On Sunday, Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada will make her season debut against the New York Liberty after suffering a hand injury at the end of April.
Outside of a strenuous recovery, the Dream guard used the time to be strategic about showing off her style.
Canada’s interest in fashion has evolved significantly as her game has grown on the court. She now selects her footwear first and builds her outfits around it. Her shoe rotation for the sideline includes luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton trainers for style and Balenciaga Speed knits for comfort. She aims to let her statement pieces speak for themselves, often choosing oversized jackets or printed pants to make her outfits pop.
The two-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection is eager to contribute to her new squad. After starting her career with the Seattle Storm and playing one season in her hometown of Los Angeles with the Sparks, she was traded (along with the eighth pick in the 2024 draft) to the Dream in exchange for Aari McDonald and the 12th pick. Last season, Canada led the league with 2.3 steals per game, averaging 13.3 points and 6 assists.
Canada enjoyed immediate success as the fifth overall pick in 2018, winning a championship with the Storm in her first season. During Canada’s early days, she learned directly from five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird and emerged as the Storm’s starting point guard the following year.
In 2020, Canada signed an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand as part of “the next wave” of women athletes to represent the company on the hardwood. She has worn multiple models over the past few seasons, such as the flagship model, UCLA-themed colorways for her alma mater or even her own player exclusives to highlight initiatives she supports.
Andscape caught up with Canada as the guard prepared for her first game in a Dream uniform.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada warms up before the game against the Connecticut Sun during a 2024 Commissioner’s Cup game on June 2 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.
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How has your dynamic with sneakers changed since you signed with Jordan?
I’ve always been versatile when it comes to sneakers. I’ve been blessed to have a lot of Jordan sneakers, other sports brands and luxury sneakers. Before I signed with Jordan, there were times when I couldn’t access a sneaker that I might want. I have always been a huge Jordan girl, and now getting them is super-smooth. I can get many exclusive sneakers that many people can’t get and even get an extra pair for a friend or family member. It’s a blessing to have this luxury, because not everyone gets the opportunity.
Growing up, what shoe was on your must-have list?
When I was younger, I used to hoop in Carmelo Anthony’s sneakers. I loved his retro shoes. When I got to high school, I was still wearing his shoes. In my senior year, we were sponsored by the Jordan Brand, and I used to wear Chris Paul’s PEs a lot. Those were the two I loved the most as a kid, but I wore Melos the most out of both. I got to meet both of them in passing at a Jordan event.
When did you realize you truly enjoy sneaker culture?
I became a sneakerhead during my senior year of high school. When I went to college, I started paying attention to different brands and styles and noticing what I liked and didn’t like. At that point, it took off. Nike, Adidas, it didn’t matter, just anything that had a different look and allowed me to express myself, I was sold. Jordan has so many retro sneakers, too, and I enjoy using my partnership with Jordan now to dive into my style.
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Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 26 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.
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Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada before the game against the Las Vegas Aces on May 31 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.
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Jordin Canada arrives to the arena before the game against the Indiana Fever on May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
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Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada arrives to the arena before the game against the New York Liberty on June 6 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
How do you decide whether you want to adopt a classic look or follow the trends of the moment?
It’s about what I feel comfortable in and how I want to express myself that day. I always start with whatever sneaker I want to wear that day. Then, I decide if I want to dress it up or down. There will always be trends, but I like to get dressed based on how I feel and try not to pay attention to any of them.
With more emphasis on photographing WNBA walk-in outfits, has that caused you to think more about your outfits?
Fashion and the W have recently had more freelance or team photographers’ exposure. I think it’s great that people are invested in our fashion. Overall, as a league, people are starting to show up fashionably. It’s not just basketball players. It’s all women in sports. We have a lot of attention on us, and it’s really important to show our other side. Everyone has been doing a great job of showing their different personalities, their different styles and their creativity when it comes to clothing and dressing up.
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (second from right) celebrates during the game between the Dream and the Minnesota Lynx on June 19 at Target Center in Minneapolis.
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Since you have not been able to play this season, how has putting effort into getting dressed helped your mental state?
I’m intentional about the styles and the clothes that I wear. When I sit on the bench, I focus on different statement pieces. My style has always been keeping it simple but with statement pieces. I like being intentional with details, too. I always come up with different looks. These past few months, with my game outfits, I’ve been trying different styles while staying true to who I am. I also consider how big the game is and whether it’s a national television game. If it’s a national game, then it’s more than likely that I’ll be on camera. Naturally, you want to make sure you look good.
What other causes do you want to bring awareness to or stories you want to tell through your PEs?
Last year, I used my [Air Jordan 38] PE to show my partnership with the Ronald McDonald House of Los Angeles, and I’m truly passionate about that. This year, I want to show more of my personality, so for this year, I leaned into my spirit animal and my zodiac sign. I’m a Leo and show that through my on-court appearance and being a leader. I wouldn’t say I’m feisty, but I’m very passionate about how I play. I haven’t gotten the chance to wear them yet, but I will. Off the court, I’m like a dolphin. They are smart, caring, loving and helpful. Jordin off the court and Jordin on the court are opposites.
Alexis Davis is a former Rhoden Fellow. She loves styling suits with sneakers and can name any sneaker you show her. She quit basketball to cheer in high school but hopes the women’s basketball coverage she does now makes the sport forgive her for going to the other side of the sideline.
