Kyrie Irving’s Multifaceted Interests Lead The Way For The Nike Kyrie 7

Everyone’s losing some weight during this COVID quarantine. The Kyrie 7 is no exception. The lightest Nike Kyrie signature shoe to date was made possible by making some otherwise unnoticeable yet key changes to the shoe’s build. By removing color dams, the grooves in the outsole that separate areas of color-blocking, Nike was able to shave ounces off the sole. In addition to the lighter package, the Kyrie 7 turned to the Nike NXT Advanced Design Studio to create a traction pattern that can somehow match Kyrie’s incisions of defenders. Those unpredictable cuts and crosses are transformed into data through in-game analysis and Kyrie’s own tests at the NSRL, resulting in one of the most intricate traction patterns ever on a basketball shoe. It’s the only real way for Nike designers and engineers to essentially out-do itself to make improvements on an already fine-tuned shoe.
 
 
The 7 itself looks far different from the 6, a shoe instantly recognized for the “Flytrap” across the midfoot. The 7 goes back to a simpler silhouette, utilizing two exterior TPU “fingers” at the forefoot for added lockdown (also a nod to Kyrie’s #11 jersey number). A composite mesh is also used on the upper, further allowing for weight loss while adding much-needed flexibility. On an aesthetic standpoint, the Kyrie 7 sees no shortage of details as hidden nods to his family, his sources of energy, and the famed Seeing Eye make their expected appearance in ways both obvious and not.
 
 
For the launch of the new silhouette, Nike has prepared another series of “Pre-heat” concepts on November 11th. Each of these reflect Kyrie’s multifaceted interests, from his affinity for music to his interests in film-making. A subtle nod to one of his close friends and mentors Kobe Bryant is also included in tasteful ways.

The Nike Kyrie 7 “Special FX” focuses on Kyrie’s love of film-making. His first venture onto the big-screen came by way of Uncle Drew, which was originally derived from the Nets star’s role in the unforgettable Pepsi ads. To communicate the concept, Nike represents a green screen with the choice of sole color, while the upper is designed with cinematographic, film-like layers. A gold film camera logo is placed on the heel, as is the initials “HF” for Happy Family.

The Nike Kyrie 7 “Expressions” is inspired by Kyrie’s appreciation of art and the freedom of expression. A much brighter color palette is evident, with a pink pastel sole and vivid brush-stroke patterns on the upper. The choice of tan on the tongue is inspired by classic art canvases.

The “Icons Of Sport” is an homage to the heroes in Kyrie Irving’s life. A chain link pattern sits on the heel – a nod to basketball playgrounds – while the colors on the outsole honor the muses in his life. The yellow and purple are a likely nod to the late Kobe Bryant, while the black and blue a tribute to Coach Mike Kryzyzewski. Nike has confirmed that as of now, there will not be a “Mamba Mentality” colorway of the Kyrie 7.

The “Soundwave” represents Kyrie Irving’s love of music. Nike confirms that Travis Scott, a close friend of Kyrie’s, loosely inspired this colorway with the choice of orange and tan tied to La Flame’s own aesthetic. The HF logo appears once again, stylized with music in mind.

A sharp Black/White has been a tradition for the Kyrie signature shoe since the Kyrie 3. It returns once more as the new signature shoe adapts the same colorway with a light teal on the sawtooth piece at the midsole. This colorway will launch on November 23rd.

The “Sisterhood” collection for Holiday 2020 will usher in the Nike Kyrie 7, anchored by the hyper royal and melon tint colorway. Beneath the mesh layer on the upper is the statement pattern seen across all of Nike Basketball’s “Sisterhood” footwear.