ANTA & Kyrie Irving unveil KAI 2 “Artist on Court”

ANTA and Kyrie Irving continue to redefine the intersection of art, culture, and athletic excellence with the release of the KAI 2 “Artist on Court” – a striking colourway dynamic in bringing the art of shoes to life. This latest drop is a visual representation of Kyrie’s artistry, mirroring his fluidity on the hardwood and his off-court creative spirit. Designed as more than just a sneaker, the KAI 2 “Artist on Court” is a statement—a fusion of heritage, storytelling, and avant-garde aesthetics. At its core, this colourway embodies the “Know Your Power” philosophy, encouraging wearers to embrace their individuality while staying grounded in their origins. This second line with ANTA marks a significant evolution in both performance footwear and creative storytelling, solidifying ANTA and Kyrie Irving’s commitment to innovation and artistic expression. More than just designing shoes, this partnership is about redefining the relationship between sport and creativity – inspiring athletes and artists alike to embrace their individuality. For Kyrie, there is no separation between being an artist and an athlete; every movement on the court is a brushstroke, and each design decision is a chapter in a larger narrative. ANTA empowers him to bring this vision to life, ensuring that the KAI 2 is not just a sneaker but a canvas—an embodiment of his journey, philosophy, and creative evolution. As Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball, Kyrie is leading a movement that goes beyond footwear—it’s about creating a legacy. “The KAI 2 is a culmination of everything I’ve envisioned—seamlessly merging cutting-edge innovation with futurism to bring my creative evolution to life. From the laces to the look and feel, every detail reflects the most dynamic and expressive shoe I’ve ever worn. No one’s shoes look like this. It’s about bringing the art of footwear to life in a way that’s never been done before.” – Kyrie Irving Artistic details & Innovative features Hand-Painted Toebox: Inspired by Fauvist brushstrokes, the toebox showcases a bold, free-flowing design, capturing the essence of expressive artistry. Reimagined ANTA Logo: The side logo incorporates design elements rooted in Native American patterns, a nod to Kyrie’s heritage and personal growth. Unique Heel Embroidery: Featuring an exclusive stitched interpretation of “KAI,” the heel represents Kyrie’s evolving journey—blending past, present, and future influences. Textured Velvet Laces: Taking cues from Kyrie’s off-court style, the dual-lace system allows wearers to maintain a secure yet customizable fit. Speckled Midsole: A tribute to oil painting textures, the mother-of-pearl-infused rear oval and splattered finish mimic handcrafted artistry. “GATE” Heel Design: Inspired by Kyrie’s journey of self-discovery, the shape of the leather and the embedded lines symbolize a gateway to one’s inner power. Beyond aesthetics, the KAI 2 “Artist on Court” is built for peak performance. The NitronEdge insole, inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture, provides elite responsiveness and energy return, while the sawtooth TPU structure offers flexibility for dynamic movements. The hollow outsole structure enhances traction and adaptability, making it an extension of the wearer’s natural agility. Release Information The ANTA KAI 2 “Artist on Court” will be available in sizes 8 to 12 and drops on February 28, 2024, at the following locations: ANTA Dubai Hills Mall, UAE ANTA City Center Doha, Ǫatar ANTA Tahilah Street, Riyadh, KSA ANTA City Center Muscat, Oman Sneaker District, Abu Dhabi, UAE For more information, stay tuned to ANTA’s official channels: @antasports Limited pairs available, on a first-come-first-served basis only. First few people are in for a surprise gift!