We might not have Dallas Mavericks Kyrie Irving’s ankle-breaking crossover or his sixth sense for making split-second plays on the basketball court, but slipping into the new Kai 2 “White Phantom” or Kai 2 “Sun” sneakers might get us a little closer (even if only in our dreams). Designed in collaboration with ANTA, these two luminous sneakers bring more than just performance – they symbolize a player mindset of purpose, power, and optimism.
A white shoe with a white sole
Clad in a clean white upper with icy silver accents on the tongue and logos, the Kai 2 “White Phantom” brings serious energy whether you’re on the court or out in the world. Its luminous, glow-in-the-dark sole isn’t just a flashy party trick; it’s a nod to players who continue to show up when the lights go out and the pressure is on. Built for movement and made for moments, this sneaker is engineered to shine – literally. Inside, Irving leaves you with a little reminder: “You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing.”
Close-up of a white athletic sneaker with textured and glossy detailing, showing the laces, tongue, and part of the upper design against a plain gray background
Close-up of a white athletic sneaker with textured and glossy detailing, showing the laces, tongue, and part of the upper design against a plain gray background.
Close-up of a white athletic sneaker with textured and glossy detailing, showing the laces, tongue, and part of the upper design against a plain gray background.
Close-up of a white athletic sneaker with textured and glossy detailing, showing the laces, tongue, and part of the upper design against a plain gray background.
Close-up of a white athletic shoe with iridescent blue and gold geometric patterns and textured sole
Close-up of a white shoe tongue with the word "Elizabeth" embroidered in light grey stitching on the fabric
Three black geometric symbols arranged vertically on a white textured background: a fan shape, a diamond with a square inside, and two arrows pointing in opposite directions
A grey and yellow shoe
glow in the dark sole of a sneaker
A pair of orange athletic sneakers with blue accents and zigzag patterns, set against a plain gray background
If the “White Phantom” is all about cool, quiet mystique, the Kai 2 “Sun” is its fiery, radiant counterpart. Drenched in a vibrant mix of daylight orange, solar ochre, and sky blue, this colorway channels Irving’s reverence for nature and the duality of the sun and moon. “I’ve always been moved by the glow of the rising sun,” shares Irving. “It reminds me to walk in faith, stay aligned with nature, and never take a single moment for granted. This colorway represents my belief that every day is a chance to rise again – and to speak truth with light.” With celestial textures, a zig-zag midsole mimicking sunlight on water, and a guiding hand icon on the heel, every detail is charged with intention. Worn daily, it becomes a symbolic reminder of hope, vitality, and the power to begin again.
Close-up of an orange athletic shoe with blue and yellow accents, showing detailed stitching and textured sole against a plain gray background
Close-up of a colorful sneaker with orange, turquoise, and purple zigzag and geometric patterns, featuring a signature on the light blue sole
Bright orange athletic sneaker with aqua and blue accents, zigzag patterns, textured sole, and a signature logo on the midsole, shown in a side profile against a gray background
Close-up of an orange athletic shoe with blue and yellow accents, showing detailed stitching and textured sole against a plain gray background
Close-up of an orange athletic shoe with blue and yellow accents, showing detailed stitching and textured sole against a plain gray background
Whether you gravitate toward the icy mystique of the White Phantom or the bold optimism of the Sun, there’s no doubt either sneaker brings both performance and purpose to your day (or night). More than just footwear, they’re powerful reminders to stay grounded in your truth and keep moving forward.
Close-up of an orange athletic shoe with blue and yellow accents, showing detailed stitching and textured sole against a plain gray background
Close-up of an orange athletic shoe with blue and yellow accents, showing detailed stitching and textured sole against a plain gray background
To add Kyrie Irving and ANTA’s Kai 2 “White Phantom” or Kai 2 “Sun” sneakers to your own collection, visit anta.com.
Photography courtesy of ANTA.
As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She's probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.