Caitlin Clark reacts after WNBA guard makes history in signature shoes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Caitlin Clark‘s first signature basketball shoe has not officially hit stores, but it already has made its way onto another WNBA court. Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman became the first WNBA player other than Clark to wear the unreleased Caitlin 1 during Monday’s game against the Chicago Sky.
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Hiedeman broke out the Blue Racer colorway Clark gifted her during WNBA All-Star Weekend. The shoes apparently brought some good fortune, too. Seattle ended its 11-game losing streak with a 97-88 victory over Chicago as Hiedeman delivered one of her best performances of the season. She finished with 18 points and nine assists without committing a turnover.
The veteran guard celebrated the moment on Instagram following the win.
“Broke out my gifted CC’s and got the dub,” Hiedeman wrote while tagging Clark.
Clark reposted the message and offered a one-word reaction.
“Auraaaaa,” Clark wrote.
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Natisha Hiedeman gives Caitlin 1 memorable WNBA debut
Clark did not need an elaborate response. Hiedeman’s performance said plenty on its own. Becoming the first player to wear another athlete’s signature shoe is a meaningful show of support, especially when the two compete for different teams. Hiedeman and Clark developed a friendship while playing together during the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, and Clark later gave the Storm guard a pair of her signature sneakers.
Hiedeman then gave the Caitlin 1 an ideal unofficial debut. She helped Seattle snap a disastrous losing streak while controlling the offense and taking care of the basketball. Her nine assists matched her second-highest total of the season, and she produced them without recording a turnover.
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The victory provided a desperately needed lift for a Storm team attempting to remain in the playoff race. It also created another memorable moment ahead of the Caitlin 1’s scheduled Oct. 1 release. Hiedeman’s decision showed that interest in Clark’s shoe extends beyond fans and collectors. Other professional players are also eager to wear it.
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Caitlin Clark adds to signature shoe momentum
Clark provided another showcase for the Caitlin 1 one night after Hiedeman’s performance. The Indiana Fever star debuted the Lime Green colorway during Tuesday’s 106-92 victory over the New York Liberty. Clark recorded 22 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and one steal while connecting on four of her eight attempts from beyond the arc.
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The performance gave Clark nine games with at least 20 points and 10 assists this season, extending her own WNBA record. Between Hiedeman’s breakout performance and Clark’s historic outing, the Caitlin 1 enjoyed an impressive two-night stretch before its public release.
Signature shoes have long been one of the clearest signs of an athlete’s influence. Clark’s reach was already evident through television ratings, ticket sales and merchandise demand. Seeing another WNBA player compete in her unreleased sneakers represented a different kind of milestone. Hiedeman might have been the first player to join Clark in wearing the Caitlin 1, but she likely will not be the last.
Her decision gave the shoe an unexpected early endorsement. Her performance made the moment even better.
