Rooted in the legacy of groundbreaking women, the history of the WNBA signature sneaker not only elevated performance, but also narrated the story of the women who changed the game forever. In the early days of the WNBA, players like Sheryl Swoopes and Lisa Leslie paved the way, demanding footwear that could match their drive and athleticism. It wasn’t just about function—it was about pride, identity, and legacy. As the league grew, so did the sneakers, evolving with each player who wore them. From the court to the streets, every WNBA signature sneaker became more than just a shoe; it became a symbol of empowerment. With each new release, the legacy continues to stride forward, inspiring future generations.

Today, the WNBA stands at the forefront of a new era, where the game is faster, more global, and unapologetically bold. The athletes of today are not just players—they are icons, influencing fashion, culture, and social change in ways that transcend the court. As the league continues to grow in visibility and popularity, the demand for WNBA signature sneakers has never been higher. Now, the spotlight is firmly on A'ja Wilson. This May, she will become the 13th WNBA player to release a signature sneaker, a testament to her unparalleled impact on the league. With her unmatched skill, charisma, and undeniable influence, she is setting the stage for the next wave of signature shoes, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and cementing her legacy in basketball history. Her achievement joins a distinguished list of women who have left their mark on the game. Leading up to the A'One's release, we're highlighting the legacy of WNBA signature sneakers and the players who made them happen.

Sheryl Swoopes – Nike Air Swoopes (1995-2002)

The Nike Air Swoopes, Sheryl Swoopes' signature line, revolutionized women's basketball footwear. Debuting in 1995, it was the first signature shoe for a female basketball player, breaking barriers and setting a precedent. Designed specifically for Sheryl Swoopes' explosive style of play, the sneaker featured a mid-top silhouette for enhanced ankle support, crucial for her quick cuts and powerful drives. Its distinctive design included a unique lacing system that provided a secure, locked-down fit, and a visible Air Max unit in the heel for responsive cushioning, a key innovation at the time. The aggressive outsole pattern offered superior traction, vital for on-court agility. Visually, the shoe stood out with its bold lines and colorways, often incorporating Swoopes' "S" logo, solidifying her personal brand. Constructed with a combination of durable leather and breathable synthetic materials, the Air Swoopes balanced performance with style, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of women's athletic footwear.

Rebecca Lobo – Reebok Lobo (1997)

The Reebok Lobo, Rebecca Lobo's mid-90s signature shoe, prioritized stability and support for her post play. Its mid-to-high top design, leather/synthetic upper, and unique lacing ensured a secure fit. Reebok's DMX cushioning provided comfort, while the durable outsole offered reliable traction. Visually, it featured a clean, classic aesthetic, reflecting Lobo's professional image and marking a key moment in women's basketball footwear.

Lisa Leslie – Nike Total Air 9 (1998)

Lisa Leslie's Nike Total Air 9 was a powerful and elegant sneaker designed for her dominant presence in the paint. The shoe's high-top silhouette provided exceptional ankle support, crucial for her rebounding and post moves. It featured a durable leather upper with strategic perforations for breathability, and a unique lacing system for a secure fit. The Total Air cushioning system delivered responsive comfort and impact protection, while the robust outsole offered reliable traction. Visually, the shoe showcased a clean, sophisticated design with subtle branding, reflecting Leslie's poised demeanor and impactful style.

Nikki McCray – FILA Nikki Delta (1999)

The FILA Nikki Delta, Nikki McCray's late 90s signature shoe, was a low-to-mid-cut design optimized for speed and agility. Its lightweight construction, supportive overlays, and unique lacing system provided a secure, responsive fit. FILA's cushioning technology ensured comfort during quick movements, while the durable outsole offered reliable traction. Visually, the shoe's bold lines and vibrant red and white colorway reflected McCray's energetic playing style, solidifying its place in WNBA sneaker history.

Dawn Staley – Nike Zoom S5 (2000)

Dawn Staley's Nike Zoom S5 was a sneaker crafted for her dynamic point guard play. The shoe's low-to-mid-cut design prioritized agility and court feel, essential for her quick changes of direction and precise passes. It featured a lightweight synthetic upper for breathability and responsiveness, along with a unique lacing system for a locked-down fit. The Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot offered responsive energy return, enhancing her speed and explosiveness. The durable outsole provided reliable traction, supporting her sharp cuts and pivots. Visually, the Zoom S5 showcased a sleek, streamlined aesthetic, reflecting Staley's smooth and efficient style of play.

Cynthia Cooper – Nike Air C14 (2000)

Cynthia Cooper's Nike Air C14 was a sneaker designed for her explosive scoring and versatile play. The shoe's mid-cut silhouette provided a balance of ankle support and flexibility, catering to her quick drives and jump shots. It featured a durable leather and synthetic upper, offering both stability and breathability. A unique lacing system ensured a secure, locked-down fit, while the Air Max cushioning unit in the heel delivered responsive impact protection. Visually, the Air C14 showcased a bold, dynamic design, mirroring Cooper's energetic style and on-court dominance.

Chamique Holdsclaw – Nike Shox BB4 Mique (2001)

The Nike Shox BB4 Mique, Chamique Holdsclaw's early 2000s signature, emphasized power and stability. Its defining feature was the visible Shox heel cushioning, providing impact absorption and springy energy return for her explosive plays. A durable leather/synthetic upper, unique lacing, and mid-to-high-top design offered secure ankle support. The multi-directional outsole ensured reliable traction. Finishing it off with her nickname, "Mique", branding made it visually distinct, and the heel's Shox columns presented a unique "moon crater" like detail, while breathable panels and a padded collar enhanced comfort.

