Nike is set to release a player-exclusive sneaker for Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers that pays homage to her love of Shirley Temples, marking only the second time one of her custom designs has been made available to the public. The GT Cut 4 "Shirley Buckets" edition draws from both her "Paige Buckets" nickname and her well-documented fondness for the non-alcoholic mocktail. Main Developments Bueckers' Nike GT Cut 4 "Shirley Buckets" PE features a Laser Crimson, Metallic Silver, Life Lime, and Sport Red color scheme with a graphic print of sparkling bubbles across the bright red upper. Cherry graphics bearing her initials and uniform number 5 appear on the heels, though no other overt branding connects the sneaker to the Wings guard. The sneakers will be released on August 5 through Nike's Snkrs app and select Nike Basketball retailers at a price of $210. The style code is IX2111-600. Read also: Why VF Corp.'s Vans Turnaround Still Defines Its Future On Wednesday against the Atlanta Dream, Bueckers debuted another player exclusive called "Paige by the Numbers," which features a camouflage-esque purple pattern inspired by her childhood love of coloring puzzle books. That colorway is not scheduled for public release. Background Bueckers' connection to Shirley Temples has been a recurring theme in her public persona. In 2024, she posted on X, "I know a Shirley Temple hate to see me coming." Her affinity for the drink also led to a special Gatorade flavor last summer, though that product was not produced in mass quantities for consumers. The upcoming Nike release is only the second time one of Bueckers' player-exclusive sneakers has been made available to the public. The first was 2024's GT Hustle 3, a multicolor style released while she was still at the University of Connecticut, making her the first NIL athlete to receive their own player edition Nike sneaker. Why It Matters The release signals Nike's continued investment in women's basketball stars at a time when the league's visibility is growing rapidly. Bueckers, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, represents a new generation of athletes whose off-court personalities and endorsements rival those of their male counterparts. The limited availability of her player exclusives—only two public releases in two years—also underscores the scarcity-driven strategy that drives sneaker culture and resale markets. What's Next Whether Bueckers will eventually receive her own signature sneaker remains an open question. For now, Nike continues to roll out player-exclusive colorways of the GT Cut 4, with the Shirley Buckets edition arriving August 5. Fans will watch for additional releases tied to her career milestones or personal interests, as the brand tests demand for her marketability beyond the court.