He’s been rookie of the year, a six-time all-star, a league champion, and even starred in a series of soda commercials as an alter ego, “Uncle Drew.” That role, born in 2012 when he and fellow pro legends went under disguise as elderly has-been players only to unleash their talents on unsuspecting playground ballers, blew up in popularity. Kyrie wrote two of the episodes and saw it all culminate in a 2018 feature film.
Leaping to stardom
Born in Australia, where he lived his first two years, the 6-foot-2 point guard came up through the college ranks as a Blue Devil, and he’s been a pro with Cleveland, Boston, and now Brooklyn.
Coincidentally, Kyrie debuted his signature Nike, the Kyrie 1, in a December 2014 game at Brooklyn. Its designer, Leo Chang, sought to capture Kyrie’s explosiveness and speed. So its debut coming in a victory that night seemed to shine an appropriate light on the occasion.
Following editions of his shoe, notably the Kyrie 5 and Kyrie 6, show the evolution of the ways in which Chang has addressed Kyrie’s needs as a player. Both models, like so many before, let the outsole reach up to help contain the other edge of the foot, a way to support slashing cuts and hard stops from an explosive player like Kyrie. And the lace-locking shroud of the 5, and the midfoot strap of the 6, help lock down that crucial area of the foot.
Complete that look
No matter which Nike Kyrie shoe kids step into, they can finish off that Kyrie look with a variety of apparel options. T-shirts feature Kyrie in mid-crossover dribble, while bold colorblocking of full-zip hoodies and fleece pants help pull the look together, too.
And all are available in colors that will keep up with Kyrie.
