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Caitlin Clark’s got a different kind of obsession with Nike. Back in Iowa, spotting her in the swoosh was a common sight. But now in the W, it’s gotten even bigger. She signed a $28 million deal in her rookie year, has her own signature shoe on the way, a fresh apparel line, and a signature logo — something only the greatest of the greats have earned. But here’s the question… is that enough for her?

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Apparently not! Within months of releasing the Kobe 5 Protro, she’s back with the next one – the Kobe 6 Protro “Light Armory Blue.” Notably, the exclusive pair officially drops on November 12 and is priced at $200. But, it ain’t the first time we got a glimpse of these sneakers though. That’s because Nike first debuted the shoes during Indy’s nationally televised game against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. And ever since, they’ve been highly anticipated.

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And honestly, why not? The icy blue tones, snakeskin-textured TPU upper coated in a frosty finish, and a vibrant glacial hue on the Swoosh. The exterior heel counter features a lighter blue shade, whereas the midsole’s arctic white completes the cold-weather aesthetic. Looks-wise, it’s a 10 out of 10. But it’s not just about the look.

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The shoe combines Cushlon foam, an Air Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot, and low-profile traction for unmatched quickness and court feel. Add to that a breezy mesh tongue that ensures comfort under pressure – and you’ve got a performance beast. So even comfort-wise, it’s a hundred per cent. 

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But…it ain’t the only thing CC’s bringing this week. She’s also coming up with a unique Dick’s Sporting Goods and Nike collab, Women’s Universa Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra, priced at $65. Earlier this week, she shared a few photos of the design on Instagram with the caption, “Caitlin Clark Court Collection… Caitlin’s Court – fits to go from hoops to hang. Now available at DICK’S House of Sport.” So yes, it’s definitely a week full of CC headlines. But is she doing all this for the fans?

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Caitlin Clark is adding a new page to her obsession

For the Indiana Fever’s ace, Kobe’s iconic Nike sneakers, in both new and OG colorways, have always been a go-to – even during her NCAA career. She first made headlines by breaking the NCAA career scoring record while wearing the Nike Kobe 5 Protro in the Bruce Lee colorway.

Yes, the same shoes released a decade earlier after Kobe’s fifth NBA championship – inspired by the gold jumpsuit Bruce Lee wore in Game of Death and Enter the Dragon. Ever since then, rumors swirled that Indy’s ace would eventually get her own Nike sneaker. But without official confirmation, the chatter faded until June 29. That’s when Nike unveiled CC’s very own Kobe 5 “Protro PE” in a powerful new commercial.

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And that ad blew minds. It showed Clark sitting in a locker room, head down, eyes closed, meditating before a game. Then, she opened them, and her pupils shifted into the shape of snakes – a subtle nod to Mamba, the nickname of the late Kobe Bryant. 

But, CC kept it unique. Her Kobe 5 Protros were dressed in Indy’s team colors – dark navy, crimson-orange, and electric university gold outlining the swoosh. And two days later, the shoes dropped – and instantly sold out. But it’s not just about wearing them; CC loves sharing her sneakers too. She first gifted them to her Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team on her 22nd birthday. “For Caitlin’s birthday, she got us a gift,” Kate Martin said while revealing the green and white Nike sneakers on January 19, 2024. 

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Even at W, she continued the drill. She gifted them to her mates, the entire Fever staff, and to the Butler team that her boyfriend coaches. Well, that’s unique, especially since Kobe 5 Protros are sold out almost immediately, with resale prices soaring to nearly $500. Still, CC makes sure everyone she loves gets a pair. And now, as fans await her next drop, all eyes are on one thing – her first-ever signature shoe.

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Written by

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Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

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Deepali Verma

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