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.
The Stinger
Product Details
As a fully self-taught artist, imposter syndrome gets the best of me more often than not. It can get in the way of things like, say, creating a custom sneaker for a competition (totally hypothetical of course). As I was trying to come up with my design for my Flo Tros, I went through about 3 different ideas, and scrapped each one because I either didn\'t think it was good enough, or didn\'t think I was good enough to do it justice.
As I was getting frustrated with myself for feeling this way, I decided to come up with a way to visualize all of these feelings. The front of the sneakers is covered with a scribble pattern that I drew myself. The scribbles represent the way I feel my brain looks when trying to work through the parts of myself that are saying I\'m not good enough. On top of the scribbles is a cloud texture. This represents the anxiety, and the way that all of these feelings cloud my judgement and prevent me from working to my full capabilities.
On top of these patterns on the side of each shoe is a red and white scorpion. Long story short, I spent a month working in a rainforest in Costa Rica. I didn\'t check my mosquito net properly one night before bed, and woke up to a scorpion crawling on my leg out of my shorts. As much as I freaked out, it never stung me. When I thought about how crazy that was (and how lucky I was), I decided to do some research.
Although scorpions are viewed as vicious poisonous monsters, they only attack when attacked. In some cultures, they even represent strength, resilience, and adaptability to change. I have a scorpion tattoo on my arm, which serves a reminder to myself to stay confident but kind, and to not get in my own way.
Finally, the maryland flag pattern on the back of the shoes. I was born and raised in Maryland, and I absolutely love it here. \"Why is everyone from MD so obsessed with their flag?????????\" because it\'s cool. Period.
I hope you love these shoes as much as I do, and thank you so much for your consideration!!
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
