Andrew Pace
In February 2025, Kyrie Irving unveiled his second signature basketball shoe, the ANTA KAI 2 Artist On Court. This follows on from his first signature shoe, the ANTA KAI 1, which was released in 2023. Irving was the fourth player in history to create his own signature shoes with Nike, with the first shoe in the line, the Kyrie 1, being released in 2014.
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What You'll Learn
Nike and Kyrie Irving's history
Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets point guard, has a unique working relationship with the Nike design team. Irving joined Nike's Signature Athlete Family in 2014, becoming the fourth player in the brand's history to create his signature shoes. He released the Kyrie 1 basketball shoe, which was designed by Nike Basketball Footwear Design Director Leo Chang. The shoe featured a mid-top trim and a composite textile cover over a mesh base. It was also the most affordable of the NBA collaborations at the time, priced at $110. The Kyrie 2, released in 2015, featured an updated look inspired by motorcycle tires. The ""What The" version of the Kyrie 2 moved away from the usual graphics and color mashups, instead opting for monochromatic styles with minimal color pops.
In 2016, Irving won his first NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Kyrie 2 'Finals' were a black and gold colorway that Irving wore during this victory. In 2017, Irving requested a trade and was dealt to the Boston Celtics. That same year, the Kyrie 4 basketball shoe was released, designed by Senior Footwear Designer for Nike Basketball, Ben Nethongkome. This shoe focused on improving underfoot cushioning.
Irving has incorporated his personal interests and causes into his shoe designs, including his Native American heritage and activism. In 2018, Irving and his sister were honoured with a "welcome home" ceremony at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, acknowledging their Lakota heritage and Irving's activism on behalf of the water protectors at the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. He has since honoured his Lakota heritage through his shoe designs and donations to the tribe.
In 2019, Irving joined the Brooklyn Nets, and Nike released the Kyrie Low and the Kyrie 6. The Kyrie Low is one of the only shoes in the line to feature a low-cut upper. The Kyrie 6 combines Air Zoom Turbo with Traction 360 for a comfortable grip on the court. In 2021, Irving became an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
In late 2022, Nike ended its relationship with Irving after he posted a link to a film with anti-semitic views. After spending time in "sneaker free agency," Irving signed a deal with the Chinese brand ANTA in 2023, becoming their Chief Creative Officer.
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$48.99
The ANTA KAI 1
The shoe also comes in a variety of colours, including black, grey, orange, red, and white, as part of the ANTA KAI Collection. The collection also includes clothing items such as hoodies and t-shirts, featuring the ANTA KAI logo.
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Swoosh technology
The Nike Kyrie 6 is one of the newest basketball shoes in the Kyrie line. The shoe combines Air Zoom Turbo with Traction 360 for a comfortable grip on the court. The Swoosh technology in the Nike Kyrie 6 provides a comfortable and functional experience for athletes and basketball fans.
The Swoosh technology in the Nike Kyrie 6 offers a fresh take on the classic Swoosh design, prioritising comfort without compromising on performance. The shoe features enhanced Zoom Air units, which provide lightweight cushioning along the interior footbed. This cushioning redefines energy return, allowing for quicker reaction times and smoother heel-to-toe transitions.
The three-layered midsole design is another standout feature of the Swoosh technology in the Nike Kyrie 6. The combination of a plush sock liner, Zoom Air, and extra foam delivers an exceptional level of comfort without sacrificing speed and agility. This innovative design sets a new benchmark for basketball shoes, providing players with the precision and flexibility they need to excel on the court.
Additionally, the Swoosh technology in the Nike Kyrie 6 includes plush ankle protection, offering both support and flexibility. This feature ensures that athletes can move freely and confidently, knowing that their ankles are well-protected. The extra ankle coverage also provides more functionality, allowing players to seamlessly transition between on-court performance and off-court style.
Overall, the Swoosh technology in the Nike Kyrie 6 basketball shoes prioritises comfort and performance. With enhanced Zoom Air units, a three-layered midsole design, and plush ankle protection, the shoes offer a responsive, supportive, and flexible experience for athletes and fans alike. The combination of innovative features and eye-catching design showcases the influence of Kyrie Irving's unique style and on-court energy, making the Nike Kyrie 6 a standout choice for anyone stepping onto the basketball court.
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The Nike Kyrie 5
Over the years, different Nike Kyrie silhouettes have premiered, with some iterations being collaborations with pop culture icons. The shoes offer a fresh take on Swoosh technology, combining comfort and performance. The flexible yet padded collar delivers high-quality support, while the lightweight cushioning lines the interior footbed for ultimate energy return.
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The Nike Kyrie Flytrap
Nike and Kyrie Irving first collaborated on a signature shoe line in 2014, the same year Irving was league MVP. The first shoe in the line was the Kyrie 1, which featured responsive cushioning thanks to Nike Zoom Air technology in the forefoot and an impressive grip with a 360-degree traction pattern in the sole. The following year saw the release of the Kyrie 2, which added a curved midsole and outsole to increase lateral movement.
In 2018, Nike and Kyrie took a different approach with the Kyrie Low, one of the only shoes in the line to feature a low-cut upper. That same year, they released the Nike Kyrie 5, a Venus flytrap-inspired design that kept feet secure and supported during intense moments of action. This was followed in 2019 by the Nike Kyrie Low 2 and the Nike Kyrie 6, the latter of which combines Air Zoom Turbo with Traction 360 for a comfortable grip on the court.
The Nike Kyrie basketball shoes feature Kyrie's signature style and innovative Swoosh technology. They offer plush ankle protection and enhanced Zoom Air units, with lightweight cushioning lining the interior footbed for ultimate energy return. The swift heel-to-toe feel ensures wearers are ready for anything, while the three-layered midsole design sets a new standard for men's basketball shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Kyrie Irving's newest basketball shoe is the ANTA KAI 1, which debuted in March 2024 with the "Artist On Court" colourway.
Kyrie Irving has had several signature shoes with Nike, including the Kyrie 1, Kyrie 2, Kyrie 5, and Kyrie 6. He also released the Nike Kyrie Low and Nike Kyrie Low 2 in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The Nike Kyrie shoes feature responsive cushioning, a curved midsole, 360-degree traction, and Swoosh technology. The Kyrie 5 introduced the Air Zoom Turbo airbag in the footbed and revamped traction.
Kyrie Irving is a professional basketball player who has achieved success in the NBA. He has collaborated with Nike and ANTA to create signature shoe lines.
Kyrie Irving's basketball shoes can be purchased from various retailers, including Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and StockX.
