Yesterday, Brooklyn witnessed Kyrie Irving’s long-awaited return as he faced the Nets for the first time since joining the Dallas Mavericks a year ago. At the Barclays Center, Irving not only showcased his on-court prowess but also unveiled his debut shoe collaboration with Anta, the Kai 1 model in the “Artist On Court” colorway. This release holds special significance as it marks Irving’s initial signature sneaker after parting ways with Nike in December 2022.

In 2022, Irving parted with Nike, spending most of the previous season as a free agent in the sneaker world. Soon after, he inked a five-year deal with the Chinese brand ANTA, securing the role of Chief Creative Officer for ANTA Basketball.

While technical specifics of the Anta Kai 1 remain undisclosed, its design mirrors Irving’s previous Nike signature series. With a mid-cut upper and a midfoot strap for secure fastening, the sneaker seamlessly blends style and functionality. Irving’s emblem graces the tongue, and the Anta logo prominently marks the midsole.

In last night’s game, Irving delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 36 points and dishing out five assists.

Anta Kai 1 Release Date

The Anta Kai 1 “Artist On Court” will release on March 6, 2024 at 4 PM PST / 7 PM ET via Anta.com. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price tag is set at $125 USD.

In summary, Kyrie Irving’s return, coupled with his collaboration with Anta, has marked a new chapter in his sneaker journey. As fans eagerly await the release, the blend of style and performance in the Anta Kai 1 promises an exciting addition to the basketball footwear landscape.

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UPDATE 3/18/24: In honor of Kyrie Irving’s approaching 31st birthday on March 23rd, the “Artist On Court” colorway will be re-released through ANTA channels and available on KicksCrew.com.

UPDATE 2/26/24: The Kai 1 “Artist On Court” by ANTA is scheduled to launch on March 6th, 2024, at 4 PM PST / 7 PM ET, available through ANTA and Sneaker Politics. Extra Butter, based in NYC, will offer the pair for sale on March 7th, while Nice Kicks, located in San Francisco, will release it on March 9th. Additionally, KICKS CREW will host a release event for the pair. The retail price is fixed at $125.

Kyrie Irving’s The ANTA KAI 1 reflects his graceful and elegant playstyle, resembling an artist’s finesse on the court. Every design element of the shoe encapsulates a part of Kyrie’s journey, allowing wearers to embody his signature style and performance seamlessly. The shoe boasts a heel stability TPU, carbon plate, and tough outsole, providing essential support and empowering players to confront opponents with unwavering strength.

Featuring a lightweight design, the ANTA KAI 1 facilitates swift maneuvers reminiscent of Kyrie’s agility in outmaneuvering adversaries, ensuring quick cuts with ease. Its stable and supportive structure embodies Kyrie’s intense focus and ability to execute decisive plays, keeping wearers grounded and poised for rapid pivots during gameplay. Engineered for dynamic rebounds and swift starts, the shoe’s responsive sole mirrors Kyrie’s rapid acceleration and fluid movement across the court, enhancing overall performance and agility.