Kyrie Irving’s split with Nike led to the NBA superstar teaming up with ANTA, who gave Irving his signature sneaker, the ANTA KAI 1. Alongside this, Irving was named the brand’s Chief Creative Officer, giving him more control over his line's direction than his days with The Swoosh. Following up on the Artist on Court and Enlightened Warrior colorways, Kyrie and ANTA celebrate the Mavs NBA Playoffs appearance with a two-pack of colorways.
The ANTA KAI 1 Playoff Pack features two new colorways: Playoff White and Playoff Navy. These designs are a testament to Irving's unique personal style and deep roots in African American and Indigenous ancestry, reflecting his physical, mental, and spiritual journey within basketball. The Playoff White variant boasts a Papyrus White upper with Neon Lotus Pink lace loops and green grass accents, complemented by a metallic gold ANTA logo. This colorway also features a Native American-inspired weaving pattern on the toe cap, enhancing its cultural narrative. Conversely, the Playoff Navy is decked in Deep Sea Blue with similar pink and green accents, maintaining the thematic consistency of the pack.
Both versions of the ANTA KAI 1 integrate performance features tailored for intense postseason play, including a forefoot lockdown strap for enhanced protection and rubber threading suitable for Irving's dynamic play style. The heel graphics and the hieroglyphic alphabet are not just aesthetic details but are loaded with meanings, encapsulating Irving's "master your craft" philosophy and his connection to his tribal roots.
The ANTA KAI 1 Playoff Pack will release on April 19, 2024. The Playoff White will be accessible through multiple retailers like Sneaker Politics, Extra Butter, Nice Kicks, KICKS CREW, and Sneaker Room, as well as ANTA’s own online platform. The Playoff Navy will be exclusively sold through ANTA.com. Both pairs will retail for $125. Keep it locked to the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, and news in the sneaker world.
Images via ANTA
ANTA KAI 1 Playoff White
ANTA KAI 1 Playoff Navy
