Anyone, Anywhere: Sabrina Ionescu is the latest Nike signature athlete

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 in Nike

When Nike signed Sabrina Ionescu when she entered the WNBA, it wasn’t a question of whether she was ever getting a signature shoe but a matter of when. Today, Nike introduced Sabrina as the newest member of the Nike signature family.

Nike unveiled a full sneaker, apparel and accessories collection featuring the Sabrina 1. Fellas, need not fret as the signature collection is unisex, offering everyone a piece of Sabrina.

“Ionescu is the first women’s basketball player to deliver a unisex signature collection with NIKE, Inc.,” said Kerry Sobol, VP Global Women’s Team and Organized Sports. “We are thrilled she will lead the charge with us and continue to change the scope of the game for future generations.”

While we can’t wait to see the full collection in the flesh, we’re pretty excited about the Sabrina 1. We’ve seen Ionescu rock the GT Cut and brought those same sensibilities to her signature shoe. The shoe is lightweight, but put an emphasis in comfort and support. Built on a full-length Nike React cushion and a top-loaded Nike Zoom Air unit found on the forefoot. We’ve seen this combination before, giving players amazing energy return and responsiveness. The shoe also comes with a stabilizing shank in the midfoot, complemented by a midfoot band system and lockdown cables, keeping the foot secure all game long.

Design-wise, you’ll see nods and inspiration from Inoescu’s national heritage. Embrodiery patterns on the forefoot and eye-stays are a call to Romanian art and architecture. The dotted “i” wraps around the shoe, which ends on the heel. An interesting design decision can be found on the medial side of the shoe, a vertically slanted Swoosh which represents the barrers she has broken throughout her career. If you look through the shoe, you’ll also see the quote “Anyone, Anywhere” – a reference to her unmatched competitive spirit as well as her belief that dreamers can come from anywhere.

The dotted “i” that wraps around the shoe which ends in the heel

embroidery on the upper are a nod to Ionescu’s Romanian heritage

The vertical Swoosh is a reference to her breaking barriers throughout her career

Anyone – a nod to her umatched competitive spirit

Anywhere – Ionescu’s belief that dreamers can come from anywhere

The Sabrina Ionescu apparel collection features hoodies, tees, shorts, and a cross-body bag. But what most players are excited about are the game socks. The Nike Unicorn sock is the first game sock to use Dri-FIT ADV materials, tech seen on some of Nike’s most advanced apparel collections. The sock is designed to provide cushioning, compression, traction and achilles support.

The Nike Sabrina 1 and signature apparel collection is set to release this summer (June 2023). Keep it locked here for its local release.