ACU is a Chinese boutique-turned-lifestyle brand based in Shanghai, the original purveyor of OG streetwear brands (like Original Fake and CLOT) in the region. Partnering with Li-Ning, they take inspiration from the Chinese folklore about being a scholar and infuse it into a special iteration of the Way of Wade 10.

The upper takes on a maximalist yet balanced design language. Intricate laser-engraving visually convey the story of Kui Xing and Ao Tou, an allegory on the importance of studying and achieving good grades. Branding elements get the same focused treatment with textured finishes of the WOW logo on the tongue and the WADE engraving on the lace overlay.

A branded carbon fibre shank plate is installed on the lateral midsole for stability with a radial finish on the maroon outsole. Inside the TPU gel bubbles are milestones in Dywane Wade’s career: “03” representing the year he was drafted, “06,” “12,” and “13” being the years he won his championships. Every pair is individually numbered through the embroidery on the tag on the tongue’s underside.

Acquisition will require some proactivity. The ACU x Li-Ning WOW 10 “Scholar Pack”, aside from being a limited 333, will also be a raffled pair exclusively on the ACU WeChat mini-program until 2nd September.

Elsewhere, check out the CLOT x Jordan Delta 2, another collaborative sneaker with a similarly-inspired motif.