The Chicago Sky are set to play their third game in just four days today as they host Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings at Wintrust Arena. But things might not go so smoothly, especially with Angel Reese’s name added to the injury list after she suffered a leg injury of an undisclosed nature during their last matchup against the Wings. Still, as head coach Tyler Marsh clarified, “Reese is a game-time decision, but there’s nothing serious about her injury.” So, it made sense when she showed up at the arena in style, rocking a fashion-forward, streetwear-inspired look. However, it wasn’t her outfit that had fans buzzing!

Instead, all eyes were on her first-ever official signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1 with Reebok. With its ‘90s classic Reebok silhouette infused with a modern twist, the shoe is already going viral, even though it’s not slated to drop until 2026. And why not? The “Diamond Dust” colorway and iridescent finish are stunning. But what’s really turning heads are the fine details, like the beaded laces and her signature logo on the tongue that take the design to the next level.

But, yes, there’s a storyline too, as Reese puts it better, “Diamond Dust. Just a kid from Baltimore, turning dreams into reality and hoping I can inspire young women and men everywhere to do the same…The most brilliant diamonds take pressure, polish, and time. Reebok is back — and the diamonds are shining brighter than ever.”

And yes, “inspire young women and men everywhere”, she absolutely does. If there’s any doubt, take a look at the stunning series of photos she modeled the shoes, wearing a full Reebok ensemble. From a metallic silver bralette to bamboo hoop earrings, and how could you forget that sparkling “R” pendant necklace? Everything about it screamed style, power, and authenticity.

Well, it all makes perfect sense when you consider that she was honored as the 2024 Style Influencer of the Year at the Footwear News Achievement Awards last December. “I’m 22 years old, I’m still figuring life out, but this is just the beginning,” Reese said while accepting the honor.

And she wasn’t kidding, as it was just the beginning. By simply stepping into these signature sneakers, she now becomes one of only six active WNBA athletes with a signature shoe, joining the likes of Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, and Jacy Sheldon. Even more impressive? She’s only the second woman ever to have a signature shoe with Reebok. So yeah, the Board’s Queen is dominating both on and off the court. But if you think that automatically impressed the entire WNBA community—well, let’s just say… it stirred up more than applause!

Diamond dust or bust?

As the shoes went viral, fans and spectators couldn’t help but dive into the comment section to share their unique takes on the new release. And while some were genuinely impressed by the color and the classic ’90s design with a modern twist, there was some negativity too. “3rd loss in a row coming up, I’m sure tonight,” penned one user. And yes, that comment wasn’t about the shoes, it was aimed at the team.

And it made sense, considering the Sky were heading into the game without the Chi-Town Barbie, who’s been having a big week off the court. Given that she’s led the league in rebounds, averaging 13.2 points and 12.9 boards per game, her absence was bound to hurt the Sky. But that wasn’t the only concern spectators had in the comment section.

“The ‘genius’ won’t even wear them. She knows they’re garbage,” wrote another user. Sure, the Chicago Sky star had modeled her new Reebok signature shoe as part of the campaign, but clearly, that wasn’t enough to satisfy everyone. And you know what? That’s fair. After all, Angel Reese has already set a high standard for performance basketball shoes by consistently rocking cutting-edge Reebok models during her games. Remember May 2024? That’s when she launched her W career wearing custom Reebok Solutions featuring pops of pink and chalk white, with “Unapologetically Angel” branded on the tongue, setting a bold tone right from the start.

“Pile of garbage!” another user added. But Reese didn’t stop there. She kept delivering Signature PEs with eye-catching designs for key matchups. For instance, she rocked a pink Barbie Solution PE against Caitlin Clark, frosted with rhinestones. She also wore Kiss-covered Solution PEs during her historic night of nine consecutive double-doubles. So yes, fans have come to expect something special for every big occasion, and that’s exactly why expectations were sky-high this time.

“Shouldn’t her ‘signature’ shoe look like a brick?” joked another commenter. And it might seem like that to some, especially when you remember Angel Reese debuting the new Engine A, Reebok’s first serious basketball silhouette in years, against the Fever last August. Well, that chrome version turned heads, and performance-wise, it was a win, featuring nitrogen-infused ERS foam, SuperGfloat cushioning, a multidirectional herringbone outsole, and an exoskeleton upper for elite energy return. So, no wonder she wore them while shattering the W’s single-season rebound record against the Lynx.

So sure, she might now have the first-ever WNBA signature sneaker from Reebok in 30 years, set to drop in 2026 in a striking Diamond Dust colorway, and yes, it even made the cover of NBA 2K26 W Edition. But to some, it hasn’t matched up to the hype… yet. However, the spectators didn’t stop here, as comparisons came rolling in. “How many pairs of sneakers did she sell? CC sold out in 10 minutes,” commented one fan.

Naturally, the rivalry narrative vs. CC resurfaced. And it makes sense, as even CC recently dropped her long-anticipated Nike shoe, and it sold out instantly. Even head coach Stephanie White grabbed a pair and kept them safe from the hard-partying Fever squad after their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup win. So yes, they’re a big deal for both fans and players alike.

But Reese’s edition? It’s not in stores yet. Still, her earlier ventures into Reebok apparel and footwear have made waves. For instance, her first full collection included retro sneakers (Premier Road VI, BB 4000 II, Classic Leather) and bold apparel items like bodysuits, graphic tees, track jackets, bralettes, wide-leg pants, and crop tops. Her tagline? “When they sleep on you… tuck them in!” And fans were all in.

Even her second capsule dropped with an elevated mix of performance and lifestyle pieces, pastel tones like “Coral Pink” and “Gold Chrome,” and standout items like the Reebok × Angel Shaqnosis sneakers, Premier Road Plus VI, Club C Bulc, and stylish hoodies, jackets, and tees were hits. So at the end of the day, both stars are carving out their own lanes and thriving. As they always say, there’s no real rivalry. Just two queens raising the bar. But, for Angel Reese, it’s a tough path, though!