WNBL star Shyla Heal has made basketball history, becoming the first Australian women’s player to release her own signature shoe. 

She has teamed up with Aussie brand FBL Sport to release the white and pink shoe, which is currently available for pre-order on the brand’s website.

Heal, 22, is one of the WNBL’s most dominant players, and FBL is clearly banking on her promising future by delivering her one of basketball’ highest honour in the form of a signature sneaker. 

WNBL star Shyla Heal releases signature shoe

FBL Sport, an Adelaide-based sneaker and athletic wear company, has officially entered the WNBL sphere, announcing Shyla Heal as their very first signature athlete.

A WNBL champion with the Townsville Fire, Heal has also impressed with teams in Poland, Israel, and France, and was also riding red-hot form during the NBL1 season, including back-to-back 50-point performances for the Sydney Comets.

According to Heal, she was inspired to create this shoe as a result of her struggle as a youth to find performance basketball shoes geared towards women’s players.

“I remember vividly as I was growing up, every time I needed a new pair of basketball shoes, I was either trying to find a small pair of men’s shoes or had to buy netball shoes,” Heal said via a press release.

“Speaking with young families all around the country, this is still happening today. That’s just crazy to me when you see how many women and young girls are playing basketball,

“It’s also important for me to use my profile and these shoes to deliver a message of motivation. Anytime someone looks down at their shoe, or bends down to do up their laces, I want them to be reminded that they can do anything, be it on the court or in life.

“I’ve had my detractors, I’ve experienced setbacks, and it’s something I say to myself every day to keep me moving forward.”

FBL founder Steve Rolton co-signed this, and sung the praises of his brand’s first signature athlete.

“From our very first conversations through to today, Shyla has proven to be an incredible collaborator and partner, with a strong vision for her signature shoe and what it can represent in inspiring young women across the country,” he said.

“Shyla is more than just a phenomenal athlete; she is a symbol of empowerment and resilience. In a sport traditionally dominated by taller athletes, she has carved her own path, inspiring countless young girls to dream big and reach for the stars.

“Her impact transcends the boundaries of the court, as she uses her platform to advocate for equality and inclusivity in sports and beyond.”

How many Australian basketball players have signature shoes?

With today’s announcement, Heal joins an ultra-exclusive club of Australian basketball players to release their own signature sneaker. 

Heal is just the fourth Aussie hooper to release a shoe, joining Andrew Gaze, Matthew Dellavedova, and Kyrie Irving. 

Names like Lauren Jackson, Patty Mills, and Ben Simmons have all received personal editions (PE’s) of existing models, but they have not yet released their own signature shoes.