Matt Varga Kyrie Irving’s connection with his native heritage is no secret, something he’s explored heavily personally and in the public eye after a Standing Rock Sioux naming ceremony in 2018. Hélà (approximately translating to “Little Mountain), the name he recieved on that occasion, has become a frequent moniker in his ANTA catalog as well, resurfacing to continue the introduction of his off-court lifestyle silhouette.
On top of the personal connection, the shoe here revisits a one of the more lasting looks for the ANTA KAI 1 in its own “Chief Hélà” colorway, released in October 2024. Like that on-court counterpart, traditional tassels taken from moccasin footwear appear encircling the collar, carrying through the rich brown tones that coat the suede upper. Removable beads are included to add some extra pop and additional commemorative flair to the shoe. And as we’ve seen throughout Kyrie’s work under ANTA, gometric patterning defines even this lifestyle affair, more subtly applied here via the insole.
Though this is the first time that Kyrie’s lifestyle shoe has recieved the full red carpet rollout, note that it isn’t the first US release for it. That instead took place as a part of the “11 Days” holiday program that brought a slew of new colorways to the public, including “Khaki,” “Mocha,” “Ivory,” “Totem” and “Bone” editions of the model at hand.
The ANTA “Chief Hélà” Hélà Style will release on January 22nd via ANTA.com and partnering retailers like Sneaker Politics and Extra Butter — retail is set at $100 across each of those channels. Check back in for our “Where To Buy” section upon release to find direct pick-up links and enjoy official campaign images below.
