Male athletes have long dominated sneaker culture, with most signature sneakers and PE models designed for high-profile male athletes. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a much-needed shift toward more inclusivity and representation in the sneaker industry, especially in women’s sports.
The WNBA has been at the forefront of this movement, with generational players receiving signature sneakers. Giving prominent female athletes signature sneakers not only acknowledges their contributions to basketball but also provides a platform for women to showcase the history of their unique styles, stories, and achievements for years to come. It’s a necessary step toward creating a more inclusive and diverse society, both on and off the court.
Although only 12 women across five footwear companies can claim the achievement, Winsidr has compiled a comprehensive timeline of every WNBA sneaker released. This timeline aims to both celebrate some of the most stylish and innovative basketball sneakers designed specifically for women and to highlight the importance of breaking down gender norms and promoting equality in the sports industry.
So let’s dive into the complete timeline of WNBA sneakers and celebrate the women who have made history.
1. Air Swoopes I
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1995
- Player: Sheryl Swoopes
The release of the Air Swoopes I marked a significant milestone in sports marketing and women’s athletics, as it made Sheryl Swoopes the first female athlete to have a signature sneaker. At a time when female athletes were often overlooked and undervalued, Swoopes’ signature shoe was a testament to her talent, hard work, and perseverance, serving as a symbol of progress for women’s basketball and the broader sports industry.
Swoopes’ influence on women’s basketball and sneakers went beyond just the release of the Air Swoopes I, but this was the shoe that started it all. The Air Swoopes I launched between her 1993 NCAA championship with Texas Tech and the lead-up to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where she played on the women’s “Dream Team.”
2. Air Swoopes II
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1996
- Player: Sheryl Swoopes
You might have heard of the Nike Air Swoopes I, but let us introduce you to the Air Swoopes II. These babies dropped the following year, becoming an instant follow-up hit to their predecessor. They stepped up from the OG Air Swoopes with an irregular lacing system and wing-like top design.
Oh, and did we mention that Swoopes rocked these six weeks after giving birth? Swoopes wore these kicks to take home the gold at the 1996 Olympics and to dominate on the court with the Houston Comets in the WNBA’s first-ever season. HISTORY.
3. Lobo I
- Brand: Reebok
- Release Date: 1997
- Player: Rebecca Lobo
After witnessing the success of Nike’s trek into the signature female sneaker market, Reebok took a chance on Rebecca Lobo while she was still playing at UConn, further cementing her status as a trailblazer for women’s athletics. The shoe symbolized Lobo’s success and influence on women’s basketball, inspiring a generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness on the court.
The shoe was designed with Lobo’s input, featuring her preferred color scheme of white, navy blue, and red. It also included special features to enhance her performance on the court, such as a high-top design for ankle support and a lightweight yet durable construction.
4. Air Swoopes Zoom (III)
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1997
- Player: Sheryl Swoopes
The Air Swoopes Zoom is a prime example of a sneaker that combines style and functionality, making it a popular choice among basketball enthusiasts and sneakerheads.
The shoe featured a unique claw-like design up the side, which added to its aesthetic appeal and provided the stability necessary for the wearer to make the sudden stops and changes in direction that are required of basketball players. Additionally, the claw-like design was said to aid in protecting the wearer’s ankles, an area of precious real estate to hoopers.
Nike released the kicks in 1997, which by no coincidence was the same year that Swoopes’ Houston Comets won the first of their four consecutive WNBA championships. The Air Swoopes Zoom was designed partially by Swoopes to help herself and her teammates perform at their best during a significant moment in WNBA history.
5. Total Air 9 (Writer’s Choice)
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1998
- Player: Lisa Leslie
After an amateur career that included scoring 101 points in a single half of a high school game and setting Pac-10 records at USC, Lisa Leslie decide to take on the runway as well, signing a modeling contract in early 1996 before the Olympics. As a professional model and Team USA representative, Leslie leveraged her superstardom status into a perfectly crafted shoe to tell the story of her life between both worlds.
Thus, the Nike Total Air 9 was born. The shoe linked Leslie’s love of high fashion with her dominant performances in the post, combining elements of the top Nike technology at the time with the lavish aesthetic of iconic Chanel handbags.
“I patterned my shoe off Chanel—I couldn’t afford it back in the day, so it had the black Chanel puffs,” Leslie told Boardroom.
