Steph Curry and Damian Lillard are two of the NBA’s elite point guards.
Each of them have their own unique skill set that make them dynamic.
For Curry, his endless range puts fear in the hearts of defenders. At a moment’s notice, he could pull up from anywhere beyond the arc and put three points on the board, even if a player is guarding him well. As for Lillard, his lightning quick first step makes it nearly impossible for defenders to stay in front of him. With the blink of an eye, he could blow right past someone and finish at the rim with authority.
Both of these point guards have released the model for their own signature shoes this month. We’ve taken a look at what makes them distinguishable as players. Now, let’s take a look at what separates their shoes from the rest.
“The Curry One”
Curry first wore this pair of shoes on January 9, when his team took on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. They are set to hit the shelves at select retail markets on February 13.
According to NBA.com, “…the Curry One commemorates the personal on and off court moments that have defined his path. The shoe’s precise and sharp design lines reflect Stephen’s unflappable on-court demeanor and electrifying style of play.”
The two main pieces of technology incorporated in this shoe are: charged cushioning and anafoam.
Charged cushioning provides the shoe with state-of-the-art padding that absorbs impact whenever an individual plants their foot and decides to change direction. With this support, a player will be able to relieve stress on their feet and gain that extra advantage while making their cuts.
The anafoam technology is really what makes this shoe a one-of-a-kind product. The pressure points of the foot were analyzed by Under Armour to pinpoint the exact locations that needed support. The product is a combination of mesh and EVA foam, which is a soft material commonly used in flooring, but also used in sports equipment, crafts, and set design. The material is often used to manufacture flip-flops, as it is soft without being sponge like. Some other additions that are included in the shoe are an external heel counter, which eliminates traction and keeps your foot from sliding and a padded mesh tongue for increased breathability.
Curry has always had a history of ankle problems, so this shoe is perfect for him. All this additional support should help the durability of his lower extremities in the long run.
“The D Lillard 1”
This shoe is set to be released on February 6, and like Curry’s shoe, it epitomizes his path to the NBA. Lillard came from a small school and many wondered whether his skills will translate to the professional game. Now that he’s thriving in the league, this shoe symbolizes another dream come true for him.
“My entire life I’ve dreamed of having my own signature shoe,” said Lillard in the release.
“I’ve worked so hard throughout my basketball career and with the support of my family, teammates and fans I’ve been able to get to a point where I’m fortunate enough to achieve that dream. Being in Portland and having such a great, close relationship with everyone at Adidas and my fans really makes the shoe representative of who I am on and off the court.”
The main piece of technology built into this shoe is the adiprene+ cushioning. Much like the anafoam used in The Curry 1, the adiprene+ is designed to help absorb shock in the heel and provide energy rebound in the forefoot.
Another feature of the shoe is the TECHFIT tongue combined with the inner booty. This allows the shoe to contour to the foot for maximum comfort. It also comes with a low-cut design, which gives the player more mobility when he is moving around. The shoe comes in three different color designs, representing a different location that was an integral part of his path to the NBA.
The way Damian Lillard plays and the way his shoe is designed complement each other well. The lightweight and low-cut design will allow him to gain that extra step on a defender with ease.
Both of these shoes represent the paths that each of these players underwent to reach the pinnacle of their profession. The journey was grueling, but in the end, they both exceeded expectations and are now considered amongst the league’s best. The innovative new technologies in their shoes should be a benefit to both of them, whether it’s preventing future injuries or getting that extra boost of acceleration.
Curry and Lillard have always been able to burn defenders; and with the release of their signature shoes, they could look good and feel good doing it.