The WNBA’s signature sneaker scene continues to blossom with the debut of Sabrina Ionescu’s first. Nike has pulled back the curtain on the Sabrina 1, which marks the Swoosh’s second signature sneaker for a women’s basketball player in as many years. 2021 brought the launch of the Air Deldon for Elena Delle Donne, as well as Puma giving Breanna Stewart the Stewie 1.
Just like the Air Deldon, the Sabrina 1 is a unisex basketball sneaker that boasts a Zoom Air unit at the forefoot. Ionescu’s differs, though, with React cushioning instead of a full-length Air and a midfoot band system that works with lockdown cables to keep the foot secure. The later tech can be seen through a cutout window on both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe.
Intricate and distinct embroidery patterns appear on both the toebox and eyelets as a nod to Ionescu’s Romanian heritage and the country’s art and architecture. A lowercase “i” extends from the sole up the heel, while an “S” logo can be found on the tongue. A vertically slanted Swoosh near the medial heel is intended to represent the barriers Ionescu has broken throughout her career, and the quote “Anyone, Anywhere” is tucked in throughout the panelling.
The Sabrina 1 is slated for release this summer along with an apparel collection that’s also unisex. Download the DROPS by SoleSavy app and we’ll keep you posted when a price and firm release date become available.