“I always wear silver jewelry, so it had a silver Swoosh. It had my touch. You hear people talk about it, but I helped design my shoe and loved it.”
6. Air Swoopes IV
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1998
- Player: Sheryl Swoopes
The Air Swoopes IV was another signature sneaker worn by Swoopes during her iconic time with the Houston Comets. This shoe was released the same year that Swoopes and the Comets won their second consecutive WNBA championship. Although the sneaker community heavily slept on the sneaker, its wavy outsole and heel zoom unit set the blueprint for many Nike basketball silhouettes.
7. Air Max Shake ‘Em Up
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1998
- Player: Cynthia Cooper
Dennis Rodman famously wore the Air Shake ‘Em Up during his stint with the Chicago Bulls. However, the shoe was unofficially marketed around Cynthia Cooper and her all-around game in the WNBA during the late 90s.
The Shake ‘Em Up was designed by Eric Avar, who also designed other classic Nike basketball sneakers like the Air Foamposite One and some Kobe Bryant signature line models. This shoe featured a unique asymmetrical design with a lacing system that extended from the midfoot to the ankle, providing a secure fit and excellent lockdown. However, the sneaker’s most notable feature was its distinct oversized Swoosh logo, which was placed at an angle across the shoe’s lateral side.
8. Air C14
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1999
- Player: Cynthia Cooper
After a successful “shake-up,” Nike invested in an exclusive shoe for Cooper two years after she signed with the company as a signature athlete. The Nike Air C14 was born six months after the unfortunate passing of her mother in 1999 and two weeks before the death of Comets teammate Kim Perrot.
Cooper wrote the word “mom” and the number “10” on the shoes before games, a nod toward two important people lost in her life. While penning the word “mom” on the shoe was self-explanatory, the “10” was both a shout to Perrot’s jersey number and the phrase “three for 10,” which was a rallying cry for the Comets to win a third straight title.
9. Nikki Delta
- Brand: FILA
- Release Date: 1999
- Player: Nikki McCray
After the W expanded in 1998, Nikki McCray became the first player signed to the Washington Mystics. What better time to create a new star in a new city with an underrated footwear company?
FILA saw the success it achieved with Grant Hill’s signature series and decided to sign McCray to a $1 million deal, making her the only female athlete to have a signature shoe with FILA to this day.
“I wanted it to be my personality and just have my flavor,” McCray explained to Andscape. “One of the things was I was really fast, so there’s a little flame on the shoe. My number was 15 … I had a 15 on the bottom, so every time you stepped, you saw the 15.”
10. Air-Tuned Swoopes (V)
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1999
- Player: Sheryl Swoopes
Each model released in the Swoopes series tells a story, and the Air-Tuned Swoopes V is no different. The shoe rose to fame as the official sneaker worn by Swoopes while recording the WNBA’s first-ever triple-double.
While the sneaker featured a strange combination of synthetic leather, mesh, and plastic webbing, the shoe’s most important feature was its combination of Nike Air and Tuned Air, which was specifically designed for female athletes. A new midsole cushioning system, a more supportive upper, and a new traction pattern made the shoe well-rounded for use on both indoor and outdoor basketball courts.
11. Zoom S5
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 1999
- Player: Dawn Staley
The Nike S5 was a signature basketball shoe for Dawn Staley, a former WNBA legend and current head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. The shoe was Staley’s first signature with the company and was well received by hoopers of all genders as well as sneaker critics.
Although discontinued in 2002, the shoe greatly impacted sneaker culture with a full-length Zoom Air unit in the midsole, durable and breathable materials, and a universal colorway, making it easy to rock on and off the court.
12. Air Swoopes VI
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2000
- Player: Sheryl Swoopes
The sixth silhouette of the Swoopes line gave off vibes reminiscent of Tracy McGrady’s T-Mac 2 with Adidas. However, the Air Swoopes VI was released three years prior, blazing the acceptance path toward shiny, iridescent leather uppers.
Swoopes captured gold with Team USA in Sydney, won yet another WNBA title, and won WNBA MVP in these shoes.
13. Shox BB4 Mique
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2001
- Player: Chamique Holdsclaw
Chamique Holdsclaw, known by her nickname “Mique,” partnered with Nike to create a unique model designed specifically for her. While the shoe retained the basic design and technology of the original Nike Shox BB4, it included personalized details and branding that reflected Holdsclaw’s style and partnership with Nike.
