Late last year, Kyrie Irving and ANTA invited Sole Retriever, alongside a slew of sneaker media, out to China to preview upcoming drops from the duo. We were fortunate to see new performance basketball sneakers, lifestyle apparel, and the ANTA Hélà Style sneaker. This skate-shoe-inspired lifestyle model is just making its way to the US. Following drops part of ANTA and Kyrie’s 11 Days initiative to cap off 2024, 2025 will start with a Chief Hélà colorway of the ANTA Hélà Style.
Taking inspiration from the ANTA Kai 1 Chief Hélà, released in October 2024, the pair mimics the appearance of a traditional moccasin through its color palette and extended suede upper. While the sneaker's brown suede toebox and front half are visible, the back is covered with a tassel-laden suede panel extending down to the sole unit. Parts of these tassels come with yellow, red, and sky blue beads, matching the multi-color pattern applied to the insole and the beads on the vamp.
More contrasting hits are found via stitching details, which outline panels on the toebox, the white Kyrie Irving signature on the tongue tag, and the “Hélà” and “Chief” text on the left and right heel tab, respectively. Down below, the rubber midsole and outsole take on a cream-white finish.
Irving spoke about the sneaker: "Every step I take in my journey honors my ancestors and the strength they’ve passed down to me. The 'Chief Hélà' shoe is more than just a design; it’s a tribute to where I come from and a symbol of unity and progress. I’m proud to share this part of my story with the world.”
The ANTA Hélà Style Chief Hélà will release on January 25, 2025, through ANTA and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $125. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via ANTA
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com