Li-Ning JB 4
Released 11/2025, Low Top, Jimmy Butler,
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Available at 0 shops | Official Retail Price: $249
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Performance Ratings
8.7
EXPERT RATING
4 reviews
NA
USER RATING
0 ratings
Performance Summary
The JB 4 delivers elite traction, springy full-length Boom cushioning, and rock-solid support, but a stiff upper.
Pros
Excellent traction
Secure lockdown
Cons
Stiff upper
Limited flexibility
Best Suitable For: The JB 4 is best for heavier players and aggressive cutters who value traction and stability.
Category Performance Ratings
9.8
Traction
Aggressive multidirectional pattern with GCU rubber. Exceptional grip on clean courts. Resists dust and restores bite after quick wipes.
8.9
Cushion
Full-length Boom cushioning. Springy and responsive with crisp impact protection and a quick heel-to-toe transition.
7.4
Materials
Moulded synthetic upper with EVA carriers and suede accents. Stiff construction with glued trims that crease and offer average breathability.
9.6
Support
Caged midsole, full-length carbon plate and internal TPU heel counter. Strong lateral containment and torsional rigidity for confident cuts.
7.9
Fit
Snug, low-volume fit with a tapered, pointy toe box.
0%
Outdoor
GCU rubber with shallow grooves. Not recommended for outdoor play due to shallow traction and a less durable outsole on rough courts.
small
large
Sizing
Most report true to size, though a few go half a size up for forefoot room. Narrow feet may size down.
narrow
wide
Width
Roomy midfoot but very tapered toe box. Best for narrow to regular widths. Wide footers may feel pinched in the forefoot.
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
![]() Li-Ning JB 4 | ![]() Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 13 Encore | ![]() New Balance TWO WXY V3 | ![]() Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 | ![]() Nike LeBron NXXT Gen | ![]() Under Armour Curry 12 | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.7 | 8.9(0.2) | 8.7(0.0) | 8.7(0.0) | 8.7(0.0) | 8.5(0.2) | |
| User Rating | NA | NA | 8.9 | NA | 9.0 | 9.4 | |
| Best Price | $249 | $149 | $119.99 | $48.73 $120 | $66.97 $160 | $107.07 $150 | |
| Type of Cut | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | |
| Weight | NA | NA | 350g - 360g | 400g - 400g | 350g - 360g | NA |
Expert Reviews of the Li-Ning JB 4:
Expert Rating: 8.7 (ranks #69 of 397)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
1
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.9
January 3, 2026
Jimmy Butler's latest signature, the Li-Ning JB 4, has ultra‑premium construction with excellent lockdown and traction. The shoe is very quick and stable, but the bulky foam uppers can trap heat and need time to mould.
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8.8
January 3, 2026
Li-Ning's JB4 is an excellent all-around performer. Traction is elite, and the cushion is springy. The much stiffer upper boosts stability but reduces flexibility. Ideal for heavier players.
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8.7
February 22, 2026
The Li-Ning JB 4 is an elite performer from top to bottom. Traction, full-length Boom cushioning, and strong support with a carbon plate make it a great value. I really enjoyed playing in the JB4 and wouldn't be disappointed recommending it.
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8.4
January 3, 2026
The JB 4 is not for me. Cushioning and traction are phenomenal, and the support is outstanding, but the overly stiff upper makes it hard to play in.
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User Reviews of the Li-Ning JB 4:
No user reviews so far
Traction of the Li-Ning JB 4:
Expert Traction Rating: 9.8 (ranks #6 of 397)
User Traction Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
10.0
January 3, 2026
The multi-directional, flat outsole delivers a seriously strong grip. It held at 49° on the ramp, and when it picks up dust, it’s easy to wipe down. Consistent and sharp on court.
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10.0
January 3, 2026
The traction is amazing. The GCU outsole barely picks up dust and gives a consistent stop every time down the floor.
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9.0
February 22, 2026
The traction pattern is elite on clean and dirty floors. It hugs the court and doesn't let dust sit on the pattern.
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10.0
January 3, 2026
The traction is phenomenal on clean courts. It stops instantaneously and bites through light dust. A quick wipe restores the same bite on moderately dusty courts.
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Cushion of the Li-Ning JB 4:
Expert Cushion Rating: 8.9 (ranks #110 of 397)
User Cushion Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.5
January 3, 2026
A full bed of Boom foam with a carbon fibre leaflet gives noticeable pop. It’s bouncy and quick but has a stiff, diving-board feel that some players may find too rigid.