The Nike Shox technology, a vital feature of the BB4 model, integrated cushioning columns in the heel area, providing responsive and impact-absorbing support. This tech was aimed at enhancing performance and comfort for Holdsclaw on the court. But what set the shoe apart was the moon-like texture on the uppers, which Chamique and the designers gained inspiration from space travel.
14. Air Swoopes Premier (VII)
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2001
- Player: Sheryl Swoopes
All good things end, and that’s what happened to the Swoopes signature series in 2001. The Swoopes Premier featured the latest Nike Air technology with a Max Air heel unit for comfort. Additionally, it took a combination of materials from previous models to handle extreme usage both indoors and outdoors.
Although the shoe doesn’t hold the prestige of its predecessors, the last model of the Swoopes series closed out the chapter for the longest-tenured signature series with a WNBA player in history.
15. Shox Mique
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2002
- Player: Chamique Holdsclaw
While the initial moon-looking shoes from Holdsclaw caused head turns, the Shox Mique follow-up still holds weight in the sneaker community today. After winning the WNBA scoring title in 2002, Mique and Nike inked a $1 million deal to release her final shoe in the series.
After the shoe’s success, Holdsclaw continued her partnership with Nike, wearing several PE versions of successful models that the company released.
16. Air Taurasi
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2005
- Player: Diana Taurasi
The Nike Air Taurasi picked up the torch left by Holdsclaw, rebirthing Nike’s lineage of WNBA signature sneakers three years later. Fortunately for Nike, they didn’t have to take a risk or use much foresight with Taurasi. As a four-year UConn player with four NCAA titles, Nike knew precisely who to sign to continue the legacy of WNBA signature sneakers. After a successful WNBA Rookie of the Year campaign, Nike and Taurasi dropped the Air Taurasi the following season.
Many often ask, “How come Taurasi’s first shoe doesn’t represent Phoenix Mercury colors?” To close all debates, the shoe’s colorway represented UConn’s color scheme.
17. Shox DT
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2006
- Player: Diana Taurasi
After the initial success of the Air Taurasi, Nike quickly followed up with the Shox DT. Although never confirmed, the shoe appears to combine aesthetic features from previous Swoopes and Holdsclaw models. The diagonal swoosh near the toe cap seemingly takes inspiration from the Air Swoopes VI, and the blue-colored Shox technology of the heel area can be found in prior Holdsclaw models.
While Taurasi only wore the shoe for one season, she still managed to claim the WNBA record for the highest single-season scoring average at 25.3 points per game (PPG), which still stands today.
18. Ace Commander (Winsidr Choice)
- Brand: Adidas
- Release Date: 2010
- Player: Candace Parker
The Adidas Ace Commander, released in 2010, was the first signature basketball shoe for Candace Parker. Additionally, it was the first signature shoe for a female basketball player by Adidas. The shoe was designed to provide support, cushioning, and traction for Parker’s unique playing style.
The Ace Commander featured a high-top construction with a padded ankle collar for support. The midsole was made of a combination of EVA foam and adiPRENE+ for cushioning. The outsole was made of a durable rubber compound with herringbone traction for grip.
Available in various colorways, including Parker’s signature purple and gold, the shoe was a hit with fans and the Winsidr staff alike, as it helped solidify Parker’s status as one of the best players in the WNBA.
19. Ace Versatility
- Brand: Adidas
- Release Date: 2011
- Player: Candace Parker
Parker followed up on the success of the Ace Commander with the Ace Versatility. Parker famously wore the second model in a white/yellow PE colorway as a nod to the LA Sparks. This sneaker was supplied with CLIMACOOL and adiPRENE technology and sported a functional and removable midfoot cross strap featuring a stitch pattern along the collar that spelled out “ACE.”
Why “ACE,” you ask? “It’s not a king, it’s not a queen, and there’s no gender with an Ace,” Parker explained in an interview. “It’s about the person and the human being.”
20. Exhibit A
- Brand: Adidas
- Release Date: 2021
- Player: Candace Parker
Believe it or not, the WNBA didn’t have another signature sneaker until 10 years after Parker’s second model. While it’s sad that there was a decade-long WNBA-signature gap in the market, Adidas reignited things with a great-looking sneaker for Parker’s third shoe.
