Kyrie Irving and Nike look to be headed for a divorce. The Brooklyn Nets superstar had some harsh reviews for Nike's new Kyrie 8 after a picture of the sneaker was leaked on Instagram. Based on the photo, the latest iteration of the popular Kyrie series showed the sneakers in black and silver colorways and adorned with the Nike swoosh.
Irving minced no words about his next signature shoe in a comment to that post, saying he had nothing to do whatsoever with the design or marketing of Kyrie 8. He then continued his tirade, labeling the sneakers as "trash."
Irving deals Nike huge blow with Kyrie 8 outburst
Irving then apologized to all sneakerheads and supporters of his brand ahead of the launch, with the seven-time All-Star confirming that Nike will still release the Kyrie 8 line even without his approval. Irving's response to the post has garnered more than 12,600 likes and more than 300 replies, many of which support the NBA champion guard's stance.
Nike has yet to comment about the leaked images and whether the sneakers in the photos are indeed Kyrie's next signature shoe. Irving's fiery reaction, however, all but confirms that this is indeed what the shoe giant created for his signature line.
It's incredible to think that Nike will pull off such a move with one of its main endorsers. According to Forbes, Irving's shoe deal with Nike is one of the richest in the NBA, with a contract worth $11 million per year. Irving and Nike's relationship stretches back to 2011 when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him in that year's draft as the no. 1 overall pick.
There were no signs that Nike and Irving had any problems before Irving's outburst on Wednesday. Nike Chief Executive Officer John Donahoe lauded the previous Irving design, the Kyrie 7, on a conference call with analysts in 2020, calling the sneaker a top performer after it hit store shelves that year.
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Irving involved with the design of previous Kyries
Nike has sold many versions of Kyrie-branded sneakers since they debuted in the market in 2014. Kyries have continuously delivered models that became a hit with both his fans and sneakerheads alike. The former NBA champion, for that matter, has had significant input on the sneakers that bear his name.
Designer Ben Nethongkome said in an interview with The Undefeated's Aaron Dodson in November 2019 that Irving "sat down and invested hours" into identifying the look for the Kyrie 6. Irving also collaborated with Nickelodeon for a SpongeBob SquarePants x Kyrie collection in 2019, with the colorways inspired by the cartoon's main characters.
With all the negative publicity that the supposed Kyrie 8 is receiving right now on social media, it's safe to say Kyrie's new signature shoe will not be appearing in stores anytime soon.
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