By james art The NBA season has begun and Kyrie Irving, once the Rookie of the Year, is entering his fourteenth year in the league. But Kyrie spent parts of the previous summer touring Asia with ANTA, where he unveiled the latest addition to his growing catalog with the Chinese sportswear brand – KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots – at The Art of Movement show in Shenyang, China .
The titular pair follows Kyrie’s first-ever lifestyle shoe, the ANTA KAI Tribe, releasing in August 2024. A virtuoso on and off the hardwood, his artistic vision is shaped and fleshed out through his inaugural line with ANTA. His aesthetic, often spotted on the pre-game catwalk, the NBA’s de facto tunnel catwalk, is now amped up, with ANTA seemingly giving him creative carte blanche.
A cultural homage to Kyrie’s Native American heritage, specifically the Lakota Sioux tribe, ANTA KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots fuses the powerful symbolism of the Kyrie shield with the essence of tribal identity. This design fuses Kyrie’s reverence for Lakota Sioux culture with the boldness of the Kyrie Shield, creating a visual language that only he can speak.
Design and symbolism
ANTA KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots features a multi-tie design, symbolizing the individuality and boldness that defines its wearer. The Kyrie Shield, a cornerstone of the shoe’s architecture, provides balance and stability, while the Deep Breath leather offers comfort and breathability. All its details are handcrafted, hinting at ANTA’s commitment to quality.
The silhouette four-section sole is a tribute to Kyrie Irving and his personal story. The Root sectionadorned with the presence of father and mother, represents the profound influence of family. The Judicial Sectionwith a herringbone pattern and Kyrie’s number 11, is dedicated to his life spent in basketball.
The Tribal Section emblazoned with “Hélà” – its Lakota name meaning “Little Mountain”— a nod to his local heritage. Lastly, Cultural departmentadorned with a Native American shaman’s hand and the Taiji yin-yang symbol, it 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 shield serves as a testament to the enduring power of his legacy. Sculpted tribal motifs further present the shoe as a cultural homage, and the incorporation of eco-friendly materials reflects Irving’s commitment to environmental protection.
Although steeped in tradition, HÉLÀ Style Roots nevertheless remains progressive in its design. Midsole technology offering responsive cushioning enables wearers to move with grace and agility, whether on the court or in the urban landscape.
Release details
Poised for a place in the pantheon of Kyrie Irving’s finest signatures, the ANTA KAI HÉLÀ Style Roots will retail for SGD 219 (~US$160) and arrive in sizes 7 to 12. They will release in Singapore on the 31 October with pre-orders starting at sg.anta.com from the 28th.
While you’re still here, check out our curated collection of Kyrie Irving’s best signature sneakers. Or you can also head straight to the SNKRDUNK app via the banner below and check out the latest and greatest sneakers, streetwear and TCG.
