This might be the best-designed performance basketball shoe of the year.
Let’s break down Jimmy Butler’s latest signature model—the Li-Ning JB 4 ‘Blue Demon.‘
The Blue Demon colorway takes indirect inspiration from Devilman anime, subtly tapping into Jimmy Butler’s anti-hero persona. As expected from the JB line, the fit is wide-foot friendly. Go true to size.
Right away, the standout feature is the sleek, armoured upper. Li-Ning uses IBR (Injection Blown Rubber)—a lightweight, air-injected rubber compound designed for lockdown and containment. The three-piece shell wraps the foot from the medial, lateral, and heel sides, creating a protective, locked-in feel.
Seatbelt-style lace loops work with a lycra-molded, half-gusseted tongue to secure the midfoot. As a result, foot slippage is virtually eliminated. Meanwhile, thorn-inspired design details elevate the aesthetic. The Li-Ning logos feature thorn accents, and even the signature JB logo on the tongue gets the same treatment. A metallic, chrome-style lace eyelet adds a premium finish.
Despite the mesh toe box, most breathability comes through the tongue. It’s a smart balance between ventilation and structure.
Underfoot, the Carbon Core midsole does the heavy lifting. A full-length BOOM foam setup, paired with a carbon-fiber shank plate, delivers torsional stability and strong energy return. Cushioning feels dense—not soft or mushy—making it ideal for explosive push-offs, fast breaks, and sharp cuts.
Also, another major win is traction. The full-length GCU rubber outsole features thorn-like patterns integrated with Jimmy Butler’s logo. While gimmicky traction often disappoints, this setup bites hard on court. The extended outrigger also helps reduce ankle roll-overs.
Moreover, retailing at $260 AUD, the Li-Ning JB 4 “Blue Demon” is now available at Courtside Melbourne, Hoops Heaven, and The Throwback Store.
Overall, this shoe blends elite performance with standout style. The IBR upper doubles as both design and protection. The Carbon Core cushioning remains proven and responsive. The GCU traction continues to be one of the best compounds in basketball.
In my opinion, the JB 4 is the best performance basketball shoe of the season—and a top choice for serious hoopers.
You can check-out our last feature here.
