Some might say it was fate that WNBA star Cameron Brink would make an impact not only in the sport of basketball, but in the footwear industry as well. Her parents were collegiate hoops standouts at Virginia Tech and later, both would go on to hold prominent roles at Nike. With this sort of foundation, it’s hardly surprising that Brink, now in her third professional season and one of the faces of New Balance’s latest Quiet Nose campaign, has managed to excel in both fields.
After a shortened season in 2025 following a torn ACL and later, a broken nose, Brink is eager to get back on the court, and the Los Angeles Sparks standout will be doing so in New Balance’s latest basketball shoe, the P400 Low. The latest evolution of the Boston-based brand’s Fresh Foam BB line, the P400 Low, follows February’s launch of the P400 and trims down the height, catering to players seeking less restriction.
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“The P400 Low has been great for my game and I’ve loved it so far,” Brink told Footwear News. “I like the low-top feel and how light and agile it is, while still keeping me secure on the court.”
Brink, who was the second overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, is the first player to debut the P400 Low on court, but that’s not her only first with New Balance. The 24-year-old was the first women’s basketball player signed by the brand, kickstarting a roster that has since added college standouts Aaliyah Crump, Sienna Betts and Haylen Ayers.
For New Balance, the advantage of bringing a name like Brink on board is two-fold. Not only can she drive product sales through her on-court action, but she’s quickly become an off-court asset for the company.
“She’s able to give herself and show herself in a way that’s so versatile,” Kevin Trotman, global senior product manager of basketball at New Balance, told FN. “We can put her in a basketball setting and she’ll look great and really natural. Or we can put her in a more lifestyle setting and it’ll still work really well.”
The Quiet Nose campaign, which also features Crump, Betts, Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Maxey and Darius Garland, sits somewhere in the intersection of both, highlighting the arduous, yet less-celebrated behind-the-scenes moments that athletes know well.
“It’s all about the work and hours that no one sees,” Brink said. “That really resonated with me, especially after dealing with injury early in my career. The process of coming back taught me a lot about myself, and it took a lot of behind-the-scenes work to get back to where I wanted to be.”
While Brink doesn’t yet have her own signature shoe, the 6’4” standout does have a handful of personalized exclusives featuring her own logo, including the New Balance Two Wxy V5 model. Trotman told FN that Brink has been involved not only in the storytelling aspect, but in the overall footwear design process.
“She’s been great at being able to kind of describe what she wants, and the sensation that she wants, and us being able to implement that has been a really great working relationship,” Trotman said.
While the P400 and its new P400 Low variation are fully capable on-court performance shoes, the revamped line actually got its introduction on the runway in January via a Junya Watanabe collaboration at Paris Fashion Week. Trotman says fans can expect more of these crossover collaborations on the P400 Low, which makes its retail debut in July for $120, and across the brand’s upcoming basketball product in general.
Just a few sleeps removed from an impressive stat line against the Indiana Fever which included a massive block on Caitlin Clark — and a bit of trash talk for good measure — Brink walked FN through the new Quiet Noise campaign, the possibility of getting a signature sneaker and which New Balance shoes she favors off the court. The interview, lightly edited for clarity, appears below.
You were the first women’s basketball player New Balance signed. How did that feel?
Being the first women’s basketball player to sign with New Balance is a huge honor. I’m grateful they believed in me from the beginning and supported me through college into the WNBA. I’m excited to keep growing the game together and inspiring the next generation of female basketball players, especially with additions like Aaliyah Crump, Sienna Betts and Haylen Ayers to the roster.
It’s been nearly three years since you signed with New Balance. How has the partnership evolved?
It’s been an amazing partnership, and I’m proud of what we’ve built both on and off the court. From hosting community clinics at Lafayette Park in L.A. during NBA All-Star Weekend to campaigns like Quiet Noise and the 740, we’ve done a lot across performance and lifestyle. I’m excited for what’s ahead.
You’ve been part of several New Balance and Foot Locker campaigns. What makes the Quiet Noise campaign stand out?
Quiet Noise represents the real grind of being a professional basketball player. It’s about the work and hours no one sees. That resonated with me, especially after dealing with injury early in my career. Coming back taught me a lot about myself, and it took a lot of behind-the-scenes work to get where I wanted to be. I also love how the campaign highlights each of us in a unique way with Tyrese, Darius, Cooper, Aaliyah and Sienna.
How did it feel to have your own logo on the Two Wxy V5?
It was really special to bring my logo onto my basketball shoes. I’ve loved creating unique PEs with New Balance that reflect my style off the court and translate onto the court. Being part of the design process made it even more meaningful.
What are some of the biggest things you look for in an on-court shoe?
I look for a balance of mobility and support. I want to feel light and quick while still locked in and stable. Comfort is huge for me too, which New Balance does really well. I’m excited to wear the P400 Low this season because it gives me everything I need to feel and play my best.
You’ve already been wearing the P400 Low during preseason and Unrivaled. What are your thoughts on it so far?
The P400 Low has been great for my game. I love the low-top feel and how light and agile it is while still keeping me secure on the court. I’m excited to keep wearing it this WNBA season.
Have there been any talks about a signature shoe? When might fans expect one?
A signature shoe is any athlete’s dream, but it’s something that has to be earned. Right now, I’m focused on this season and continuing to grow my game while playing in the P400 Low, which I’ve really enjoyed so far.
Off the court, what are some of your favorite day-to-day New Balance shoes?
I really love the 740, it’s one of my favorite lifestyle models because it’s so versatile. I also wear the 471 when I want something a little sleeker but still really comfortable.
What are you looking forward to most this WNBA season? Do you feel like you have anything to prove?
I’m excited to be back out there with my team and continue building together. We have a great group, and I’m looking forward to growing and improving with them throughout the season. Our goal is always to win, and I think we have a team capable of that.
