The 2024 WNBA season has brought a remarkable array of sneakers, blending cutting-edge performance features with striking designs. From signature releases celebrating personal milestones to custom editions highlighting unique stories, these sneakers are not just about athletic excellence—they’re about making a statement on and off the court. Here, we highlight the top six sneakers that have captured the spotlight this season so far, showcasing the perfect marriage of innovation and style in women’s basketball footwear.
Nike Sabrina 2 “Court Purple”
The 2024 WNBA season has already seen some exciting sneaker debuts, but few have garnered as much attention as the Nike Sabrina 2 “Court Purple.” This shoe marks the second signature release for New York Liberty star guard Sabrina Ionescu. She debuted the “Court Vision” colorway of this model during the Liberty’s home opener, showcasing a blend of style and performance that has captivated basketball fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
The colorway features the official colors of Cave Purple, Black Raspberry, and Violet Frost. The shoe’s Swoosh has a mirror-like iridescent finish that changes color based on the viewing angle, symbolizing Ionescu’s message to the next generation of athletes to see themselves in her shoes. The shoe incorporates Cushlon 3.0 foam, offering enhanced comfort and performance. This foam is housed within a firm Cushlon foam carrier, with Zoom Air in the forefoot to provide responsive cushioning. The band system from the Sabrina 1 has been updated for a more glove-like fit. The shoe also features herringbone traction inspired by the letter “S” for improved grip on the court. Notably, the Sabrina 2 is 28 grams lighter than its predecessor without compromising performance.
Reebok Solution ‘Baltimore Barbie’ PE
The next standout sneaker during the 2024 WNBA season is this Reebok Solution “Baltimore Barbie” PE worn by Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. This custom sneaker celebrates Reese’s homecoming to the DMV area and highlights her unique style on the court. Angel Reese debuted the Reebok Solution “Baltimore Barbie” PE during a game against the Washington Mystics.
The shoe features custom graphics adorned with the “Baltimore Barbie” theme and Maryland flag graphics. Artist Marvin Baroota hand-painted the pair as a nod to Reese’s personal story and connection to her community. The Reebok Solution provides the necessary performance features expected from a professional basketball shoe. It offers support, comfort, and durability, ensuring that Reese can perform at her best while sporting a unique look.
Nike Kobe 6 ‘Grinch’
The Nike Kobe 6 “Grinch” has been a standout sneaker in the 2024 WNBA season, blending performance and iconic design to captivate both players and fans. The shoe, dressed in a Green Apple, Volt, Crimson, and Black color scheme, is instantly recognizable. It features a Green and Volt upper with Black Swooshes on the sides and Crimson branded tongues. The Protro (performance retro) version updates the original 2010 design with modern materials and technologies for enhanced performance. Designed for optimal on-court performance, the Kobe 6 “Grinch” offers superior grip, cushioning, and support. Its sleek design and advanced materials improve agility and comfort during high-intensity games.
Initially released in 2010, the “Grinch” colorway has become one of the most iconic sneakers in the Kobe line, resonating with fans for its combination of nostalgia and contemporary appeal. The shoe gained significant attention within the WNBA when Caitlin Clark debuted it in a game, bringing her performance and striking design into the spotlight. The Kobe 6 “Grinch” has quickly become a favorite among WNBA players and fans, highlighting its enduring cultural impact and superior performance features.
Under Armour Breakthru 5 ‘All The Smoke’ PE
The Armour Breakthru 5 ‘All The Smoke’ PE, worn by Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces, has become one of the best sneakers of the 2024 WNBA season so far. Inspired by Plum’s celebration cigars during the WNBA Finals parade, Under Armour created this special edition Breakthru 5 PE for the Aces’ Ring Night, celebrating Plum’s back-to-back championships. The design features elements that pay homage to her parade cigars and the trophy gold, symbolizing her success and the team’s achievements.
The sneaker represents Plum’s victorious moments and showcases Under Armour’s commitment to producing high-quality, performance-driven basketball shoes. The Armour Breakthru 5 ‘All The Smoke’ PE combines style and functionality, offering excellent support, cushioning, and grip, essential for top-level performance on the court. This sneaker has quickly gained attention for its unique design and the story behind it, making it a standout choice for fans and players alike.
LeBron 21 ‘Silver Metallic’ PE
A’ja Wilson made a striking entrance at the Las Vegas Aces ring ceremony and WNBA season opener in her LeBron 21 ‘Silver Metallic’ PE sneakers. Her performance was equally impressive: she scored 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, blocked 3 shots, and committed only one turnover. Wilson’s footwear choice for the night, the Nike LeBron 21 PE, featured a shimmering silver metallic leather upper that caught everyone’s attention.
The LeBron 21 is designed for high-intensity activities with features like a Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot, a 13-millimeter Zoom unit in the heel, and a full-length Cushlon 2.0 foam carrier for comfort and cushioning. The TPU midfoot shank offers stability during explosive movements, making it a perfect choice for top-level athletes. Inspired by the design of an oyster shell protecting a pearl, the shoe combines lightweight durability with elegant details, including a silver mirrored Swoosh with gold trim.
Jewell Loyd x Nike Zoom GT Cut 3 ‘Justice’
The Jewell Loyd x Nike Zoom GT Cut 3 ‘Justice’ is one of the standout sneakers of the 2024 WNBA season, particularly notable for its unique and heartfelt design. This special edition was inspired by Justice, the autistic and nonverbal son of Jewell Loyd’s best friend. Loyd sent Justice a blank version of the shoe, and his creative input, driven by his love for drawing and boundless joy, resulted in the final design. The sneaker features smiley faces, bright colors, and patterns chosen by Justice, alongside family handwriting, making it a deeply personal and expressive piece.
Jewell Loyd wore these sneakers during the Seattle Storm’s game, and they have quickly become a favorite among fans for their vibrant design and meaningful backstory. The shoes combine playful design elements with high-performance features, including a lively mix of aqua blue and pastel purple on the upper, red accents, and inspirational messages like “Got you!” and “Go be great!” on the heel tabs. The red and pastel purple foam midsole with ZoomX cushioning provides exceptional responsiveness and comfort, ensuring top-level performance on the court. This sneaker highlights Loyd’s impact on and off the court and brings attention to autism awareness through a creative and positive lens.
