Caitlin Clark’s dominance isn’t just confined to the court anymore; her influence is now shaking up the sneaker world once again. Clark returned to the court competitively for the first time in 8 months and delivered a masterclass. While Caitlin Clark’s official signature shoe remains under wraps, the sneaker world is buzzing over a leaked image that suggests her next Kobe PE pays homage to a surprising piece of NBA history.

Like a former Nike executive said last year, “They want to get it right.” Clark herself said it’s “probably been a year and a half” of figuring out what she wants in her shoe and how to make it unique to her and also be comfortable wearing it. Meanwhile, she is expected to get another Player Edition of the Kobe 5 Protro. 

According to House of Heat, Clark’s next Protro feature is named Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Coconut Milk” and will release June 1. However, some other reports name it as the “Bright Spruce/Midnight Spruce” color scheme. 

It features a deep white or coconut milk combined with bright spruce colors. The inner lining features a darker midnight blue shade, while a pop of University Red on the tongue completes the look. The color scheme could reference the Charlotte Hornets, which was the team that first drafted Kobe Bryant. The shoes are rumored to launch at a retail price of $190 in adult sizes on the Nike SNKRS app and at select retailers.

This will be Clark’s fourth PE to be released for the fans. So far, two have already been released: the Indiana Fever Kobe 5 Protro and the Light Armory Kobe 6 Protro. Both sold out within minutes of the limited launch. Clark’s Rookie of the Year colorway is expected to debut soon. But there is no confirmed date yet.

They are popular among the players as well. According to KixStats, which tracks the sneakers worn by players across multiple professional basketball leagues, Caitlin Clark’s Nike Kobe 6 Protro PE was the most-worn sneaker in the NBA by minutes played in December 2025. The light blue Kobe was worn for 2,433 minutes, with another Kobe 6 colorway following Caitlin’s.

In March,  the Light Armory Blue has been worn by the likes of Walter Clayton Jr., Hugo Gonzalez among others while the Indiana Fever colorway has been worn by players like Moussa Diabate and Quentin Grimes. So, the PEs are a profitable venture for Nike’s as well and they also keep the fanbase relatively happy while they work on the signature shoe. While Clark continues to make waves on the court, she has earned the respect of a legend off it.

Diana Taurasi Hints Sue Bird’s Role In Caitlin Clark’s Team USA Number

Caitlin Clark wears the iconic 23 for the Indiana Fever and was expected to do the same for Team USA. But then, she appeared in that No. 12 jersey and surprised all the fans. “I didn’t get to pick,” Clark said. “If I eventually make the team in international basketball, it’s 4 through 15, those are the only numbers.” But No. 12 belongs to one of the greatest WNBA players of all time Diana Taurasi. And the legend has revealed her feelings about Clark succeeding her. 

“I spent two decades wearing that jersey and that number. I couldn’t think of anyone better to take it and put it on and just have an amazing career. And Caitlin will do that,” Taurasi told Sports Illustrated. “She had a great qualifier down in Puerto Rico. It’s just going to be fun to watch her play in the summer, in Germany, and then, the Olympics. No one better to wear the 12, and Caitlin’s going to put some gold medals on that jersey, you know.” 

In that same interview, she also hinted at the fact that the Team USA director, Sue Bird, might have intentionally manipulated the situation so Clark got the No. 12. “You know, once I’m out of things, I’m out,” she said. “Maybe Sue (Bird), you know, she’s a little bit more calculated than people think. So maybe that was a Sue job. That wouldn’t surprise me.”

However, this praise shows that Clark has earned Taurasi’s respect. When Clark was drafted, she infamously said that “reality is coming” for Clark. She doubted whether Clark can make the same impact in the WNBA as she did in college basketball. She was proven wrong. Last year, after Clark had one of the best rookie seasons of all time, Taurasi admitted that “reality is coming to her now.” And now her glowing backing of Clark wearing the No. 12 jersey further adds to her support for Clark.