Sneaker News Updated October 9th, 2024: ANTA has announced official release information for the KAI 1 “Chief Hélà,” dropping via an ANTA.com exclusive launch on October 12th. Sign-ups are available here. True to the PE he sported during the NBA finals, the design is highlighted by a bevy of tassels that dip from the collar to the midsole.
Those leather details and the comprehensive brown palette are an allusion to Irving’s Native American heritage; “Hélà” was assigned to him in a Lakota naming ceremony in 2018. Men’s sizing and a $125 retail price are expected; we’ll keep you posted with any further info as it comes.
Original article published May 23, 2024: Kyrie Irving is on a mission to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2017 when he was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since bouncing to Boston and later Brooklyn, the mega-talented guard has found a home in Dallas alongside Luka Doncic; it’s in Texas where he also debuted his newest signature shoe, which just recently hit the spotlight in the Anta Kai 1 “Chief Hélà” colorway.
Inspired by moccasins and his family ties to the Lakota Tribe, the ANTA KAI 1 “Chief Hélà” features an all-brown upper with accents of a caramel tan on the upper as well as the outsole. Around the ankles are leather tassels that truly reflect the Native American origins of the historic piece of footwear.
If you recall, Kyrie Irving wore a custom pair shoes for the 2023 All-Star Game in which his Nike Kyrie 8 — the last signature shoe he released with the Swoosh — was customized to appear like a pair of moccasins.
Looking forward, ANTA confirms with Sneaker News that the ANTA KAI 1 “Chief Hela” is confirmed to release later this Summer. Firm drop info will follow soon. Be sure to tune into the Western Conference Finals to check out what else Kyrie will be wearing throughout the Playoffs.
In other basketball shoe news, check out this newly revealed, unreleased sample of the adidas AE1.
