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WNBA star Caitlin Clark made news off the court this week by giving the Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball team a whole set of her own Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE shoes, a move that mixed personal links, brand impact, and big generous heart.
The big surprise arrived on July 8, when Butler players posted online to thank Clark for the cool new shoes. The shoes were dark blue with Indiana Fever-like touchesare, and it al was part of Clark’s first release with Nike. These rare shoes sold out in less than a minute when they went on the market on June 30, making them some of the year’s most wanted basketball shoes.
Caitlin Clark’s best impression by Brazilian legend Marta who drops buckets with her foot
“”S/O @caitlinclark22 for the new kicks! ,” the Butler team put on Instagram, showing players in the shoes during practice.
The McCaffery link
Clarks link to Butler goes beyond just basketball. Her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, is an assistant coach for the Bulldogs. They met while playing college ball at the University of Iowa. He helped set up the surprise and was seen giving out the shoes to his players, but made sure Clark got all the credit for the move.
The McCaffery family has strong links to Butler basketball:
- Patrick McCaffery, Connors brother, played for Butler last season and just signed with the Sacramento Kings.
- Jack McCaffery, the youngest brother, is a new freshman for the Bulldogs.
- Their dad, Fran McCaffery, led Iowa’s mens team for 15 seasons and was just picked to head the University of Pennsylvania’s team.
A Clark-registered move
The shoes given by Caitlin, the Clarks Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE are part of her rise in the shoe and basketball world. With resale prices now at $500, the shoes highlight her growing fame. Nike plans to drop a second Caitlin Clark edition the Kobe 6 Protro Light Armory Blue in the 2025 holiday season.
Clark had already given the same shoes to her Indiana Fever coaches before their Commissioners Cup win over the Minnesota Lynx. Now, Butlers team is on a short list of those who got them, all thanks to the McCaffery link.
While the move was directed by her kindness, it also shows Clarks bigger role as a cultural and business force in sports. As a WNBA All-Star and one of the leagues top faces, shes using her stage to back those close to her on a personal and work level.
What is next for Clark and the Fever?
After missing out some games with a groin strain, Indiana Fever’s top player Caitlin Clark is back this week, set for the next game against the Golden State Valkyries. She is back to full-speed work and is ready to play as good as usual.
Before getting injured, Clark had 18.2 points, 8.9 assist, and 5.0 rebounds per game. Her return is crucial for the Fever as they aim for a playoff spot.
She will now play beside new team guard Aari McDonald, letting Clark focus less on ball handling and ease stress. Off the field, Clark was in the news for giving some of her Commissioners Cup bonus to pay a fine for head coach Stephanie White, showing her lead inside the team and the franchise.
This news was originally published on this post .