Sabrina Ionescu Gives Exciting Update On Her Nike Sneaker Line
Women's basketball has reached unprecedented levels of popularity and excitement over the past year. Not only are the lady hoopers stealing the spotlight in the sports world, but they are also beginning to dominate the sneaker industry.
There are more signature sneakers and player-exclusives popping up in the WNBA, but none are more popular than the Nike Sabrina 1. The first signature sneaker of New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu was a slam dunk.
Athletes and fans alike loved Ionescu's debut hoop shoe. NBA players embraced the model, while one fan went as far as stealing Ionescu's game-worn sneakers last season. The hype probably got out of control, but that comes with the territory of shattering glass ceilings.
Naturally, the sneaker community is eager to hear about the Nike Sabrina 2. It has been over a year since Ionescu debuted the model, and Nike usually launches a new installment each year.
Should athletes and fans be worried about the fate of Ionescu's sneaker line? Not at all. WNBA reporter Greydy Diaz recently asked Ionescu for an update on the Nike Sabrina 2, and the answer did not disappoint.
The @sabrina_i20 2s are coming soon!đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/9PdpSgMi0h
— Greydy (@GreydyDiaz) April 28, 2024
Ionescu said, "I'd say coming soon. But, I'm excited, I think, to be able to see how the [Sabrina] 1 kind of took the world by storm on the women's side, but particularly on the men's side. To see how that's been able to translate, that was my goal from the beginning is just to create equality with a sneaker and to be able to see that come to life. I'm excited to see what the Sabrina 2 has in store for continuing to bridge the gap between the two."
Ionescu's exciting play and her sneaker's sharp design created a winning combination. The Nike Sabrina 1 is one of the few performance basketball model's that is easy to wear on and off the court.
While the first few colorways of the Nike Sabrina 1 sold out quickly, the brand was able to increase production and make it easier for the average consumer to get their hands on a pair. Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of Ionescu's first sneaker in full-family sizing on the Nike website.
The Nike Sabrina 1 contains a top-loaded forefoot Air Zoom unit with a full-length React foam core to deliver the ideal balance of stability, ground control, and cushioning. Meanwhile, the midfoot band system allows for conformability and adjustability around the arch. Lastly, a data-informed traction pattern helps connect athletes to the court for quick movements.
We share Ionescu's sentiment about her shoe bridging the gap between women's and men's basketball. If the Nike Sabrina 2 is anything like its predecessor, it is guaranteed to be a hit with athletes and fans. Sneakerheads can count on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Kicks for all their footwear news from the WNBA and the rest of the sports world.
Further Reading: Caitlin Clark makes her WNBA debut in Kobe Bryant's retro Nike sneakers.
PAT BENSON
Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.