Game Changers: Sabrina Ionescu Basketball Shoes
Romanian-American basketball superstar Sabrina Ionescu was born on December 6, 1997 in Walnut Creek, California. Growing up fascinated with basketball, she began playing the sport at an early age. By high school, Ionescu’s talents were evident, leading Miramonte High School to a 119-9 record throughout her four-year career.
Her standout performances drew national attention, and she earned accolades such as the USA Today All-USA Player of the Year before committing to the University of Oregon for her college career. Ionescu’s time at Oregon was historic. She made NCAA history as the first player—male or female—to record over 2,000 points, 1,000 assists and 1,000 rebounds. Under her leadership, the Oregon Ducks reached the Final Four in 2019, and Ionescu finished her college career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles.
Ionescu was chosen as the top pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty. Recognizing her immense potential, Nike signed her to a long-term contract, putting her in the rarefied air of top athletes like LeBron James and Serena Williams.
Below, a guide to Ionescu’s signature shoes with the Swoosh.
Sabrina Ionescu Signature Shoes
Since debuting in 2023, Sabrina Ionescu’s signature shoes have been worn by various players in the WNBA and NBA, as well as by Ionescu herself. Below, a guide to both of her eponymous silhouettes.
Sabrina 1
The Sabrina 1 is Ionescu’s debut signature silhouette, designed as a unisex model with a three-pronged technology lineup of Zoom Air, React foam and a stabilizing shank. The collar is paired with a midfoot band system for adjustability around the arch, while the intricate embroidery throughout the upper pays tribute to Romanian art and architecture.
Sabrina 2
Ionescu’s sophomore silhouette expands on the core design elements of the original while coming in at 28 grams lighter. The most notable update is an “S” frame that dominates the upper, accented with detailed stitching and embroidery, subtly referencing Ionescu’s initials and number. Cushlon 3.0 technology is loaded within a solidified Cushlon foam carrier underfoot, while Zoom Air assists with impact dampening. A reconfigured band system keeps the foot locked down with a glove-like fit, finished with a herringbone pattern for grip on all manner of surfaces.
Popular Colorways of Sabrina Shoes
Despite Ionescu’s signature series being relatively new, a myriad of colorways have already been released. Below, some of the most popular across the first and second silhouettes.
‘Ionic’
‘Ionic,’ the first colorway to land on Ionescu’s debut signature shoe, is rendered in pale grey tones, with a black Swoosh standing out in visual relief.
‘Black’
The black colorway of the Sabrina 1 incorporates a generous dose of white on the upper, midsole, tongue and Swoosh.
‘Spark’
‘Spark’ is one of the most head-turning color schemes in the Sabrina 1 arsenal, mixing pale purple with lemon yellow and obsidian.
‘Brooklyn’s Finest’
An aqua color theme is offset by hits of lavender on the ‘Brooklyn’s Finest’ Sabrina 1. A black Swoosh completes the summery style.
‘West Coast Roots’
‘West Coast Roots’ is one of the more fiery color stories in the Sabrina 1 series, with pink and orange tones merging in a gradient. An olive green Swoosh provides contrast.
‘Magnetic’
‘Magnetic’ bears similarities to the ‘Ionic’ color story, with airy white and off-white tones colliding across the upper. Black stitching and a black Swoosh make the shoe pop.
‘University Gold’
The ‘University Gold’ colorway is for players who want to stand out, with an energetic yellow and gold combination intended to shine.
‘Court Vision’
‘Court Vision’ emerged as the first colorway in the Sabrina 2 line, aggregating black and purple tones with a shimmering Swoosh for a futuristic aesthetic.
‘Conductor’
The ‘Conductor’ colorway is dressed in various shades of pastel blue for a smooth and serene style.
‘USA’
Built with an aggressive red hue, a white Swoosh and dark obsidian midsole round out the patriotic ‘USA’ colorway.
Sabrina Ionescu Sneaker FAQ
How tall is Sabrina Ionescu?
Sabrina Ionescu is 5 ft. 11 in. (1.80 m).
Who designed the Sabrina signature shoes?
The Sabrina 1 and 2 were created by Nike designer Benjamin Nethongkome.
What are Sabrina shoes best for?
The Sabrina 1 and 2 are performance shoes designed for playing basketball. However, due to their versatile aesthetic, they can be worn as lifestyle or light-activity shoes.
When did the Sabrina 1 come out?
The Sabrina 1 debuted on September 1, 2023.
What sizes do Sabrina shoes come in?
Sabrina Ionescu’s signature shoes come in men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes.
When do the new Sabrina shoes come out?
Nike is constantly refreshing Sabrina Ionescu’s signature shoes with new colorways and models. You can stay up to date on the latest releases here.
Where to buy Sabrina shoes?
You can buy Sabrina Ionescu shoes on GOAT.
How to tell if Sabrina shoes are fake or authentic?
GOAT uses machine-learning technology, digital authentication, in-hand verification or a combination of these methods to determine if sneakers are fake or real. By doing so, we seek to ensure the Sabrina Ionescu shoes you purchase are both authentic and as-described.