Diana Taurasi – Nike Air Max Taurasi (2005)

The Nike Air Max Taurasi, released in 2005, marked Diana Taurasi's first signature sneaker, designed to match her dynamic and aggressive style, with inspiration from the look of a Maserati. This mid-cut shoe offered a blend of ankle support and flexibility, crucial for her versatility on the court. It featured a leather and synthetic upper for durability and breathability, and a unique lacing system for a secure fit. The prominent Air Max unit in the heel provided responsive cushioning and impact protection, essential for her powerful drives and jump shots. The outsole's traction pattern ensured grip for quick changes of direction. Visually, the Air Max Taurasi showcased a bold, modern design, representing UConn colors.

Candace Parker – Adidas TS Ace Commander (2010)

Candace Parker's Adidas TS Ace Commander, released in 2010, was a sneaker engineered for her versatile and powerful game. The mid-cut design aimed to balance ankle support with agility, catering to her ability to play both inside and out. It featured a synthetic leather upper, designed for lightweight durability, and Adidas's "ClimaCool" technology for enhanced breathability. The unique lacing system provided a snug, customizable fit. The shoe's midsole incorporated Adidas's "adiPRENE+" cushioning for responsive comfort and impact absorption, while the outsole's traction pattern offered reliable grip for her dynamic movements. Visually, the TS Ace Commander showcased a sleek, modern aesthetic with bold colorways and personalized details, reflecting Parker's commanding presence on the court.

Breanna Stewart – Puma Stewie 1 (2022)

The Puma Stewie 1, Breanna Stewart's signature sneaker released in 2022, represents a modern era in women's basketball footwear. Engineered for her versatile, all-around game, the Stewie 1 features a low-cut design prioritizing agility and responsiveness. It utilizes Puma's NITRO foam technology in the midsole for lightweight cushioning and energy return, crucial for her dynamic movements. The upper is constructed with a breathable mesh and supportive synthetic overlays, providing a comfortable yet secure fit. A unique lacing system and a molded heel counter offer enhanced lockdown and stability. The outsole's multidirectional traction pattern ensures reliable grip on the court. Visually, the Stewie 1 showcases a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with a bold neon and black colorway as a nod to her high school team.

Skylar Diggins-Smith — Puma TRC Blaze Court (2022)

The 2022 Puma TRC Blaze Court, part of Skylar Diggins-Smith's "Desert Sky" collection, blends performance with style, drawing inspiration from the Phoenix desert in its vibrant Festival Fuchsia and Whisper White colorway with team-inspired accents. This low-boot silhouette, influenced by Puma's Blaze of Glory, features a full-length ProFoam+ midsole for lightweight cushioning and a Trinomic outsole with hexagonal cells for stability and shock absorption. A high-abrasion rubber outsole ensures traction, while the upper combines breathable and supportive mesh with strategic rubber reinforcements for containment, creating a stylish yet functional basketball shoe reflecting Diggins-Smith's dynamic presence.

Sabrina Ionescu – Nike Sabrina 1 (2023)

The Nike Sabrina 1, released in 2023, is Sabrina Ionescu's signature sneaker, designed to match her dynamic and versatile style of play. This low-cut shoe prioritizes agility and speed, featuring a lightweight design with a focus on responsiveness. It incorporates Nike's React cushioning and a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, providing a blend of comfort and energy return for quick movements. The upper is constructed with a breathable mesh and supportive overlays, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. A unique lacing system and a molded heel counter enhance lockdown and stability. The outsole features a multidirectional traction pattern for reliable grip. Visually, the Sabrina 1 showcases a modern and sleek aesthetic, with personalized details that reflect her Romanian heritage, and pastel pinks and purples are brought together in the “Ionic” colorway.

Elena Delle Donne – Nike Air Deldon 1 (2023)

The Nike Air Deldon 1, Elena Delle Donne's signature sneaker released in 2023, is designed for her versatile and fluid playing style. This shoe prioritizes ease of entry and adaptability, featuring Nike's FlyEase technology for a collapsible heel, allowing for quick on-and-off. The full-length Air Strobel cushioning provides responsive comfort and impact protection, essential for her smooth movements and jump shots. The upper combines lightweight mesh and supportive overlays, offering breathability and stability. A unique lacing system ensures a secure fit, while the multidirectional outsole delivers reliable traction. Visually, the Air Deldon 1 showcases a clean, modern aesthetic sparked by the fire-orange hoodie with the white logo that took the world by storm.

Next Up: A’ja Wilson - Nike A’One debuting in May 2025

A'ja Wilson's signature, Nike A'One, sneaker transcends performance, embodying her personal story and powerful presence. Pearl motifs, a nod to her grandmother's gift of a pearl necklace (and another nod to her sorority), symbolize strength, while her grandmother's inspirational quote adorns the outsole. Celtic symbols honoring her parents reinforce her family-centric values, and her tenacious postgame quote is immortalized on the heel. The "Pink A'ura" colorway reflects her confident, passionate leadership, and her new star-inspired logo signifies her "A1" status and her desire to inspire young athletes.

Anyone else coming up?

We’ve received confirmation from Nike’s CEO, Elliot Hill, that Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe and logo are currently in development. In the meantime, the Caitlin Clark Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Indiana Fever” is expected to launch on June 1st, 2025.

Angel Reese has also teased a signature sneaker that will be releasing with Reebok in 2026.

The Legacy Continues: Every WNBA Signature Sneaker in History and Who’s Up Next