The first sneaker that Sabrina Ionescu rocked in the WNBA was the Nike Kobe 5 Protro.
Much like the Kobe 1 and 4, the Kobe 5 Protro updates the older model with new technology. The original Kobe 5 released in 2009 with simple Zoom Air bags in the heel and forefoot. The forefoot unit gets upgraded to Zoom Turbo, with the larger bag being articulated for flexibility and more bounce. The Phylon foam in the original gets replaced with Cushlon, which is softer and better assists in energy return.
Sabrina saw Kobe Bryant as a mentor and rocked his Kobe 5 all throughout her first season before an ankle injury ended her rookie campaign. Ionescu notably rocked the “Hall of Fame” UNDFTD colorway in her second season the day prior to Bryant’s induction in the hall of fame. You can find this gold colorway HERE.
You can find other Nike Kobe 5 colorways at StockX, GOAT, and Flight Club.
Cover image via Nice Kicks
