Nike’s first signature sneaker for Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark raced toward a sellout less than two hours after its highly anticipated U.S. release. The Caitlin 1 launched on Nike.com at 10 a.m. ET.
About one hour after the release, only extra large sizes above size 15 remained available through Nike’s website. Nike did not disclose how much inventory it had made available for the launch.
The rapid disappearance was not confined to Nike’s own online store. The Caitlin 1 was also nearly sold out at major retailers including Foot Locker, Champs Sports and Hibbett.
Listings quickly appeared on resale platforms as the supply available through regular retail channels dwindled. On eBay, sellers were already listing pairs of Caitlin 1 sneakers for prices starting at $200 and moving higher.
Nike set the retail price at $140 for the adult sneaker. Kids’ sizes were listed as “coming soon,” leaving the initial release focused on adult customers seeking the basketball star’s first signature shoe.
Customers could choose between two colors at launch. Nike offered the shoe in “Caitlin Blue” and a bright yellow, giving the debut a pair of distinctive options tied to the high profile release.
The launch arrived as Nike attempts to reconnect with consumers following a difficult stretch for its business and stock. Nike shares are down more than 50% over the last twelve months, while the company has experienced declining sales during the past year.
Concerns about product innovation, increased competition and challenges in China have weighed on the company. Against that backdrop, Nike CEO Elliott Hill used Thursday’s earnings call to highlight the expansion of the company’s women’s basketball business.
Hill said Nike’s women’s signature business has grown nearly 500% during the past four years. “One of our most powerful growth opportunities is the women’s game,” Hill said.
The Caitlin 1 represents a major piece of that opportunity for the company. Hill said its debut was the largest introduction of a women’s signature shoe in Nike’s history, with the sneaker launching across 5,000 stores.
That retail footprint substantially exceeded Nike’s typical rollout for a basketball signature sneaker. Hill said the launch was “twice the average for a Nike basketball signature shoe, supported by our largest Nike product campaign for the holiday season.”
The nearly depleted inventory provided an immediate sign of the attention surrounding Clark’s first signature sneaker. The combination of Nike’s broad store launch and the rapid shortage of most sizes placed the Caitlin 1 at the center of the company’s women’s basketball push.
The release also came as Clark and the Indiana Fever prepared for a decisive playoff contest. Indiana was scheduled to face the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 on Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET in Las Vegas.
The game carried elimination stakes for both teams, adding another prominent moment to the day of Clark’s sneaker debut. The Fever’s matchup against the Aces was scheduled to air on CNBC and USA Sports.
Clark emphasized the work behind the shoe when Nike unveiled it. “A lot of thought and time has gone into this shoe,” Clark said in a press release when Nike unveiled the shoe.
She also described the personal significance of reaching the signature sneaker milestone. “I never thought I would have my own signature shoe, and now that I do, it’s pretty special.”
Nike’s relationship with Clark began before she entered the professional ranks. The company first signed her in 2022, when she was still playing college basketball at the University of Iowa.
Clark later signed a reported eight year, $28 million deal in April 2024. The Caitlin 1 now gives Nike a highly visible product tied directly to Clark as its women’s signature business continues its sharp expansion.
With most sizes nearly gone shortly after release and resale listings already appearing at premiums, the Caitlin 1 made an immediate commercial splash. For Nike, that reception comes while the company is looking to reverse declining sales and rebuild its connection with consumers.