Women’s Basketball is having a moment. Let’s talk hoops and kicks

We like us an 86% increase, particularly when it’s related to women’s sports. Last year, viewership of women’s basketball grew by 86%. Long may it continue, and if, based on this year’s March Madness hype, 2025 is set to be another great year for the ladies on and off the court.

While style matters, it’s what happens on the court that’s really catching everyone’s attention. We’re seeing career highs, game winners, blocks, steals and everything in between. And we wouldn’t be Notorious Lifestyle, best sneaker and shoe shop in Colorado, if we didn’t let ourselves occasionally get distracted by the kicks on the court. We’re talking LeBron James, KD 16s, Nike GT Cuts, and more. 

Female March Madness stars who’ve got game and style

So, who have we been watching? No surprises there, we’ve had our eyes on the top ladies in the women’s Final Four. They served elite performances, and we're watching them closely: Paige Bueckers (UConn), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), Lauren Betts (UCLA), Kamilla Cardoso (South Carolina) and Sarah Strong (UConn). They fly on the court, and they slay on the streets.

UConn: Paige Bueckers is that player. She dropped 28 in the Elite Eight and didn’t flinch when the pressure hit. And she’s doing it all in the Nike GT Hustle 2s: lightweight, fast, and built for guards who play with pace. Sarah Strong, a freshman, showed she’s got next. We’re onto her for next season.

Notre Dame: Hannah Hidalgo is slaying. She’s one of the shortest players on the floor but plays defense like she’s 6'5. She wears the Nike Sabrina 1s for those quick cuts, and in every colorway. Notre Dame didn’t make the final, but Hannah left her mark.

UCLA: Lauren Betts came through heavy for UCLA. She’s 6’7 and plays like it: boards, blocks, post buckets, and a calm, steady presence. She’s been lacing up in LeBron 21s, which makes total sense: built for power and protection.

South Carolina: Kamilla Cardoso is 6’7 and she’s the kind of player that changes your whole game plan. Her footwork’s clean, her defense is locked in, and when it’s time to finish, she doesn’t hesitate. Like Paige, she’s been rocking the Nike GT Hustle 2s and showing that size and speed can go together. South Carolina’s unbeaten streak stayed alive, and Kamilla's been right at the heart of it.

Best kicks spotted during the women’s NCAA tournament

We’ve been watching the plays of course, but we’ve also been watching the feet. Because the sneaker game during this year’s women’s March Madness has been serious.

·      Nike GT Hustle 2s were everywhere, and for good reason. Lightweight, breathable, fast and the colorways are fire.

·      LeBron21s got a ton of love. Lauren Betts's been rocking them. She’s got size and presence, and those kicks are made for power players.

·      We also spotted Nike Sabrina 1s on Hannah Hidalgo, and it might be the most fitting combo of the whole tourney. The Sabrina 1 were made for women hoopers. Those quicks have insane traction and sleek control, which is basically Hannah’s game in sneaker form.

·      There were a few KD 16s in rotation too. They’re a great pick for players who like a smooth ride and that lockdown feel.

Court queens in women’s clothing. What do the player wear off-court?

·      Paige Bueckers describes her vibe as “a mix of feminine and masculine”. Off court, you can literally expect anything from her: "boyish" looks in baggy pants or shorts, a Fear Of Good Hoodie, a baseball cap and a pair of Dunk Low Off-Whites. But she can also dress up! If you're one of her millions of social media followers, you will have spotted her in anything from Gucci to Louis Vuitton. She's also all about great causes. A lady after our own heart.

·      Hannah Hidalgo says she’s “that fast, energetic, gritty type of player”. Off the court Hannah wins the streetwear game with a mix of hoodies, sweats, floral tops and fire sneakers. She’s known to rock the New Balance 574 Rugged in desert pink, but her true love? Kobe Bryant. She reps it heavy, from donning Kobe kicks on court to posting up in a white satin All-American Mamba jacket. Hannah’s got the hustle, the heart, and the style to match.

·      Lauren Betts moved from Spain to our very own Colorado as a child. She must have gotten her sense of style from the Centennial State and we're here for it. Off the court, Lauren is so so cool. Lose fitting jeans, crop tops, shearling jackets and little black dresses with sky-high boots. That’s an all round winner to us!

·      Kamilla Cardoso brings power to the paint and to everything else. She pulled up to the 2024 WNBA Draft in a fiery red power suit and heels, and honestly that’s how you make a statement. Off-court, she plays it up: sometimes it’s a sleek dress, other times it’s just a cropped tee and shorts. Her long curls are iconic, and she’s big on skincare and music too. More power to her.

·      Born in Spain and raised on basketball, Sarah Strong’s got the game in her blood. Her mom, Allison Feaster, was drafted fifth overall in ’98 and went on to be a WNBA All-Star. Sarah’s doing just fine living up to this legacy. She just bagged the WBCA National Freshman of the Year title and has been a major part of UConn’s push this season. Off-court, she keeps it clean and simple. She’s even got a tee named after her: the “thumbs up” UConn shirt that’s all about breathable fabric, easy fit, and zero stress.

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