Caitlin Clark's Signature Nike Shoe: A Look Inside the Caitlin 1 Design

Iowa's own Caitlin Clark is set to release her first signature shoe with Nike, the Caitlin 1, on Oct. 1. The former Hawkeye superstar and current WNBA All-Star has teamed up with Nike to create a shoe that reflects her elite standards and competitive spirit. A new behind-the-scenes video gives fans an exclusive look at the design process and the intricate details that make the Caitlin 1 stand out.

In the video, Clark sits down with Nike's Product Line Manager Alex Zerzan and Footwear Designer Ben Nethongkome to discuss how she wanted her first signature shoe to feel, look, and perform. The collaboration highlights Clark's hands-on approach and her insistence on excellence, from the traction pattern to the hidden personal touches.

What Makes the Caitlin 1 Unique?

The Caitlin 1 features several high-performance design elements aimed at meeting Clark's exacting standards. The shoe includes a multidirectional traction blade pattern on the base for quick cuts, a responsive Nike Air Turbo Zoom unit near the front for explosive moves, and the first-of-its-kind Opticast technology in the upper for a secure fit. These components are designed to help players at every level perform at their best, just like Clark does on the court.

Zerzan praised Clark's involvement in the design process, noting her clear vision and high expectations.

“Caitlin is elite. She's an elite basketball player, and her standard when it comes to her footwear as well is elite also, and you know, I think she really pushed and challenged the team,” Zerzan said. “What I love about working with Caitlin is she knows exactly what she wants, and you'll know if Caitlin likes something because it's immediate.”

Personal Touches and Hidden Details

The video also reveals the personal touches that make the Caitlin 1 truly one-of-a-kind. The shoe features a split “C” and “2” shaped Opticast upper material, a double beveled Nike logo that subtly forms Clark's initials, and various inverted colorway elements. Hidden “Easter Egg” quotes and phrases from Clark's past are woven into the design, adding a layer of meaning for fans who look closely.

Clark expressed her excitement about the shoe, emphasizing the effort that went into its creation.

“Nike doesn't cut any corners, and a lot of time has gone into this, and, you know, I never thought I would get to have my own signature shoe, and now that I do. It's pretty special. They're waiting for this moment, and we definitely delivered,” Clark said.

She hopes the shoe inspires young players:

“I hope every hooper puts a shoe on and hopes that they can have a signature one day or that they can go on the court and make 35-foot threes. Just give them that sense of belief and that sense of confidence to achieve whatever they want to. We're trying to make the best shoe there's ever been.”

Release Dates and Colorways

Nike has unveiled the full initial lineup of Caitlin 1 colorways, including “Warning Code,” “Midnight Fever,” “Caitlin Blue,” “Ice Cold,” “Purple Venom,” and “Cave Stone.” The initial launch on Oct. 1 will feature only “Caitlin Blue” and “Warning Code.” Additional colorways will roll out throughout the fall and winter, with release dates reported by House of Heat:

• “Midnight Fever” – Oct. 14, 2026
• “Cave Stone” – Nov. 3, 2026
• “Ice Cold” – Dec. 1, 2026
• “Purple Venom” – Dec. 12, 2026

More colorways are expected in 2027, including “Teal Fade” on Dec. 31, 2026, “Triple Black” on Jan. 5, 2027, “Friendship Bracelet” on Feb. 24, 2027, and “Electric Green” on March 15, 2027. A “WNBA All-Star” colorway is also slated for release this fall or winter.

For Iowa fans, the Caitlin 1 is more than just a shoe; it's a symbol of Clark's journey from Iowa City to the WNBA. With its blend of performance, style, and personal meaning, the Caitlin 1 is set to make a big impact on and off the court.

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