This week in kicks: WNBA stars show their style

The WNBA is finally back, with the best women’s players lacing up fresh pairs for another year of basketball action.

On the men’s side, our Conference Finals are set — four young stars representing four different brands as they try to bring titles back to their cities for the first time in over 50 years.

But it was an A-List fan that stole the shoe show, customising a New York classic to watch his Knicks win from courtside.

Aussies lace up for WNBA opener

With the WNBA back in full force, it means that Australia’s top talents are back in action in the states, and they’ve done so in style.

Ezi Magbegor and Alanna Smith both got busy in the Nike Kobe 6 ‘All Star 2025’, Australia’s dynamic duo ready to make an impact this season for Seattle and Minnesota.

Bec Allen laced up the Nike Zoom GT Cut 3 to start the new season, while Sami Whitcomb got involved with the adidas Exhibit Select Mid.

But it was Jade Melbourne who impressed with the Kobe 6 ‘All Star 2021’, impressing for Washington in the throwback pair.

Flagg makes New Balance debut

Cooper Flagg has officially made his New Balance debut, as the brand hopes to see him become the face of their basketball line.

The presumed number one overall pick has been signed to the brand through an NIL deal since last year, but since he played in the NCAA for Nike heavyweight Duke he was required to don the swoosh throughout college.

But school’s out, and Flagg was finally able to lace up a pair of New Balances, during his appearance at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.

He wore the Hesi Low V2 model during his testing, specifically the sherbet colourway from the brand’s ‘Flavors Pack’, which also included the TWO WXY V5.

NBL1 SNEAKER OF THE WEEK

Best kicks from around the NBL1.

Puma tease Haliburton signature

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers are in the midst of a red-hot playoff run, making the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season.

In his first year as a Puma athlete, Haliburton had a rocky start but has come on in a massive way throughout the second half of the year and the post-season, powering his Pacers to huge series victories over the Milwaukee Bucks, and then the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ahead of their return to the ECF, seeking the franchise’s second-ever NBA Finals appearance, the Pacers’ star guard looks to have a signature shoe in the works, with Puma teasing Haliburton’s very own model via social media.

He has laced up the PUMA All-Pro NITRO throughout the season, but a grudge match against historic rivals New York with a trip to the finals on the line is the perfect stage to launch a shoe.

Chalamet rocks custom Knicks kicks

The history of New York Knicks superfans is strong, from Spike Lee to Fat Joe, through Ben Stiller and Tracy Morgan.

But one man vying for this generation’s title is Timothée Chalamet, the Dune actor and longtime New York basketball fan.

Chalamet has been active throughout these playoffs, but he saved his best fit for Game 6, a custom pair of Chrome Hearts Timberland boots in Knicks colours.

The shoes matched a custom tracksuit worn by the 2025 Oscar nominee, as he watched Jalen Brunson lead his team to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

FIT OF THE WEEK: Bec Allen

Every week, we’ll pick one Aussie or Aussie-adjacent hooper who has put together the fit of the week.

It was all business for Bec Allen to start her Chicago career, with Prada shades rounding out a sleek look.

About the Author

Jed Wells is a basketball, fashion and culture writer based out of Sydney, Australia, with a keen interest on the sneaker industry both on and off the court. He is still waiting for his own signature shoe.