Exhibit A reminded footwear companies that women can sell shoes and signature apparel if given the platform. The popular vivid orange edition of the sneaker paid homage to Candace’s tenure as a Tennessee Lady Vol up to her time with the Sparks.
“It’s really special, and I do believe in women’s sports, and I do believe in women’s power in selling,” Parker said. “To see this come to light and see all that’s come since in the 10 years in between, it means a lot to me.”
21. Deldon 1
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2022
- Player: Elena Delle Donne
After Adidas restored the presence of WNBA signature sneakers, Nike returned with the DELDON 1, the brand’s first W signature shoe since the Shox DT in 2006.
Nike’s Flyease technology was used, covered in a canvas base with leather and suede overlays. The base featured a rainbow canvas with “BETRUE” branding split between both pairs on the toe boxes. The rainbow colors ran back to the collar, with tan overlays accenting the bright shades. Tonal beige lace was positioned just below the gray textile tongue, with colorful hits sprinkled throughout. Moving back to the collar, a leather Flyease strap featured Delle Donne’s logo on the lateral side, and “BETRUE” was elegantly split between both pairs on the medial side, allowing for easy on-and-off wear. The Nike Swoosh wrapped around the silhouette and acted as a pull tab, the first of its kind.
22. Exhibit B
- Brand: Adidas
- Release Date: 2022
- Player: Candace Parker
The Adidas Exhibit B was a signature basketball shoe for Candace Parker, released in 2022. It was Parker’s fourth signature shoe, designed to be more versatile than the Ace Commander and Ace Versatility.
Exhibit B featured a mid-top construction with a textile upper for a comfortable fit. The midsole was made of Lightstrike cushioning for a responsive and cushioned ride, and the outsole featured a durable rubber compound with herringbone traction for grip.
The shoe made waves with vibrant colorways, each with a special meaning. An emerald green shade of “For Lailaa Nicole” paid homage to Parker’s beloved daughter. Plus, the regal purple and gold combo of “Game Royalty” is a nod to the powerful African queens who have paved the way. And the ash blue hue of “Windy City” was in celebration of Parker’s 2021 WNBA championship victory.
23. Stewie 1
- Brand: Puma
- Release Date: 2022
- Player: Breanna Stewart
The Puma Stewie 1 was a signature shoe designed explicitly for Breanna Stewart, fondly known as “Stewie.” It boasted a distinctive and stylish design that genuinely embodied her personality, playing style, and membership of the Seattle Storm at the time.
The shoe seamlessly combined performance-enhancing features with fashionable aesthetics, making it a standout choice for both on-court performance and off-court style. However, just as importantly, it also marked Puma’s first venture into the world of female signature sneakers.
24. Sabrina 1
- Brand: Nike
- Release Date: 2023
- Player: Sabrina Ionescu
Sabrina Ionescu, the rising star, joined Nike to create her signature sneaker, the Nike Sabrina 1. While details remain scarce, fans eagerly await to see if the shoe will carry Ionescu’s name and showcase her path to greatness.
The Nike Sabrina 1 was designed by Ionescu herself, alongside Nike designers. The shoe features a cushioning setup that includes fore-foot Zoom, React Foam, a midfoot shank, and a lockdown system at the midfoot, making the Sabrina 1 on par with Nike’s current product line designed for players who rely on quickness, acceleration, and lockdown.
While only glimpses of the “Photon Dust” colorway have been released, Nike’s investment in the technology foreshadows more colorway releases.
25. Stewie 2
- Brand: Puma
- Release Date: 2023
- Player: Breanna Stewart
The Puma Stewie 2 has officially hit the court as the second signature shoe for WNBA sensation Breanna Stewart. Released in 2023 alongside the highly anticipated start of the 2023 WNBA season, this shoe sets a new standard in performance and style.
Crafted with the latest Puma technology, the Stewie 2 boasts a Pwrtape-supported upper, ensuring exceptional durability and support during intense cuts and explosive jumps. Its Nitro cushioning in the midsole delivers unmatched responsiveness and lightweight comfort, and the high-abrasion outsole tread pattern guarantees superior traction on any surface.
Available in an array of eye-catching colorways, including the beloved “Ruby” edition named after Stewart’s daughter, the Stewie 2 has garnered high praise from hoop fans and wear testers and has captivated other pros to wear the shoe on court this season.
