This review comes from Sky Yee, a Chinese sneaker reviewer who currently collaborates with Li-Ning and is also one of our content partners. That collaboration allowed him to test the Way of Wade 808 6 Ultra before its official release.
The 808 6 Ultra feels more like a refinement of the 808 5 than a completely new shoe. The previous generation had already improved how the foot, drop-in midsole, and shoe cavity worked together, so Li-Ning kept most of that foundation here.
The last and internal setup remain very similar to those of the previous generation. The bigger changes are in the carbon-plate layout, cushioning setup, and overall weight.
Carbon Plate and Arch Support
The carbon plate runs through the midfoot but does not extend fully into the forefoot, leaving the forefoot open rather than fully plated.
This setup allows the midfoot to retain structural support without placing a rigid plate across the entire front section of the shoe.
The 808 6 Ultra also provides a clear sense of support underneath the arch. The experience will naturally vary depending on individual foot shape, but the arch support is noticeable for a drop-in model.
Dual-Density SUPER BOOM Drop-In Midsole
The biggest update is the one-piece, dual-density SUPER BOOM drop-in midsole.
Two materials with different densities are molded into the same unit, allowing different sections of the drop-in to provide different levels of softness, firmness, and response.
The ride is very smooth and has a natural rolling sensation. It stays low to the ground, but there is still plenty of bounce underfoot. The transition also feels comfortable without putting obvious pressure on the Achilles tendon or causing soreness underneath the arch.
That combination is probably the most impressive part of the shoe. The drop-in remains relatively thin and the center of gravity stays low, but the cushioning does not feel flat or dead.
Weight and Support
In EU 42, each shoe comes in at around 350 grams.
Even with the lower weight, the platform still feels rigid enough through the middle and maintains solid torsional support. It feels lighter without becoming flimsy or losing the structure expected from a performance basketball shoe.
The lighter construction therefore does not appear to come at the expense of the shoe’s basic stability.
On-Foot Feel
The easiest way to describe the ride is:
- Low to the ground
- Smooth through transitions
- Noticeably springy
- More forgiving than a traditional thin and firm guard shoe
It should work well for players who want good court feel without an overly harsh cushioning setup.
The main thing to consider is foam compression. Players who normally prefer very firm and direct cushioning may initially feel a slight loss of force as the drop-in compresses.
That is not necessarily a performance problem. It mainly comes down to whether you prefer a firm, immediate response or a setup with more compression and rebound.
Who Should Consider It?
The 808 6 Ultra makes the most sense for players who like:
- A low center of gravity
- Responsive cushioning
- Quick, multidirectional movement
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Good structural support without a very stiff forefoot
Explosive guards and wings with strong legs should be able to get a lot out of the springy cushioning setup.
It is not limited to those positions, though. The bigger question is whether you enjoy a low ride with noticeable compression and bounce.
Outdoor Use
The outsole is fairly thin, which helps maintain the low ride and court feel.
Its long-term performance on rough outdoor concrete is still uncertain, so regular outdoor players should be cautious.
For mainly indoor play, the thin outsole should be less of an issue. On rough outdoor courts, outsole durability is the main concern.
Upper and Design Details
The upper has a clean, refined finish, with a layered construction and a large number of small circular details across the forefoot and side panels.
Some of the smaller design elements appear to follow a marine-inspired theme. The graphics and structural details give the shoe more character than a typical performance model without making the design feel overly complicated.
The tongue also features a distinctive graphic patch, while the rear section uses an extended support structure that adds visual identity to the heel.
Final Thoughts
The 808 6 Ultra does not reinvent the series, but it improves an already solid platform.
The main highlights are:
- A low-to-the-ground ride
- Smooth transitions
- Clear arch support
- A lively dual-density SUPER BOOM drop-in
- Lower weight without an obvious loss of torsional support
- Refined upper construction and distinctive design details
The main concerns are:
- A relatively thin outsole
- Uncertain durability for frequent use on rough outdoor courts
- A cushioning feel that may seem less direct to players who prefer very firm setups
Overall, the 808 6 Ultra looks like a well-executed update. It combines strong court feel with more bounce and comfort than you would normally expect from such a low-to-the-ground shoe.
Rather than changing the identity of the 808 line, Li-Ning has refined the existing formula with a more developed dual-density drop-in, adjusted carbon-plate layout, and lower overall weight. For players who enjoy responsive cushioning and a low ride, the 808 6 Ultra should be one of the more interesting drop-in basketball shoes to watch.