Li-Ning Yueying 5 and Yueying 5 Pro – Impressions | Better Upgrade Than You’d Expect?

Initial Impressions & Fit

• 💡 The video provides early impressions after over 20km in both the Li-Ning Yueying 5 and Yueying 5 Pro.
• 📏 The Yueying 5 Pro feels like an 8mm drop, while the Yueying 5 feels slightly higher, around 10mm.
• 👟 The 5 Pro fits true to size but tapers aggressively laterally, whereas the 5 has a standard straight cut; both are suitable for semi-wide feet.
• ⚖️ The Yueying 5 Pro weighs 269g and the Yueying 5 weighs 286g for a US size 10.

Upper & Midsole Construction

• 🌬️ The Yueying 5 Pro features a single-layer jacquard mesh for improved breathability and a stretchier, sock-like mesh tongue.
• ☁️ The Yueying 5 uses Cloud Plus TPE (EVA) foam and a more basic mesh upper with a thicker tongue.
• 🛠️ Both shoes incorporate a Probar Lock mid-foot shank and a trimmed-down GCU rubber outsole embedded into the foam.
• ⚠️ Li-Ning's lack of clear labeling for seasonal versions of shoes can lead to buyer confusion.

Performance: Yueying 5 Pro

• 🚀 The 5 Pro delivers snappy decompression, quick energy return, and a direct response, feeling more exciting than the 4 Pro.
• 🎯 It excels at faster paces, outperforming the 4 Pro and Nova Blast 5 in uptempo runs.
• 💡 The 5 Pro functions as a cushioned premium daily trainer with good pace versatility, feeling natural at slow paces and more responsive as speed increases.
• ✅ It offers a better turnover and a more flexible forefoot for a natural toe-off, feeling closer to a plateless super shoe.

Performance: Yueying 5

• ☁️ The Yueying 5's Cloud Plus TPE foam provides soft initial compression but lacks significant response, resulting in a somewhat dull feel.
• 💪 It offers better stability compared to the Wind 3TR, particularly beneficial for heel strikers due to less heel sink.
• 🛠️ The shoe features an overkill thick outsole with cutouts, contributing to its durability.

Value & Comparisons

• 💰 The Yueying 4 Pro is noted as a better value option due to its lower price point.
• 👟 The 5 Pro is considered a good alternative to shoes like the New Balance Rebel V5 for those seeking a balance of softness and uptempo performance.
• ⚖️ The Yueying 5's foam feel is compared to the New Balance Propel V4, though the Yueying 5 is slightly firmer.