Kyrie Irving‘s signature shoe journey with ANTA has begun. After the former Nike signature athlete signed with the Chinese-based brand in July 2023, the signature athlete and Chief Creative Officer unveiled the ANTA KAI 1.
The ANTA KAI 1’s design language encapsulates Kyrie Irving’s transcendent basketball philosophy. The sneaker’s aerodynamic contours mirror Kyrie’s gravity-defying moves, while hieroglyphic-esque codes on the upper narrate KAI’s essence, connecting the sneaker to ancestral strength.
This is more than a shoe; it embodies our ancestors’ strength and the future we’re building. Every detail, from the hieroglyphics to the aerodynamic shape, tells the story of where we’ve been and where we’re going.
As Chief Creative Officer and a player, I’ve woven the essence of my heritage and my heart for basketball into the design of ANTA KAI 1.
Join me in stepping into this new chapter.
Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks guard & Chief Creative Officer at ANTA
Senior Graphic Designer Astin Davis drew inspiration from ancient hieroglyphics, infusing the symbols with messages of inspiration and encouragement. Reflecting Kyrie’s Native American roots, the graphics tie back to his supernatural qualities — strength, agility, focus, and speed. ANTA appears in KAI’s code on the laces, while “The Journey is the reward” is engraved on the midsole tooling, and Kyrie Irving’s name is spelled out across the heel pull tab.
The shoe’s aerodynamic shape visually represents Kyrie’s unorthodox on-court maneuvers.
Utilizing virtual reality technology, ANTA’s design team redefined the limits of imagination and functionality, crafting the silhouette with precision and creativity in a virtual, three-dimensional space. The rubber threading, inspired by Kyrie’s tribal roots, complements his unconventional moves, and the carbon fiber midfoot plate ensures seamless transitions.
The color selection, a collaboration between Kyrie and ANTA’s Color Design Director Shaneika Warden, draws inspiration from Native beliefs, incorporating the symbolism of the four directions. Colors represent distinct disciplines: Strength (silver armor, explosive reds, and oranges), Agility (digital purples, reds, blue, and green), Focus (rich teal with sparks of hot orange), and Speed (quick yellow for energy and mental stimulation).
The TPU-integrated ANTA logo seamlessly blends into the design, reflecting Kyrie’s fluid playstyle. The midsole provides lightweight, responsive cushioning, allowing players the freedom to express their full potential on the court. The rubber compound excels in traction, and the TPU lateral sidewall enhances stability for confident movement on and off the court.
After selling out on its first release on March 6, the ANTA KAI 1 “Artist On Court” releases again on March 23, 2024, for $125 via ANTA.com and KicksCrew.com.
ANTA KAI 1 “Artist On Court”
Release Date: March 23, 2024
Price: $125
