IOWA CITY - Caitlin Clark’s first signature shoe with Nike drew a familiar kind of scene in Iowa City: a long line, rainy weather and plenty of fans willing to wait it out.
The former Iowa women’s basketball star released the Caitlin 1s on Oct. 1, and the three-day pop-up store downtown quickly became a destination for fans hoping to leave with shoes, hoodies or T-shirts. Online, the shoes disappeared in minutes. In Iowa City, there was still a shot to get a pair.
For some, the wait was part of the fun. Eleven-year-old Nora Clark spent her birthday in line with her mom, Briana, and little brother, joining a crowd of fans drawn in by the release.
“I love all the attention she’s brought to women’s sports,” Nora and Briana said. “She’s a really good role model for young girls.”
Iowa alum Nick Bealmer, class of ’06, said the appeal was obvious.
“I went to school here a long time ago, I love the Hawkeyes, love Caitlin Clark and I love sneakers,” he said. “Just three great things all rolled into one.”
The pop-up also offered a customization station for special apparel, including hoodies and T-shirts. And the Nike Basketball “Nothing to See Here*” Iowa Takeover is set for Friday afternoon, with the 2026-27 Iowa women’s basketball team taking part in basketball challenges such as a 3-point contest and a hot-shot challenge.
Still, the main draw for hundreds of fans was the chance to get the Caitlin 1s. Some had already been in line for hours in the rain before the first group was let inside the Nothing to See Here* custom truck just after 4 p.m., where shoppers could choose from the two colorways in the initial launch.
“It’s an experience,” Iowa women’s basketball season ticket holder Anne Edwards said. “Now I can say I’ve done this, and I got these. I got great merchandise, including the gold ones.”
For Iowa fans, the scene was about more than a sneaker drop. It was another reminder of how far one of their own has come.
The pop-up store remains open until after ESPN’s College GameDay finishes ahead of Iowa football’s matchup against Ohio State on Saturday.
Clark plays in the Indiana Fever’s game against the Las Vegas Aces at 8 p.m. Thursday in the win-or-go home first round finale.
Thursday, Oct. 1: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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