COMMENTImage via Foot Locker

Opening this week, Foot Locker’s new location in Times Square is undoubtedly their brightest location in the city, even though it’s not their largest. Kyrie Irving is one of the most brilliant NBA players, so asking him to get ready for the big reveal makes total sense. He offered us an early tour of what consumers might expect in the future, since his face, sneakers, and clothes are strewn around the 17,000 square foot facility on both storeys.

All of Foot Locker’s “shop-in-shops,” which include House of Hoops, Puma Lab, the Adidas Foundation, Nike Fly Zone, and its women’s boutique Six:02, are now housed in one location for the first time. Although there is definitely something for everyone in this wide range of products—from lifestyle to performance—Irving was there to talk hoops. We spoke with the NBA champion about the evolution of his signature sneaker line, his relationships with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and why his “Black History Month” sneakers mean so much to him. From his “hero athlete story” in the kid’s “Nike Fly Zone” to the Kyrie 3 being featured alongside his teammate LeBron James’ signature sneaker in the House of Hoops.

How has designing evolved for you since the release of your first sneaker?Irving: It hasn’t occurred. Undoubtedly, I’m hands-on. Much of the artistic and stylistic content just flows naturally. I also give our team members the freedom to be creative and independent thinkers. It’s a collective effort, not just myself, and I sincerely appreciate that.

Your love of fashion served as the inspiration for your first sneaker. Why are the Kyrie 2 and 3 missing that inspiration?deliberately. The 1 was supposed to be more lifestyle basketball, according to my idea. similar to how Michael Jordan used his 1. Upon first glance, one could wonder, “Is this a basketball shoe?” It might be something different from that. After the first two, it was like, “Okay, let’s dedicate it to basketball.” It was a part of my life; I was recovering from an accident. Clearly, each shoe represents a moment in time of what works best for me on the court.

Image via Foot Locker

It has been announced by Nike that a typical All-Star basketball signature collection would not be offered. What are your thoughts about that?Nothing. Basically, everything is a collaborative effort. a unanimous team decision. We’ll go on to another point in time where we can depict an All-Star Weekend-like society.

What does it mean to be able to wear sneakers in honor of Black History Month? What is the significance of that sneaker to you?For me, it goes beyond simply being a movement. That’s essentially how I’ve been living my entire life. being able to honor the lives of those who came before me as well as the month. That doesn’t just apply to one certain race or exclude others. In terms of where our world is now and where it can go, I believe that humans have come a long way. While there are undoubtedly areas in which we can all improve, as a nation we continue to be resilient and cohesive. Everything will work out if we remain loyal to one another. This is just a modest step. We just need to let the world see the abundance of inner strength, bravery, and pride that everyone of us possesses.

Regarding sneakers and being a part of the Nike family, how do you and LeBron James get along? Is there a friendly rivalry between you two?Since we share a roof in the end, there could never be a rivalry there. The play on the court takes care of itself as we try to push each other’s brands. We are unmatched in the way we support our teams and brands, and Nike does a fantastic job of letting us be the designers and owners of it.

In the past, LeBron James has trashed Kevin Love’s footwear. How does it feel to enter the locker room and see someone wearing sneakers you don’t like?There aren’t many other brands that are associated with our crew. It’s rare for a team to consist entirely of Nike and Jordan players.

Image via Foot Locker

I am aware of Kobe Bryant’s admiration for you. Since he stopped playing the game, he has been extremely silent. Do you still communicate with him?I spoke with him following our Sacramento defeat. Everyone asked, “What’s going on with the Cavs?” at that point. After I called him, we spoke for roughly twenty minutes. Simply put, the mentoring is an open discussion. There is nothing like what he has brought to the game. The cerebral side of things has always piqued my curiosity. It’s not so much about his achievements as it is about the path that led him there. Several of the things that offer you a mental advantage and boost in both life and basketball games. He excels at being able to separate all of that. He will always remain true to himself and continue to be Kobe. It’s fantastic to have a mentor like that and to have such a strong familial background.

In the children’s area of this new Times Square Foot Locker, you’ll be positioned prominently. How does it feel to be viewed as one of the best athletes by Nike and Foot Locker when they are promoting to children? With that, what kind of obligation is it?a great deal, but you also realize that they are actually satiating information. To be a part of that and be able to get that narrative out, about not only myself, but what Foot Locker does, Kids Foot Locker, House of Hoops, all that those companies include. I believe that everyone agrees that we want to set an example for the future generation and commemorate historical occurrences that define our culture. Moment by moment, but in my opinion, connecting everyone—especially the younger generation—is merely my societal duty. We just want to set the groundwork for them to follow because they are so amazing, so naive, and they just want to do what is right.