It has been over a year of Curry appearing in different sneakers during games. And his recent game against Brooklyn Nets was no different. Except this time, the spotlight was firmly on his footwear.

Last November, Stephen Curry parted ways with Under Armour, ending a partnership that lasted more than a decade and gave rise to the Curry Brand.

The NBA superstar warmed up in the SLAM x Nike Sabrina 2, and the choice didn’t go unnoticed. As expected, it wasn’t a standard pair. The shoes were a special 30th-anniversary edition featuring No. 30 on the heel, a subtle yet powerful homage to New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.

The moment carried extra weight. Majorly, as Saby had been Steph’s opponent in the 2024 NBA Three-Point Contest, where she pushed him to the limit in a tightly contested showdown. While Curry won, the mutual respect was apparent. Both players regularly launch shots from well beyond the arc.

But for Saby, it isn’t just about respec,t though. Her shoes at Curry’s feet also highlight the growing popularity. After all, players wear the Sabrina line more than almost any other shoe in the NBA, trailing only the Kobe 6. The shoes are consistently praised for the comfort and performance, all thanks to the midfoot cable system woven through pleated mesh and the Cushlon 3.0 foam. 

But the success isn’t just limited to the NBA. The shoes are just as popular in the NCAA and the WNBA. On December 22, USC freshman Jazzy Davidson shared her excitement about debuting a player-exclusive pair of the Sabrina 3.

“It was just like a dream come true,” Davidson said. “A lot of people dream of having their own PE shoe. And to have it be this model—the Sabrina 3—is really surreal. It’s one of my favorite basketball shoes.”

She added, “I’m super excited to debut these shoes. I love the design. I love the model. I can’t wait.” From Duke to Oregon to USC, Sabrina’s shoes have become a common sight on the court, appearing in multiple colorways across college basketball. But what’s next?

Nike x Sabrina 3

Up next, Nike is expected to include a Statue of Liberty-inspired Kobe 6 Protro and a matching Nike Sabrina 3. It all comes from the sports apparel brand’s deep roots in New York City. Two of its biggest stars, Sabrina Ionescu and Jalen Brunson, are central to two of the city’s most popular franchises. 

So, celebrating that connection, Nike is reportedly planning a Statue of Liberty–themed release. And Sabrina 3 is just part of it.

The design will feature a mint foam upper with black Swooshes, complemented by heels that match Ionescu’s “I” logo. A metallic gold version of her “S” logo will add a finishing touch. While an exact release date is yet to be disclosed, the shoes are expected to launch in spring 2026. 

What are your thoughts?

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das