Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald are both out, and now all eyes are on Caitlin Clark to make a comeback and drive the No. 5-ranked Indiana Fever toward the championship title. Fans’ hopes might be wavering, and while the team is working to bring some flavor by adding players on hardship contracts, Clark is making sure to keep them engaged!

This time, she’s turning heads with her ever-impressive sneaker rotation. She’s already worn everything from Fever-inspired player exclusives to playful Cookie Monster themes, and even a heartfelt tribute to her dog, Bella. Now, she’s stepping in a new direction with a Caitlin Clark-inspired release for the masses: the Nike Kobe 5 Protro Rookie of the Year. Unlike her past pairs, this one takes its cues from her celebratory photoshoot after clinching the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award – a title she claimed in style after shattering more than 19 records in a single season.

So, you know why Nike chose the perfect occasion and theme to let Clark’s spark shine, especially since her last sneaker edition sold out almost instantly. But, it’s not just CC’s ROTY that makes her shoes unique as the silhouette features a Metallic Silver upper with University Red detailing.

Sound familiar? It should—Clark debuted this colorway during the WNBA regular season tip-off against the Chicago Sky, after secretly slipping them on during practice. “I’ve been wearing them in practice, but I take them off before you guys get in there. Sorry, yeah, I know,” Clark said with a grin. At 6:50 in the press conference, Clark was asked about the sneakers.

She insisted they wouldn’t be released: “They’re custom, so you won’t get them… there is a picture that the Fever took after the season, where I had my trophy; I was in my red uniform, so that’s what they’re based off of… Nike designed them, they did well,” Clark said, giving a thumbs-up.

But despite her insistence, multiple reports suggest the shoes will, in fact, hit shelves in Spring 2026 for $190 in adult sizes on the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers. Though Nike has not yet officially announced the release date, the brand has already begun rolling out Clark’s player-exclusive kicks—like the Nike Kobe 5 Indiana Fever colorway—with more on the way. So, you know it’s purely exclusive, but fans really aren’t liking it. But, if you’re thinking it’s CC on their radar this time, she isn’t!

Fans fire on Nike after Caitlin Clark’s ROTY shoes come out!

As fans learned about the launch, they, as usual, dove into the comment section and reignited the evergreen debate that’s been going on since last year. “I thought her signature shoe was coming out then?” penned a spectator. And that’s right, too. Isn’t it high time since CC was promised her signature shoes? Well, her boyfriend has criticized Nike for staying quiet, and recently, Diana Taurasi added to it, though in a subtle way.

The six-time Olympic gold medalist shared, “Oh, Caitlin, of course… Yeah, I mean, I know she has some PEs, little colorways, but you can do that on Nike ID. I mean, the next Caitlin shoe should be the next one, and you know my kids will be wearing it,” when asked about who deserves the league’s next signature shoes.

And bang on—she’s right, too, as the endorsement comes amid CC’s sophomore year in which she’s been limited to just 13 games so far due to four injuries this season. So, in a way, it’s delayed, and releasing these Kobe editions really doesn’t make much sense to some users, as “ROTY” releasing after her 2nd season is just—” penned another user.

Well, CC inked an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike back in April, which was the largest ever for a women’s basketball player. The deal included a dedicated signature shoe line, custom logo development, and marketing and apparel collaborations. But despite heavy anticipation, Clark’s official signature shoe has yet to hit retail. “Caitlin Clark getting more Kobe’s than her own shoe,” penned another user.

Nike CEO Elliot Hill earlier this year confirmed that the brand is working to design both the shoe and CC’s personal logo, with development spanning two years. So, CC’s first signature model is slated for a 2026 release, according to Front Office Sports. But until then, CC is getting more Kobes, as she has the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Indiana Fever” (June 2025 release) and Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Light Armory Blue” (Holiday 2025 release).

“So she doesn’t have her own signature shoe. She has Kobe’s signature shoe? Lol this is crazy,” penned another user. And to a large extent, it’s true. But it’s definitely an honor for her. And yes, her admiration isn’t just limited to shoes. We’ve seen her saying “Job’s not finished,” one of Kobe’s most famous mantras, after Iowa beat LSU in the Elite Eight. Even following her second career triple-double in the WNBA, Clark’s approach and words echoed Kobe’s dedication to the fans. She honored the fans, saying she wanted to “give them a show every single time,” reflecting Kobe’s own commitment to playing through pain for the game’s community. So, you know, it’s personal.

“Crazy how Nike slow-rolled Caitlin Clark signature shoes just to make sure A’ja Wilson got hers first,” shared another user. And yes, while Clark’s signature model looms on the horizon, several WNBA stars already boast their own lines. Three-time MVP A’ja Wilson is just one of them, as the Nike A’One debuted in February 2025, featuring Cushlon 3.0 foam and a reimagined traction pattern. The “Pink A’ura” colorway sold out in minutes at $110 retail, just like CC’s last edition did in minutes.

Luckily, we know Clark’s first signature shoe is in development, and so is her signature logo, which will debut this holiday season. While athletes and fans patiently await Clark’s own signature line, player-exclusive colorways from the Nike Kobe line will easily hold us over. What about you?