Under Armour introduced the sixth model in Stephen Curry’s signature line, the UA Curry 6, this week at a media event in Oakland. The new design is the result of extensive biometric research into Curry’s personal on-court movements and incorporates Under Armour’s flagship cushioning, Hovr, into his sneakers for the first time.
One thing that isn’t new to the line, however, is inspiration based on Curry’s Christian faith. Found on the exposed TPU shank in the sole are the words, “I can do all things,” as has frequently been seen on his sneakers—both handwritten by Curry and as an actual design element.
Curry has never hid the fact that the message is derived specifically from Philippians 4:13, the full text of which reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
He explained to Complex during his 2017 tour of China that prior to the first practice of his freshman year at Davidson, his mother had challenged him to find “something that I could count on to give me that strength, focus, and belief in myself as I embarked on that new challenge,” and Philippians 4:13 became that inspiration.
While Curry hasn’t directly faced any backlash for the outward facing beliefs on display with his footwear, he acknowledges that, “Everyone being entitled to their own belief system and values is important, and honoring and celebrating that.” But he also feels that the message has a broader meaning—one that can be appreciated regardless of one’s faith, by “finding what that means for yourself—hopefully it can inspire,” he says. “There is something in terms of things bigger than ourselves, and whatever aspect of life, industry, or career path we’re in that you can kind of feed into.”
Curry’s “good guy” persona has resonated with fans worldwide, as evidenced by his now-three year reign atop the NBA’s jersey sales rankings. He’s lived up to that reputation through his actions, too, largely avoiding controversy off the court and through his charitable work with the Stephen and Ayesha Curry Family Foundation. He’s also connected to fans on a more personal level, like his recent letter to a nine-year-old promising to make his signature line more accessible to girls. The responsibility he feels that comes with that influence is one he sees as bigger than his own Christian beliefs.
“No matter the mountain tops I reach, winning championships and whatnot, I understand it’s not about me,” Curry says. “I’m excited and proud about what we accomplish, but what keeps me motivated is the awareness of how privileged and blessed I am to be able to do what I get to do, and that’ll never change for me. Hopefully that speaks volumes to people, no matter where you’re at.”
