Created in partnership with Rakuten, brought together thousands of custom sneaker artists from across the US and Europe. With Rakuten’s support, the competition became one of the largest creator-driven sneaker showcases ever produced, giving emerging artists a platform on a global stage. From thousands of entries, just 100 creators were shortlisted by a world-class judging panel featuring leaders across sport, design, music, and sneaker culture. These Top 100 designs formed the Art of the Game Official Collection - a rare, curated snapshot of sneaker culture at its most innovative. The journey concluded in San Francisco, where the finalists were flown out for a filmed finale with the Judges. This finale marked a milestone moment: a celebration of creators, culture, and the evolution of custom sneakers as a legitimate art form. Now, for the first time ever, you can own a piece of this history. Each Top 100 sneaker - whether the original pair or a made-to-order version in your size - represents a creator who rose above thousands to earn their place in this landmark Rakuten x Stephen Curry series. This isn’t just a sneaker. It’s a piece of the Art of the Game legacy - and a chapter in the future of sneaker culture.
Don Stephen’s WAR BIRD
Product Details
The “warbird” design from World War II airplanes is one of my favorite and signature themes. It's perfect to define Stephen Curry's play because he bombs his opponents with his excellent shooting.
The shoe upper material is ideal for replicating the metallic fuselage of airplanes, using metallic acrylic paint and a perforator tool to sculpt the small rivets on the fuselage.
I have added some personal details about Stephen Curry, including the names of his children and his signature quote: 'I can do all things.'
I’ve made two more details to complete the shoe:
His four NBA Championships were designed in "melon ball" style, and a realistic Curry portrait inspired by one of my favorite Stephen Curry pictures.
These two details are hand-painted on pieces of leather and then hand-stitched to the shoes.
And finally, adding a neon effect for the SC logos on the heel.
Read the full story of the artwork
This product has been made by the Creator previously and is part of their amazing portfolio. The Creator has listed this item as available to remade for clients.
Additional customisation elements may be available.
Own The Art. Wear The Story.
Discover the Top 100 sneakers from the CANVVS Global Competition - designs hand-picked by our judges from thousands of entries worldwide. Each pair is created by a rising creator pushing the boundaries of art, culture and sneaker design.
By owning one, you’re not just buying a sneaker - you’re supporting emerging talent, championing creativity, and wearing a piece of global competition history.
A HISTORIC COLLABORATION
