Thread regarding Nike Inc. layoffs

@OP https://www.nike.com/launch/r/IM3207-400

Do signature shoes even matter any more?

@cm LOL so now Caitlin was also supposed to get a new innovation coupled w a signature shoe in a single release? Some hilarious takes on here.

Cool story, but let’s cut the spin.

Caitlin isn’t just some niche athlete—she’s mainstream. Moves merch, moves ratings, moves culture. A’ja and Sabrina are great, but they haven’t done that. That’s not hate, it’s fact.

How did we move backwards?

We didn’t wait for MJ. We didn’t wait for LeBron. But Caitlin? The biggest name in women’s sports—we stall out.

Why? Because all the creative and production energy is tied up in collabs and retro silhouettes. We’ve lost our appetite for innovation. The best we can come up with for Caitlin is… a recycled Kobe?

Nike used to set the pace. Now we chase nostalgia and overthink the moment. This isn’t strategy—it’s hesitation dressed up as planning.

@ce
In the year 2025 long gone are the days of "the culture" with digital algorithms and a la carte streaming we are in a time where sub cultures truly prevail. As a person who doesn't closely follow basketball or the WNBA, Sabrina and A'Ja are actually top of mind. To that misguided person who mentioned Angel (and more hate) on the post, she is top of mind. We could say they move the culture and would be just as correct as you are. To use more of your words, "this isn't either/or".

If you are the fan you that you claim, surely you'd expect Caitlins game to improve...her influence to grow..and her fan base to expand right? Or is her ability to move the culture and skill not as great as you claim. If we wait another year her release should be even bigger (she'll have more stats under her belt) which is even better for Nike. If this is truly her peak (as your tone and posts imply) then had we rushed we'd have product in the market for an athlete that is no longer relevant. That's bad for Nike. She's signed to us so it's not like someone else can beat us to the Caitlin shoe.

But backing up, why did I bring them up? You alluded to the focus on A'ja being part of some DEI conspiracy (instead of simply advocating for Caitlin as the fan you claim to be you had to diminish another female athlete). Sabrina and and A'Ja (both of which stars to their respective sub cultures) were signed before Caitlin so naturally their shoes would come first. A'ja's actually came after Sabrina's 2 releases despite being signed first. But somehow her moment, her campaign that's happening in 2025 (7 years after her signing) is the injustice/undeserved?

I'm not sure how you can work in retail and not understand the significance of holiday. Not sure how you can work at Nike and not understand the impact of Kobe (more than a "DEI" brand) . Those pairings are positioning her release to do well.

Holiday = consumer (over)spending
Caitlin = you + your 5 y.o.
Kobe = kobe fans (brings male and NBA sub cultures that might not know Caitlin)

Be better. If for no other reason than for the next generation that's learning from you. Teach them something good and not just something easy.

You can’t lump Caitlin in with A’ja or Sabrina. It’s not even close. Caitlin moves the culture. My 5-year-old spotted her courtside at a Pacers game. Most Americans wouldn’t recognize the other two if they sat on their lap.

Now we’re hearing the shoe might be a Kobe collab—but the WNBA season ends before the holidays. So what, we wait till Year 3?

Rob Strasser would be losing his damn mind. Nike used to lead. Now it’s asleep at the wheel.

Man, she ain't sh-t, Reese is where the money is...Clark is an ugly white bi--h...no skills

Gosh you people are friggin babies. For people who hate "DEI", you sure do think (and post) about it often. As if Nike didn't create the Sabrinas (currently on its second iteration). Did you buy any? She signed in 2020. A'Ja signed in 2018.

According to some press releases (a quick Google search -_-), Caitlin Clarke's shoes are set to release this holiday. Look at that, a holiday spot AND an early announcement to build anticipation for gift giving season (peak shopping period). It's almost as if Nike is trying to position it for success.

If you actually cared (and were a true Caitlin fan) you would have known or searched for this instead of hiding your hate under the guise of supporting Caitlin.

Hope this attention fills that hole!

“ People who don't understand how a shoe is made” … that’s the excuse we’re using????

She has been in the Nike fold since 2022! And has been red hot since. Those plans should have been started since the NIL deal was in place and ready to execute once she went pro. She was the biggest name in women’s sport in college… Are you telling me that we were surprised by her rise??

People who don't understand how a shoe is made