On-court rivals, and off-court collaborators, Stephen Curry and De’Aaron Fox’s joint project is nearing launch. Months ago, the Sacramento Kings superstar joined hands with Steph and came under the Under Armour umbrella. Thus signing with the Curry brand, Fox set out on a new venture to bring ultimate comfort to your feet. De’Aaron Fox’s first signature sneaker will launch this winter holiday.

Stephen Curry’s brand unveiled the first look at his new partnership three weeks ahead of its December 6 launch. To say the shoes look quirky and very De’Aaron Fox-styled would be an understatement. The bold colors mirror the King’s fearless, vibrant playstyle—a joy to watch, just like Steph.

But unfortunately, fans aren’t so happy about the bright blue shoes and orange velcro straps. Many have criticized the Curry Brand’s latest model as a poor copy of Kevin Durant’s 2011 Nike KD 4. It’s safe to say that sneakerheads aren’t showing much enthusiasm.

“Ripoff” – Fans take a massive dig at Stephen Curry and De’Aaron Fox for allegedly copying KD 4’s model

Kevin Durant‘s Nike KD 4, released in late 2011, became an instant hit with its unique velcro straps. Now, Curry Brand’s new signature shoes with De’Aaron Fox are drawing comparisons to the KD 4. Fans are even asking, “Why does it look like the Nike KD 7?”—which also features straps like the KD 4.

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Another fan literally mocked Steph and De’Aaron’s collaboration saying: “These looks like a ripoff of the kd ivs.” Fans were hoping for something fresh, but instead, they saw a design that seemed too familiar, leaving them disappointed by the lack of originality. And well, the comparison to Kevin Durant’s iconic 2011 Nike KD 4 is hard to ignore.

Fans are calling De’Aaron Fox’s new Curry Brand sneaker a “KD7 copy,” pointing out its striking similarities to Kevin Durant’s 2014 model. The design feels unoriginal, especially when compared to other brands like Adidas, which are seen as pushing boundaries with fresh and creative styles. The criticism reflects a desire for more innovation and uniqueness in sneaker design.

The bold straps and overall look of De’Aaron Fox’s new sneaker strongly resemble Nike and the Phoenix Suns star’s brainchild. So it’s not surprising that the lack of idea that Fox’s model is portraying is underwhelming for the sneakerheads. They expected something more out of the ginormous partnership. But what did they get? Disappointment.

Some fans aren’t holding back their skepticism, with questions being asked about the design, “Why do they look like KD 7s though?” It’s not just about resemblance—it’s the lack of distinction that stings. When a collaboration between two stars like Curry and Fox is expected to push boundaries, seeing echoes of past designs feels like a missed opportunity. This comment reflects the growing sentiment that sneakers are struggling to carve out their own identity.

While the color scheme of Fox’s new sneaker hasn’t won everyone over, the intricate logo and fine details have managed to stand out. Fans appreciate the effort put into the smaller touches, calling them “fire,” even if the overall design isn’t their favorite. The intricate gold detailing over the velcro orange straps does add that ‘something’ to the shoes.

De’Aaron Fox’s first Curry Brand sneaker has sparked mixed reactions. While the bold design and details catch some eye, the comparisons to KD’s iconic models overshadow the excitement. Fans expected innovation, but the lack of originality left many disappointed. For now, this collaboration feels like a missed step in an otherwise promising partnership.