For Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving, a signature shoe was never the goal.
But Irving, now on the cusp of releasing the Kyrie 5 with Nike, has discovered the creative process of developing and designing his own sneaker to be empowering and rewarding. The fifth iteration in Irving’s line, scheduled to be released on Nov. 22, features innovative technology that caters to his crafty and ever-evolving game.
There’s the “Air Zoom Turbo,” an airbag embedded in the footbed that cushions him against start-and-stop play; there’s the new lacing system, modeled after a Venus flytrap, that locks in and supports the foot; and there’s the revamped traction pattern that facilitates his omnidirectional movements.