Whether you’re a fan watching his unmatched shooting ability, or a sneakerhead getting acquainted with his innovative line of Under Armour sneakers, just about everybody loves what Stephen Curry is up to (unless you’re the latest team that’s succumbed to his on-court sharpshooting skills). For citizens of the Bay Area and California at large, Curry represents, not just a new chapter in pro basketball, but how players have come to define style both during and after the game. Funny enough, Under Armour’s signature Curry series—especially the recently unveiled Curry 3 available at Finish Line—has been doing the same in the equally competitive world of stylish, covetable kicks.
Of course, basketball isn’t the only competitive space. Sneaker-centric vlogging is as popular as ever, with the scene's icons becoming style stars in their own right. As a social media sneaker sensation and highly popular vlogger, Qias Omar expects the best of the best when it comes to the gear he’s putting on his back—and, for that matter, on his feet. After all, he’s built a following of nearly 400,000 Youtube subscribers by putting himself in the shoes of the average sneaker fan.
It’s not just sneakers that helps Qias relate to his audience, however; he’s also keen at staying on top of the latest trends and fashions—something he’s been doing since he was in school. “I first discovered I was into fashion and style around high school because I always wanted to wear the coolest outfits,” admits Omar. “But I feel like over the past few years my style definitely has evolved and I’ve added my own flavor to it. I keep it trendy but always trying to do something that you don’t see on the daily when you’re walking down the street.”
With so many followers interested in his discerning taste he’s only picking the cream of the crop when it comes to his kicks. Of course, the Under Armour Curry Series was a natural fit. As someone born and bred in the Bay Area, Omar was willing to give the Curry 1 and the Curry 2 shoes a shot based on hometown pride alone. But after lacing up the first two Curry models, Omar realized that Under Armour was giving its rivals a run for their money—providing long term comfort and style that crossed over from casual on-court sessions to the regular rigors of his day-to-day vlogging schedule.
Enter the Curry 3, the latest iteration in Under Armour’s pioneering signature basketball line. Naturally, Omar was curious to give the shoe a test ride and, well needless to say, the Curry lineage of sneaker success remains strong. Perhaps it’s the Curry 3’s Charged Cushioning® that keeps Omar consistently comfortable after long days filming a video. Or maybe it’s the Threadborne S® upper that delivers a hometown “blue and gold” (or, the pared-down "Aluminum-Noire") style that’s unafraid to make a fashion statement. That’s something Omar knows well. “If I had to describe my style, I would definitely say it’s flashy. Wherever I go, I like to turn a few heads, break a few necks,” he confesses. Like Curry’s ankle-breaking on-court play, expect to break a few necks when you lace up the Curry new signature shoe.
No matter what the reason is, though, there’s no stopping the Curry series. “When it comes to sneakerheads, Under Armour really wasn’t in the picture. But recently over the past few years with the Curry line—and especially the Curry 3—it definitely has evolved and really taken over,” says Omar. “You can see Currys on the court and off the court and I think that’s the most amazing thing.”
But style is nothing without a little substance. Omar himself knows that while keeping a steady roster of fresh kicks is an absolute must, they’re always more meaningful when there’s a memory attached. “What I love about sneakers is that every sneaker tells a story, whether it’s one that you’ve camped out for, or it’s one that you got from someone,” says Omar. “That [pair] means more to you because of the hours you put into it. It’s an art. The designs, the colorways, but most importantly, the story behind it make it special.”
Considering the story behind the Curry series—and Stephen Curry himself—his Curry 3 is a natural fit for any sneakerhead looking for something more than just neck-breaking sidewalk style. That’s where Omar and Curry intersect. Curry is currently weaving his tale as an all-star player, leading his franchise team from league underdogs to victory game after game, season after season. Omar excels at getting into the mind of his fellow sneakerheads, telling their stories through his comedy, and connecting with the intimacy of personal vlogs. As Omar admits, “I think what draws my audience to my videos is that I’m putting myself in the positions that they’ve been in before. Camping out for a sneaker...winning a raffle, or going out and playing basketball. Whatever it may be, I can relate to my audience because we have something in common.”
Stephen Curry and Qias Omar have shared their stories with their respective fans—with both basking in the backdrop of Bay Area blue and gold. But whether on the court, or on social media, both can appreciate style, substance, and a strong story. No wonder they’re both fans of the versatile Curry 3.
For more Statements of Style presented with Finish Line, check out the story of this globetrotting photographer.
