Inside the Rise of Signature Shoes in the WNBA: From Sheryl Swoopes to Caitlin Clark
The 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be historic—not just for the action on the court but also for what’s happening off it. The league is in the middle of a sneaker revolution, with a new wave of signature shoes bringing back energy reminiscent of the WNBA’s early years in the late 1990s.
The signature shoe drought in the WNBA, which lasted over a decade, finally ended in 2022 when Elena Delle Donne launched her Nike Air Deldon. “It had to be more than a performance shoe,” she said at the time, highlighting her focus on accessibility. The shoe’s innovative features, like a collapsible heel and adaptable strap system, were designed with her sister Lizzie—who is deaf, blind, and has autism and cerebral palsy—in mind.
Delle Donne’s debut marked the first women’s signature sneaker from Nike in 16 years, reigniting the conversation and clearing the path for today’s stars.
Current WNBA Stars Stepping into Signature Roles
Breanna Stewart picked up the baton in 2022 with the Puma Stewie 1, breaking a decade-long void. Now on her fourth model, Stewart has played a key role in Puma’s basketball rebrand. “We’re building something for the next generation,” she said.
Sabrina Ionescu made waves when Nike launched the Sabrina 1 in 2023. The unisex shoe quickly became popular in both the WNBA and NBA.
The Sabrina 2 debuted in 2024, and fans are eagerly awaiting the Sabrina 3, which drops at the end of July 2025.
Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson officially joined the club in May with the Nike A’One, the first shoe to bear her name. With two MVPs and back-to-back titles, Wilson’s dominance made her a natural choice. “This is for everyone who’s ever doubted that we belong,” she shared during her shoe reveal.
Rookie phenom Caitlin Clark secured the largest endorsement deal ever for a women’s basketball player: 8 years, $28 million with Nike. Her signature sneaker is still in development, but anticipation is sky-high after she went No. 1 overall in the 2024 draft.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese joined Reebok as a signature athlete. The Reebok Angel Reese 1 was unveiled in July in the “Diamond Dust” colorway, with an official release set for late 2025.
Legends Who Paved the Way
It all started with Sheryl Swoopes, the first woman to have a signature basketball shoe.
From 1995 to 2001, she had seven Nike models made in her name—including the iconic Air Swoopes. “It was bigger than basketball—it was a movement,” Swoopes once said.
Rebecca Lobo followed with her Reebok Lobo, while Lisa Leslie rocked the Nike Total Air 9, a sleek design inspired by her jewelry.
Though her shoe didn’t bear her name, it honored her style and jersey number.
Dawn Staley, long before becoming South Carolina’s coaching icon, had her own Nike model: the Zoom S5 in 1999.
“It was surreal seeing my name on a shoe,” she recalled.
Cynthia Cooper, despite entering the WNBA at age 34, earned her Nike Air C14 after winning four titles and two MVPs in a legendary run with the Houston Comets.
Nikki McCray partnered with Fila on the fiery Nikki Delta, while Chamique Holdsclaw got the moon-themed Nike Shox BB4 Mique during her standout years.
Candace Parker is now retired but remains deeply involved as president of Adidas Women’s Basketball.
Her last signature sneaker came in 2011, but she’s still influencing the market through custom Adidas releases and leadership.
Diana Taurasi, one of the game’s greats, had two signature shoes—Nike Air Taurasi and Shox DT—before shifting to LeBron’s line, her go-to through the back half of her career.
More Than Just Shoes
This explosion of signature sneakers isn’t just about the gear—it’s about validation, representation, and visibility. Every shoe represents a milestone in the journey of women’s basketball. As more players ink deals and more brands invest, the sneaker culture in the WNBA is becoming just as dynamic as the game itself.
“We’re not just wearing shoes—we’re making history in them,” A’ja Wilson summed up.
