Under Armour Curry 2.5 Performance Review

The Under Armour Curry 2.5 never set out to be an ‘elite’ version of its predecessor, the Curry 2. Instead, the Curry 2.5 takes familiar features from the Curry 2 and pairs them with new and “improved” features to give us a different take on what was already a stellar on-court performer.

Will the Under Armour Curry 2.5 be enough to hold us off until the next chapter of Steph Curry’s signature line is revealed? Find out with the WearTesters Under Armour Curry 2.5 performance review.

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Traction

If you’ve played in the Under Armour Curry 2, you already know what to expect. If you haven’t, expect greatness. While durability and coverage may not be as good outdoors as indoors, the Curry 2.5’s traction is a beast on the hardwood. The multi-directional herringbone pattern will keep you from sliding in any and every direction while the tread pattern is spaced perfectly so dust won’t get caught in between the grooves and harass you later. Speaking of dust, don’t be wary of dirty or grimy floors because with just one or two wipes you’re good to go for hours.

Cushion

There has been some speculation about the cushion setup that is used in the Under Armour Curry 2.5. Specifically with the insole, and that it may use Under Armour’s critically acclaimed MicroG foam. In reality it’s not speculation but rather false information being sold to you, the consumer, but let this be clear: there is no MicroG in the Curry 2.5. But that’s not a bad thing.

Sure, having MicroG would be great but the Charged foam UA uses in the 2.5 is an excellent cushion setup that is perfect for guards who prefer a low-to-the-ground responsive ride. Impact protection isn’t nonexistent, but it isn’t the 2.5’s calling card either. If you’re looking for a plush ride that feels like pillows beneath your feet, look elsewhere. If you want a lightning quick and responsive experience, the Curry 2.5 will feel like home.

Materials

This is where the Curry 2.5 makes its biggest change from its predecessor, the Curry 2. It ditches SpeedForm for a full-length mesh upper that is wrapped in plastic. The materials used here aren’t perfect but offer a different experience that provides more durability and support. While the materials are similar to what was used in the Nike Kobe 7, I found that this setup used in the 2.5 was slightly more pliable and flexible — especially on the medial side. Here, the 2.5 uses a neoprene-like material that is heavily padded and literally feels like a memory foam pillow wrapping around the inside of your foot. Believe me, it’s as good as it sounds.

Sometimes one little thing can make all the difference and the Curry 2.5 has one nagging issue that almost negates everything I just said. The heel collar, which is fairly stiff to retain its shape, stabs your Achilles to make for a very uncomfortable experience. When I used my ankle braces the stabbing didn’t hurt but I could still feel the materials hitting my brace. This is unfortunate as the rest of the Curry 2.5 is outstanding. However, this issue will definitely turn some people off, especially those who don’t wear braces.

Fit

As you might expect, with a change in materials, comes a change in fit and it’s for the better. By reconstructing the upper and adding an asymmetrical lacing system, Under Armour improved on what was already a stand-out feature on the Curry 2. These fit like a glove and they get better every time you wear them. The asymmetrical lacing system pulls the materials in two directions that allow your foot to really sink into the shoe. Think about the best hug you have ever had x100.

If you have a wide foot going up half a size is definitely a possibility but the fit was near perfect with both of my ankle braces so trying them on in-store is once again the best option. If you truly can’t try them on before purchasing, I would go true to size.

Support

As I mentioned earlier, the new upper used on the Under Armour Curry 2.5 provides more support thanks to the fit and natural rigidity of the materials. There is an extremely small heel cup, if you want to call it that, that lies at the very base of where your heel sits. Upon first look you may think that it’s ineffective but it does a pretty good job in unison with the rest of the upper to keep your foot in place and not sliding off of the footbed. Features like the TPU shank and small lateral outrigger on the outsole return from the Curry 2 and work just as well as they did the first time. However, the most outstanding part about the support is the asymmetrical lacing system. The Curry 2.5 grabs a hold of your foot and never lets it go — unless you unlace them of course.

Under Armour Curry 2.5 Overall

I know what you want. You want me to tell you whether or not the Curry 2.5 is better than the Curry 2. Well, to be totally honest with you, I can’t tell you that because they both provide different experiences that may or may not suit you. What I can tell you is that both the traction and cushion are the same and still perform at a very high level. At the same time, the materials are more supportive and the new asymmetrical lacing system provides one of the best lockdown fits I’ve experienced to date. Yet, it does have that nagging issue with the heel collar that is a real problem if you don’t wear ankle braces. Now it’s up to you to take all of that information and ask yourself if you think those improvements make the Curry 2.5 better than the Curry 2. I’d go with the 2.5, but that’s just me.