo’s signature shoe.
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Is Dwyane Wade's partnership with D'Angelo Russell the future of basketball sneakers?
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Dwyane Wade x D’Angelo Russell
Teaming up with Way of Wade, D’Angelo Russell rolled out a fresh batch of colorways that instantly made waves. With butterfly prints, sharp signature details, and a vibrant palette, DLO 1 is hard to ignore. And as a result, the design is already catching heat among basketball fans and sneakerheads alike.
And as the announcement went online, Dwyane Wade chimed in. But instead of a long para, Wade let emojis do the talking. “🦋🔥,” he commented on Instagram—and honestly, that said it all. The butterfly captured the sneaker’s theme, while the fire was Wade’s stamp of approval. Simple, but powerful. The kicks officially dropped on May 17 with a price tag of $110.
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Interestingly, one of the standout colorways, “Canvas,” holds an even deeper meaning for D-Lo. It’s inspired by a painting his son made. From its artistic upper to the colorful laces and signature D-Lo branding near the heel, everything about the sneaker feels personal. And just to add to that, there’s a red pull tab at the back with the word “Family” printed right in the center. You can tell this one came straight from the heart.
So, this collab isn’t just about sneakers. It’s about evolution. Wade’s not just lending his name—he’s building something with real roots. And with D-Lo stepping up as the new face of the line, it’s clear this isn’t just Wade’s legacy anymore—it’s becoming theirs.
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Is Dwyane Wade's partnership with D'Angelo Russell the future of basketball sneakers?