Caitlin Clark previously said the public wouldn’t be able to get a pair of Nike Kobe sneakers made to commemorate her WNBA Rookie of the Year award. And that remains true, at least if the scope is limited to this year.
The Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Rookie of the Year” will release in 2026, despite the star’s previous assertions. Initially made as a custom colorway for the second-year player, the sneaker was designed to match a photo of Clark holding the silver trophy while wearing the Indiana Fever’s red uniform. The bulk of the upper and midsole are rendered in metallic silver, including an especially glossy heel counter. Red accents then appear through the outsole, Swoosh, collar, tongue and laces.
Caitlin Clark wearing her Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Rookie of the Year” in June.
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Clark debuted the “Rookie of the Year” Kobes during practice ahead of the Fever’s home-opener for the current WNBA season in May in which she also wore the sneakers. In a press conference prior to the game, she told reporters: “They’re custom, so you won’t get them.”
Through her collegiate and professional career, Clark has heavily favored the Kobe 5 Protro and Kobe 6 Protro. In another press conference last year, she said: “I’m a Kobe person, everybody knows that. It’s the best shoe, it’s not even close. I probably like the Kobe 6s the best, which are the ones I have on right now. I like the 5s as well, but the 6s are kind of my thing.”
Clark got her first sneaker release with a Kobe 5 Protro modeled after the Fever, dropping in June, and she’s also expected to get an icy blue edition of the Kobe 6 Protro releasing in the fall. 2026 is widely expected to bring the debut of her first signature sneaker from Nike.
The Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Rookie of the Year” will release in spring 2026, likely through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $190.
Caitlin Clark wearing her Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Rookie of the Year” in June.
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