Kyrie Irving’s connection to his Indigenous heritage is no secret, something he explored extensively personally and in the public eye following a Standing Rock Sioux naming ceremony in 2018. Hélà (roughly translating to “Little Mountain), the name he received on this occasion, has also become a frequent nickname in his ANTA catalog, resurfacing to continue the introduction of his off-pitch lifestyle silhouette.
In addition to the personal connection, the shoe here revisits one of the most enduring looks of the ANTA KAI 1 In its own “Chief Hélà” colorway, released in October 2024. Like its on-court counterpart, traditional tassels taken from moccasins appear encircling the collar, continuing through the rich brown tones that cover the suede upper. Removable beads are included to add extra flair and an extra commemorative touch to the shoe. And as we’ve seen throughout Kyrie’s work under ANTA, geometric patterns define even this lifestyle affair, applied here more subtly via the insole.
While this is the first time Kyrie’s lifestyle shoe has received the full red carpet rollout, note that this isn’t the first U.S. release. Rather, this took place within the framework of the “11 Days” vacation program which brought a host of new colorways to the public, including “Khaki”, “Mocha”, “Ivory”, “Totem” and “Bone” editions of the model in question.
The ANTA “Chief Hélà” Hélà style will release on January 22 via ANTA.com and retail partners like Sneaker Politics and Extra Butter – retail price is set at $100 on each of these channels. Check back to our Where to Buy section upon release to find direct pickup links and enjoy the official campaign images below.
