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.
Inscribed on the midsoles are Roman numerals — MCMXCVI and MMVI — representing the years Elizabeth and Ellen passed away (1996 and 2006), anchoring this release in deep personal memory. 100% of proceeds from the sale of the "Mother’s Day" Kai 2s will benefit the Sneaker Room Foundation.
Sneaker Room will transform into an ANTA showroom on May 3 to celebrate the release, featuring a live DJ, exclusive merchandise, and special giveaways. Adding to the tribute, a custom-wrapped 2025 INEOS Grenadier will cruise around New Jersey, bearing artwork that mirrors the sneakers: Elizabeth’s story on the driver's side, and Ellen’s on the passenger side — a moving symbol of their legacies.
The Sneaker Room x ANTA Kai 2 Mother’s Day will be available May 3, 2025, exclusively at Sneaker Room online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price has yet to be announced. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest release, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via ANTA
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
