Warriors G Stephen Curry will return to the lineup Friday against the Hawks wearing a "mid-low shoe" for the first time since "having his own Under Armour signature line of sneakers," according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.com. His "brand-new Curry 5 low shoe was unveiled last week," and Curry will "wear the kicks along with ankle braces" after missing six games due to a right ankle injury. He has "always worn a mid- or high-top shoe as well as braces during competition due to his history with ankle injuries." Curry: "These shoes are an evolution in my signature series and engineered to work in tandem with my braces better than any shoe previously. ... It is kind of ironic that I made the switch this season considering my ankle issues, but this shoe is stable and engineered to maximize my performance. I will still wear my ankle braces, but I have total comfort and security in my new shoe." Haynes noted high-top shoes "typically aren't a best-seller mostly because of the difficulty in coordinating them with everyday clothes." Curry's line has "always had all versions, but he played in only the high-tops, which is the version most fans see." However, he "admitted that style played a part in the change, as well" (ESPN.com, 3/22).