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9.0
January 3, 2026
The cushioning is bouncy and responsive. It's not super plush, but it has crisp, springy impact protection and good energy return.
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9.0
February 22, 2026
The full-length Boom setup is springy and responsive. It offers great impact protection and a natural heel-to-toe transition.
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9.0
January 3, 2026
This cushioning setup is one of my favourite parts. It feels like an old-school full-length Zoom bag with nice compression, fast bounce, and great impact protection.
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Materials of the Li-Ning JB 4:
Expert Materials Rating: 7.4 (ranks #368 of 397)
User Materials Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
3
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
1
5 - Poor
0
8.0
January 3, 2026
The uppers feel ultra‑premium with heavy foam panelling and thick padding. It’s a strange, bulky build that provides containment. Breathability is focused on the tongue, while the rest may trap heat.
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8.0
January 3, 2026
The materials got noticeably harder. The moulded upper and stiff trims mean little break-in and reduced flexibility. Breathability is about average.
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7.5
February 22, 2026
The materials aren't premium, but the upper looks great. It uses EVA foam carriers, suede accents, and 3M laces.
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6.0
January 3, 2026
I really don't like the materials. The upper feels too stiff and glued down. It creases a lot and never fully softens.
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Support of the Li-Ning JB 4:
Expert Support Rating: 9.6 (ranks #2 of 397)
User Support Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
10.0
January 3, 2026
The shoe is extremely stable. There is no heel slippage. The broad flange and chassis give strong lateral containment and ankle protection. Lockdown is solid, too.
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9.0
January 3, 2026
Support and stability are excellent. The caged midsole and rigid upper provide a very secure feel and strong containment.
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9.5
February 22, 2026
Support is excellent. Internal TPU heel counter and full-length carbon plate provide containment and torsional rigidity for confident lateral cuts.
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10.0
January 3, 2026
Support is insanely good. The stiff upper and wide base lock the foot in with excellent lateral containment and stability.
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Fit of the Li-Ning JB 4:
Expert Fit Rating: 7.9 (ranks #303 of 397)
User Fit Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.0
January 3, 2026
Huge padding and foam lock you in. Heel slippage is basically non-existent, and containment is excellent. The rear foot feels bulky, and the upper will take time to break in.
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8.0
January 3, 2026
The midfoot is spacious, and lockdown feels secure. The toe box is pointier than before and can pinch after long sessions. Thicker socks help.
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8.5
February 22, 2026
The fit is snug, especially in the tapered toe box, but it's comfortable with plenty of heel and tongue padding.
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7.0
January 3, 2026
The fit is snug and low volume. The toe box is extremely tight, and the glued material doesn't stretch, so there's noticeable pinching even after breaking in.
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Durability of the Li-Ning JB 4:
User Durability Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the Li-Ning JB 4:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 0.0 (ranks #329 of 397)
User Outdoor Rating: NA
Good (100%)
0
Fair (50%)
0
Bad (0%)
2
no
February 22, 2026
Not versatile for outdoor use. The grooves are insanely shallow. I wouldn't bring these outdoors.
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no
January 3, 2026
I wouldn't recommend these for outdoor use. The grooves aren't very deep, and the GCU outsole doesn't feel ideal for outdoor courts.
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Width of the Li-Ning JB 4:
very narrow
0
slightly narrow
1
regular
1
slightly wide
2
very wide
0
regularly wide
January 3, 2026
The width was better than I expected. Medium feet should be fine. Wide footers might want to go up half a size.
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slightly wide
January 3, 2026
It's still wide-foot friendly, though the toe box is a bit pointier than before.
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slightly narrow
February 22, 2026
The toe box is very tapered, and the shoe feels a little snug with no extra volume.
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slightly wide
January 3, 2026
The shoe is a bit wide in the midfoot but narrows dramatically at the tip.
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Size of the Li-Ning JB 4:
very small
0
slightly small
1
true to size
3
slightly long
0
very long
0
true to size
January 3, 2026
For medium feet, go true to size. Wide feet (2E) can go up half a size, but don’t go more than a half.
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true to size
January 3, 2026
I'd recommend most people go true to size. Players with narrow feet should consider going half a size down.
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true to size
February 22, 2026
I went with a 10.5, and the shoe fits true to size.
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½ size small
January 3, 2026
I went up half a size, and it fits a little long. True to size would have been painfully snug in the toe.
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