Amanda Knapp
Caitlin Clark, the Iowa basketball superstar, has a name, image and likeness deal with Nike, and has worn several of the brand's shoes on the court. Clark has made it public knowledge that she is a die-hard Kobe fan, wearing the Kobe 5 Protro Bruce Lees during the 2023 NCAA tournament and the Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16s in a game against Nebraska. She has also worn the Nike Kobe 5 “Bruce Lee”, the “Italian Camo” Kobe 6, the “Grinch” Kobe 6, and the “All Star” Kobe 6. Clark also wore the Nike Sabrina 1s to her introductory press conference, and her endorsement deal with Nike is reportedly worth up to $28 million over eight years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shoe Brand | Nike |
| Shoe Model | Kobe 5, Kobe 6, Sabrina 1 |
| Shoe Variant | Protro, Bruce Lee, Mambacita Sweet 16s, Grinch, Italian Camo, All Star |
| Shoe Color | Black, White, Yellow |
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What You'll Learn
Caitlin Clark's Nike endorsement deal
Caitlin Clark, the Iowa basketball superstar, has been a loyal wearer of Nike shoes throughout her career. She has been partial to the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's signature shoes, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro and Nike Kobe 6 Protro, with the former featuring in her NCAA tournament runs in 2023 and 2024. Clark has also worn the Nike Kobe 6 in a Mambacita Sweet 16s colourway, which pays tribute to Kobe and his daughter Gianna, who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Clark's affinity for Nike shoes has led to a lucrative endorsement deal with the brand. The 22-year-old has signed a deal worth up to $28 million over eight years, according to the Wall Street Journal. As part of this deal, Clark will receive her own signature shoe, an honour bestowed upon only a select few Nike athletes, including Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu, LeBron James, and Ja Morant.
Clark has already been spotted wearing a variety of Nike shoes with her Fever uniform, including the Nike Sabrina 1s, engineered with top-performance features such as an artistic traction pattern, thick rubber for durability, and elite cushioning. She has also been seen in the "Indiana Fever" Nike Kobe 5 PE, which she debuted before her first WNBA playoff game in 2024, and the "Moonwalker" Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low, featured in Nike's "So Win" campaign.
The partnership between Caitlin Clark and Nike is a powerful combination of one of basketball's brightest stars and a leading sportswear brand. With her impressive skills and Nike's support, Clark is sure to continue making waves in the WNBA and inspiring a new generation of basketball players.
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Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16s
Caitlin Clark, the Iowa basketball superstar, has been seen wearing the Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16s. The shoe was released on April 29, 2022, with pairs available via SNKRS Pass in Los Angeles and SNKRS Exclusive Access on May 1, 2022, in honour of Gigi Bryant's birthday. Gigi Bryant was the daughter of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who, along with Gigi, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16s are a tribute to the legacy that Kobe and Gigi Bryant built, inspiring generations of basketball players and fans. The shoe features a black and white textured upper with gold lettering displaying "Kobe" on the back of the left shoe and "Gigi" on the right, along with Gigi's basketball number, 2, on each side. The number "2" on the lateral heel celebrates Gigi's basketball legacy.
The Mambacita Sweet 16s are part of the Nike x Kobe series, which has become one of the most acclaimed signature lines in performance basketball. The Kobe 6, in particular, has become Nike's flagship silhouette, offering a wide range of colour options. The Mambacita Sweet 16s are a special edition, inspired by Gigi Bryant and her love for the game.
Nike's Exclusive Access programme offers dedicated Nike members and Kobe fans the chance to purchase the Kobe 6 Protro. Access is granted based on specific criteria to ensure that the shoes go to individuals with a genuine passion for basketball and Kobe Bryant's signature line. The SNKRS Pass provides members in the Los Angeles area with the opportunity to reserve and collect their pairs at select retail locations.
Caitlin Clark's choice of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16s aligns with her association with Nike and her preference for Kobe Bryant's signature shoes, which also complement the Iowa Hawkeyes' uniforms.
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Nike Kobe 5 Protro Bruce Lees
Caitlin Clark, the Iowa basketball superstar, has been seen wearing the Nike Kobe 5 Protro Bruce Lees. She wore the black and yellow shoes during the 2023 NCAA tournament and through this year's tournament run, including the Final Four game against UConn.
