Kyrie Irving has always felt proud of his Native American roots. The most recent generation of his signature sneaker with Anta.

During Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Irving wore his ‘Chief Hélà’ version of the KAI 1s, which had a moccasin-like style with a unique fringe accent on the back.’

The shoe’s name, ‘Chief Hélà,’ is derived from Irving’s Lakota name, which means Little Mountain. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe gave Irving his name in 2018.
Irving held a release ceremony for the KAI 1s in Deep Ellum, Dallas, in March. In addition to the new version of his signature shoe unveiled on Wednesday, Irving has many additional hues for the playoffs.

 
In July 2023, Irving inked a five-year shoe contract with Anta, a Chinese sportswear manufacturer. Anta has secured contracts with the Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and others.