Every signature shoe tells a story. For NBA star D’Angelo Russell, that story is one of evolution—marked by moments of breakthrough, quiet resilience, and iconic celebrations. Now, that journey is being brought to life in his first-ever signature shoe: the DLO1, crafted by Way of Wade. More than just footwear, the DLO1 is an expression of purpose, performance, and personality—built for players who don’t just play the game, but move with meaning. Let’s take a look at how Russell’s path led him here, and how his journey has been infused into every detail of the DLO1.
The Rise of D’Angelo Russell
Born on February 23, 1996, in Louisville, Kentucky, D’Angelo Russell’s basketball journey began early. His natural talent quickly set him apart, eventually leading to a transfer to the prestigious Montverde Academy in Florida. There, he played alongside future stars like Ben Simmons and helped the team win back-to-back High School National Tournament titles—his first brush with championship culture.
Following standout appearances in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, Russell committed to Ohio State. In his lone college season, he averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His performance earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-Big Ten, the Jerry West Award, and Consensus First-Team All-American honors—clear signs he was NBA-ready. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Russell No. 2 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact with his ball-handling, shot creation, and vision, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors and a reputation for clutch play.
Russell’s career took him across the league—from L.A. to Brooklyn, Golden State, Minnesota, and back—earning his first All-Star nod in 2019 and surpassing 10,000 career points in 2024. Through it all, his nickname “DLo”, and the @Dloading mindset, came to represent his growth, resilience, and drive to keep evolving.
Ice in His Veins, Vision in His Sole
To understand the DLO1, you first have to understand D’Angelo Russell—not just the athlete, but the person. Known as “DLo”, short for both his name and his Instagram handle @dloading, Russell has long described himself as being in a constant state of progress. “I’m loading to success,” he once said. “You set goals for yourself, and once you reach that dream or that goal, you set a new goal—and you’ll forever be loading.” That mindset has shaped his career—and now, his signature shoe.
No story of Russell is complete without his iconic “Ice in My Veins” celebration, where he taps his forearm after clutch plays. “You gotta have ice in your veins,” he explained. “No feelings. Go out there, play your hardest, and do what you do.”
Now, that same drive and identity take form in the DLO1, his first signature shoe—a major milestone in his basketball journey. “The DLO1 is a representation of my growth, evolution, and personal expression on and off the court while marking a new chapter in my life,” he said.
That evolution is deeply personal. Designed by the Way of Wade team, the DLO1 is more than just performance gear—it’s a canvas of identity, inspired by Muhammad Ali’s famous quote and his son’s artwork in the debut “Canvas” colorway, blending family, legacy, and creativity in every step.
The DLO1 — Performance with Purpose
Built for players who move with purpose, the DLO1 isn’t just D’Angelo Russell’s first signature shoe—it’s the embodiment of his playing style, mindset, and story. Inspired by his agile, controlled, and creative on-court movement, the DLO1 is made for guards who excel in quick cuts, sudden stops, and all-around versatility.
At its core is a dual-layer cushioning system: a full-length BOOM midsole for explosive energy return, paired with a LIGHT FOAM ULTRA heel for lightweight impact absorption. This combination offers a smooth balance of speed and comfort, helping players launch fast, land safely, and maintain top-tier court feel—ideal for those who rely on finesse and precision. Traction is another standout. A rugged TUFF RB outsole delivers long-lasting grip across outdoor courts, enabling sharp turns, pull-ups, and controlled stops. For support and stability, the DLO1 features a PROBAR LOC stabilizer underfoot for vertical support and a midfoot butterfly-shaped TPU for lateral control. This structure minimizes torsion and rollover, letting players move freely while staying grounded. Yet what truly sets the DLO1 apart is its design story. Inspired by Muhammad Ali’s legendary quote, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”, the shoe mirrors Russell’s butterfly-like agility in its sculpted lines. The butterfly motif is more than visual—it’s a symbol of grace, control, and the fearless mindset behind every step.
With the DLO1, D’Angelo Russell isn’t just stepping into new shoes—he’s stepping into a new chapter. This signature line isn’t only about basketball; it’s about expression, legacy, and impact. It’s for the next generation of athletes who bring creativity to the court, who face pressure with poise, and who know that greatness is never given—it’s loaded, step by step.
The DLO1 is here. And it’s just the beginning.
