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After years under the Nike banner and numerous signature basketball sneakers, NBA star Kyrie Irving has switched to wearing some lesser known brands.
Following his fallout with the Swoosh in the fall of 2022, which led to Nike suspending its contract with the guard and not releasing the Kyrie 8, Irving has been seen wearing a pair of Ethics (the shoe brand founded by former NBA player Langston Galloway), eventually landing a deal with Chinese company Anta Sports.
Now in year two of their partnership, they have already released the Anta KAI 1 and Shock Wave 5 Pro along with a clothing collection, the company has unveiled the latest sneaker in their Kyrie Irving line: the Anta Hélà.
On Wednesday, Nick DePaula, who covers the footwear industry, shared a video and some photos on X (Twitter) of the new Anta Hélà.
FIRST LOOK: @KyrieIrving’s upcoming ANTA Hélà multi-laces lifestyle shoe in 3 colors.
Launching this Fall. pic.twitter.com/fBnq7rLbft
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 19, 2024
Anta’s website states, “The ANTA x Kyrie Irving signature line, comprising cutting-edge shoes and lifestyle wear, promises to bring a new edge to athletic apparel. As the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA, Kyrie’s vision and style will be fully displayed in this collection, together fused with ANTA’s innovative prowess.”
Additional looks at @KyrieIrving’s upcoming Hélà lifestyle model and inspiration references from ANTA designer Recker Xu. pic.twitter.com/VY9TCqb44D
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) September 19, 2024
According to Luis Torres of Nicekicks.com, “Following the release of the Anta KAI 1, his first performance signature shoe, the brand will also dip into lifestyle with the Hélà Style model.
“After parting ways with Nike in 2022, Irving, one of the NBA’s most electrifying point guards, signed a long-term deal with Anta in July 2023. The deal positioned him not only as a signature athlete but also granted him a leadership role as the Chief Creative Officer. The partnership gives Irving greater creative control, allowing him to have a direct influence on design, product development, and brand marketing.”
Unfortunately, reactions to Kyrie Irving’s new Anta sneaker on social media have not been the best.
“I no longer know what’s cool, but objectively, this looks like garbage,” one fan wrote.
“Whatever lifestyle this shoe is about I cannot relate,” another commented.
“I don’t even like tying one show lace, tf you adding four more for?” someone else asked.
“This is a joke, right? … Right?!?!” questioned another fan.
“A homeless shoe,” read another observation.
Not everyone hated them though. In fact, several people said they were planning to cop. Would you?