Story perspectives

Nike Unveils Caitlin Clark’s Caitlin 1 Basketball Shoe

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 10:11 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Nike unveiled the Caitlin 1, Caitlin Clark’s first signature basketball shoe, with a global launch set for October 1, 2026.
Adult retail price is $140 in North America and $135 for the rest of the world.
The Caitlin 1 uses a Nike Opticast upper, Air Zoom Turbo unit and Cushlon midsole for responsiveness.
Nike released six colorways—Caitlin Blue, Warning Code, Midnight Fever, Purple Venom, Ice Cold, Cave Stone—each with a cement-inspired sock liner graphic.

History

Historical Context

In October 1984 Nike signed Michael Jordan to a six-year, $2.5 million deal and released the Air Jordan 1 in April 1985, defying the NBA’s 51 percent white-shoe rule and earning over $120 million in sales. Nike’s 2026 launch of the Caitlin 1, priced at $140 with six colorways, echoes that strategy, showing how Jordan’s debut still drives revenue and women’s basketball visibility.

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Story summary

Nike unveiled the Caitlin 1, Caitlin Clark’s first signature basketball shoe, with a global launch set for October 1, 2026.
Adult retail price is $140 in North America and $135 for the rest of the world.
The Caitlin 1 uses a Nike Opticast upper, Air Zoom Turbo unit and Cushlon midsole for responsiveness.
Nike released six colorways—Caitlin Blue, Warning Code, Midnight Fever, Purple Venom, Ice Cold, Cave Stone—each with a cement-inspired sock liner graphic.

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