Breanna Stewart leaves Nike for Puma, announces new signature shoe

WNBA star Breanna Stewart has signed a long-term deal with Puma that includes the development and release of her own signature shoe. Stewart has ended her partnership with Nike after five years in favor of the exclusive contract with Puma.

The Seattle Storm forward will be the first WNBA player to have her own signature shoe in a decade. The last original women’s basketball product was Candace Parker’s TS Ace Commander with adidas in 2010. There have been calls for more women’s signature shoes since Nike introduced Sheryl Swoopes’ Nike Air Swoopes in 1996.

The public, however, will have to wait to get their hands on Stewart’s designs. The development process is said to take a little over a year.

In the meantime, Stewart will sport Puma custom sneakers for the WNBA’s 25th season, which begins this weekend.

Stewart and the Storm will host the Aces in their home opener on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.