Nike Reportedly Decides Caitlin Clark Shoe Release Timeline

Caitlin Clark is going to get her own shoe from Nike, that much we know. It's just a matter of when the company feels the time is right.

Nike signed Clark to an 8-year, $28 million deal in April 2024. The Swoosh announced at the time they'd eventually be giving the Indiana Fever star her own sneaker, and now we have a reported timeline for when it will finally drop.

Sneaker Nick DePaula recently sat down for a conversation with Front Office Sports, during which he revealed that Clark's shoe is expected to launch in spring 2026. That might seem like a long time to get the project finished, but DePaula explained that it's typical for development to take a full two years.

“They want to get it right, he explained, adding that patience is necessary when an athlete is waiting for his or her signature footwear.

There's a very logical reason for Nike being so meticulous with its Clark shoe process: money.

“I think when Caitlin’s shoe comes out it can be a $150 million business,” DePaula told Front Office Sports. “It could become a top five signature franchise across basketball.” 

Throughout her career at the University of Iowa and through her first one-plus seasons in the WNBA, Clark has worn a variety of Kobe PE models. 

Her latest Kobe player edition, a Kobe V Protro in a Fever colorway of "Midnight Navy, Bright Crimson and University Gold," sold out within minutes on Monday. The shoe retailed at $190 and has been selling for around double that in some areas of the online secondary market. 

Despite missing seven of the Fever's first 16 games this season due to quad and groin injuries, Clark remains immensely popular with fans. She was named a captain for this month's WNBA All-Star Game, garnering the most fan votes of any player.