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.
Indigo Samurai
Product Details
I designed these shoes to bring together the spirit of the Golden State Warriors and the legacy of the Japanese samurai. The concept draws inspiration from the craftsmanship of traditional samurai armour and helmets, as well as the samurai-themed hero shows I loved as a kid. I wanted to capture both the power of a warrior and the innocence of childhood, which reflects what my brand GÜMBOY stands for.
To begin, I dyed the shoes with Rit Dye to create icy soles that represent Steph Curry’s signature three point splash. The gridline fabric symbolizes his precision and consistency as a shooter. I added eyelets inspired by the crown of a samurai helmet and side panels that resemble the winglike flaps seen on traditional helmets. These design elements connect Steph’s focus and discipline on the court with the calm strength of a samurai in battle.
To create a battle worn look, I layered two pieces of fabric together and used a Dremel to wear down the surface, allowing the underlay to show through. This adds texture and depth, giving the shoes a naturally worn look. I also applied subtle blood splatter on the eyelets for a dramatic and storytelling effect. The unfinished stitch lines highlight natural wear and authenticity, while the hand stitching on the side flaps mirrors the detailed stitch patterns found on samurai chest plates.
Accessories like tassels and old Japanese coins were added to enhance the theme and bring in cultural symbolism. Each detail has meaning: the coins represent fortune and protection, while the tassels convey motion and energy. All these features come together around a reimagined UA Samurai logo, tying the entire design back to the core inspiration of courage and tradition.
Through this design, I wanted to create the ultimate warrior shoe for Steph Curry. It pays tribute not only to his incredible skill and dedication but also to the idea that every game requires a balance of precision, perseverance, and spirit.
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
