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Caitlin Clark has become the de facto face of the WNBA, and the Indiana Fever superstar has rightfully been treated as such by fans and brands alike. On the footwear side of her portfolio, she inked an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike that includes a signature sneaker down the line. Ahead of that debut, Clark has continued to take the court in Nike’s Kobe models, rocking fan favorites and unreleased colorways, as well as her own player-exclusive versions. Some of these PEs will eventually see retail releases, like the upcoming Light Armory Blue Kobe 6, but Sole Retriever can confirm that Clark’s Rookie of the Year-inspired Kobe 5s will be hitting shelves in Spring 2026.
If you missed it, Clark debuted her WNBA Rookie of the Year-inspired Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE back in May in a game against the Chicago Sky. Nike Basketball’s official X account shared detailed images of the sneaker, revealing the connection to her award-winning rookie campaign.
The metallic silver and red color combo is a direct callback to a photograph of Clark holding her ROTY award. Most of the model is doused in metallic silver, including the toe, midfoot, sole unit, tongue tag, and heel overlay, while Swoosh and Kobe branding on the tongue, collar, sockliner, and outsole are rendered in university red.
The Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro Rookie of the Year PE will release April 15, 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $190. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
