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Nike A'Two South Carolina PE Unveiled by Dawn Staley

South Carolina's newly formalized partnership with Nike has already produced its first exclusive sneaker: a limited Nike A'Two PE unveiled by head coach Dawn Staley. The player exclusive features bold patent leather in school colors and draws a direct line to A'ja Wilson's signature women's basketball silhouette.

By Marcus Chen|July 6, 2026

Nike A'Two South Carolina PE in patent leather red with asymmetrical white and black accents, Gamecocks branding on tongue

The University of South Carolina's transition into Nike's fold is taking tangible form on the hardwood. Head coach Dawn Staley recently revealed an exclusive Nike A'Two colorway made expressly for the program, marking an early statement piece in what promises to be a long relationship between the Gamecocks and the Swoosh.

The PE arrives dressed in patent leather rendered in South Carolina's signature red, paired with a metallic finish that catches light with undeniable presence. Nike applied an asymmetrical treatment to the pair—the left shoe incorporates white accents while the right transitions to black, a design choice that lends visual complexity to the silhouette without overwhelming it. The tongues feature Gamecocks branding, anchoring the shoe firmly in school identity.

Nike A'Two South Carolina PE in patent leather red with asymmetrical white and black accents, Gamecocks branding on tongue - detail view 1

Design Details & Colorway Execution

The patent leather construction gives the A'Two a premium feel befitting a player exclusive, moving beyond standard textile uppers. The asymmetrical color blocking is a sophisticated flourish; rather than a simple split-down-the-middle approach, the alternating accents create rhythm and visual movement. This level of customization reflects the detail work typically reserved for signature athletes and institutional partnerships.

Nike A'Two South Carolina PE in patent leather red with asymmetrical white and black accents, Gamecocks branding on tongue - detail view 2

The A'ja Wilson Connection

The Nike A'Two itself carries significant cultural weight in women's basketball. As A'ja Wilson's signature line, it represents Nike's commitment to elevating the women's game with dedicated design resources. Wilson, widely recognized as one of the most transformative players in South Carolina program history, remains central to the school's basketball identity. Staley emphasized this connection during the PE's unveiling, noting that the program's success has consistently aligned with Wilson's tenure and presence—a testament to both the athlete's impact and the program's sustained excellence.

Nike A'Two South Carolina PE in patent leather red with asymmetrical white and black accents, Gamecocks branding on tongue - detail view 3

Staley herself brings decades of institutional Nike history to the partnership, having been a Nike athlete throughout her own storied career. Her commentary on what the brand partnership means for South Carolina athletics underscores the weight of this moment: this is not a peripheral endorsement deal, but rather a full embrace of Nike's infrastructure across the athletic department.

Nike A'Two South Carolina PE in patent leather red with asymmetrical white and black accents, Gamecocks branding on tongue - detail view 4

Release & Availability

The South Carolina PE was produced exclusively for Staley and the program. Nike has not announced plans for a public release, meaning this particular colorway remains confined to institutional use. However, the existence of this PE signals that more Gamecocks-branded Nike footwear—potentially available to consumers—may follow as the partnership develops.

Nike A'Two South Carolina PE in patent leather red with asymmetrical white and black accents, Gamecocks branding on tongue - detail view 5

For those tracking Nike's broader women's basketball and general lifestyle footwear landscape, the brand continues to offer competitive pricing across its heritage and performance lines. Current market activity shows Nike maintaining broad distribution with promotional activity steady across major retailers.

FAQs

Will the Nike A'Two South Carolina PE release to the public?

No. This exclusive colorway was created specifically for institutional use and is not expected to release commercially. Future South Carolina-themed Nike releases remain unconfirmed.

What is the A'Two and who designed it?

The Nike A'Two is A'ja Wilson's signature women's basketball shoe, representing Nike's investment in the female athlete market. The PE shown here applies South Carolina's colors and branding to that line.