The Brooklyn Nets were having a great season until Kevin Durant suffered a knee injury in early January. Since then, the team has been on a losing streak. During a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, Kyrie Irving was seen wearing some of his older Nike models with black tape covering the logo which caught much attention.
This wasn’t the first time Irving had made a statement with his shoes. Before, Irving had worn shoes with messages of liberation and freedom. This time, the messages were even more significant. His shoes had “Moorish Liberation” written on the lateral side of the right shoe and “Helia” on the medial side of the left shoe.
The messages have a deep connection with Irving’s personal life. Irving converted to Islam earlier in his career and is likely referencing the Moors. According to Wikipedia, Moors are not distinct or self-defined people. The term carries a somewhat derogatory connotation and has been variously applied to different groups of Muslims.
The shoe was an Asia Irving colorway of the Kyrie 6. The design was originally created by Irving’s sister, Asia, in collaboration with Nike. The shoe features “Year of the Woman” branding, a nod to gender equality. Asia’s name is also stitched into the midfoot strap and the tongue of the right shoe.
Unfortunately, Nike and Kyrie Irving have discontinued their partnership. This means no new Kyrie shoes will be created under Nike, leaving many fans disappointed. But there’s still good news for Kyrie fans. Most of Irving’s shoes are being sold for half-price on Nike’s website, so it’s the perfect time for fans to purchase the shoes before they’re gone forever.
