Caitlin Clark brings Taylor Swift into the WNBA and Swifties can’t get enough

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates after recording a triple-double in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 04, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark has found a new way to bring Taylor Swift into the WNBA, and fans have plenty to say about it. The Indiana Fever superstar unveiled a Taylor Swift-inspired version of her Nike Caitlin 1 signature sneaker this week, combining one of basketball’s biggest names with a friendship-bracelet detail instantly recognizable to Swifties.

Clark debuted the “Friendship Bracelet” Caitlin 1 during Indiana Fever practice on Wednesday, August 26. The design features an off-white and blush-toned upper, colorful accents, and fuzzy laces decorated with beads. Some of those beads spell out “CC” and “22,” representing Clark’s initials and jersey number.

Clark debuted the “Friendship Bracelet” Caitlin 1 during Indiana Fever practice on Wednesday, August 26 (@ Getty Images)

The crossover quickly caught the attention of WNBA fans and Swifties, with social media users calling the sneakers perfect for Swift and worrying that getting a pair could become a challenge once they are released.

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Despite people describing the shoes as a Taylor Swift collaboration, there is currently no indication that Swift is officially attached to the sneaker. The “Friendship Bracelet” Caitlin 1 is better described as a Taylor Swift-inspired colorway and a tribute to Clark’s well-known Swiftie status. 

Caitlin Clark’s Taylor Swift-Inspired Nike Shoes Get Fans Talking

Clark has already unveiled numerous versions of her first signature Nike basketball sneaker, but the Friendship Bracelet colorway immediately stands apart.

Friendship bracelets became a defining fan tradition during Swift’s Eras Tour, with concertgoers making and trading bracelets decorated with song titles, lyrics, and personal messages. Clark has now translated that idea into basketball footwear.

The sneaker’s fuzzy rope laces are decorated with colorful beads, while the insoles also feature a bracelet-inspired graphic. The pastel detailing across the upper gives the shoe another connection to the colorful aesthetic associated with Swift’s record-breaking tour.

Clark appeared pretty pleased with the finished product herself. When she showed off the sneakers on Instagram Stories, she wrote, “Yeah these are the ones.”

Fans apparently agree.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles between her legs wearing her Taylor Swift-themed shoes, the NIKE 6 Protro "Eras Tour" (@ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After the Indiana Fever shared a closer look at Clark wearing the sneakers, reactions ranged from people calling them her best colorway yet to others immediately identifying the design as one for Swifties. One particularly enthusiastic fan even declared that they wanted a pair at age 63.

Is Caitlin Clark Collaborating With Taylor Swift?

Not officially, at least not based on what has been announced so far.

Clark has openly identified herself as a Swift fan for years, attended the Eras Tour, and spent time with the singer at Kansas City Chiefs games. She has also previously incorporated Swift references into her basketball footwear.

Earlier this summer, Clark debuted Nike Kobe 6 Protro player exclusives inspired by the Eras Tour during an Indiana Fever game against the Chicago Sky. The colorful sneakers featured a rainbow palette, and Clark completed the tribute by wearing friendship bracelets around her socks.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles between her legs wearing her Taylor Swift themed shoes, the NIKE 6 Protro "Eras Tour" (@ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

At the time, Clark made no secret of where the inspiration came from, calling herself a big Taylor Swift fan and saying she had saved the special shoes for last.

The Friendship Bracelet Caitlin 1 takes that idea further because it places the Swift-inspired aesthetic directly onto Clark’s own signature shoe.