Matt Varga As seen with the feverish response to the ANTA KAI 1 “Chief Hela,” Kyrie Irving’s new signature line is in the middle of a stellar rookie year. Though there’s still plenty of room to build on the basketball tentpole (the KAI 1 “Triple Black” a chief example), now is the perfect time to capitalize by adding other verticals. The just-unvieled ANTA KAI Tribe does exactly that, adding a lifestyle option to the Dallas superstar’s catalog.
It’s only logical that this daily driver strips back the KAI design language to fit easier into consumer’s wardrobes. The toe-box takes the radial geometry that marks the basketball model and turns into hardware, expressing raised, plush construction at the forefoot. While a more abstract touch, the layered panels of the basketball counterpart remain here, easily seen at the quarter where four separate pieces intersect over neutral suede. Of course, the hieroglyphic iconography remains a focal point, found anchoring the laces and on a branded heel cup.
Two colorways are teased in this first look, one in black and one in white & purple. The nocturnal edition relies entirely on suede and mesh, while the lighter version builds on leather, both polished and raw. Even before the shoe is fully out of the breaks, we’re getting a sense of how ANTA creatives can experiment with the model as its life cycle plays out.
The ANTA KAI Tribe is expected to debut this Fall. Pricing information is currently a mystery, but keep this article and our Sneaker Release Dates page handy to stay in the loop as it emerges.
Elsewhere in lifestyle shoes, the Action Bronson New Balance 1906R drops May 31st.
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “Black” @NickDePaula
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “Black” @NickDePaula
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “Black” @NickDePaula
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “Black” @NickDePaula
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “White/Purple” @NickDePaula
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “White/Purple” @NickDePaula
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “White/Purple” @NickDePaula
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- ANTA KAI Tribe “White/Purple” @NickDePaula
