Seattle Storm Brings Back Annual Kicks for Equity Campaign

The Seattle Storm has announced the return of its annual Kicks for Equality campaign, featuring custom sneakers designed around causes selected by players and Head Coach Sonia Raman.

This year’s collection addresses issues including Black maternal health, mental health, racial and economic justice, LGBTQ+ rights, breast-cancer awareness, and autism awareness.

Washington artist Jayda Noble collaborated with Storm players and Raman to create the one-of-a-kind sneakers. The shoes will be displayed at the Storm’s Aug. 16 game against the Chicago Sky at Climate Pledge Arena.

An online auction for the sneakers and other items opened Aug. 11 and will close during the Aug. 16 game. Proceeds will support the Storm Foundation and its Force4Change initiatives.

Kicks for Equality began in 2020 and has raised more than $670,000 for Force4Change initiatives, according to the Storm. Starting this year, the campaign is also connecting each selected cause with a nonprofit partner through the Storm’s Give Back Fund, with plans for ongoing community engagement throughout the season.

“One of the most meaningful parts of Kicks for Equality is that every design begins with a conversation,” said StormChief Social Impact Officer Sheridan Blanford in a press release. “Our players and Coach Raman chose causes that reflect their lived experiences, the people they love, and the communities they care about. These sneakers become an invitation for fans to better understand who this team is beyond basketball and to join us in creating positive change.”