Stephen Curry is one of the best basketball players in the NBA right now. As the face of Under Armour basketball, Curry’s signature shoe line is hugely popular among players and fans alike. The Curry 9 and Curry 10 are the latest models in the Curry signature line. With each new release, Under Armour aims to improve upon the previous model to optimize performance and comfort. But which of these shoes is actually better? Let’s take a deep dive and compare the key features and performance of the Curry 9 versus the Curry 10.
Traction and Grip
Traction and grip are critical for allowing players to move quickly and change direction on the court. The outsoles and tread patterns are engineered to grip the floor, preventing slips and falls during play.
The Curry 9 uses a tried and true traction pattern with concentric circles radiating out from the center. This multidirectional traction pattern provides excellent stopping power and traction in all directions. Under Armour utilized a rubber compound called UA Josh that offers a balance of grip, flexibility, and durability.
For the Curry 10, Under Armour debuted a brand new traction pattern called Omni Grip. This pattern features jagged edges rather than smooth concentric circles, aiming to improve grip on the floor. The rubber outsole also extends slightly up the sides in key areas for extra traction when changing direction. The Curry 10 uses a slightly softer UA Warp rubber compound designed to conform better to the court surface.
When comparing the traction and grip, the Curry 10 appears to have a slight edge. The new Omni Grip pattern and Warp rubber offer enhanced traction, at least based on Under Armour’s design goals. In real gameplay, both shoes are reported to have amazing grip on clean courts. The Curry 10 may maintain traction a bit better as dust builds up thanks to the jagged edges. Overall, traction and grip are strengths of both models with the Curry 10 incrementally improving upon the Curry 9.
Cushioning and Impact Protection
Cushioning is vital for absorbing impact and reducing fatigue when playing basketball. The midsole cushioning protects joints and keeps players comfortable throughout games.
The Curry 9 utilizes a midsole cushioning system called UA HOVR. This is a compression mesh energy web that absorbs impact and then immediately returns energy back to the foot for a “zero gravity feel.” It aims to reduce fatigue while giving responsive feedback. An EVA foam midsole provides low profile cushioning while Micro G foam in the heel adds comfort.
For the Curry 10, the UA HOVR cushioning system has been upgraded to UA Warp. This new mesh energy web has a durable synthetic skin overlay for enhanced containment and durability. The compressed mesh provides soft cushioning and energy return. Full-length UA Flow midsole offers a smooth heel to toe transition.
When comparing the cushioning systems, both models provide excellent impact protection and court feel. The Curry 10’s UA Warp technology is an evolution of the proven UA HOVR system, offering a touch more court feedback. The full length UA Flow midsole in the Curry 10 also provides a more consistent ride. Overall, the Curry 10 gets the nod for improved cushioning and underfoot feel.
Materials and Durability
The upper material and construction play a big role in lockdown, ventilation, support, and durability. Basketball shoes need to withstand frequent stops, starts, jumps and changes in direction. The uppers must lock the foot in place without compromising flexibility and comfort.
The Curry 9 upper utilizes a combination of breathable engineered mesh through the forefoot and midfoot for ventilation. It has a fused synthetic skin overlay in high wear areas for durability. Lightweight synthetic leather in the heel area helps lock the foot in place. An asymmetrical lacing system aims to reduce pressure on the medial side.
The Curry 10 upper incorporates breathable engineered mesh through the forefoot and toe. A new material called TPE is introduced in the midfoot shank piece to provide structure and torsional support. Fused synthetics reinforce the high wear lateral and medial edges. A new lacing system called Cross Generational Design aims to provide custom lockdown across the foot.
When comparing materials and durability, the Curry 10 upper provides some increment improvements. The TPE shank addsstructure while the new lacing system offers a more personalized fit. Both models use breathable mesh through the forefoot with synthetics reinforcing the upper. The Curry 10 materials appear crafted to improve lockdown and support.
Fit and Sizing
A comfortable and secure fit is essential for peak basketball performance. Poor lockdown can cause slippage inside the shoe leading to injury. An ideal basketball shoe hugs the foot without any pinching or pressure points.
The Curry 9 runs true to size for most players with a comfortable medium width profile through the forefoot and toe box. It suits narrower foot types best. Wide-footers may need to go up half a size. The asymmetrical lacing aims to relieve pressure on the medial side for natural fit. The synthetic leather heel counter locks the rearfoot securely in place.
The Curry 10 fits true to size for length. Under Armour widened the forefoot of this model slightly to better accommodate wider feet. The engineered mesh upper material has more give to adapt around the foot. The new lacing system also allows for a customized fit to eliminate pressure points.
When comparing fit and sizing, the Curry 10 provides a more accommodating forefoot for wider feet. Both models lock the heel down well with true to size length. For players needing more forefoot room, the Curry 10 is likely the better choice.
Ankle Support
Due to frequent jumping and cutting, basketball shoes need to provide lateral and medial support to prevent ankle rolls. Shoes that lack adequate ankle support can leave players vulnerable to sprains.
