Sabrina Ionescu’s Nike kicks have been causing quite the buzz. Although Sabrina 2 “Stronger Than Gold” won’t officially release until March 6, 2025, the New York Liberty star is already showing them off in a WNBA Finals practice. Over 100 players have rocked her first signature shoe, the Sabrina 1, but this new colorway is special. How? 

A Twitter post recently featured the Liberty guard in action, sporting the gold-trimmed kicks during a practice session. The caption read, “FIRST LOOK: Sabrina Ionescu debuts the @Nike Sabrina 2 ‘Stronger Than Gold’ at WNBA Finals practice 👀 @sabrina_i20. The colorway is inspired by a cherished bracelet that Sabrina’s mom brought back from Romania and the strong bond she shares with her family ❤️🗓️ March 6th.” 

However, there are still 147 days left till the kicks hit the market. But Ionescu might also enter the court in the coming match wearing those as Liberty is headed to the WNBA Finals after defeating the Las Vegas Aces 3-1 in the semifinals. They’ve been chasing their first title. 

On the other side, the Minnesota Lynx have fought their way through a tough five-game series against the Connecticut Sun, hunting their fifth. Even though there is so much on the line, some eyes will definitely be on the 3× WNBA All-Stars’ shoes. And it looks like she very well knows this is the perfect time for the shoes to shine.

Sabrina’s Nike collection: Bridging the gap between NBA and WNBA

Nike totally nailed it with both the Sabrina 1 and Sabrina 2. The first model, which debuted in 2023, was designed with performance and inclusivity in mind, and it’s been a huge hit with both WNBA and NBA players. It showed a crossover appeal that few women’s basketball shoes have achieved in the past. NBA stars like Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jrue Holiday laced up in the WNBA star’s signature shoes. 

In fact, Holiday was the first NBA player to wear the Sabrina 1s in an actual game. It has also drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant’s iconic sneakers. “The silhouette and feel of them kind of feel like an old Kobe… they’re super comfortable,” said Jordan Clarkson in a conversation with ESPN. 

Even Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II chimed in, “They remind me of Kobes, but at the same time, she has her own twist to it.” The resemblance isn’t a coincidence, as Sabrina worked closely with Nike designers to incorporate her favorite elements from the Kobes into her own line. Then, released in March 2024, Sabrina 2 takes everything up a notch. It’s lighter, more cushioned, and features a dual-density setup for that extra bounce. 

Ionescu herself has said, “What was really important to me was understanding what was helping me on the court… I was really able to tell what I needed from a performance standpoint.” The shoe line has quickly become more than just a women’s basketball shoe and it’s great to see NBA players, who could easily stick with their Kobes or LeBrons, embracing it. 

As the 2024 WNBA Finalist puts it, “Not a women’s basketball shoe or a men’s basketball shoe, but just basketball.” This also reflects the growing prominence of women’s basketball and the rise of stars. So, will these iconic kicks bring Sabrina Ionescu and Co. their first WNBA championship?