Kyrie Irving's quirky approach to sneaker collaborations continues with another Nike Kyrie 5 inspired by a popular television series.
Earlier this year, Irving told Complex about several TV-themed collabs he had in the works, including a pair linked to SpongeBob SquarePants. That's seemingly been confirmed with this first look at a unique make-up that pulls its look directly from the cartoon's lead character. In addition to a vibrant yellow "spongy" upper, the shoe features a palette of white, red and gum light brown, which mimic SpongeBob's usual dress shirt, tie and shorts attire. A Nickelodeon logo is also visible along the overlay, making this an official project.
Irving and Nike recently released a Kyrie 5 inspired by his favorite show Friends. It's also been reported that Irving is a huge fan of SpongeBob and even quotes some episodes word-for-word in his teams' training rooms.
As of now, a release date hasn't been announced for the "SpongeBob" Kyrie 5s, but Irving initially implied that there would be a Patrick Star colorway, so this pair may be part of a multi-shoe pack in the works. Keep an eye out for updates here as soon as more about this collaboration is announced.
UPDATE (07/16): The official Instagram account of Roc Nation Sports has provided the first look at the full SpongeBob SquarePants x Nike Kyrie collection. The preview features the Brooklyn Nets point guard alongside the pack inspired by SpongeBob and the gang. The post also provides the first look at the "Sandy" and "Mr. Krabs" colorways of the Kyrie Low 2. A release date for the pack still has yet to be announced.
UPDATE (07/18): Official images of the "SpongeBob" and "Patrick Star" colorways from the SpongeBob SquarePants x Nike Kyrie pack have surfaced, courtesy of Nike. While a wider launch is currently set for Aug. 10, both pairs released early via SNKRS Cam at the iconic animated series' booth at Comic-Con 2019 in San Diego earlier today, and have since sold out.
UPDATE (07/22): Following a limited release of the "SpongeBob" and "Patrick" Kyrie 5s last Friday, Nike has officially revealed all five pairs from the SpongeBob SquarePants x Nike Kyrie pack inspired by characters from the iconic animated series. Each pair will release on Aug. 10 via select retailers.
UPDATE (07/25): Ahead of the official launch next month, Kyrie Irving broke down the full five-sneaker collection on the official SpongeBob SquarePants YouTube channel. "This sneaker pack is a lot bigger than obviously just putting out the shoes," Irving says. "It's the connection I have to the youth and passing down some timeless gems."
Look for the full collection to drop Saturday, Aug. 10.
SpongeBob SquarePants x Nike Kyrie 5 "SpongeBob"
Release Date: 08/10/19
Style #: CJ6951-700
Price: $130
SpongeBob SquarePants x Nike Kyrie 5 "Patrick Star"
Release Date: 08/10/19
Style #: CJ6951-600
Price: $130
