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.
Where It All Started
Product Details
I created this shoe as a tribute to the beginning of a journey—Steph’s, and mine. We both started chasing our dreams in college, long before anyone believed we’d make it anywhere. For Steph, it was Davidson: a small school, a big heart, and a stage he turned into a launching pad. For me, it was the moment I started customizing sneakers in my college dorm, grinding late nights with nothing but paint, a vision, and the belief that I could turn this passion into something real.
That shared starting point is why I built this design around Davidson’s identity. The black-to-red gradient represents the colors that introduced the world to Steph Curry. It’s a nod to where his rise began, but it also mirrors the grind—starting in the dark, pushing through the struggle, and moving toward the red heat of momentum. I added claw marks across the shoe to honor the Wildcats, but also to symbolize going after your goals with the same energy. Nothing about Steph’s path was handed to him. He clawed his way in. I relate to that, because building 616 Customs has been the exact same mentality.
One of the most meaningful details is the word Believe. Steph wrote it on his shoes in college before every game, and that mindset became his foundation. I included it because that same belief is what’s carried me through thousands of hours of practice, failures, restarts, and breakthroughs.
On the tongue tag, I recreated the NBA logo using a silhouette of Steph, wrapped in Davidson red and black. It represents where he started and where that belief eventually took him. It’s the perfect reminder that every great career begins with a first step—and a first stage that might seem too small to matter.
I wanted this to be a true 1-of-1 design that captures the start of a journey, the grind behind the scenes, and the mix of my art style with the soul of Steph’s story. This isn’t just a custom—it’s a wearable reminder that believing in yourself from day one can change everything. My goal was to make a shoe anyone would be proud to rock, not just because it looks good, but because it carries a message that motivates you every time you lace it up.
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
