Story perspectives

Nike to Launch Caitlin Clark’s Signature Caitlin 1 October 1

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 11:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Nike launches the Caitlin 1, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s first signature basketball shoe.
The shoe launches in the United States on Oct. 1, 2026, after a week-earlier release in China.
Nike prices the Caitlin 1 at $140, matching the cost of A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu models.
A youth-sized version adjusts the fit for younger players.
Clark averages 22.5 points and 8.4 assists during the 2026 WNBA season while wearing the Caitlin 1.

History

Historical Context

Reebok introduced the first women’s athletic sneaker, the Freestyle, in 1982, opening the market for female-focused footwear. The WNBA’s 1996 formation and 1997 inaugural season gave stars like Lisa Leslie a national platform, as she recorded the league’s first double-double in June 1997. Nike’s 2026 Caitlin Clark launch follows that legacy, showing brands now target women’s basketball globally.

1 of 2

Story summary

Nike launches the Caitlin 1, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s first signature basketball shoe.
The shoe launches in the United States on Oct. 1, 2026, after a week-earlier release in China.
Nike prices the Caitlin 1 at $140, matching the cost of A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu models.
A youth-sized version adjusts the fit for younger players.
Clark averages 22.5 points and 8.4 assists during the 2026 WNBA season while wearing the Caitlin 1.

1 / 2