A’ja Wilson has finally offered fans an exciting glimpse of her much-anticipated Nike signature shoe, the “Nike A’One.” The basketball community has been buzzing with speculation for months, and Wilson’s recent teasers have only heightened the excitement, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the sneaker’s release.
As the reigning WNBA Finals MVP and a dominant force in the league, Wilson is poised to make history with her first signature shoe, set to launch in the summer of 2025. This announcement follows a wave of controversy within the WNBA, particularly after Nike signed rookie sensation Caitlin Clark to a contract before securing deals with established stars like Wilson. Many fans and analysts questioned Nike’s decision, arguing that seasoned players deserved recognition first. However, with the spotlight now shifting to Wilson, the focus has turned toward her groundbreaking partnership with Nike.
Currently leading Team USA in their pursuit of an eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, Wilson has still found time to share some intriguing details about her upcoming sneaker. Her involvement in the design process has fans speculating about what unique features the “Nike A’One” might include, especially given her influence both on and off the court.
In a recent episode of the “Locked On” podcast, hosted by Gigi Speer, guest Peter Verry provided further insights into Wilson’s collaboration with Nike. He shared some exclusive details from his conversation with the Las Vegas Aces star, giving listeners a taste of what to expect from the Nike A’One. According to Verry, Wilson’s shoe is not just about performance on the court but also aims to reflect her personality, style, and journey as a professional athlete.
The “Nike A’One” is set to be a significant milestone in Wilson’s career, marking her as one of the few WNBA players to have their own signature shoe. This achievement underscores her influence in the sport and highlights Nike’s commitment to elevating women’s basketball. Fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike are now eagerly counting down to the summer of 2025, when they can finally get their hands on the Nike A’One and see how Wilson’s vision has been brought to life in sneaker form.
A’ja feels more comfortable in LeBrons
According to Verry, Wilson’s choice of footwear over the years has leaned heavily towards the sturdy and supportive LeBron James sneakers, which are designed for bigger players like her. Standing at 6-foot-7, Wilson has always needed something robust on the court.
However, Verry was caught off guard by Wilson’s description of her new shoe. “She said it’s a low top, which she typically doesn’t wear on the court. It’s very versatile, and the key thing for her, besides the fact that she wants people to wear it off the court, is that she needed about 40 minutes of comfort built into that shoe,” Verry revealed on the podcast.
This revelation left Verry, and likely many fans, puzzled, as the design sounded more akin to a Kobe Bryant silhouette than the usual LeBron models the Aces’ center has favored.
Verry speculated that the shoe could be inspired by both LeBrons and Kobes, but with Wilson involved in the design process for over a year, it’s clear that the final product will reflect her unique style and needs.
The design is top secret
Wilson has been tight-lipped about the details, and Nike has kept the design under wraps, adding to the anticipation. Nevertheless, earlier this year, Wilson hinted at her new venture by posting a picture in a black crop hoodie with the phrase “Of Course, I Have A Shoe Dot Com” emblazoned in white.
This subtle yet powerful statement marked the WNBA star official induction into Nike’s signature athlete family, a move that aims to expand the brand’s influence in women’s sports.
The excitement surrounding Wilson’s signature footwear comes at a time when the debate over WNBA players receiving signature deals has been at an all-time high. Nike’s decision to partner with Wilson, especially after the noise around Caitlin Clark’s deal, is a significant step in acknowledging the talent and influence of established stars in the women’s game.
