Kyrie Irving's 'Kyrie 2'

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is getting closer to returning to the court just as Nike has announced the official release date for the second generation of his signature shoes.
Coincidence?


Probably, since the December 15 release date for the Kyrie 2 sneakers had been leaked online well before Nike's reveal on Wednesday. It should be noted, however, the Cavaliers play at Boston on Dec. 15, so it could be a case of marketing kismet if, in fact, that's the day Irving comes back.
"Dreams do come true and I still feel like the kid that was trying to name and design my shoe as a grade schooler!" Irving posted on Instagram after Nike's announcement.

While the new Kyrie 2s share some similar design elements with the first edition, the upper part of the shoe has been completely redesigned with a radial pattern on the sides and a strap across the front.
"The strap is designed to suck your heel back into the shoe and keeps it secure, whether you're accelerating or decelerating," Nike designer Leo Chang says on the company's website.
But the defining feature of the shoe, Nike says, is a "first-of-its-kind curved midsole and outsole, designed to enhance intense banking and cutting."
Just what Irving -- he of the killer crossover dribble -- craves.
Here's how Nike describes some of the shoe's features:

• Rounded outsole enables the smooth lateral transitions required for fast, fluid play.
• The Nike Zoom Air unit in the heel is even lighter and lower-profile than before, providing responsive cushioning for every step.
• The unique strap design helps keep your foot locked in while adding stability in the heel.
• Hyperfuse construction for durability, breathability and support.
• Mesh tongue and collar help keep your feet cool.
• Outsole herringbone pattern wraps up the sidewalls for maximum traction.
• Large pivot circle for multidirectional traction.

Another difference between the Kyrie 2 and the first edition: the price. The shoes start at $125, up from $110.

The Kyrie 2 in "Inferno" hits stores on Jan. 1.Nike 

The first colorway, dubbed "Effect" and seen above, is available on Tuesday. The "Inferno" colorway, right,  hits stores on Jan. 1.
Customizable NikeiD versions of the shoes start at $165 and are available now on Nike.com.
The first Kyrie signature line debuted last December, racking up $7 million in sales in the first three months, according to Forbes. While that is a far cry from the $340 million worth of sneakers his Cavaliers (and Nike) teammate LeBron James sold last year, an industry analyst told the Wall Street Journal last month "it's certainly possible" young stars like Irving and Golden State's Stephen Curry could sell shoes at a level that rivals James and Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant in time.