Wade To Build Shoe Line With Chinese Company
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Dwyane Wade left Nike and the Jordan brand last week and he's set to announce his new shoe deal Wednesday in Beijing with Chinese sportswear company, Li-Ning.
Wade said he believes the deal will last through the remainder of his playing career after previously having deals with Converse and then Nike/Jordan brand.
"I have certain goals I want to reach and I felt that I had to reach those," Wade said. "So I'm doing things a little differently. That's how I am, in a sense. I'm not necessarily a status-quo type guy."
According to the Associated Press, Wade's debut in Li-Ning shoes is expected Thursday during the Heat's preseason game in Beijing against the Los Angeles Clippers. But, Wade said what he's wearing in China this week is "not the final product."
Wade's line of apparel and footwear will be available at more than 8,000 Li-Ning retail stores and online in China "soon." A U.S. retail debut is expected in 2013 and the shoes are expected to sell for around $120.
Wade is the second Heat player to endorse a Chinese shoe label, joining forward Shane Battier who has worn Peak sneakers since 2006.
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