- Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, a recent sneaker free agent, wore iconic “Flu Game” Air Jordans before Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
- For the first time since 2013, Curry played an NBA game in Nike sneakers, choosing the Nike Sabrina 3, the signature shoe of WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu.
- Curry confirmed his footwear choices are intentional, designed to pay homage to basketball history and celebrate current athletes.
- The “sneaker watch” follows the recent news of Curry’s long-term partnership with Under Armour ending prematurely.
Curry’s Sneaker Free Agency Heats Up
All eyes are on Steph Curry’s feet. After news broke that his monumental deal with Under Armour had ended, the NBA superstar has become the most-watched sneaker free agent in sports, and he seems to be enjoying the attention.
During the Golden State Warriors’ home game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Curry made a series of calculated and nostalgic footwear choices that sent waves through the basketball and sneaker communities. His selections were a masterclass in storytelling, starting with his pre-game arrival.
A Tribute to a Legend
Walking into the Chase Center, Curry was spotted wearing the iconic “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12s. This black-and-red sneaker is legendary, famously worn by Michael Jordan during his gritty, flu-ridden performance against the very same Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. The choice was a direct nod to one of the most memorable moments in NBA history.
He continued the tribute during warm-ups, switching to the Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot”—another sneaker tied to a championship-clinching moment for Jordan against the Jazz.
A Shocking On-Court Return to Nike
The biggest surprise came at tip-off. For the first time in over a decade, Steph Curry played an official NBA game wearing Nike. He laced up the Nike Sabrina 3, the signature model for New York Liberty guard and fellow Bay Area star Sabrina Ionescu, who was seen sharing a laugh with Curry before the game.
This marks a significant moment, as Curry has been the face of Under Armour’s basketball division since leaving Nike back in 2013. His return to the Swoosh, even for a single game, has fueled intense speculation about his next potential sneaker endorsement deal.
Telling a Story With His Shoes
After the game, Curry confirmed his choices were deliberate. “It’s kind of cool to understand the history of the game and the themes around certain teams we’re playing,” he told reporters. “I brought out the Flu Games and the Final Shorts and then played in the Sabrina 3s.”
He added, “Everybody should be on alert… It’s just fun to honor certain eras [and] moments in the game, current athletes who are doing great things. Just having fun with it.”
As Curry continues his season, his footwear will remain a major storyline. Fans and brands alike will be watching closely to see what he wears next and where the four-time champion ultimately signs.
Image Referance: https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/steph-curry-wears-air-jordans-nike-sabrina-3-1238361958/