Kicks

Kyrie Irving Sparks Excitement With Fiery New Sneakers

The ANTA KAI 1 Speed "Twin Flame" is heartfelt tribute to Kyrie Irving's parents.

Pat Benson

The ANTA KAI 1 Speed "Twin Flame" colorway.
The ANTA KAI 1 Speed "Twin Flame" colorway. / ANTA
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After leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving has stayed busy all summer. The face of ANTA basketball has supplied fans with several exciting new sneakers.

Irving has recently enlisted the help of his father, Drederick, to design a limited-edition colorway inspired by his mother, Elizabeth. Today, the father-son duo debuted the ANTA KAI 1 Speed in the "Twin Flame" colorway.

This special release serves as a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to the powerful bond between Kyrie's parents, celebrating the love, strength, sacrifice, resilience, and legacy that have shaped his journey.

Kyrie Irving's purple and orange sneakers.
The ANTA KAI 1 Speed "Twine Flame." / ANTA

The ANTA KAI 1 "Twin Flame" edition will be available exclusively for purchase at ANTA.com, Foot Locker, and Dick's Sporting Goods for $125 in adult sizes on September 28, 2024.

This unique edition pays homage to two extraordinary athletes who first connected at Boston University, their alma mater. The "Twin Flame" design encapsulates the essence of their union, symbolizing the merging of their individual greatness and the profound love that built the foundation of their family.

The rich purple hue, drawn from Kyrie's KAI 1 'AOC' colorway, takes on a deeper meaning in this edition. It symbolizes the balance of masculine and feminine energies, woven together with blue accents reflecting Drederick's favorite color and fuchsia for Elizabeth's. This color scheme is a tribute to all facets of their journey and their relentless quest for excellence.

Kyrie Irving's purple and orange sneaker.
The ANTA KAI 1 Speed upper. / ANTA

The shoe's front lace loops feature two flame graphics that converge at the center, embodying Drederick and Elizabeth's unity. Intricate gold details throughout the design reflect the values of generosity and compassion — the core principles instilled in Kyrie by his parents and extended family.

These elements honor a legacy that Kyrie now carries forward as he builds family, tribe, and community. Vibrant orange accents symbolize the passion and vitality that fueled Drederick and Elizabeth's pursuit of success, capturing the mutual support and emotional strength they shared—qualities that continue to inspire and shape Kyrie's path.

The gradient design on the shoe's upper represents the gradual merging of Drederick and Elizabeth's individual journeys, seamlessly blending into one harmonious whole.

Side of Kyrie Irving's purple and gold sneakers.
The ANTA KAI 1 Speed details. / ANTA

Finally, the “Big Mountain, Little Mountain” design on the midfoot outsole symbolizes the father-son relationship between Drederick and Kyrie, representing their shared journey through life and basketball.

The design mirrors Kyrie's own evolution from a talented child to a basketball phenomenon, embodying the unity, balance, and strength passed down to him.

The ANTA KAI 1 "Twin Flame" edition goes beyond its meaningful design, featuring cutting-edge performance technology developed to meet the demands of high-level athletes like Kyrie.

The purple and tan outsole of Kyrie Irving's shoe.
The ANTA KAI 1 Speed outsole. / ANTA

The shoe is crafted with high-strength, lightweight engineered mesh that enhances agility for quicker movement on the court while providing exceptional durability for enduring high-level play.

Strategic heat-pressed reinforcements deliver targeted support where athletes need it most, especially during lateral movements and quick directional changes.

A midfoot webbing support system holds the foot in place, while a Feather Blade TPU provides lateral stability. The shoe features ANTA's advanced Nitro-Edge technology for responsive cushioning throughout the full length of the midsole.

Purple heels of Kyrie Irving's sneakers.
The ANTA KAI 1 Speed heels. / ANTA

Lastly, the forefoot rubber outsole provides unparalleled grip. The tribal-inspired "Enlightened Warrior" traction pattern ensures multi-directional control for explosive and smooth gameplay.

The NBA season is quickly approaching and fans will soon get to see Irving and ANTA cook up more fire sneakers. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NBA and beyond.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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