Sabrina Ionescu is a WNBA star, but she knows that her legacy off the court has the potential to reach more people. It’s why Ionescu and Nike created her signature shoe, the Sabrina 1s.
Despite being a league that is running towards its 28th season, Ionescu is just one of 12 WNBA players with a signature shoe. It’s a mission that others have approached, like the CEO of Moolah Kicks, Natalie White, to provide more options for basketball athletes because hoopers come in all shapes and sizes. Yet, women often don’t have many choices if they want to find comfort and support while balling.
Ionescu recently sat down with Boardroom to talk about what having a signature shoe has meant to her and those around her.
To close out the year, Sabrina Ionescu reflects on the pride & impact of her Nike Sabrina 1 release.
“What Having My Own Signature Shoe Has Meant To Me.”
by @Sabrina_i20 on @Boardroom:https://t.co/SvFnLPCzrD— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) December 13, 2023
Here are 5 facts that you might not have known about the Sabrina 1’s:
1
At the opening of the Nike Soho store opening, Ionescu snuck in before her shoes launched to see the "Sabrina floor"
About a week before her scheduled appearance at Nike Soho, Ionescu snuck in to get a peek at the floor dedicated to her. Though fans ultimately discovered her, she was blown away by the dedication to her shoes.
“I tried to go undercover, though, with my hair down, rockin’ a simple fit. Not in basketball shorts, which helps sometimes,” Ionescu explained.
“I walked through there, and was recording it all and felt like a kid in a candy store. I was checking out the mannequin hoopers that had all of the Sabrina pieces on. The No. 20 Liberty jerseys were on display, and fans were waiting in line to buy a pair of MY shoes. I just sat back, soaked it all in, and watched how amazing that moment was.”
2
Ionescu's family didn't know about the shoe for an entire year
It’s hard enough not telling the world about a new project you’re excited about, but not telling your family, especially for an entire year, has to be a different level of unbearable.
Ionescu recounted the moment to Boardroom when she showed her family her new kicks, explaining that she was unsure they knew what a signature shoe was.
“I remember handing out the shoes to my family for the first time. They had this look on their faces, like, ‘Wait, this is different.’ My name is on the shoe, and my name is on the box. Our name is on the shoe and on the box.”
3
Speaking of family, the Sabrina 1s are littered with details of Ionescu's Romanian roots
The deets of the Sabrina 1s are so intricate. The embroidery's meant to pay homage to Romanian art &architecture. One FIRE part is the dotted i (representing her last name) that wraps a/r the top & bottom. There's also a vertically slanted Swoosh to rep the broken barriers [3/4] pic.twitter.com/XWw3aU3w3T
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) March 16, 2023
4
Ionescu's signature shoes also include hidden details not immediately apparent
“I wanted anyone anywhere to be able to put this shoe on and accomplish whatever it is that they wanted to”: @nyliberty star Sabrina Ionescu’s first signature @Nike apparel debuts this Friday.
She shares what the accomplishment means to her. pic.twitter.com/zCewpJ4uCs
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) August 30, 2023
On the inside of the shoe is a subtle and simple phrase: “Anyone. Anywhere.” It’s a silent reminder that Ionescu was intentional in the design process. The Sabrina 1s are made for any hooper.
“I’m already seeing what it can mean for the young girl who is growing up and can see that there is representation. They can know their dreams are possible because of that. Being able to show that, and create that dream and desire in everyone who is able to hear my story, has become one of my biggest drivers.”
5
NBA players have also jumped on board and customized their own Sabrina 1s
Sabrina 1s are picking up around the NBA, spotted on:
• Jrue Holiday
• Mikal Bridges
• DaQuan Jeffries
• Jordan Poole pic.twitter.com/SPDPQ8qOn4— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) November 1, 2023
Ionescu is aware that her shoes are being worn at the high school and college basketball levels, but NBA players wearing her shoes really impresses her.
“I’m not gonna lie – every NBA game that’s on, that’s all I’m watching for. Who’s wearing my shoes? Who’s got ’em on? Every game, I just look for the vertical Swoosh that’s on the inside of the shoe.”