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro Bruce Lees are an iconic colourway inspired by Kobe Bryant's admiration for martial artist Bruce Lee and his philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, "The Way of the Intercepting Fist". The black and yellow panelling on the upper pays homage to the one-piece jumpsuit that Bruce Lee wore in the film *Game of Death*, while the red scratch marks on the lateral side pay tribute to the final fight sequence from *Enter the Dragon*.
The Kobe V Bruce Lee was first released in 2010, the year Kobe won his final championship. The colourway was added to the Protro series in 2020, which combines retro silhouettes with modified cushioning and construction. The Nike Kobe 5 Protro Bruce Lees were released in November 2020 for $180.
Caitlin Clark has a name, image and likeness deal with Nike, and the black and yellow colours of the Kobe 5 Protros work perfectly with the Hawkeye's uniforms. Clark has also worn other colourways of the Kobe 5, including the "Indiana Fever" colourway, which she wore prior to her first WNBA playoff game in 2024.
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Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Moonwalker
Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark has been seen wearing the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Moonwalker. This shoe is a special edition colourway of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low basketball shoe, released as part of Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Moonwalker features a FlyKnit upper, known for its lightweight and breathable characteristics. The predominant colour of the FlyKnit upper is purple, complemented by black accents on the midsole and a white speckled pattern on the outsole. The Nike Swoosh on the side panels and Kobe Bryant's mamba logo on the tongue feature white and silver accents.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Moonwalker also incorporates Nike's Dynamic Flywire technology, which provides lockdown and support for quick cuts and movements. This technology consists of strategically placed cables that help stabilise the foot during rapid changes in direction.
Caitlin Clark has been partial to Kobe Bryant's signature shoes over the last several seasons, which aligns with her name, image and likeness deal with Nike. Clark has worn various other Kobe models, including the Nike Kobe 5 and 6, in different colourways such as "Bruce Lee", "Mambacita Sweet 16s", and "Indiana Fever".
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Nike Sabrina 1s
The Nike Sabrina 1s are a signature shoe designed in collaboration with WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. They were introduced in 2023 and are available in women's sizes. The shoe's design combines performance-driven elements with stylish design cues, resulting in a sleek and modern aesthetic. The overall look is characterised by a streamlined silhouette, a breathable mesh upper, and supportive overlays.
The Nike Sabrina 1s stand out for their advanced cushioning system, which provides excellent shock absorption and energy return, making them ideal for high-impact sports like basketball, where quick movements and jumps are essential. The shoes are also known for aiding in quick directional changes and explosive movements, thanks to their close-to-the-ground structure and cushioning technologies. They provide a natural flexibility that gives confidence during play, and their lightweight construction adds to the feeling of speed.
The Nike Sabrina 1s come in a variety of colourways, including the classic and versatile "Black/White" combination, the bold and vibrant "University Red," the clean and sophisticated "Pure Platinum," and the sleek and modern "Midnight Navy." The collar of the shoe is designed with a midfoot band system that allows conformability and adjustability around the arch of the foot, unlocking quick play and inspiring confidence on the court. The collar provides optimal support while remaining minimal, offering the necessary stability without adding bulk.
The Nike Sabrina 1s have received positive reviews, with some considering them one of the best first releases of a signature shoe. They are praised for their performance, comfort, and style, making them a popular choice for both indoor basketball players and everyday wear. However, it is noted that the shoes may not be suitable for those with wide feet due to their narrow width and spacious feel.
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Frequently asked questions
Caitlin Clark has a name, image and likeness deal with Nike and frequently wears the Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Bruce Lees".
Caitlin Clark has also been seen wearing the Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16s, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low "Moonwalker", and the Nike Sabrina 1s.
Caitlin Clark is in line to sign an endorsement deal with Nike worth up to $28 million over eight years. As part of her deal, she will receive a signature shoe.
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16s were designed to honour the legacy of Kobe and Gianna 'Gigi' Bryant. They feature "Kobe" on the back of the left shoe, "Gigi" on the right, and Gigi's basketball number (2) on each side.
