Kyrie Irving's footwear journey has been anything but conventional. Following his departure from Nike, Irving took a hiatus in his sneaker game. However, after joining forces with ANTA, Irving’s shoe line has only grown in prominence.
Now, after almost a year of his first signature ANTA models on shelves, Irving has teased what could be the next in line.
At first glance, the KAI 2 marks a significant departure from its predecessor. Gone are the curvy, soft lines of the KAI 1, replaced with a more streamlined, angular design. The new silhouette carries jagged line work and features triangular midsole insets extending into the forefoot, creating a striking visual. These insets seamlessly integrate herringbone traction, ensuring the shoe looks sharp and delivers functional performance.
The KAI 2's material composition has also changed. While the KAI 1 boasts a mix of mesh and intricate glyph-like patterns, the KAI 2 opts for a cleaner, more durable construction with leather and synthetic materials. The floral motifs on the heel and quarter panels add an abstract, artistic element to the design, with the ANTA logo subtly embroidered in a modern interpretation. This gives the KAI 2 a unique identity while still nodding to the brand's aesthetic.
Though it won't be confirmed if this will be the final design, we won't know for certain until later in 2025, when the new signature silhouette is expected to debut,