The Shocking Reason Nike Doesn’t Want You to Wear Caitlin Clark Shoes

Caitlin Clark Makes History in Kobe Bryant’s Nike Sneakers

Caitlin Clark wore Kobe Bryant’s retro Nike sneakers during her record-breaking game.

Caitlin Clark Makes History in Kobe Bryant's Nike Sneakers Caitlin Clark Makes History in Kobe Bryant’s Nike Sneakers

Looking back at Caitlin Clark’s collegiate career, it feels like a blur of logo shots, buzzer beaters, and celebrations. After four seasons, Clark finally became the NCAA women’s basketball all-time scoring leader last night.

Not only did Clark break the career scoring record, but she also poured in 49 points (a career-high and single-game school record). Naturally, the Iowa Hawkeyes picked up the 106-89 win over the Michigan Wolverines in front of a sold-out home crowd in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Even more fitting, Clark made history in a pair of retro sneakers from the signature line of the late-great Kobe Bryant. The 22-year-old is an acolyte of Bryant’s volume-shooting school of thought and an avid sneakerhead.

Throughout her NCAA career, Clark has routinely worn Bryant’s iconic Nike sneakers in new and OG colorways. Below is a detailed look at Clark’s historic hoop shoes and instructions on how to purchase a pair.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Bruce Lee’

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark's black and gold Nike Kobe sneakers.The Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Bruce Lee’ colorway / USA TODAY NETWORK

Clark broke the NCAA’s career scoring record while wearing the Nike Kobe 5 Protro in the ‘Bruce Lee’ colorway. The shoes were released in November 2020 for $180 and now have an average resale price of $566 on the sneaker platform StockX.

The shoes were originally released a decade prior on the heels of Bryant’s fifth NBA Championship. Inspired by the gold jumpsuit Lee wore in the films Game of Death and Enter the Dragon, the shoes sport a black and gold upper with red detailing (including scratch marks).

In addition to it being a tough colorway, the sneakers also lend themselves to Iowa’s school colors. While Clark has worn several colorways and models from the Nike Kobe line, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Bruce Lee’ appears to be one of her favorites.

Clark’s college career has been a dream we wish would never end. But like Bryant, Lee, and other greats before her, Clark has more lofty goals to reach. But today, we can take a moment to celebrate her historic achievement and undefeated sneaker rotation. Follow FanNationKicks.com for all your footwear news from the sports world.