WNBA superstar Sabrina Ionescu embraces the similarities between her signature shoe line and those of the late Kobe Bryant.
New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu welcomed the comparisons of her signature shoes with that of the late Kobe Bryant, deeming the similarity a compliment to her shoe line with a popular sports brand.
Though only two shoes deep at this point, Ionescu’s sneaker line with Oregon-based Nike has been received well, especially since they bear a resemblance in design and function with those of Ionescu’s good friend in Kobe.
As a player, Ionescu is close with Bryant’s family, and being able to be in the same conversation as the 5-time NBA champion is an honor that she embraces.
“It's been amazing. Obviously, it's the best sneaker,” Ionescu told media during an interview session at The Peninsula Manila in Makati.
“So anytime you're able to be in that conversation is exciting.”
The Nike Sabrina line has undergone two versions so far, with her latest shoe releasing just last year.
The Sabrina 2, in particular, has gotten attention as sort of a spiritual successor to the Kobe 5, the sneaker that Bryant wore to win the 2010 NBA championship with the Lakers. Similar to Kobe models, the Sabrina line has also been among the most worn in the NBA and WNBA.
With an abundance of colorways, including those that give a nod to her college Oregon, Ionescu is able to express her creativity.
Now also with a collaboration with Philippine-based Titan, Ionescu is further widening her reach within the sneaker community.
“Obviously for me, I've been excited to just be able to tell my story through my shoe, through so many colorways, and different stories that we've been able to tell,” Sabrina said.
“And obviously this Titan collaboration on my shoe here has been one of the most exciting that I've been able to kind of tell and learn from so much just through that shoe,” she added.
Apart from her footwear, Ionescu also has other products in her line with Nike, including apparel.
On Monday, a “House of Sabrina” display was also unveiled in Bonifacio Global City.