[Update 26 Mar 2024] Following its initial release on 6 March 2024, the ANTA KAI 1 “Artist On Court” was restocked on 23 March 2024. This was a fitting date because it was Kyrie Irving’s 31st birthday.

Adding to the significance of this pair is the fact that it is the basketball player’s first signature sneaker after leaving Nike in December 2022. If you’re looking to cop, you can do so at ANTA brick-and-click stores.

To say that Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is controversial would be an understatement. Following a tumultous 2022-23 NBA season which saw a suspension and a trade, Kyrie’s stock was in freefall—especially after missing the playoffs.

However, he’s since been on something of a “redemption arc”—and there’s no better way to highlight this than with the release of his new ANTA Kai 1 “Artist On Court” sneaker.

Designed by world-renowned designer Jared Subawon, the “Artist On Court” features a dynamic silhouette alluding to Kyrie’s own playstyle—smooth and full of finesse. The sneaker features responsive cushioning via midsole technology. that facilitates movement and agility. It’s ideal for both lateral and vertical movement on the basketball court.

The sneaker features hieroglyphic-like images codes that allude to Kyrie’s Native American ancestry. The color palette, meanwhile, is a reference to four qualities that Kyrie himself prizes: strength, agility, focus, and speed.

Shades of silver, red, and orange imply strength by portraying endurance and resilience. Agility, meanwhile, is brought out by purple, red, blue, and green hues. These colors evoke ideas of nobility and mystery—which may also indirectly allude to Kyrie’s own play.

The teal base with orange accents refer to focus by symbolizing creativity, imagination, and visualization. Finally, speed—both physical and mental—is referenced via yellow. The TPU-integrated ANTA logo completes the sneaker’s look.

The ANTA KAI 1 “Artist On Court” drops on 6 March 2024 through ANTA and Sneaker Politics, 7 March 2024 via Extra Butter, 9 March 2024 via Nice Kicks, and a date yet to be announced by way of KICKS CREW. Available in men’s sizing, a pair goes for US$125.

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