The Boston Celtics point guard debuted the shoes last night in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks
Hypebeasts unite! The KYRIE 5’s are here.
Debuted last night, Kyrie Irving proudly sported his new signature shoe in a 117 – 113 Boston Celtics victory over the Milwaukee Bucks that saw him go for 28 points, seven assists and three rebounds.
Designed by Benjamin Nethongkome alongside Kyrie himself, the KYRIE 5 is highlighted by a trio of new design elements, beginning with an articulated forefoot zoom bag that provides responsiveness at all directions. This is where the Air Zoom Turbo unit curves to wrap the bottom and sides of the foot, aiding Irving’s quick change of pace.
Then there’s the new containment system, which pulls inspiration from a Venus Flytrap. It creates peak containment above the Air Zoom Turbo unit while the Flywire locks the foot into the Air Zoom Turbo unit, amplifying responsiveness.
Finally, the new traction pattern on the outsole offers Kyrie added stability.
But more than just the design, according to Kyrie one of the most important elements of the new shoe is its various colourways.
“I’m more enriched with the cultural aspects that make fashion and ideas move forward,” he explains.
“I’ve become more involved with what’s going on in the outside world. Before, I was just trying to get a shoe out. I was just trying to have something that looks hot, looks good. Now I’m trying to have something that is driven from who I am.
“In that, I’m just a normal person with a vision. I want to have everyone be included in it.
“With the colourways, and the stories these relay, I’m trying to be more honest. Whether people pass judgment on the stories or not, it’s going to happen. The importance is making these relatable. And at times, I want to support others in sharing their stories.
“People sometimes feel like they’re alone or they feel like they can’t connect to anyone. I want to come in and bridge that gap for them — that’s part of the great potential of this whole thing.”
More vocal about creating what he wanted in terms of driving colour and overall design, Kyrie regularly noted his thoughts down and shared them with Nethongkome during the design stages.
Take a look at the original sketches of the KYRIE 5 here.
The new KYRIE 5 ‘Black Magic’ colourway will launch globally November 22nd 2018.
