ANTA Celebrates Kyrie Irving's 33rd Birthday with the KAI 2 'Solar Return'

Kyrie Irving might be out for the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season, but his ANTA KAI 2 signature sneaker is ready to take over the footwear space with new styles. Up next?: The 'Solar Return' pair inspired by transformation and cycles of renewal.

Officially unveiled in time for All-Star Weekend 2025 in the Bay Area, Irving's second model with the Chinese imprint continues to tell the athlete's personal story in a package that doesn't skimp out on quality nor performance. Its 'Artist on Court' debut ensemble tapped into the Dallas Maverick's creativity on the hardwood, which has been lauded by the best hoopers on the planet. The inaugural look and KAI 2's design also bring the 32-year-old's Native American ancestry to the forefront with patterns, symbols, and other elements rooted in Standing Rock Sioux culture.

The sneaker's follow-up makeover is reminiscent of the KAI 1 Speed 'Tribe' release, but an ANTA representative confirmed that the pair's official name is 'Solar Return.' The second KAI 2 offering is replete with vibrant colors and meaningful patterns all-throughout the upper, but these details commemorate the NBA star's 33rd birthday on Sunday, March 23.

Irving's logo on the tongue indulges in shades of orange, as do the laces, and is surrounded by hits of light blue and purple. Panels at the spine also partake in the multi-color medley, with select details taking on a beaded-like presentation. Each component on the 'Solar Return' offering references celestial hues and dynamic energy patterns that infuse the second ANTA KAI project with purpose. Irving and team looked to the solar spectrum for inspiration, deconstruction it into a vibrant array of colors. The 'Solar Return' concept signals a new chapter of growth and reflection, two processes important to the NBA superstar on and off-the-court.

Underfoot, the performance-oriented tooling delivers a reliable, responsive ride for which ANTA has become known. The rubber outsole also enjoys a speckled finish that plays into the top-half's vibrant cosmic inspiration. The pair's shoe box features an all-over print done in a combination of red, white, blue, and yellow colors.

Enjoy a closer look at the KAI 2 'Solar Return' below – courtesy of Sneaker Room and ANTA. Pairs are expected to land via ANTA.com, Kicks Crew, and other platforms on March 23 to coincide with Irving's birthday. The shoe is priced at $140.

For more hoops-ready footwear, check out the Adidas AE 2, the sophomore model for Anthony Edwards.