Sports Biggest Sneaker Stories of 2023
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New Year's Eve is a top-tier holiday. The countdown, the confetti, and Auld Lang Syne playing in the background always feel like a moment separated from the rest of the calendar.
But before we officially say goodbye to 2023, it is important to look back at a pivotal year. A lot has changed in the sports world and sneaker industry over the past 12 months. Below are five sneaker stories that defined 2023.
Sneakers That Changed Sports in 2023
Five sneaker stories that impacted sports in 2023.
New Balance
Coco Gauff's first signature tennis shoe, the New Balance Coco CG1, actually hit shelves last year. However, the 19-year-old tennis prodigy won her first Grand Slam at the US Open in August. There is no denying that Gauff has arrived, and the torch has been passed to the next generation of tennis players.
New Balance has launched several colorways of the performance tennis shoe that highlight Gauff's lovable personality. Online shoppers can check out the entire collection on the New Balance website.
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nike officially relaunched the "Kobe Brand" in August. Many loyal fans of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant have tried unsuccessfully for almost four years to purchase the sneakers from the Nike Kobe line. Unfortunately, the wait continues.
Nike has released multiple retro models in new colorways over the past few months, but a supply shortage remains a nagging problem. Here is to hoping for more Kobe sneakers in 2024.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
It took Deion Sanders less than a year to turn the college football world upside down. "Coach Prime" revitalized the Colorado Buffaloes football program and made plenty of enemies along the way.
In addition to shaking up the sport, Sanders also reunited with Nike after many years apart. Players began wearing Sanders' old signature cleats, while Nike designed custom shoes to support Sanders with his foot injuries. Fans can shop Sanders' gear on the Nike website.
© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
It is rare for a debut sneaker line to be embraced by athletes, and it is unheard of for a WNBA player's shoes to take over the NBA. However, New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu was able to accomplish that feat in 2023.
The Nike Sabrina 1 was the hottest hoop shoe of the summer. Ionescu's kicks are affordable, stylish, and capable of competing on the world's biggest stages. Athletes and fans can shop the sneakers on the Nike website.
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After splitting with Nike in late 2022, Kyrie Irving became the biggest sneaker free agent in the NBA since Kobe Bryant roughly two decades earlier. Irving finished the 2022-23 season wearing his older Nike models with the Swoosh concealed by hand-written messages.
During the summer, Irving signed a five-year contract with the Chinese brand ANTA that made him the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball. The change highlighted the growing power of athlete's individual brands and the influence of international sports apparel brands.
Related: Study Shows the Nike Dunk Was 2023's Most Popular Sneaker
