The signature shoe is ready for part of the Indianapolis spotlight during All-Star Weekend. Bright orange All-Star versions of Sabrina Ionescu’s and A’Jay Wilson’s new sneakers went into the hands of their rabid fans on Friday, now joining WNBA signature shoes on courts across the league. It’s the latest installation in a busy boom for WNBA signature sneakers. Over the past three years, Brenna Stewart, Ionescu and Wilson have all released signature shoes, including signatures from Caitlin Clarke and Angel Reese.
“We knew there would be an adoption, but we didn’t know it would be this fast and great,” Ben Nethongkom, lead designer of Ionescu’s shoes with Nike, said of his line’s growth.
“It’s been extremely rewarding to see Nike really address the ask and need from that side of the game,” he added. “It’s great to hear (male signed athletes) give flowers, like, ‘Wow, women’s basketball is really growing in a beautiful way.'”
StockX, a prominent force in the sneaker resale ecosystem, is experiencing an uptick in sneakerhead culture. Sales of WNBA signature sneakers on their site increased 938% from 2023 to 2024, and they’re seeing their year-over-year sales increase by double digits again this year. Brendan Dunn, StockX’s senior director of customer community and engagement, called it an “explosion of interest.”
But don’t mistake this for a new phenomenon. Call it a comeback. From 1995 to 2010, nine WNBA signature sneakers hit shelves, led by original stars Cheryl Supes and Lisa Leslie. Over the next 12 years, there was only one, from Elena delle Donne.
New York Liberty All-Stars Stewart and Ionescu are the first two active WNBA players to sign new contracts with Puma and Nike, respectively, to end the drought and usher in this new era.
The most recent Sabrinas and A’Ones, both with Nike, retail for $135 and $115, respectively. The latest Stuyze with Puma retails for $120.
“When I was able to get mine, I knew it was going to be a successful business and show the world that women are worth talking about in the signature shoe business,” “They can really change the landscape of sports.”
Wilson’s first model was released in May.
“It’s a dream come true,” said the WNBA MVP. “To see everyone in the community wearing it, it warms my heart and it never gets old. I’m like, you really took the time to support me.”
The Angel Ridge 1s are the next drop on the signature shoe calendar, and images of the shoe and the “Diamond Dust” colorway were released to the public earlier this month. The shoe will officially launch in 2026.
“I’m happy for it,” said Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, who has been a mentor for Reese. “He’s kidding. He represents our family.”
“(The WNBA) is big, but it needs to be bigger,” she said.
Nethongkom says that compared to the design style of the 1990s, which was “more bold and kind of in-your-face”, many of the sneakers in their new line have more hidden nods, such as the slight vertical tip of the Nike logo on Ionescu’s shoes to show off the glass ceiling or the ‘heel’ below.
Those small design choices are representative of a larger trend in today’s new signatures. Personal details and stories are becoming more prevalent, making each shoe unique to its athlete.
Ionescu’s sneakers feature gradient embroidery that pays homage to his Romanian roots, and Wilson’s original A’One colorway was a pearl necklace, given to him by his late grandmother, to support a pearl necklace. A favorite quote from his grandmother is featured on the outsole: “Truly, the best is yet to come.”
(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by NDTV staff and appeared on a syndicated feed.)
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