Nike Sabrina 1

Sabrina 1

Sabrina Ionescu became a Nike athlete in 2020, shortly after joining WNBA side, New York Liberty. By summer 2023, Nike had released her first signature shoe, the Sabrina 1, with a gender-neutral build that made her the first female athlete to design a unisex collection with the brand.

Ionescu aimed to create a lightweight basketball trainer with responsive cushioning for players of all levels. As a result, the Nike Sabrina 1 features a full-length React foam midsole that keeps the weight down while also providing excellent shock absorption and comfort. A thin, top-loaded Zoom Air unit adds propulsion to the forefoot, and a sturdy midfoot shank enhances stability. Athlete insights helped shape the outsole’s distinctive tread pattern, which offers strong traction, flexibility and court feel, ensuring mobility and control.

The upper is made from a mixture of highly durable fabrics, with translucent textiles along the flanks for a sleek appearance. A midfoot band and lockdown cables combine with the contoured low-cut collar, structured heel counter and gusseted tongue to secure the foot, while targeted padding maintains comfort throughout.

Subtle design details honouring Ionescu’s life and career have been placed across the Sabrina 1. While the lateral swoosh is an elegantly embroidered outline, the medial one slants upwards at the heel, cutting into the midsole to symbolise the obstacles she has had to overcome on her journey to sporting greatness. A lowercase “i” begins at the forefoot and wraps along the underside of the shoe from toe to heel, culminating in a dot at the top of the heel. Here, the player’s signature can be seen, while her logo marks the tongue, outsole and insole. Woven elements celebrate Ionescu’s Romanian heritage by referencing the country’s traditional architecture, and the words “Anyone, Anywhere” are etched discreetly into the cut-out section of the medial midsole, reflecting her competitive spirit and her conviction that anyone can dream, no matter where they come from. 

The Nike Sabrina 1 launched in 2023 with the Spark, Magnetic and Ionic colourways, which were followed by many more classy designs, including some that tell stories about the explosive point guard. Highlights include the Family Bonds, whose blue accents symbolise the importance of family, and the West Coast Roots, which pays homage to her hometown of Walnut Creek, California.

While its stylish aesthetics make the Sabrina 1 a great lifestyle sneaker, its primary focus is on delivering a fast, responsive and comfortable basketball shoe for all players – a goal it undoubtedly achieves.