Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen” Releases October 2025
The Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen” is releasing on October 22, 2025, for $115 through Nike and select retailers. This... The post Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen” Releases October 2025 appeared first on .
The Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen” is releasing on October 22, 2025, for $115 through Nike and select retailers. This Halloween-themed colorway of Aja Wilson’s signature shoe uses a gradient upper in white, chrome yellow, and safety orange to recreate the layered appearance of candy corn. The release date falls just before Halloween, positioning the shoe as a seasonal drop that connects Wilson’s signature line to the holiday without being overly costume-like.
Sneaker: Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen”
Color: White/Chrome Yellow-Safety Orange
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Style Code: FZ8605-103
Price: $115
Where to Buy: Nike, DSG, Hibbett
More Info: Nike Release Dates
I’ll admit, when I first heard Nike was releasing a candy corn-themed basketball shoe, I rolled my eyes a bit. Seasonal sneaker colorways can go either way—some end up looking like Halloween costumes you’d regret buying, while others manage to pull off the theme without being too obvious. The Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen” dropping October 22, 2025, for $115 falls into the latter category
Candy Corn Is Nasty But This Nike A’One Isn’t
Candy corn is one of the most recognizable Halloween candies in the United States, with its distinctive tri-color layering of yellow, orange, and white. However, I am not a fan of the candy, and despise it. The candy has been produced since the 1880s and sells primarily during the fall season, making it a cultural marker for Halloween and autumn. Nike chose this reference because it’s immediately identifiable to American audiences without needing explanation.
The “Candy Corn Queen” nickname adds personality to what could have been a generic “Halloween” colorway. Aja Wilson’s connection to the design comes through her embossed autograph on the heel tab, making this her shoe rather than just a seasonal release that happens to use her signature model. The nickname also plays into Wilson’s status as a dominant player in the WNBA, combining her queenly performance on the court with a playful candy reference.
The Gradient Upper
The upper uses a gradient fade that transitions from white at the toe to chrome yellow in the midfoot and safety orange at the heel. This color progression mimics how candy corn is layered, with white at the narrow tip, yellow in the middle, and orange at the wide base. Creating a smooth gradient on shoe materials requires precise dyeing or printing processes that blend colors without visible seams or harsh transitions.
Modern gradient techniques on sneakers typically use either spray fade methods or digital printing that allows multiple colors to merge gradually. The Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen” likely uses a knit or mesh upper that accepts dye or print better than leather, allowing the white-to-yellow-to-orange transition to look smooth rather than choppy. Gradient uppers have become more common as manufacturing technology has improved, making color blending more cost-effective than it was a decade ago.
The material choice for the upper affects both the gradient’s appearance and the shoe’s performance. Mesh or engineered knit materials provide breathability for basketball use while accepting color treatments that create the candy corn effect. These materials are lighter than leather and break in faster, making them practical for a performance basketball shoe that also works as casual footwear.
Glossy Orange Swooshes and Design Details
The Swooshes use a glossy orange finish rather than matte materials, creating a visual pop against the gradient upper. Glossy finishes reflect light differently than matte surfaces, making the Swooshes more prominent and eye-catching. This design choice emphasizes the orange component of the candy corn color scheme while giving the shoe a premium appearance.
Aja Wilson’s embossed autograph appears on the heel tab, providing authentication that this is her signature shoe rather than a general Nike basketball model. Embossed signatures sit slightly raised from the surface material, creating a tactile element that wearers can feel. This detail personalizes the shoe and connects it directly to Wilson, making the “Candy Corn Queen” nickname meaningful rather than arbitrary.
The sculpted midsole refers to the shaped foam construction that provides cushioning and support. Modern basketball shoes use sculpted midsoles that vary in thickness across different zones, placing more foam in high-impact areas like the heel while reducing material in sections that need flexibility. This construction creates the wavy, three-dimensional appearance that differentiates modern midsoles from the flat, uniform foam blocks used in older basketball shoes.
Translucent Outsole and Aesthetic
The translucent outsole allows visibility of the midsole foam and traction pattern underneath. Translucent rubber has been popular in basketball shoes since the 1990s because it creates a technical appearance that signals advanced design. The material functions identically to opaque rubber for traction purposes but offers a different visual effect that complements the gradient upper.
The ombré fade mentioned in the design likely refers to the gradient effect continuing through the midsole and into the outsole, creating color continuity across the entire shoe. This unified color story makes the candy corn theme work throughout the shoe rather than just on the upper. Coordinating colors across multiple materials and components requires careful planning during the design phase to ensure dyes and prints match across leather, mesh, foam, and rubber.
Translucent outsoles tend to show dirt and discoloration more visibly than solid rubber, which matters for buyers who plan to wear these casually rather than just for basketball. The trade-off between aesthetic appeal and practical maintenance is something Nike accepts because the visual impact of translucent materials drives sales even if they require more cleaning.
More Nike A’One Releases
Release Date, Availability, and Price
The October 22, 2025, release date places the Nike A’One “Candy Corn Queen” just nine days before Halloween on October 31. This timing gives buyers enough notice to purchase the shoes and receive them before Halloween if they want to incorporate them into costume plans or seasonal outfits. Releasing too early in October would dilute the Halloween connection, while waiting until late October might miss the window when people are actively shopping for Halloween-related items. The retail price is $155. Below, you can check out more photos for a closer look.
Bottom Line
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of candy corn itself. In fact, I hate it. The taste is too sweet and waxy for me, and I’m one of those people who actively avoids it every Halloween. That said, I think Nike nailed this colorway. The gradient from white to yellow to orange looks clean, and it works way better as a shoe design than candy corn works as actual candy. The glossy orange Swooshes are a nice touch that keeps the shoe from looking too flat or one-dimensional.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nike A’One is Aja Wilson’s signature shoe and is designed with women’s basketball players in mind. Sizing will likely be offered in women’s sizes, though Nike sometimes extends popular women’s basketball shoes into unisex or extended size ranges. Check Nike.com closer to the October 22 release date for confirmed size availability.
Gradient dyes and prints on mesh or knit materials are generally colorfast, meaning they shouldn’t fade significantly with normal wear. Exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods can cause some fading, but regular indoor and outdoor use shouldn’t affect the white-to-yellow-to-orange transition.
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