Li-Ning Liren 4 V2 Review: Is It Still Worth It?

Li-Ning Liren 4 V2 Review: Is It Still Worth It?

The Liren 4 V2 has become one of those shoes whose reputation depends heavily on which review you found first. One well-watched Chinese review treated it as a broad disappointment. Other testers called it a highly capable all-rounder for light and midweight guards. Longer owner reports are similarly split on traction, yet much more consistent about its low court feel, secure heel, and strong lateral support.

That disagreement is useful. It points to the real story: Li-Ning revised the shoe during its retail life. Early releases commonly appeared with a GCU outsole, while later ABAU037 releases commonly use Tuff RB rubber. There also appear to be batch-level changes inside those broad groups. The Liren 4 V2 is still worth buying, but “which version?” has to come before “what score?”

First, turn the shoe over

‘Liren 4 V2’ describes the silhouette, not one perfectly uniform retail specification. The cleanest dividing line is the outsole. Early ABAU059 colorways are commonly associated with GCU, while later ABAU037 colorways generally use Tuff RB rubber. That is a useful shortcut, not a substitute for checking the actual pair: outsole markings, colorway batches, and product photography remain the safer guide.

The important word here is predictable. GCU can grip and it can wear well, but the reported spread is too broad to promise the same result across every release. Tuff RB is not the exotic option; it is simply the one we would buy with less hesitation. The Pink, Violet, and Black Obsidian pairs featured below are later ABAU037 releases.

How the Liren 4 V2 plays

01

Traction — version matters more than the pattern

The tread geometry is capable of sharp stops and quick direction changes, but outsole material determines how often you get that result. Tuff RB pairs produce the more dependable read: solid bite, manageable dust pickup, and enough rubber for occasional outdoor sessions. Early GCU pairs can feel quicker and lighter, yet their grip on dusty or slightly damp wood drew repeated complaints. If your gym floor is rarely pristine, choose rubber.

Tuff RB: safer gripStrong multidirectional stopsGCU: batch-sensitive

02

Cushioning — fast BOOM, not soft BOOM

Full-length BOOM gives the Liren 4 V2 a compact, responsive ride. The forefoot stays close to the floor and the heel has enough protection for controlled landings, but neither end feels pillowy. A full-length, shovel-shaped PEBAX plate helps the shoe roll into the next step and supplies a mild spring when the pace rises. It suits players who want their cushion out of the way; heavy landers may want more depth.

Full-length BOOMFull-length PEBAX plateLow and responsive

03

Support — still the reason to buy it

This is where the design has aged best. The plate, broad forefoot base, sculpted sidewalls, and firm heel structure work together without making the shoe feel clumsy. Lateral cuts are controlled, the rearfoot stays planted, and the platform bends where a guard needs it to bend. It is supportive in motion rather than supportive by bulk, which is why the Liren 4 V2 still feels current.

Stable lateral baseSecure rearfootSmooth transition

04

Fit — excellent when the last agrees with you

The shape favors narrow and regular feet. Lockdown becomes excellent once the thin upper settles, with little heel movement and a snug midfoot wrap, but high insteps and wide forefeet can feel squeezed. Do not prescribe a universal half-size jump: some owners improved the fit by going smaller, while others needed extra room. Start with your Li-Ning centimeter measurement; if you sit between sizes or need width, move up half a size.

Narrow-to-regular lastStrong heel lockdownWide feet: caution

05

Weight and durability — look past one gram figure

Published measurements run from the upper 300s into the low 400-gram range as size and outsole change; one international review measured about 407g in size 45. The GCU build generally feels lighter, while Tuff RB carries more mass below the foot. The upper and support chassis hold up well. For abrasive outdoor courts, the rubber outsole is the practical choice even if it gives away some of the GCU pair’s lively feel.

Weight varies by sizeDurable structureTuff RB for mixed courts

What has aged well—and what has not

The Liren 4 V2 does not feel old simply because newer Lirens exist. Its strengths were never based on a novelty gimmick. The low forefoot, well-timed flex, lateral containment, and restrained BOOM setup still make sense for a guard who creates separation with footwork. Few shoes manage to feel this planted without becoming wooden.

• The court feel is still excellent: the platform is low enough for confident cuts without reducing every landing to a hard slap.
• The support remains unusually efficient: it controls lateral load through geometry and placement, not a tall collar or oversized plastic cage.
• The plate is useful rather than theatrical: it helps the transition but does not turn the forefoot into a rigid lever.
• The shape still rewards quick players: heel-to-toe movement is clean, and the shoe never feels as bulky as its measured weight may suggest.

Age shows in two places. First, the upper can feel plain and a little unforgiving beside newer, softer woven packages. Second, the cushioning has limited headroom for bigger players. BOOM holds its response well, but this is not the plush, high-stack version of the material. If your game involves frequent hard landings or you simply prefer a softer ride, the Liren 4 V2 asks for a compromise that newer shoes may not.

Who should still buy the Liren 4 V2?

Buy it if you are a quick guard or lighter wing, have a narrow-to-regular foot, and prefer a low, firm ride over deep compression. It remains especially good for players who brake hard, change direction often, and want the shoe to stay quiet underfoot. For most people, the Tuff RB version is the straightforward choice.

Skip it—or at least try it on first—if you have a broad forefoot, a high instep, or need generous impact protection. Heavier players can still use it, but the cushioning will feel more controlled than comforting. Outdoor players should avoid treating every colorway as equal: confirm the Tuff RB marking before buying.