The ANTA Kai 1 is Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving’s first signature shoe since leaving Nike in 2022. The purple “Artist On Court” colorway was the first to launch in limited numbers online and at pop up events in Dallas, New York and San Francisco during the beginning of March 2024.

There’s tons of meaningful detail and performance tech on Kyrie’s new sneaker, so swipe ahead to learn more about Kyrie’s special partnership with ANTA.

After splitting with Nike and remaining a sneaker free agent, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving finally launched his first signature shoe with ANTA, China’s biggest sportswear company. As part of the deal, Irving now serves as the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA’s basketball division. Klay Thompson, Gordon Hayward and teammate Daniel Gafford are also on ANTA’s roster.

A photo of the pop up basketball court constructed in front Sneaker Politics in Dallas, Texas.

The ANTA KAI 1 has a very intricate color scheme that was crafted by Kyrie and ANTA’s Color Design Director Shaneika Warden. It draws inspiration the Lakota tribe’s belief in , as well as the physiological effects colors have on the body.

Each of the many colors corresponds to a specific discipline. Strength is represented by armor-like silver a fiery red and orange. The digital purple, blue and red represent Agility. Teal and hot orange stand for focus, while yellow is for speed. The green accents along with the sneaker’s red and black sections are a tribute to the Pan African flag.

”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.”

— Kyrie Irving

The ANTA KAI 1 is built for the most shiftiest players on the court. The tough rubber outsole features a traction pattern that is reflective of Kyrie’s Native roots. A sturdy heel counter, carbon fiber plate and mid foot strap ensures Kyrie’s feet stay firmly locked down as he pulls of some of the crazy dribble moves and finishes at the rim that he’s known best for.

The designers at ANTA made use of cutting-edge virtual reality technology to maximize their creative output. By tweaking a visible three-dimensional design until it was perfected, the designers were able to craft a completely unique design, true to Kyrie and built for top-notch performance.

Kyrie’s ANTA KAI 1 “Artist On Court” officially released on March 6, 2024 through a limited online run and three physical pop up events, but sold out almost instantly. Kyrie and ANTA’s ambitious plan to roll the sneaker out in the U.S. includes a nationwide retail plan, increased stock and a budget friendly price difference from ANTA’s other sneakers.

Visit @link(https://anta.com/products/anta-kai-1-artist-on-court) ANTA.com to stay updated on the next drop of Kyrie Irving’s first ANTA signature shoe, The ANTA KAI 1.