Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom
Li-Ning / Mel Bles
1 / 12

Li-Ning is looking ahead to the future following its 30th anniversary celebration last year. With a new SS21 collection, the Chinese sportswear brand provides us with a glimpse at what's in store in the days to come, as it is ushering in a new era of sneaker design.

The "New Frontier" campaign serves as a followup to Li-Ning's SS21 presentation during Paris Fashion Week in October of last year. The accompanying film depicts a world of changing horizons, pointing to the ever-evolving fashion and sneaker industries. As the imagery touches on a level of playful experimentation, so does the SS21 collection from Li-Ning. It's clear the brand's commitment to exploring the future of design is unwavering.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this YouTube video.

Highlighted first in the "New Frontier" campaign is hybrid Mix Ace silhouette, which converts from sandal to trainer. The customizable shoe pairs a flexible cage-like TPU frame with a UVA sole and a breathable mesh inner boot.

Li-Ning's split-level, hollowed-out sole is once again showcased in the collection via the CRC Shadow runner, which is joined by the most recent addition to the Furious Rider franchise, the Ace 2. Alongside the running models is a basketball silhouette, called the Wu Xing II Qian, which features a folding upper structure with transparent insets and ventilating holes for heightened breathability.

Leading the lifestyle assortment is the Xuan Kong, with its overly chunky sole unit that extends from the heel.

You can get a feel for the future of Li-Ning footwear by swiping through the galleries above and watching the accompanying campaign film. The SS21 collection is releasing soon at SSENSE, END., Browns, LN-CC, Overkill, and more.

To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, follow @highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, check out the best sneakers to add to your rotation this week, and sign up to our newsletter for the latest sneaker news sent straight to your inbox.

We Recommend
  • For SS26, Junya Watanabe & New Balance Bulk Up
  • Somehow, New Balance's Sneaker-Loafers Got Even Crazier
  • The Painfully Sleek New Balance Sneaker Reheating Retro Runner Nachos
  • Why Is Every New Sneaker a Sandal? And Why Are They Awesome?
  • The Fashionization of New Balance’s Super-Flat Climbing Shoes
What To Read Next
  • Nike Kicks Off a New Era for Women’s Football in Germany
  • A Conceptual Footwear Designer Is Let Loose on a Classic adidas Runner
  • Tiffany’s Idea of Sporty? Stainless Steel & Tiffany Blue Dials
  • Nike Turns a Classic Moccasin Into a Sweet & Sporty Sneaker
  • New Balance's Classic Dad Shoe, Gone Offbeat
  • Carhartt WIP, adidas & More: Browse This Season's Latest Drops