Kyrie Irving, the point guard currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks, is one of the best guards in the game. Being the first overall pick during the 2011 NBA Draft, the player won Rookie of the Year the exact same year. Irving is known to be one of the best ball handlers in the game and has gained massive popularity among the fans for his game style. He is well-known not just for his amazing abilities on the basketball court, but also for his love of making distinctive basketball shoes.

Looking at his popularity, he got offered a deal by Nike and made some exceptional shoes. However, due to an issue between the brand and the athlete, Irving’s contract was terminated, and he signed with a brand called Anta. What’s interesting is how his latest trademark shoes have progressed in terms of style and pricing. And this is in stark contrast to his initial signature shoe, the Kyrie 1.

Kyrie’s Nike shoes vs. Anta shoes

Nike released the Kyrie 1 in December 2014, signifying a watershed point in Kyrie Irving’s career. He was a rising star with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time and had recently joined Nike’s exclusive Athlete Family. Nike Basketball Footwear Design Director Leo Chang created the Kyrie 1 with a mid-top silhouette and a mix of materials, including composite textiles and mesh. The Kyrie 1 made its debut in the “Dream” colorway, with a price tag of $110. Because of its low price, it was accessible to both basketball fanatics and fans. It was named after Irving’s understanding that his goal of playing in the NBA had come true.

Fast forward to the present: Irving’s distinctive sneaker journey has taken an interesting turn. The Kyrie Irving x Anta Shock Wave 5 Pro, has developed as a symbol of aesthetic and performance excellence. Its design is simple and elegant, providing a pleasant and lightweight experience for regular use. The pricing is one noteworthy difference between the Anta Shock Wave and the Kyrie 1. The Anta Shock Wave 5 Pro costs $279.99, which is roughly twice the price of the Kyrie 1.

Read More: VIDEO: Thousands Jump On Kyrie Irving and His Father as $126,000,000 NBA Superstar Arrives in China

This pricing difference is supposedly because of the new technology and features used by Anta. The Shock Wave 5 Pro has a high-strength yarn that is woven into dynamic line groups. That, however, improves both style and durability of the sneaker. It has nitrogen technology in the footbed and midsole for outstanding responsiveness and cushioning. The shoe design incorporates PU material for increased support and TPU plates for stability. And if that wasn’t enough, they added a rubber outsole with an anti-slip tread pattern for improved grip. All these features make the shoe a nice package but miss the personalized touch the Nike Kyries used to possess.

What was special about the Nike Kyries?

The Nike Kyries were not only good-looking but also cost-effective. Irving released 7 models of the Kyries with Nike and each model had an inspiring backstory. Like the Kyrie 1s were called Dream because it was his dream to play in the NBA and this was his first-ever signature shoe. He released more than 21 colorways of the shoe and the shoe had a friendly response in the sneaker market. With the Kyrie 2s, he incorporated unique 3D graphic elements into the shoe. Those elements were a symbol of different stories from his life.

The Nike Kyrie 3s were a work of art, with profound elements that expressed Kyrie Irving’s ideals and influences. On the tongue of the sneakers, inscriptions such as “JBY” (Just Be Yourself) and “H+H” (Hungry and Humble) embodied Irving’s favorite mottos. These are just a few examples of the retail pairs as there are some pairs he made in collaboration with other brands like concepts. Those shoes were a tribute to his culture and were made in very limited quantities.

Kyrie Irving continues to awe fans with his abilities and imagination. And?it’s evident that his trademark shoe line will be an important part of his legacy in basketball and fashion.

Watch this Story: After Losing Millions on a Deal With $162,580,000,000 Brand, Kyrie Irving Joins Forces With a Chinese Sneaker Giant in a 5Yr Contract