Since being dropped by Nike in December 2022 and signing with ANTA in July 2023, Kyrie Irving has been developing his latest signature performance basketball sneaker. While he was taking the court in the ANTA Shockwave 5 Pro in various colorways, the two partners are officially launching the first Kyrie ANTA sneaker with the ANTA KAI 1 in the Artist on Court colorway.
Designed by acclaimed footwear designer Jared Subawon, The ANTA KAI 1 is a testament to ANTA’s dedication to celebrating talent, diversity, and progressive representation within the sneaker community. Kyrie Irving’s "Enlightened Warrior" ethos blends with performance as the sneaker features a dynamic silhouette that mirrors Kyrie’s agile, gravity-defying gameplay, adorned with hieroglyphic-like codes that narrate a story of ancestral strength and resilience. These symbols, designed by ANTA’s Senior Graphic Designer Astin Davis, draw inspiration from Kyrie's Native American heritage.
Kyrie Irving, Chief Creative Officer of ANTA, has infused the ANTA KAI 1 with his legacy and passion for basketball. "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. 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. Join me in stepping into this new chapter," states Irving.
The ANTA KAI 1 Artist On Court embodies Kyrie Irving's dynamic presence on the basketball court and serves as a canvas for a deeper narrative, interweaving performance technology, and cultural homage.
This sneaker features a TPU-integrated ANTA logo, designed to blend seamlessly with its overall aesthetic. The midsole technology is a cornerstone of the ANTA KAI 1's design philosophy, crafted to provide athletes with responsive cushioning that doesn't compromise on speed or agility. This lightweight yet robust cushioning system ensures that players can execute sharp cuts, accelerate quickly, and leap without feeling restricted by their footwear. It's designed to mimic the natural energy return of the foot, enabling players to perform at their peak for more extended periods.
The design philosophy behind the sneaker's color selection is deeply rooted in the symbolism of Native peoples and the profound impact colors have on the body and mind. The palette chosen for this sneaker embodies the essence of Strength, Agility, Focus, and Speed, each represented through specific color schemes that are visually striking and laden with meaning.
Strength emerges in the sneaker's design through a captivating mix of silver, reds, and oranges, which speaks to endurance and resilience. This choice is inspired by a desire to evoke divine guidance and correction, reflecting a connection to ancestral wisdom. Agility comes to life in hues of purples, reds, blues, and a hint of green, a digital amalgamation that makes a bold Pan-African statement, resonating with themes of nobility, magic, and mystery and mirroring Kyrie's swift and precise movements on the court.
Focus is beautifully encapsulated in the sneaker through a rich teal base accented with vibrant orange, a colorway that symbolizes the power of imagination and visualization. This pairing is intended to ground both the body and mind, fostering a state of concentration and mental clarity. On the other hand, Speed is vividly expressed through bright yellow, a color that captures the essence of quickness both in perception and physical agility. This choice highlights the importance of light and enlightenment, designed to stimulate the mind and boost energy levels for peak performance.
The ANTA KAI 1 Artist On Court will release on March 6, 2024, through ANTA and Sneaker Politics. NYC-based retailer Extra Butter will release the pair on March 7, and San Francisco-based retailer Nice Kicks will release it on March 9. KICKS CREW will also host a release for the pair on March 23 alongside the restock on ANTA's website. Coming in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $125. Keep it locked to the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
ANTA KAI 1 Artist On Court
Images via ANTA
