Take a closer look at how WNBA players are bringing their personal styles on-court through their performance footwear. 

When WNBA players speak about their approach to style and sport, the idea of looking good, feeling good, and playing good is a belief that guides their game mentality. Throughout the season, this league has witnessed an elevated, more personality-driven array of pre-game fits in the tunnel and an on-court extension of this energy: performance accessories, customized footwear, and exciting debuts for signature sneakers. 

This season has included several signature sneaker releases– the Nike Air Deldon, the Nike Sabrina 1, and the PUMA Stewie 2– and the excitement for these sneakers isn’t just from the fans; the players are equally excited for these releases and show their support by wearing these releases in games. Major sportswear brands are also becoming more savvy in tapping into the WNBA by timing their releases during key moments of the season, like announcing pairs right before opening night or during All-Star Weekend. 

This special edition of “The W in Designer” takes a look at the Flyest Footwear, not Fits, that players wore to their most recent games. While interesting Player Editions or customized sneakers can become lost in the fast-paced game schedule, take a closer look at these footwear details that express these players’ personal styles. Powered by growing attention for women’s basketball sneakers, the future of the league will continue to elevate on-court style with options that truly reflect its players. 

Aerial Powers 

As speculated by sneaker aficionados on social media, Aerial Powers wears a Jordan Tatum 1 in a neon-green Player Edition colorway. Featuring comic book-inspired icons towards the heel, this Minnesota Lynx player looks like a superhero while wearing this on-court this on-court. Other custom details that play up Powers’ identity include a large “POWER” embroidery on the tongue and small “3” prints by her heels to reflect her jersey number. 

Megan Gustafson

Bringing her off-court passion for her corgi, Pancake Rose Gustafson, Phoenix Mercury Player Megan Gustafson wears a customized pair of Nike Air Deldon’s on-court. While Elena Delle Don’s sneakers have become popular with players since its release, this pair interprets the sneakers for Phoenix. Working with sneaker artist Katie Shaffstall, the duo has named these the “Pancake in the Valley.” Along the front and back of the sneaker, hand-painted cactuses pay homage to the team’s local environments. 

Alanna Smith 

Australian player Alanna Smith ignites the court in a Player Edition colorway of the Lebron XX sneakers. Featuring a bright green material, the tongue of Smith’s sneakers includes a small, pastel-colored rainbow flag and a pastel-colored Swoosh overlay. Signed as a Nike athlete, this Chicago Sky player makes a stylish on-court statement while calling attention to the LGBTQIA+ communities in and around the game. 

Nneka Ogwumike 

Continuing Nneka Ogwumike’s relationship with Adidas, she brings the colors of the Los Angeles Sparks into her Player Edition of the N3XT L3V3L Futurenatural sneakers. While Ogwumike previously wore a different colorway that raised awareness for gender inequality in sports at the Tokyo Olympics, this version of the model has been tailored to represent her team during the season. Featuring a unique, laceless face, Ogwumike quickly strikes while she’s running up and down the court. 

Kelsey Plum 

While Kelsey Plum launched her first Player Edition sneaker, an “Earth Wind Fire” colorway of the Flow Breakthru 4, with Under Armour during All-Star Weekend, she returns on-court with another pair of red sneakers. After carrying a pair of Stephen Curry 1’s into the tunnel, Plum leaps during the game in textured, supercharged sneakers. A representative has confirmed that these are a special edition of these sneakers that are not available online. 

Natasha Cloud  

Bringing a streetwear flavor into her performance sneaker choice, Natasha Cloud wears a cheetah colorway of the Converse All-Star BB Evo Low. Although these sneakers were a general release, this Washington Mystics player makes this pair look like they’re on fire while on-court. While Cloud became the WNBA’s first-ever Converse athlete in 2020, these sneakers are an obviously cool choice that aligns with her style. 

Diana Taurasi  

With Diana Taurisi’s collaborative products with Nike over the years, she continues to wear the brand in her most recent games. She rocks out on-court with a pair of Nike LeBron 17 in a “Courage” colorway with an interesting black overlay. With specks of gold in the heel and an embroidered gold dragon on the tongue, the Phoenix Mercury player reminds everyone of her shining reputation as a player. 

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs