2026

Design Awards Silver Winner -  Li Ning Company Limited

JIAO YANG 2

Entrant

Li Ning Company Limited

Category

Sports Equipment - Sports Shoes

Client's Name

Ma Xiao

Country / Region:

China

JIAOYANG 2 breaks through the traditional multi-part assembly logic of children's footwear. Based on an all-new kids-specific shoe last, it establishes a professional running shoe system tailored to children's foot development and movement characteristics. The midsole features a glueless, one-piece molded midsole process with a built-in high-strength nylon fiberglass plate. Structurally, it mimics the physiological morphology of "muscles wrapping around bones," creating a more natural dynamic synergy between the shoe body and foot movement. Compared to traditional lamination processes, the design effectively reduces the feeling of structural fragmentation, enhancing stable support while achieving more efficient power transmission and movement protection.
Focusing on kids' campus sports scenarios, JIAOYANG 2 constructs a complete dynamic kinetic chain. The forward extension of the midsole fiberglass plate into the forefoot utilizes thinning, bifurcating, and hollowed-out designs. This reduces an intrusive underfoot feel while precisely guiding the toe-off trajectory and force direction. The TUFF RB rubber outsole features an asymmetrical tread pattern for the left and right feet, better aligning with kids' needs for curve running and high-frequency directional changes. Combined with a micro-convex structure in the metatarsal pad area, a cleated traction system, and functional zoning, the shoe delivers more stable grip feedback and energy output during running, jumping, and landing.
The midsole core is equipped with Li-Ning BOOM supercritical foaming technology, covered with a high-toughness PP (Polypropylene) protective film. This effectively seals the foam pore structure to resist high-frequency compression deformation. The upper utilizes high-strength, breathable fabric, maintaining a dry microclimate within the shoe cavity during dynamic wrapping. While ensuring professional cushioning and energy return, this innovative material combination significantly extends the performance lifespan over its full lifecycle, meeting the rigorous demands of high-intensity sports scenarios.
JIAOYANG 2 adopts "form follows function" as its core design philosophy, minimizing redundant components to the greatest extent. The midsole employs a low-poly modeling language, forming a highly recognizable geometric contour through exposed topological structures. The angular structure intuitively presents the shoe's biomechanical logic, while simultaneously endowing the shoes with a calm, restrained, and futuristic minimalist temperament, achieving a profound unity of functional expression and visual aesthetics.

Credits

Ma Xiao
Li Ning Company Limited
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