Sophie Cunningham Turns Heads in Dame Lillard’s ‘Dolla Red’ Kicks and Bold Leopard Shorts Look

In the world of professional basketball, style doesn’t stop at the buzzer. For Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, the tunnel is as much her runway as the hardwood is her stage. Known for her fearless play and equally bold fashion choices, the 28-year-old University of Missouri alum continues to make waves both on and off the court. Her latest viral look? A striking combination of Damian Lillard’s new Adidas Dame X “Dolla Red” sneakers and a pair of statement-making leopard-print shorts, all tied together with her signature confidence.

A Viral Fashion Moment

On Monday, July 7, Cunningham set social media abuzz with a series of Instagram posts that showcased her unique blend of athletic prowess and trendsetting style. Dressed in a crisp white Adidas crop top and those eye-catching leopard shorts, she put her basketball skills on full display. But it was her footwear—a fresh pair of Dame X “Dolla Red” kicks, the latest signature shoe from NBA star Damian Lillard—that truly stole the show.

In one of the standout photos, Cunningham is captured mid-dribble, the vibrant red sneakers popping against the court as she threads the ball between her legs. The post quickly racked up thousands of likes and comments from her 1.1 million followers, with fans and fashion-watchers alike praising her for pushing the boundaries of WNBA style.

“Simply stunning 😍😍 and the shoes are cool too,” wrote one fan, echoing the sentiment of many. Another chimed in, “Yes… those shoes are fire,” while a third declared, “You look bad*** with the red shoes! 🔥🔥🔥.” It’s clear that Cunningham’s latest look struck a chord, blending the worlds of sport, fashion, and sneaker culture in a way few athletes can.

The Dame X ‘Dolla Red’ Craze

The sneakers at the heart of Cunningham’s ensemble are more than just a flashy accessory—they’re part of a larger movement in basketball footwear. Damian Lillard’s Dame X line, now in its 10th iteration, has always been about performance, but the “Dolla Red” colorway is quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Released on July 3, the shoe has already sold out in several sizes, thanks in part to its bold design and even bolder price tag.

At just $95, the Dame X is the first Adidas basketball signature sneaker to launch at under $100—making it accessible to a wider audience than ever before. In a market where top-tier basketball shoes often retail for $150 or more, Lillard’s latest offering is a breath of fresh air. Sneakerheads and casual fans alike have flocked to stores and online retailers, eager to get their hands on a pair.

For Cunningham, the choice was both practical and personal. “I love what Dame stands for—on and off the court,” she said in a recent interview. “He’s always been about giving back and making the game accessible. These shoes are fire, and they’re for everyone.” Her endorsement only added fuel to the Dame X craze, with fans rushing to replicate her look.

From ‘The Enforcer’ to Fashion Icon

Cunningham’s influence extends far beyond her footwear. Since joining the Indiana Fever, she’s become known for her gritty play, infectious energy, and willingness to stand up for her teammates. That reputation reached new heights on June 17, when she was ejected from a game against the Connecticut Sun for a flagrant foul 2—a controversial moment that only solidified her status as one of the league’s most fearless competitors.

The incident, which involved an earlier run-in with friend and teammate Caitlin Clark, quickly went viral. Fans began referring to Cunningham by a new nickname: “The Enforcer.” Rather than shy away from the label, she embraced it, using it as a platform to connect with a growing legion of supporters. Her social media following skyrocketed in the weeks that followed, and her posts—whether basketball highlights or fashion statements—now regularly draw tens of thousands of interactions.

“I’m just being myself,” Cunningham said. “I play hard, I compete, and I love to have fun with my style. If people want to call me ‘The Enforcer,’ I’ll wear it with pride.”

The Rise of Tunnel Fashion in the WNBA

Cunningham’s latest viral moment is part of a broader trend sweeping the WNBA: tunnel fashion. Once the exclusive domain of NBA stars, the pre-game walk to the locker room has become a showcase for personal style in the women’s league as well. Players like Cunningham, A’ja Wilson, and Skylar Diggins-Smith have turned heads with everything from designer dresses to custom sneakers, blurring the lines between athlete and influencer.

For many fans, these moments are about more than just clothes—they’re about empowerment, self-expression, and breaking down barriers. “The tunnel is where we get to show who we are,” Cunningham explained. “It’s our chance to say, ‘This is me. I’m an athlete, but I’m also so much more.’”

Her willingness to experiment with bold prints, bright colors, and unexpected pairings has made her a favorite among fashion bloggers and WNBA supporters alike. Whether she’s rocking a miniskirt, a tailored blazer, or the latest Adidas drop, Cunningham brings the same intensity and joy to her style as she does to her game.

Affordable Kicks, Unstoppable Confidence

The accessibility of the Dame X sneaker is a big part of its appeal—and a reflection of changing attitudes in the industry. With more brands recognizing the buying power of women’s sports fans and the importance of inclusivity, signature shoes like Lillard’s are helping to democratize sneaker culture. Cunningham’s endorsement of the “Dolla Red” colorway isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a nod to the idea that great style and top-tier performance shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.

As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, athletes like Sophie Cunningham are leading the way, both on the scoreboard and in the style stakes. Her latest viral outfit is proof that confidence, creativity, and a killer pair of kicks can turn any moment into a headline.

So whether she’s draining threes, defending her teammates, or setting trends in the tunnel, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham isn’t just playing the game—she’s changing it, one bold look at a time.