Throughout Kyrie Irving’s career, retailer Sneaker Room has been a key partner, working on multiple collaborations when Irving was still a Nike athlete. Now, marking the sixth overall collaboration between the duo and the first under Kyrie’s ANTA signature lineup, the two are honoring the unbreakable bond between mother and child on the ANTA Kai 2 Mother’s Day.
Drenched in a vibrant red upper, the Kai 2 Mother’s Day is complemented by elegant gold detailing across the silhouette. At the heart of the design are two distinct motifs: intact hearts on the lateral side to symbolize the strength mothers show to the world, and broken hearts on the medial side, a touching reflection of the personal grief and healing many silently carry. Every detail of the sneaker was crafted to honor the legacies of Kyrie Irving’s mother, Elizabeth, and Sneaker Room CEO Suraj Kaufman’s mother, Ellen.
The left shoe is dedicated to Elizabeth Irving, featuring poppy flowers and Australian green and yellow accents, symbolizing Kyrie’s birthplace. A music note, heart, and volleyball icon on the heel pay homage to her passions and spirit. Moving to the right shoe, we see a tribute to Ellen Kaufman, adorned with carnations and Jersey City-inspired blue and yellow tones. Heart icons further symbolize the everlasting love she imparted.
