Andrew Pace
Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets point guard, is known for his impressive on-court moves, but he has also found success in basketball shoe design through his collaborations with Nike and Anta. Irving's unique playing style, which involves playing low to the ground with minimal cushioning, influences the design of his shoes, with traction being a key feature. Over the years, Irving has released several signature shoes with Nike, including the Kyrie 1, Kyrie 2, and Kyrie 4, which blend innovation with personal touches that honour his upbringing. More recently, Irving debuted his first signature shoe with Anta, the Anta Kai 1, after cutting ties with Nike in 2022.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shoe brand | Nike, Anta |
| Shoe model | Kyrie 1, Kyrie 2, Kyrie 4, Kyrie 4 Low, Kyrie 5, Kyrie 6, Kyrie Low 2, Anta KAI 1, Anta KAI 2 |
| Shoe features | Traction pods, low-to-the-ground feel, new lace form, "JBY" and "H+H" mottos, Zoom Air unit, lightweight, breathable, suede and leather, Air Zoom Turbo airbag, minimal cushioning |
| Shoe colors | Black, white, bright crimson, anthracite |
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What You'll Learn
Kyrie Irving's shoe deal with Nike
In December 2022, Nike terminated its contract with Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving. The deal was abruptly suspended 11 months before its scheduled expiration in October 2023. The termination came after Irving posted a link on social media to a book and movie containing antisemitic messages. Nike co-founder Phil Knight stated that Irving "stepped over the line" and made statements that the company could not abide by. Irving's signature shoe line with Nike, including the Kyrie 7 and the lower-priced Kyrie Low and Kyrie Flytrap models, was one of the industry's best-selling signature footwear businesses.
Following the end of his relationship with Nike, Irving signed with Chinese shoe brand ANTA, becoming the Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball. He debuted his first signature sneaker with ANTA, the Anta Kai 1, in February 2024. The shoe, which combines elite performance technology with masterful storytelling, takes the appearance of a moccasin and features Native American-inspired graphics honoring Irving's mother and heritage. Irving has since released several other versions of the KAI 1s, including the "Purple Reigns" customs inspired by his family and the "Young At Heart" (YAH) honoring his father. In March 2025, Irving debuted his second signature shoe with ANTA, the KAI 2, at the NBA All-Star Practice.
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Irving's preference for minimal shoe cushioning
Kyrie Irving has a preference for basketball shoes with minimal cushioning. This is evident from his tenure with Nike, during which he released nine signature shoes, including the Nike Kyrie Low 2, Nike Kyrie 4 Low, and Nike Kyrie 5, all of which are known for their minimal cushioning design.
The Nike Kyrie Low 2, which Irving frequently wore during the 2019-20 season, exemplifies this minimal cushioning approach. It was designed with fast guard-play in mind, providing a low-to-the-ground feel for enhanced court sensitivity. While it does incorporate rectangular Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot for added bounce, the overall cushioning is intentionally kept to a minimum.
The Nike Kyrie 4 Low is another iteration that gained popularity due to its exceptional traction and responsiveness. However, it also falls under the category of minimal cushioning, as some wearers have noted occasional heel slippage due to the reduced cushioning.
The Nike Kyrie 5, with its 'Mamba Day' colourway, is another example of Irving's preference for minimal cushioning. This particular model was designed as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, one of Irving's basketball idols. While the shoe offers a balance of price and performance, it also demonstrates Irving's comfort with minimal cushioning, as it may not provide as much cushioning as some players prefer.
Irving's final sneaker with Nike, the Kyrie Infinity, did feature enhanced cushioning with its forefoot Zoom Strobel unit. However, Irving criticised the design, leading to a public dispute with the brand. This indicates that Irving's preference for minimal shoe cushioning may have played a role in his departure from Nike and subsequent partnership with the Chinese brand ANTA, where he released the ANTA Kai 1.
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The unique features of the Kyrie 4 shoe
The Kyrie 4 is the fourth signature shoe for Nike by Kyrie Irving, engineered for explosive play. The shoe is designed by Ben Nethongkome, following up on the incredibly popular Kyrie 3. The shoe is designed with a focus on the outsole, enabling the aggressive cutting and turning that Irving is known for.
The Kyrie 4 features a Zoom Air unit in the heel, providing responsive cushioning, and is bolstered by a foam midsole with Cushlon throughout for added comfort. The shoe also features a heavy multi-directional herringbone traction pattern, providing a strong grip on the court.
The upper part of the shoe employs breathable mesh and suede panels, with a mid-top silhouette, allowing for flexibility and comfort during play. The shoe also comes in a variety of eye-catching colorways, making it a popular choice for fans and players alike.
The Kyrie 4 is a testament to Nike and Irving's collaboration, offering a combination of performance, style, and comfort on the basketball court.
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Irving's signature shoe line with ANTA
In 2022, Nike ended its partnership with Kyrie Irving after the basketball star posted a link to a documentary with antisemitic messages on Twitter. However, Irving quickly signed with Chinese sportswear company ANTA, becoming their Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball.
In 2023, Irving debuted his first signature shoe with ANTA, the ANTA KAI 1, which combines elite performance technology with masterful storytelling. The shoe was well-received, with fans excited about its quality, look, and attention to detail. The "Playoffs Pack" of the KAI I was released in two editions: white and navy, the fourth and fifth colourways of the series. The "Playoff Navy" features a Deep Sea Blue Upper with Kai's code accents in neon lotus pink throughout the shoe. The toe cap also features a unique combination of neon lotus pink, grass green, and secret green.
Irving debuted his second signature shoe with ANTA, the KAI 2, at the 2025 NBA All-Star Practice. He also wore the Anta KAI 2 in his last game on March 3, 2025, against the Sacramento Kings.
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The Chief Hélà shoe worn by Irving in the 2023 NBA Finals
In July 2023, Kyrie Irving signed a five-year deal with Chinese sportswear company Anta, becoming their Chief Creative Officer of Anta Basketball. In the same year, he launched his first signature shoe with the brand, the Anta Kai 1.
The Anta Kai 1 is a performance basketball shoe that combines elite technology with storytelling. Irving debuted the shoe at a sneaker shop in Dallas in March 2023. The shoe was then worn by Irving in Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals. Named the 'Chief Hélà' colourway, this version of the Anta Kai 1 was designed in honour of Irving's father, Dederick, and his dedication to basketball.
The 'Chief Hélà' shoe is not the only Anta Kai 1 colourway that pays tribute to Irving's family and heritage. The 'Purple Reigns' colourway was inspired by the royal bloodline of Irving's family, while the 'Young At Heart' (YAH) colourway specifically honours Irving's father and his love for the game.
Irving has also released a second signature shoe with Anta, the KAI 2, which he debuted at the 2025 NBA All-Star Practice.
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Frequently asked questions
Kyrie Irving wears the ANTA KAI 1, a shoe he helped design in collaboration with the Chinese brand ANTA.
Yes, Irving has also designed shoes with Nike, including the Kyrie 1, Kyrie 2, Kyrie 4, and Kyrie 5.
Irving prioritises traction and minimal cushioning in his basketball shoes to give him extra court-feel.
