Nike Sabrina 3

Sabrina 3

WNBA-winning All-Star Sabrina Ionescu joined Nike in 2020, and a few years later, the brand released her first signature shoe. Renowned for its reliable lightweight design and responsive feel on court, it successfully launched Ionescu’s line of basketball trainers, which in 2025 reached its dynamic third iteration, the Nike Sabrina 3.

The Sabrina 3’s carefully designed upper is made from lightweight mesh, with computational embroidery forming striking bands across the forefoot and ankles for added durability. Supportive cables are innovatively concealed within distinctive mesh pleats that dart up each flank, culminating in strong loops that secure the laces and provide excellent lockdown, allowing the wearer to move with speed, power and confidence. Each eyelet is reinforced with thick stitching, while the mesh tongue features light padding to ensure a comfortable fit without adding too much weight. Two overlays bolster the back of the shoe, with a tab at the top and a heel counter below that further enhances containment and stability.

Innovation continues on the sole unit of the Nike Sabrina 3, which has a dual-density midsole of softening Cushlon 3.0 foam encased within a durable Phylon carrier for comfort and longevity. Its forefoot Zoom Air unit produces a responsive step, and an internal shank supports and stabilises through the midfoot. Meanwhile, the rubber outsole’s multidirectional tread pattern comprises multiple S-shaped grip lines that emanate concentrically around the forefoot and heel before connecting along either side of the midfoot to offer outstanding traction through various energetic movements. Cutout sections in the midfoot and heel help to reduce weight even further, and the entire sole remains low-to-the-ground so as not to compromise court feel.

The Sabrina 3 both evolves the high-tech, performance design of its predecessors and goes deeper into Ionescu’s compelling backstory. Its branding effects include classic sidewall Swooshes, the medial one pointing upwards to signify the glass ceilings Sabrina continues to break as she pushes sporting boundaries. Her ‘S’ logo appears prominently on the tongue and more subtly on the outsole and insole, while her inspiring motto, “Anyone, anywhere”, is printed across the insoles, urging the wearer to pursue their dreams, no matter what. A large ‘i’ and her shirt number – 20 – punctuate the heel tab, and her embossed signature on the lateral heel completes the shoe’s stylish detailing.

Nike launched the Sabrina 3 in July 2025 with a campaign connected to the Blueprint colourway. In a humorous ‘Hoop Improvement’ video starring former NBA All-Star and coach Steve Nash and several other basketball stars, Sabrina is depicted carrying out her latest ‘renovation project’ – a nod to her never-ending drive for improvement and excellence on the court. The shoe itself has blueprints of basketball plays printed onto the heel panelling, thus expanding the bold storytelling of her signature line.

The Nike Sabrina 3 manages to focus on lightweight support, solid lockdown and firm grip on the court while also being a master of story and style, making it a powerful all-round basketball shoe but also a captivating lifestyle sneaker.