Former Indiana Pacers star Isaiah Thomas has recently voiced his frustration regarding the highly anticipated release of Caitlin Clark's player-exclusive Nike Kobe 5 Protro shoes. The two-time NBA All-Star, a vocal supporter of Clark, didn't mince words, directing his criticism toward Nike's SNKRS app for what he perceived as a mishandled launch.

Nike recently unveiled the launch of the Caitlin Clark Kobe 5 Protro PE shoes, accompanied by a quirky commercial featuring Clark. The advertisement depicts Clark preparing for a game, her focus intensifying until her pupils subtly transform into snake-like slits, a nod to Kobe Bryant's "Black Mamba" persona. These shoes incorporate the Indiana Fever colors: dark navy, crimson orange, and electric university gold outlining the Nike Swoosh. Nike announced the launch with the message, "When @caitlinclark22 laces her new Kobe 5 Protro PE, she steps into a new dimension… Noise fades, focus hits, and all that's left is her drive to dominate".

However, these shoes are not the signature sneakers many fans were anticipating; instead, they are a Player Edition release. The launch on June 30th was met with disappointment as the shoes sold out in less than a minute, leaving many empty-handed. It was later revealed that only 13,000 pairs were available.

Isaiah Thomas expressed his dissatisfaction on X, stating, "The SNKRS app sucks!!!". This sentiment was echoed by numerous fans who were eager to purchase the shoes. Many fans lined up virtually, awaiting the 10 a.m. ET launch, only to be met with disappointment.

Caitlin Clark's impact on women's basketball is undeniable. Her college success significantly boosted the sport's popularity, with her final college game drawing 18.7 million viewers, surpassing the 2023 NBA Finals and World Series viewership. Her widespread cultural impact is evident, with country music star Tim McGraw sporting her Indiana Fever jersey during a concert.

Clark's eight-year, $28 million endorsement deal with Nike includes a signature shoe. Nike CEO Elliott Hill confirmed that Clark's signature shoe and logo design are in development. This deal is the most lucrative endorsement package ever given to a WNBA player.

Despite the excitement surrounding Clark's Nike deal, some have criticized the brand for not fully leveraging her marketability. Former Nike marketing director Jordan Rogers questioned the disparity in treatment between male and female athletes, noting that Clark, a culturally significant player, hasn't received the same investment. Rogers highlighted Nike's slow approach and urged the brand to capitalize on Clark's immense potential.

Concerns have also been raised about Nike's marketing strategies for Clark. In a recent "Just Win" campaign ad, fans expressed disappointment that Clark's voice wasn't featured, feeling it would have been more impactful to hear her own words.

In April 2024, Nike secured the landmark deal with Clark, shortly after she was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA. While she has appeared in commercials and on billboards, the absence of a signature shoe has drawn criticism. Clark herself acknowledged the situation, stating that she doesn't make those decisions and that fans would have to wait and see.

Sonny Vaccaro, a prominent figure in Nike's history, suggested that Clark's agents should have pushed for a better deal, advocating for a percentage of royalties similar to Michael Jordan's arrangement. Vaccaro also pointed out that other shoe companies are partly to blame for not making competitive offers.