"I'm trying to maximize everything while I can" - Angel Reese explains why the release of her signature shoe was fast-tracked originally appeared on Basketball Network .
Reebok just announced that Angel Reese 's first signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, will hit stores globally on September 18th. Thursday's reveal came as a surprise because when the AR 1 was first introduced last month, right before the 2025 WNBA All-Star break, it was reported that the shoe's launch would be in early 2026.
However, during a recent interview with Elle, Reese herself explained why the highly anticipated debut of her first signature sneaker was fast-tracked.
"I know fans have been wondering and asking about it. And I know it was supposed to come in 2026, but I thought, Why not now? Why not year two? Why not be able to wear my shoe while I'm playing and striving for great things? Being able to have the support that I have right now with the fans is really important to me, and I'm trying to maximize everything while I can. This is a really important moment for me right now, and I'm really excited for it to launch," said Reese.
2025 has been a great year for Angel, so far. Although she's played in only two games after the All-Star break and missed her sixth consecutive game on Wednesday with a back injury, Reese's sophomore season in the WNBA has been as impressive as her rookie year, even better.
In 23 games played, she has put up averages of 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. All those numbers, except rebounds, are career highs for the former LSU star. And although Angel is averaging one rebound fewer per game this season, she is still the league-leader in that statistical category and is on pace to win back-to-back rebounding titles.
Last month, the iconic video game franchise NBA 2K made Reese the featured player on the NBA 2K26 WNBA edition, taking the nod over rival Caitlin Clark and other top stars in the league. NBA2K general manager Zak Armitage explained why they picked Angel over Caitlin .
"NBA 2K26 is celebrating the bold, the confident and the visionaries, and WNBA All-Star Angel Reese carries all that on and off the court," said Armitage. "In her sophomore year in the WNBA, Angel Reese has made waves, created impactful conversations, and inspired the next generation. She's a storyteller and has helped the WNBA grow its audience."
In the NBA 2K26 cover, Reese wore the "Diamond Dust" colorway of the Reebok Angel Reese 1, not only introducing it to the world, but adding plenty of mileage to promote it. Even New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu , whose Nike Sabrina shoes are arguably the most popular women's signature sneakers ever, credited Angel and her team for wearing the shoe on the cover.
"It was amazing, and she also launched her signature shoe on the cover as well, which was iconic. I feel like it was knocking two birds with one stone and just having this amazing moment to showcase to the world a shoe that she's been working on for a really long time, and also an elite company with signature shoes," said Ionescu.
Usually, when a shoe is released to the market, it's often only one colorway, with more to follow in the succeeding month. However, Reebok isn't playing around as it will debut not only the "Diamond Dust" version of the shoe, but also "Mebounds" and "Receipts Ready," making September 18th truly a big date for Reebok and Reese.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
