Stephen Curry Turns Heads with On Footwear During Warm-Ups

The Australian Open is captivating sports fans, and it seems Steph Curry is feeling the tennis vibe. In a surprising move, the Golden State Warriors superstar was seen sporting the signature shoes of tennis legend Roger Federer – from the brand On – during warm-ups on Tuesday night. This marks the first time an NBA player has worn On shoes on the court, generating significant buzz and speculation.

A Shift in Sneaker Loyalty

While Curry didn’t play the game in On shoes (the brand currently focuses on tennis, running, and lifestyle sneakers), the gesture is a notable one. It comes amidst Curry’s sneaker free agency, which began in November after a 12-year partnership with Under Armour. He launched Curry Brand with Under Armour in 2020, but retains ownership of all intellectual property, allowing him the flexibility to potentially take the brand elsewhere.

On’s spokesperson expressed excitement about Curry’s choice, stating to Front Office Sports: “We are thrilled to see a world-class athlete like Stephen Curry choosing to wear our shoes. We create high-performance products that are worn by the best in their sport. That they are then worn across sports, as Stephen Curry is wearing The Roger, our tennis shoe, is an additional validation for us and a testament to the versatility of our sportswear.”

What Does This Mean for the Future?

The question on everyone’s mind: is this a prelude to a larger partnership? Is On exploring a basketball shoe, or is Curry considering an apparel deal with the Swiss company? Curry’s representatives have declined to comment on his free agency status, leaving fans to speculate.

Under Armour is still expected to release the Curry 13 in February. However, Curry has been diversifying his on-court footwear, having been spotted in shoes from Nike, Adidas, Anta, Puma, and Li-Ning in recent games. He’s even mixed pre-game and in-game choices, like wearing Reebok Shaqnosis to the arena while playing in his Curry Series 7.

A Trend of Athlete Free Agency

Curry isn’t the only athlete navigating free agency. Bryce Harper recently hinted at being a free agent in the apparel/footwear category, though Under Armour quickly secured a new deal with the Phillies star. Women’s basketball star Kelsey Plum’s status with Under Armour is also uncertain, as she’s been seen wearing Adidas during the Unrivaled season. Under Armour maintains that Plum remains with the brand and is addressing a training issue.

This period highlights a shifting landscape in athlete endorsements, with players increasingly exploring their options and leveraging their personal brands. Stephen Curry’s choice to wear On shoes is a compelling example of this trend, and the sports world will be watching closely to see what happens next.

Learn more about On’s innovative footwear technology on their official website.