The Sneaker World is Buzzing: Is This a Power Play by Adidas to Sign Steph Curry?
This past Friday marked a significant moment in the basketball shoe industry: Under Armour unveiled the Curry 13, which is notably the 13th and final signature shoe for the legendary Stephen Curry under their partnership. This release comes on the heels of an unexpected separation between Curry and Under Armour in November 2025, making it highly unlikely that Curry himself will be involved in promoting this final offering. It's a poignant end to an era, leaving many to wonder what's next for the prolific shooter.
While Curry unfortunately won't be gracing the court tonight for the NBA All-Star Game due to a knee injury, he certainly made his presence felt during Saturday's Media Day. He seized the opportunity to make a powerful statement with his footwear choice, turning heads and sparking conversations across the league.
But here's where it gets really interesting... Curry was spotted sporting the adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low in a striking "Gold Medal" colorway. This particular shoe bears a strong resemblance to the gold pair previously worn by Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. While the silhouette is similar, this player-exclusive (PE) version boasts unique details that set it apart.
Curry's "Gold Medal" AE 1 Low PE is a clear nod to his time with Anthony Edwards on Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The shoe is personalized with his initials and jersey number from that victorious campaign. Curry and Edwards, who were teammates and have maintained a strong friendship since their Olympic triumph, have a shared history that makes this footwear choice particularly meaningful. Edwards himself has previously expressed how significant it was to see Curry wearing his signature shoes, highlighting the mutual respect between the two athletes.
It appears that adidas is strategically positioning itself to potentially secure the biggest sneaker free agent in sports. This isn't the first time we've seen Curry in adidas lately; he also debuted the upcoming adidas Crazy Energy+ last month. Now, with this custom-designed player-exclusive colorway for the four-time NBA champion, adidas is making a bold statement.
And this is the part most people miss... While it's undeniable that adidas is a top contender to sign Curry for his next sneaker deal, Curry himself has maintained that his footwear selections are not about sending messages. Instead, he emphasizes that he uses his shoe choices to celebrate players, teams, and the cities he visits. This perspective adds a layer of genuine appreciation to his on-court fashion.
Interestingly, adidas has seemingly paused the release of new colorways for the original Anthony Edwards 1, shifting focus to the second iteration of Edwards' signature line. While older models might still be available at select retailers, the latest kicks from Edwards are readily accessible on the adidas website. This strategic move by adidas, coupled with Edwards' long-term contract extension with the brand in July 2024, sets the stage for a potentially exciting partnership if they can indeed bring Curry into the fold, reuniting him with his former Olympic teammate.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend is far from over, and the sneaker world is eagerly anticipating what other exciting footwear stories will unfold. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates!
What do you think? Is Steph Curry sending a clear signal to adidas with his recent footwear choices, or is he genuinely just celebrating his peers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
