Kyrie Irving Finds Inspiration in His Background for Nike's N7 Collection

Collaborating with athletes who come from Tribal Nations including Kyrie Irving, Lauren Schad and Lyle Thompson, the N7 Collection from Nike is honoring Indigenous culture and craft through an array of specifically designed footwear and apparel. Featuring a new N7 Kyrie Low 4, learn how the star basketball player’s identity informs the designs of this collection and speaks to other athletes of Indigenous backgrounds.

Inspired by Irving’s journey to connect with his community from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the basketball player is paying tribute to a star quilt with the N7 Kyrie Low 4. During a traditional naming ceremony, Irving was gifted a brightly colored traditional quilt and integrated its colors and hand-stitched details into his shoe design. The embroidered swoosh on the shoe pays tribute to the cultural practices of his Tribal Land and is complemented by an upper space yarn that’s dyed in natural colors. Other key details include a chunk deco stitching pattern that signifies people coming together in goodness and positivity.

Representing Pueblo and Navajo soccer players, Madison Hammond connects with Irving’s story. The rising athlete points to the significance of their “multi-layered background” that she and Irving share. “There’s a difference between being raised in a certain culture and having that just as your inherent identity, as opposing to having to reclaim it later in your life,” says Hammond. Highlighting Irving’s story helps to shed light on underrepresented groups to help Nike develop a complete perspective on the world of sport.

In case you missed it, Lyle Thompson recently shared the inspirations behind his Dunk Low. To shop the Kyrie Low 4 and other footwear and apparel in the N7 Collection, check out Nike’s website or select Nike and Hibbett Sports retail locations the U.S. and Canada.