The Curry 9 uses a fairly standard external heel counter made of synthetic leather. This cups the heel to keep it centered over the footbed. An asymmetrical lacing system aims to reinforce the medial side. The collar has ample padding for comfort. Under Armour did not incorporate any additional stability features.
The Curry 10 employs the same external heel counter setup for rearfoot lockdown. However, it adds a TPU stability torsional shank through the midfoot. This is designed to prevent excess midfoot twisting while allowing natural flex in the forefoot. The lacing system and padded collar work together to envelope the ankle.
When comparing ankle support, the Curry 10 gains an edge with the stability torsional shank to prevent rolling. This stabilizing midfoot piece adds support without sacrificing court feel. The Curry 9 offers standard heel lockdown but less protection overall.
Weight
| Shoe | Weight |
|---|---|
| Curry 9 | 13.3 oz. |
| Curry 10 | 13.1 oz. |
Basketball shoes should remain as lightweight as possible to avoid fatigue yet still provide stability. Excess weight can slow players down over the course of a game.
The Curry 9 tips the scales at 13.3 ounces based on a men’s size 9. The blend of mesh, synthetic leather, and foam midsole keeps the weight respectable. Under Armour aimed to shed some ounces with this model to get closer to a guards shoe.
In the Curry 10, Under Armour was able to trim another .2 ounces down to 13.1 ounces per shoe in a men’s size 9. The engineered mesh upper saves weight over leather panels. The midsole foam is also carefully sculpted to minimize mass without sacrificing cushioning.
The weight difference between the two models is subtle on paper and imperceptible on foot. Both shoes remain appropriately lightweight for speed and agility. The Curry 10 shaves off a touch more for those looking to get every possible ounce trimmed.
Traction
We’ve already covered traction and grip in the outsole section, but let’s recap the key similarities and differences:
- The Curry 9 uses a radial tread pattern and UA Josh rubber compound
- The Curry 10 debuts the Omni Grip pattern and softer UA Warp rubber
- Both provide excellent traction on clean courts
- The Curry 10 may grip slightly better as dust builds up
All in all, the Curry 10 makes small improvements in the traction department. But both models are among the grippiest basketball shoes available today.
Cushioning
We’ve covered the cushioning technologies earlier, but as a quick recap:
- Curry 9 uses UA HOVR compression mesh for energy return
- Curry 10 upgrades to UA Warp with a synthetic skin overlay for containment
- Both provide ample cushioning and court feel
- Curry 10 has improved court feedback and smooth transition
The Curry 10 takes the proven UA HOVR cushioning system and fine tunes it for incremental improvements in feel and response. But both models keep players comfortable and energized.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation keeps feet cool and dry during play. Excess heat and sweat buildup within the shoe can cause slipping and discomfort.
Both the Curry 9 and Curry 10 incorporate breathable engineered mesh through the upper forefoot. This creates airflow directly over the foot strike zone to release heat and perspiration. Perforations throughout the upper assist with ventilation and moisture management.
When comparing ventilation, the Curry 9 and Curry 10 are similarly equipped to keep feet dry. The mesh builds allow air to enter and hot air to exit freely. Neither model has a distinct advantage in breathability.
Support
For basketball, shoes need to provide lateral and medial support for cutting, starting, stopping and change of direction. The uppers, cushioning system, and outsole patterns all contribute to a supportive feel.
As covered earlier, the Curry 10 gains an edge in support due to the TPU stability torsional shank. This midfoot piece keeps the foot securely centered over the footbed, preventing roll over. The more adaptive lacing system and wider forefoot also enhances support.
Both models provide ample rearfoot support thanks to the molded external heel counter and ample padding. Underfoot cushioning keeps the foot protected and comfortable across multiple planes of movement.
The Curry 10 grants players a little more all-around support without sacrificing flexibility. But both models tick the boxes for basketball-specific support features.
Conclusion
The Curry 9 and Curry 10 represent incremental evolution in Steph Curry’s signature line. The Curry 10 makes improvements in traction, cushioning, materials, and support while maintaining the same high performance standards set by previous models.
If choosing between the two, the Curry 10 gets the slight overall edge. The new traction pattern, UA Warp cushioning, wider fit and TPU shank put it atop the Curry 9 by a nose. But the Curry 9 is still an amazing on-court shoe in its own right.
Players can’t go wrong with either model. Those wanting the very latest technology and design will lean Curry 10. But bargain hunters can enjoy big savings on the still exceptional Curry 9.
Under Armour continues to fine tune and enhance Steph Curry’s signature line each season. It will be exciting to see what innovations are in store for the Curry 11 and beyond as the quest for peak performance continues.
Whether you choose the Curry 9 or Curry 10, you are selecting one of the best playing shoes available today. Both models offer elite traction, cushioning, support and lockdown empowering players to cut, drive and shoot with confidence. Enjoy the on-court advantage and signature style of Steph Curry’s iconic kicks.