The NBA season has begun, and Kyrie Irving, once Rookie of the Year, is entering his fourteenth year in the league. But Kyrie spent some parts of the preceding summer on his Asia tour with ANTA, where he introduced the latest addition to his growing catalog with the Chinese sportswear brand—the KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots—at the “The Art of Movement” show in Shenyang, China.

The titular pair is an extension of Kyrie’s first-ever lifestyle shoe, the ANTA KAI Tribe, launched in August 2024. A virtuoso on and off the hardwood, his artistic vision takes shape and is fleshed out through his inaugural line with ANTA. His aesthetic, often glimpsed in the pre-game, de facto fashion runway of the NBA tunnel, is now amplified, with ANTA seemingly giving him creative carte blanche.

A cultural tribute to Kyrie’s Native American heritage, specifically the Lakota Sioux Tribe, the ANTA KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots merges the powerful symbolism of the Kyrie Shield with the essence of tribal identity. This design unites Kyrie’s reverence for the Lakota Sioux culture with the boldness of the Kyrie Shield, creating a visual language that only he can speak.

Design and Symbolism

The ANTA KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots boasts a multi-laced design, symbolizing the individuality and boldness that define its wearer. The Kyrie Shield, a cornerstone of the shoe’s architecture, ensures balance and stability, while the Deep Breath leather offers comfort and breathability. All of its details are handcrafted, alluding to ANTA’s commitment to quality.

The silhouette’s four-sectioned sole is a tribute to Kyrie Irving and his personal narrative. The Roots Section, adorned with the presence of father and mother, represents the profound influence of family. The Court Section, featuring a herringbone pattern and Kyrie’s number 11, is dedicated to his life spent in basketball.

The Tribe Section emblazoned with “Hélà”—his Lakota name meaning “Little Mountain”—nods to his indigenous heritage. Lastly, the Cultural Section, adorned with a Native American shaman’s hand and the Taiji yin-yang symbol, embodies Eastern and Western cultural elements, symbolizing healing and balance.

Kyrie Irving’s embroidered signature on the tongue represents the deeply personal connection he shares with this design. At the same time, the heel’s shield serves as a testament to the enduring strength of his heritage. Sculptured tribal motifs further present the shoe as a cultural tribute, and the incorporation of eco-friendly materials reflects Irving’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Though steeped in tradition, the HÉLÀ Style Roots nevertheless remains forward-thinking in its design. The midsole technology, offering responsive cushioning, empowers wearers to move with grace and agility, whether on the court or navigating the urban landscape.

Release Details

Poised for a place in the pantheon of Kyrie Irving’s best signatures, the ANTA KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots will retail for 219 SGD (~US$160) and arrive in sizes 7 to 12. They will launch in Singapore on 31 October, with pre-orders beginning on sg.anta.com from the 28th.

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