Joyce
After his devastating defeat to Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Tokyo Olympics, Shi Yuqi once again suffered a setback in the semifinals of the Japan Open, losing to Lanier. The once-promising young talent has finally fallen victim to the passage of time.
Shi Yuqi’s journey, fraught with obstacles, mirrors the ups and downs of the Invincible Ace shoes he wears. Since the Invincible Ace debuted in 2020, it has gone through four generations and five colorways, earning a reputation as a cost-effective masterpiece through hard work. From the first generation’s bulkiness and lack of breathability, to the second generation’s tendency for the camouflage-patterned sides to delaminate, and the third generation’s less-than-stellar durability on the white gold sides, Li-Ning has finally combined the best of its predecessors to create a “king of sneakers” – the Yuanyang Invincible Ace.
Compared to the simplicity of the first and third generations and the flamboyance of the second, the fourth-generation Invincible Ace embodies the essence of being elegant yet understated. The TUFF TIP material on the toe cap, while appearing as a plain white from afar, reveals exquisite cloud patterns upon closer inspection (one can’t help but marvel at Li-Ning’s adeptness in striking a chord with fashion enthusiasts). It’s unclear whether these patterns genuinely enhance the durability of the toe cap or if it’s simply the superior material formulation. Nonetheless, the wear resistance of this Yuanyang pair is impressive, showing virtually no signs of wear even after a month of use, unlike other shoes.
In an era where faster technology is all the rage, the first three generations of Invincible Ace often left users feeling a noticeable sluggishness during initial movements before breaking in. Likewise, the Yuanyang’s weight hinted at its premium status as a successor to the Invincible Ace line. However, upon putting them on, I was surprised by how lightweight they felt. This alone earns the Yuanyang the title of the ultimate Invincible Ace, as who wouldn’t want a steed that’s ready to gallop without any warm-up?
Interestingly, the Yuanyang’s sole has reduced TPU support pads, which, considering the thickness of previous Invincible Ace soles, might explain why it achieves faster start-up speeds. This makes it a versatile shoe suitable for all ages.
One gripe, however, is the inconsistency in sizing between Li-Ning’s and another domestic brand’s (let’s call them V-Brand for anonymity) shoe size charts. It would be convenient if domestic brands could standardize their sizing. Therefore, potential buyers should measure their foot length carefully before making a purchase.
When faced with the vast sea of shoes and the dilemma of balancing budget with aesthetics, the Yuanyang Invincible Ace offers a compelling option. Priced just slightly above 400 yuan, it combines eye-catching design with a lightweight feel and a comfortable sole.
In conclusion, why look any further? This is the complete package.
