Stephen Curry has always had his own signature lane… but lately he’s been showing up in other people’s shoes like it’s a statement. With Curry now in “sneaker free agency” after ending his long run with Under Armour, every tunnel walk and warmup pair has fans watching like it’s trade deadline.
And the craziest part? He isn’t just rocking random kicks—he’s picking pairs that carry meaning, heat, and culture.
Here are five sneakers Curry’s been wearing lately, plus why each one is a smart choice (and what it says about where sneaker culture is headed).
1) Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita”
If there’s one pair that instantly made headlines, it was Curry showing up in Kobe 6 “Mambacita”—a shoe with real emotional weight behind it. Curry explained he wanted to use the moment to pay tribute, and it set the tone for what this whole run has been: respect, symbolism, and straight sneaker history on feet.
Why it matters: Kobe sneakers are basically the universal language of hoops style right now. Curry wearing them signals he’s tapping into that legacy lane—clean, elite, and instantly recognized.
2) Nike Sabrina 3 (Curry actually played in them)
This one shocked people because it wasn’t just a tunnel flex—Curry played in Sabrina Ionescu’s Nike Sabrina 3, which reports noted was his first time playing in Nikes in a game since 2013.
That’s not a casual choice. The Sabrina line is built to perform, and it also represents a huge moment: a top NBA superstar choosing a WNBA signature shoe on the court.
Why it matters: This is crossover culture in real time—performance + respect + attention. It also tells you Curry’s choices aren’t just about hype… they’re about the story.
3) Nike Book 1 (“Chevy” / “What The” vibes)
Curry has also been seen wearing Devin Booker’s Nike Book 1—including the vibrant “Chevy” pair in warmups, and even switching into a more colorful “What The” style for game action.
If you know Booker, you already know the Book 1 is built for buckets. Curry rocking it feels like a subtle nod: “I respect your game—and your shoe is legit.”
Why it matters: When elite scorers co-sign other scorers’ shoes, it pushes the model into the mainstream fast.
4) Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Mocha”
Curry hasn’t only been in performance pairs—he’s also been spotted in lifestyle heat, including Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low “Mocha” during pregame/tunnel moments.
This one is simple: it’s one of the most recognizable modern-era Jordan collab silhouettes, and it instantly upgrades a fit without trying too hard.
Why it matters: It shows Curry understands the two worlds—performance on court, culture off court. And that balance is exactly what sneakerheads love.
5) Reebok Shaqnosis + Nike Air Penny 2 (retro hoops love)
Curry’s also been leaning into old-school legends, like pulling up in Reebok Shaqnosis and warming up in Nike Air Penny 2.
That’s peak “know your history” energy. Shaq and Penny are two of the most iconic ‘90s signatures ever, and those silhouettes hit hard today because they’re loud, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable.
Why it matters: Retro basketball sneakers are creeping back into streetwear heavy—and Curry wearing them helps validate that wave.
What Curry’s sneaker choices are really telling us
This whole run looks like more than random footwear. It’s a message:
Performance matters (Sabrina 3, Book 1)
Legacy matters (Kobe 6, Shaqnosis/Penny)
Culture matters (Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low)
Whether he signs with a new brand later or stays independent for a while, one thing is clear: Curry’s sneaker era just got way more interesting.
Honorable mentions (pairs he’s also been spotted in)
If you want to expand this into a “Top 10” later, these are also worth mentioning:
Kobe 6 WNBA-inspired “Total Orange” (pregame)
Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 “Lenticular” (tunnel)
A’ja Wilson Nike A’One (warmups)