Kyrie Irving’s Anta Lifestyle Sneaker Gets a Moccasin Makeover Similar to His Kai 1
After bringing moccasin-style fringe to the NBA court with his Anta Kai 1, Kyrie Irving is doing the same with his lifestyle sneaker.
The Anta Hélà “Chief Hélà” boasts the same name as its predecessor and is slated to release Wednesday. A shaggy brown suede dresses the shoe’s upper, which includes the same fringe collar as its performance counterpart and adds a number of colorful bead accents including tassels. Turqoise striping is added near the tip of the laces, and the name “Chief Hélà” is embroidered across the two heels. A native totem insole pattern matches its colors with the accents on the exterior.
Irving was given the name “Hélà,” which translates to “Little Mountain,” in 2018 during a ceremony by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of the Lakota people. His mother was a member of the tribute and lived on the reservation prior to her adoption. Before naming his lifestyle sneaker the Hélà and using it for a colorway of the Anta Kai 1 debuted during the NBA playoffs, Irving has long used the moniker for his social media profiles.
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Inspired by skateboarding shoes, the Hélà is just one of many sneakers in Irving’s Anta line that have debuted in less than a year. The Kai 1 performance basketball shoe now has a lighter Kai 1 Speed offshoot, as well as a budget friendly Kai 1 Team variant. In December, Irving also wore what looks to be a prototype for his second signature sneaker.
The Anta Hélà “Chief Hélà” releases Wednesday, January 22, through Anta’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $125, up from the model’s usual retail price of $100.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
