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Texas Tech Softball Star Launches First-Ever Player-Edition Cleat
NiJaree Canady's new Adidas cleats mark a historic milestone for college softball.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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NiJaree Canady, a standout pitcher for the Texas Tech Red Raiders softball team, has become the first college softball player to launch her own player-edition cleat in partnership with Adidas. The distinct white, red, and black cleats feature Canady's name and number, as well as a tornado symbol paying homage to her hometown of Topeka, Kansas. Canady, the 2025 D1Softball National Pitcher of the Year, is expected to wear the new cleats during the upcoming Mary Nutter Classic tournament.
Why it matters
Canady's historic cleat launch represents a significant milestone for women's college sports, as she becomes the first softball player to have her own player-exclusive footwear. This deal further solidifies Canady's status as one of the biggest stars in college athletics and showcases the growing opportunities for female athletes to build their personal brands and earn lucrative NIL deals.
The details
Canady's new Adidas ADZERO Instinct 2.0 PT NiJa cleats feature a white base with red and black stripes, Canady's name in gold script on the heel, and her number 24 printed on the back. The cleats also include a tornado symbol on the sock liner, paying homage to Canady's hometown of Topeka, Kansas. The cleats will go on sale later this season, though no price has been disclosed yet.
- Canady announced the launch of her new cleats on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
- Canady is expected to wear the new cleats at some point during the Mary Nutter Classic tournament in Cathedral City, California, this weekend (February 21-23, 2026).
The players
NiJaree Canady
A standout pitcher for the Texas Tech Red Raiders softball team, Canady is the 2025 D1Softball National Pitcher of the Year and a Softball America First Team All-American. She recently made history by signing a seven-figure NIL deal with Texas Tech's NIL collective, The Matador Club.
Adidas
An American sportswear company that has partnered with Canady on an NIL deal, making her the first college softball player to launch her own player-edition cleat.
What they’re saying
“Such a dream come true. So incredibly blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to come out with my own cleat!!”
— NiJaree Canady (Instagram)
What’s next
The new Adidas ADZERO Instinct 2.0 PT NiJa cleats are expected to go on sale later this season, though no specific release date or price has been announced yet.
The takeaway
NiJaree Canady's historic cleat launch with Adidas represents a significant milestone for women's college sports, as she becomes the first college softball player to have her own player-exclusive footwear. This deal further solidifies Canady's status as one of the biggest stars in college athletics and showcases the growing opportunities for female athletes to build their personal brands and earn lucrative NIL deals.
