Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese? The new battle between the WNBA stars
The two WNBA stars are taking their rivalry to the sneaker market, where their first signature models are already going head-to-head.
"Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are facing each other again, but this time there are no points, rebounds, or assists involved. The two WNBA stars have taken their rivalry to the sneaker market , where their respective signature models can now be compared through buyer ratings.
The comparison gained momentum after the global launch of the Nike Caitlin 1 on October 1 . Clark's model went on sale for $140 and was matched up against the Reebok Angel Reese 1, available since September 2025.
Angel Reese beats Caitlin Clark in the sneaker battle
According to the comparison made by Athlon Sports, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 had a rating of 4.7 out of five stars , compared with the 4.6 of the Nike Caitlin 1 . However, there is one fact that changes the interpretation: the former had amassed 494 reviews, while Clark's shoes had only 38 as of October 6.
The difference is minimal and can still change. The Angel Reese 1 have been on the market for more than a year, while the Caitlin 1 had only just begun their commercial run a week ago. The comparison reflects the opinions recorded at that time, not a definitive measure of which model has greater acceptance.
Buyers of the Nike especially highlighted the cushioning, lightness, and traction . In the Reebok, positive opinions focused on comfort, design, and the variety of colors. Some users also appreciated that Reese's model can be used both for playing and for everyday wear.
Nike and Reebok bet on their two stars
The comparison also has a commercial angle. Clark signed with Nike in 2024 and has just launched her first signature shoe designed around the characteristics of her game. The Caitlin 1 features an Opticast upper, an Air Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot, and Cushlon foam, as well as elements related to her initials and the number 22 .
"Reese, for her part, built her line with Reebok, with sneakers that have continued to expand their versions and colors since their launch. The Angel Reese 1 model uses an outer structure of molded TPU and ERS technology with SuperFloat foam, according to Reebok's product sheet.
The Caitlin 1 now arrive on the market focused on the impact of their first signature model. Nike launched them globally on October 1 along with a collection of 18 garments, after several months of anticipation surrounding the collaboration with Clark.
For now, the sneaker battle already has a first result, with Reese emerging as the winner , although the difference is too narrow and the sample size for the Caitlin 1 is still small. The coming weeks will tell whether that lead holds or changes hands.
