Candace Parker: Sneakerhead Culture

WNBA player Candace Parker has long been known for her incredible skill on the basketball court. But what many may not know is that the two-time WNBA MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist is also a huge sneakerhead. Sneakers have always played an essential role in Candace's life, on and off the court. She has a collection that spans decades and includes plenty of hard-to-find pairs. With her longstanding relationship with Adidas, Candace is open about her passion for creating and wearing dope kicks. She's always wearing heat, whether on the court balling or on the sidelines commentating.

Candace Parker's career in the WNBA has been one of the most impressive in recent memory. A 2008 first-draft pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, Candace Parker took the league by storm. She is a versatile player who can play the forward and center positions and has consistently proven that she is a valuable asset to any team she is on. Parker spent thirteen seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks and two seasons with the Chicago Sky. She led both teams to a championship during her time there. She has won two MVP awards, an All-Star Game MVP Award, two championships, and two Olympic gold medals, and she was also the WNBA Rookie of the Year during her first season. After 16 years in the WNBA, Candace Parker has solidified her spot as one of the best.

Partnering with one of the biggest sneaker brands in the world would be any sneakerhead's dream. Candace Parker is a self-proclaimed "sneakerhead" known to rock some pretty impressive kicks during games. She began working with Adidas during her rookie year in 2008. She has the longest-standing shoe deal with them to date. Parker was interviewed about her shoe collection by Vogue Magazine. She said," Whenever you're authentic in who you are, and a brand is authentic in who they are, there are certain partnerships that just work." Her dedication to creating sneaker collections that are not only functional and comfortable but fly and stylish has made her time with the Adidas brand a success.

Fans and sneakerheads alike await each collection drop from Candace Parker. Her latest collection, Candace Parker Part III Collection, released in July of 2023, includes the Exhibit Select collection. It featured three colorways, "Game Royalty," "Queen of the Cards," and "Champagne."

Candace Parker describes her style as "Versatility. That's what I represent with my fashion. I love playing with the lines when it comes to femininity and masculinity. I try to mix that in, especially on air when I'm working at Turner. I'll wear suits and bow ties with high heels, and I'll wear a dress with sneakers." Candace's love for sneakers has allowed her to create shoes that showcase their performance on the court and her personal style. Her work with Adidas is also a way to connect with her fans and those who look up to her. Her shoe collections are worn every day on the court by young female basketball players who aspire to be just like Parker one day. She has set an incredible example for them by being a fierce leader on the court and a woman of style and grace off the court.