Basketball shoes from Puma, Nike, adidas
A new era is dawning in the world of sports footwear production. Until recently, female basketball players were forced to play in men's sneakers, since professional women's shoes simply did not exist. But now the situation is changing dramatically - leading brands such as Puma, Nike and adidas are looking to release exclusive lines of basketball shoes specifically for the superstars of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Trends and new items
One of the first signs of this revolution was Brianna Stewart, the newly minted WNBA Most Valuable Player Award winner. Its partnership with Puma saw the release of the signature Stewie 1 sneaker in 2022, followed by a second version of the Stewie a year later. Stewart's example was followed by other famous basketball players - Sabrina Ionescu and Elena Delle Donne received personalized models from Nike, and two-time MVP title winner Candice Parker signed a long-term contract with Adidas.
Design Features
Unlike previous failed attempts to create women's shoes by simply shrinking and repainting men's models, the new sneakers are designed with the anatomical features of women's feet in mind. Specialists use modern technologies to create a unique cut and fit that is as comfortable as possible for professional basketball players. At the same time, the shoes combine a high level of functionality for extreme loads with a bright, stylish design that allows you to wear them outside the sports field.
Reasons for popularity
Experts say the main drivers of the growing demand for women's basketball shoes are the increased popularity and recognition of women's basketball in general. As attention to WNBA stars grows, so does interest in their signature clothing and accessory lines, which are becoming a new trend in modern fashion and lifestyle.
Quotes from players and brands
“I don’t remember having women’s basketball shoes available to me, and the ones that were available were just basic shoes,” recalls Brianna Stewart.
"For Ruby (Stewart's two-year-old daughter), this will be normal, this is what she has seen since birth. And I hope that when she grows up, there will be exactly what we expect: that personalized women's shoes will be available," he shares expected WNBA star.
"We are just a small piece of a big puzzle. We need to continue to invest in women's sports," says a Puma spokesman, acknowledging that maintaining growth momentum may be challenging.
Future of the industry
According to a report from research firm Cognitive Market Research, the US basketball shoe market was valued at approximately $1.38 billion in 2022, with the men's segment still dominant, accounting for 71% of the market. However, women's basketball shoes are expected to skyrocket in popularity in the coming years. Some analysts even predict that in the future, women's sneakers could capture about half of the entire sports shoe market.
Not wanting to miss a profitable opportunity, leading brands are already actively increasing their presence in this segment. Puma promises to release a third version of Stewie for Brianna Stewart in 2025, as well as invite new star athletes to its team, such as Skylar Diggins-Smith of the Phoenix Mercury and Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces. Competitors are also not asleep: for example, the young company Moolah Kicks, with the support of Mark Cuban, specializes exclusively in the production of shoes for top basketball players.
What features do the new women's basketball shoes have?
Modern professional women's basketball shoes are created taking into account the anatomical features of the female foot. It combines maximum comfort and support for extreme use with a bold, stylish design that can be worn off the court.
Why are women's basketball shoes becoming so popular?
The rise in popularity is attributed to increased attention on women's basketball and WNBA superstars. Their signature shoe lines are evolving into a new fashion trend that goes beyond sports.
What brands make women's basketball shoes?
A: The leaders in this segment are Puma, Nike, adidas. Puma created the Stewie 1/2 for Brianna Stewart, Nike created models for Sabrina Ionescu and Elena Delle Donne, adidas signed Candice Parker. There are also young brands like Moolah Kicks.
What plans do companies have to develop lines of women's shoes?
Brands are actively investing in this promising market. For example, Puma promises to release Stewie 3 in 2025 and invite new ambassadors like Skylar Diggins-Smith.
The revolution in women's basketball shoes from leading sports brands is in full swing. Exclusive signature sneakers for WNBA stars feature revolutionary design and functionality, tailored specifically to the anatomy of female athletes. Their popularity goes far beyond sports, turning into a fashion trend and a new word in lifestyle.
Bye Men's basketball shoes still dominate the market. But experts are confident that the women’s segment will grow rapidly, perhaps in the future conquering about half of the industry. Not wanting to miss out on this bonanza, brands are launching entire lines of professional shoes one after another and actively investing in their promotion and development. It may not be long before the signature sneakers of WNBA players become as iconic as those of men's basketball superstars.
