Caitlin Clark’s women’s basketball meteoric rise has been historic. Clark has broken barriers from her dazzling college career and becoming the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year and wowed fans. This season, sales of her jersey surged by 500% to further speed her maturation into a superstar. Yet, despite her $28 million deal with Nike, one glaring absence looms large: her promised signature shoe.

During a Nike Q2 earnings call, CEO Elliot Hill hinted that Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe might not debut until 2026. Fans, understandably, were outraged. Twitter erupted after one user, @nosyone4, shared a snippet from the call, sparking heated debates online. Many found it incomprehensible that it would take three years for Nike to release a sneaker for one of the sport’s hottest names. @kenswift summed up the frustration, on X, “It’s crazy that they are waiting until 2026 to release Caitlin’s shoe. The fact it takes 3 years to put it out makes zero sense to me.”

This delay is even more baffling when compared to Paige Bueckers, a college basketball star who released her custom Nike GT Hustle 3 sneaker in 7 December 2024. With personal touches and high-tech innovation, Bueckers’ design has left fans wondering if Nike’s priorities are in order.

Nike at a Crossroads with Caitlin Clark: Fans React

Others didn’t hold back, with @LMadridista__ pointing out, “Caitlin Clark arrives in the WNBA in 2024 and the shoes will be released in 2026. While Paige is in college, she already has her personalized shoes. It is clear who is the priority and who is not.”

Fans believe Nike is underestimating Caitlin Clark’s value. She has a fiercely loyal bunch of supporters, regardless of the generation or demographic. One user, @scottde07820838, called Clark a “cash cow,” adding, “Caitlin is worth bars of gold to Nike.”

But others see the delay as a mistake that could hurt Nike dearly. “If they wait that long, they’re fools,” tweeted @5tephenRN, emphasizing how risky it is for Nike to delay the release of Clark’s shoe. One fan also is worried about the unpredictability of sports, writing, “What if she – god forbid – gets injured?”

Critics are also questioning Nike’s overall strategy. @FLimaxxx didn’t mince words: “Should fast track CC’s sneaker. They cite that they need to rely on sports popularity, but icing out the hottest new athlete’s kicks…disrespectful.” The brand’s market cap, which has fallen 32% this year, could be further impacted by alienating Clark’s fanbase.

Adding fuel to the fire is the comparison between Clark and Bueckers. Fans have reignited the debate, pointing out how Bueckers’ shoe release has been prioritized. One comment read, “Paige is in college and already has her shoes. Caitlin’s fans? Still waiting.”

It’s not just fans; even rival brands are taking notice. Before Clark renewed her Nike deal in college, Adidas reportedly made her a lucrative offer. Some fans are now wondering if Adidas might swoop in again. “Go Adidas,” one user simply declared.

Caitlin Clark’s supporters aren’t just talking, they’re making noise. Demanding Nike respond to their delays in releasing its signature shoe. Others are demanding a Nike boycott and are publicly proclaiming they will not purchase Nike until the company makes good on its promise. Clark’s supporters take issue with this well beyond footwear. That’s honoring what she’s given to the sport as a women’s role model, and they are dead set on holding Nike accountable.

Petitions and social media campaigns are calling on the brand to focus on Clark’s signature shoe. And this grassroots movement has become more powerful than ever. Now, fans are no longer satisfied with waiting. Nike’s delay is already giving off the vibe that it’s a bigger problem for the way Nike views women’s sports and its athletes. 

By waiting until 2026, Nike is choosing to alienate a passionate and influential slice of its customer base. For a brand built on championing trailblazing athletes, this is a delicate spot for Nike to be in. If dissatisfaction increases consumers, and even perhaps athletes like Clark herself, become unhappy. Rivals like Adidas, and Under Armour could take advantage by scooping it up.