Report: Nike Challenged With 'Big Decision' Regarding Caitlin Clark

Earlier this year, WNBA No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark signed a historic endorsement deal with Nike worth $28 million over the next eight years.

As part of the deal, the sports apparel giant agreed to design a signature shoe for the Indiana Fever guard.

Details regarding this upcoming shoe release have not yet been shared with the public. But according to a report from MarketWatch , Nike has a "big decision" to make when it comes to Clark's signature shoe.

Nike could either make Clark's shoe unisex, or design it as a women's-focused product.

While making the shoe available in both men's and women's sizes would likely increase sales revenue, retail industry expert Matt Powell feels Nike should make a product better suited for a woman's foot.

"I hope Clark’s shoe is made for a woman,” Powell said, via MarketWatch. “Many women’s performance basketball shoes are simply a sized-down men’s product.”

“Brands make very few women-specific basketball shoes. A woman’s foot is more triangular, forefoot to heel, and her arch tends to be higher than a man’s foot. A man’s foot tends to be more rectangular, and consequently, a shoe built for a man’s foot is really not right for a woman’s foot."

Clark has brought unprecedented media and fan attention to the WNBA in her young professional career. As one of the league's brightest upcoming stars, she's inspired young fans everywhere — both female and male.

“Nike is never going to make any of this ($28 million) up in shoe sales. This is all about marketing and being associated with her, and sharing in her success,” Powell added.

“Nike could show real leadership in women’s basketball by making a shoe properly shaped for a woman’s foot."