The Rise Of Women’s Basketball Shoes

Who’s Wearing Them? 

Women’s basketball shoes are often made by women, for women, but the demographic of who is wearing these shoes has begun to widen. It is not too uncommon to find women wearing men’s shoes, so why can’t men wear women’s? 

The construction between the two types is not drastically different. Women’s shoes usually have a narrower heel and more room in the front. Men’s shoes are generally wider and less shaped. They also have firmer features to support greater weights. 

Style 

When it comes to style, there is no difference beyond how the products are marketed. This may include who is wearing them in advertisements and what colors the shoes are offered in. But whether it is a Women's Basketball shoe or a Men's Basketball shoe, it is a basketball sneaker first. 

Breaking Down Barriers 

The Sabrina 1 shoes are a great example of women’s shoes that have gained popularity amongst men. NBA player Jrue Holiday helped bring attention to this shoe in 2024. He was the first pro basketball player to wear these shoes on the court. 

Many other male players started to wear these shoes after Holiday's debut. This included athletes from other countries. 

Sabrina 

After this success, Sabrina Ionescu, the creator of the Nike Sabrina 1s, said these shoes are not just for women or men. They are simply basketball shoes. The style and comfort offered by the shoe have attracted both men and women alike. It seems like basketball shoes have transcended the confines of gender and have become a tool used by all types of basketball players.  

  - Nyanna Raj