Caitlin Clark Makes History in Kobe Bryant's Nike Sneakers
Looking back at Caitlin Clark's collegiate career, it feels like a blur of logo shots, buzzer beaters, and celebrations. After four seasons, Clark finally became the NCAA women's basketball all-time scoring leader last night.
Not only did Clark break the career scoring record, but she also poured in 49 points (a career-high and single-game school record). Naturally, the Iowa Hawkeyes picked up the 106-89 win over the Michigan Wolverines in front of a sold-out home crowd in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Even more fitting, Clark made history in a pair of retro sneakers from the signature line of the late-great Kobe Bryant. The 22-year-old is an acolyte of Bryant's volume-shooting school of thought and an avid sneakerhead.
Throughout her NCAA career, Clark has routinely worn Bryant's iconic Nike sneakers in new and OG colorways. Below is a detailed look at Clark's historic hoop shoes and instructions on how to purchase a pair.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Bruce Lee'
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Bruce Lee' colorway.
USA TODAY NETWORK
Clark broke the NCAA's career scoring record while wearing the Nike Kobe 5 Protro in the 'Bruce Lee' colorway. The shoes were released in November 2020 for $180 and now have an average resale price of $566 on the sneaker platform StockX.
The shoes were originally released a decade prior on the heels of Bryant's fifth NBA Championship. Inspired by the gold jumpsuit Lee wore in the films Game of Death and Enter the Dragon, the shoes sport a black and gold upper with red detailing (including scratch marks).
In addition to it being a tough colorway, the sneakers also lend themselves to Iowa's school colors. While Clark has worn several colorways and models from the Nike Kobe line, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Bruce Lee' appears to be one of her favorites.
Clark's college career has been a dream we wish would never end. But like Bryant, Lee, and other greats before her, Clark has more lofty goals to reach. But today, we can take a moment to celebrate her historic achievement and undefeated sneaker rotation. Follow FanNationKicks.com for all your footwear news from the sports world.
