Under Armour Curry 1 - Performance Review

I can do all things....




This is what you'll usually see written on Steph Curry's shoes. The same quotation is inscribed in the 2015 3-point Shoot Out King's first signature shoes for Under Armour. Enter the Under Armour Curry 1.


Something old....

Micro G Cushioning
Perhaps one of the best (if not the best) cushioning in the basketball shoe industry today. The Micro G cushioning provides stability, support and excellent responsiveness. Similar to the Anatomix Spawn 1 and 2 as well as the ClutchFit Drive, the Curry 1 uses the Micro G as a primary cushioning system. If it is not broken why fix it.


Herringbone Traction


Taking it's queue from their excellent cushioning, UA used the same herringbone pattern found in the ClutchFit Drive in the Curry 1. This means no matter if you play indoors or outdoors you will have no problems cutting, shifting, stopping on the Curry 1.


Something new...

Charged Cushioning


Aside from the reliable Micro G, UA put another layer of foam called Charged. I honestly did not feel  any difference with the Charged layer added. Out of the box, the overall cushioning was actually stiff. But as I run more the cushioning that I am used to surfaced.


SC30 Heel Counter


One very noticeable difference in the Curry 1 is the (very) big heel counter. In the ClutchFit Drive Low there is only an outline of the heel clip. It provides support but doesn't lock your heel. The Curry 1 heel counter provides that lock down of the heel. I love how your foot doesn't move because the heel has moulded to the counter. Oh and there is a big SC30 embossed on that heel counter...talk about signature!


anaFoam


Aside from the heel counter, this is the other step up from UA for me. The ClutchFit was excellent with movement and flexibility but lacks in comfort and breathability (after continuous use). The anaFoam provides the breathability with it's fuse/foam material with lots of perforation for the air to go in and get out. No foot sweating with this upper. anaFoam was said to be lighter than CF but I did not notice it at all. The thing that I like about this is the flexibility that it provides during those sudden stops or cuts.


Support


I've been using low tops for at least 10 years and this is the first time that I am using a high top basketball shoe again. However, I did not lace it up until the top and left the last eyelet open. This provided me more movement on the ankles. But there is a significant support on the sides with the Curry 1 (which I don't have with the CFD Low). Aside from this, the lateral outrigger is more noticeable with the Curry 1. This provides another layer of support to the Curry 1 and prevent that ankle from rolling over outwards.





This is a great first signature shoe for Stephen Curry and it will be interesting to see how they will out perform this in the succeeding releases of the Curry line.

I'm very much looking forward to the release of the  low top version of the Curry 1