Social media mockery of Chef shoes doesn't faze Steph Curry

ByBRIAN WINDHORST
June 11, 2016, 12:17 PM

— -- CLEVELAND - Stephen Curry didn't just shake off a slump in leading the Golden State Warriors to the brink of another NBA title, he defended his signature shoes.

In the wake of Curry's substandard performances at the start of the Finals, the newest version of his Under Armour shoe, the Curry 2, was panned by critics when it was released this week.

The all-white shoes are being dubbed the "Chef Currys" after the star's nickname and are designed to be comfortable and functional, like a chef would wear in a busy kitchen. The company said they are inspired by how Curry "starts cooking" like a "master chef" when he goes on hot shooting streaks. The shoes retail for $119.99.

But the look became a popular punching bag on social media in the 48 hours between Game 3 and Game 4, with many users mocking them as uncool.

Curry, who had an explosive 38 points in the Warriors' 108-97 Game 4 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, saw the criticism of the shoes and said he wished he'd have brought a pair with him to wear to show them off.

"If I had them in the road bag I would have definitely worn them," Curry said, "and showed you how fire they are."

Those who made fun of the shoes branded them as something nurses, teachers or senior citizens might wear, not the niche market Under Armour is targeting. Curry, who never takes himself too seriously, said he saw some of the jokes and mocking nicknames and enjoyed it. And, of course, praised the design.

"I love the nicknames they came up with," Curry said. "But I like them."

An Under Armour spokesperson told ESPN on Saturday that the company was making no comment on the shoes, which went on sale June 8.

ESPN's Darren Rovell contributed to this report.