Everything You Need to Know about Sneakers in the WNBA

The 2024 WNBA season has tipped off and the momentum of the NCAA Women’s Tournament has carried into the W. Thanks to the likes of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the WNBA continues to grow and evolve since the league’s inception in 1997. We’ve highlighted a few WNBA hoopers to keep an eye on this year, along with what they’re expected to rock on the hardwood.

A’ja Wilson - Las Vegas Aces (Nike)

As A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces look to defend their title, the reigning Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year is looking to add onto her hall of fame resume. The crafty 6’4” lefty is a matchup nightmare for the opposition every night thanks to her dominance in protecting the rim and offensive repertoire from the high and low post.

A’ja is finally getting her own signature sneaker in the Nike A’One in 2025 but she already has a signature look thanks to her iconic leg sleeve that covers her whole left leg. The future hall of famer is the face of Nike’s eco-conscious Cosmic Unity line, and until her signature releases, expect A’ja to rock the Nike LeBron 21.

Caitlin Clark - Indiana Fever (Nike)

There hasn’t been a WNBA player with as much hype and anticipation as Caitlin Clark. Her shot making ability and range is something the women’s game hasn’t seen before, and we’re pretty confident it will translate at the next level.

Clark signed a NIL deal with Nike during her final two years at Iowa, and the two extended their partnership on the pro level, inking a $28 million dollar deal over 8 years with a signature sneaker to come down the line.

Much like her time as a Hawkeye, expect Clark to be rocking the Nike Kobe 5 and Kobe 6 Protro. She’s been rocking the Kobe 5 Protro ‘Bruce Lee Alternate’ and Kobe 6 Protro ‘All-Star’ so far, but we’re hoping to see some dope PEs later this season.

Angel Reese - Chicago Sky (Reebok)

The Bayou Barbie is headed to the Windy City, alongside former South Carolina rival Kamilla Cardoso – good luck trying to grab a board against the Sky this season!

Reese racked up NIL deals during her time at LSU, one of which was with Reebok. The Vector and Reese continue their partnership in the W, even with bigger and more established brands wanting to sign the forward.

In talks with Shaq who’s Reebok’s president of basketball and fellow LSU Tiger, Reese wants to be a pioneer for the brand and be hands-on with her signature sneaker and apparel. Until then, expect Reese to rock the Reebok Solution, a modern take on Allen Iverson’s Reebok Question.

Breanna Stewart - New York Liberty (PUMA)

Breanna Stewart had an amazing season last year, adding a second MVP to her jam packed trophy case. Although her and the New York Liberty ultimately came up short against the Aces, Breanna and company are expected to make another deep run and be on the short list of teams contending for a WNBA championship.

The do-it-all forward left Nike to sign with PUMA back in 2021 and is now on her third signature sneaker in the PUMA Stewie 3. Like her signature sneakers of the past, expect storytelling to shine through on the upcoming colourways as Stewie will battle it out in the WNBA and for Team USA in the Paris Olympics this year.

Arike Ogunbowale - Dallas Wings (Nike)

IIf there’s one word to describe Arike Ogunbowale’s game, it’s shifty. Ball on a string and shot making ability that rivals anyone in the W, if she gets you in an iso situation, good luck with leaving your ankles and dignity intact.

Arike’s weapon of choice last year was the Nike G.T. Cut 2, and you can expect her to rock the G.T. Cut 3 for the upcoming season. With more eyes on the W this year, expect Arike to break out some fits in the tunnel as well.

Sabrina Ionescu - New York Liberty (Nike)

A part of a big three with Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty have big expectations as they’re expected to come out of the East again this season with another year together under their belt.

Getting a signature sneaker from Nike is for a select few and the Swoosh gave Ionescu a sig in the Nike Sabrina 1 last year. An on-court favourite for hoopers in the WNBA and NBA, the long range playmaker will be wearing the Sabrina 1, but expect the sequel in the Nike Sabrina 2 to make an appearance later this season.

Chelsea Gray - Las Vegas Aces (adidas)

Chelsea Gray is dubbed as the ‘Point Gawd’ for a reason. Whether she’s threading a pocket pass to A’ja or getting a bucket with her arsenal of moves and counters, whatever option you’re giving Gray, she’s going to take it and make you pay.

Gray was rocking the adidas Dame 8 last season and we can expect the ‘Point Gawd’ to rock the successor in the adidas Dame 9. With former teammate Candace Parker being named president of adidas women’s basketball, we hope to see what comes out of it for Gray in the future.

Kelsey Plum - Las Vegas Aces (Under Armour)

The Aces are stacked and adding in Kelsey Plum alongside A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young is just unfair. Like Gray, Plum can give it to you however you want it. Whether that’s setting the table for her teammates or catching fire on her own, it’s easy to see why she’s going to Paris for Team USA this summer.

Plum signed with Under Armour in 2023, rocking the UA Curry 1 Retro last year during the Aces’s championship run. As for this season, it’s still unknown what she’ll be wearing. Plum teased a new UA hoop shoe in the Breakthrough 5 during her Dawg Class camp, so we’ll keep you updated on that when we know more.

Aliyah Boston - Indiana Fever (adidas)

Aliyah Boston used her footwork and post play to win Rookie of the Year last year and as she links up with Caitlin Clark this season, it looks like a deadly pick and roll combo is blossoming in Indy.

Due to her being the first NIL athlete for Under Armour as a South Carolina Gamecock, everyone expected Boston to sign with Under Armour as a pro. Boston ended up signing with adidas after going first in the 2023 WNBA Draft, rocking the adidas Exhibit Select CP. She’s been wearing the adidas DON Issue #5, so expect Boston to be wearing that majority of the season.

Cameron Brink - Los Angeles Sparks (New Balance)

Cameron Brink racked up awards and accolades during her time at Stanford, arguably the greatest basketball player to come out of Palo Alto. The forward went second in the 2024 WNBA Draft and expectations are high as Brink is one of the cornerstones in the rebuilding process for the Sparks.

Although Stanford is a Nike school, Brink signed a NIL deal with New Balance, which now extends to her on the professional level. As New Balance continue to grow on the basketball side, we hope that roster will grow in the future on the women’s side, as Brink is the sole NB basketball athlete. Brink has been wearing the New Balance TWO WXY V4 during preseason so expect that to be the sneaker of choice going forward this season.

Rhyne Howard - Atlanta Dream (Jordan Brand)

You can’t rattle Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard. The two-time All-Star at her height combined with her ball handling ability, can get by you in a variety of ways. Rhyne can get to any spot on the floor and does so at her own smooth pace.

Jordan Brand have an extensive women’s roster, and the Jumpman signed Howard as she went #1 in the 2022 WNBA draft. While some like what they like and stick to it, Howard rotates and wears a variety of sneakers from Jordan Brand such as the Luka 2 and Air Jordan 36 Low. Expect Howard to take another leap in her career and we’re excited to see what rocks from the Jumpman this season.

Diana Taurasi - Phoenix Mercury (Nike)

The list wouldn’t be complete without the GOAT. Diana Taurasi is now entering her 20th season in the WNBA, as the Mercury look to be a dark horse contender out of the West this season.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and it looks like Taurasi takes the same approach to her sneakers. The sneaker of choice is the Nike LeBron 17, as she rocked the discontinued sneaker for the majority of the season last year, with the LeBron 19 making a cameo as well.