It was love at first sight for cager and occasional actor and TV host Andre Paras when he first experienced a pair of Anta shoes, a KT5 Rocco Colorway (KT stands for Klay Thompson, and yes, it’s his signature shoe).
“I fell in love with that but sadly the store only had size 12, I’m size 14. Even online, my size was sold out. Well, for me, if even online it’s not available, it means it’s a good shoe, it’s a good shoe to play with. So, I never gave up hope that maybe one day I’d find a size for me,” Paras said of the NBA superstar’s signature shoe.
“Next thing I know, Anta reached out to me and asked me if I wanted to be part of the friends of the brand. I immediately said yes,” the Blackwater Bossing player carried on.
Paras, with his father, former PBA star and comedian Benjie Paras, and Rain or Shine rookie Anton Asistio, graced the opening of Anta’s newest store in Robinsons Place Manila. The trio also joined other sports and basketball enthusiasts in witnessing the unveiling of the star of the event, the KT7.
“Our latest store is not only a surprise for Dub Nation but also to Filipino sports fanatics in general. From the new KT7 to the latest sports apparel, accessories, and footwear, Anta Culture has always been about spreading the soul and the spirit of modern sports to the world,” said JP Paglinawan, AvidSports Philippines General Manager.
The new gym-lounge-inspired Anta store is located on the second floor of Robinsons Place Manila’s Padre Faura Wing. Offering a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, it is also the first G10 Anta Concept Store in the Philippines.
Going back to the “star” of the store opening, KT7 is anchored with the design concept “above the waters.” It reflects Thompson’s on-and-off-the-court power of penetrating through the hardest barriers and toughest battles.
It can be recalled that Thompson suffered from an ACL injury during the 2019 NBA finals, and also tore his Achilles tendon just before the 2020-21 season started. But it seems we’re going to see him back in action soon.
According to the report of ESPN’s Nick Friedell, the Golden State Warriors has assigned the basketball superstar to its G-league affiliate to receive practice time while he continues with his rehabilitation program.
Now, the latest edition of his signature shoe is expected to delight his fans who are patiently waiting for his return.
For the look of its signature Blank Space colorway, KT7’s whole body is white, with a brush of green on cuff. The side is made of nylon, resembling a stroke of calligraphy on Chinese art paper. The shoe’s all snow-white parts highlight salient features of science and technology.
Aside from the signature color Blank Space, KT7 also comes in two other color variants: The KT7-Rocco and KT7 Night Storm.
KT7-Rocco takes full-printing patterns with the whole body covered with portraits and food images of Rocco—Thompson’s dog—with faint effects appearing indistinctly. For KT7 Night Storm, its color scheme reminds one of violent storm at night. It is similar to Thompson’s attack on the court, which is as fierce as strong wind and heavy shower.
To make it more elastic, KT7 features NitroSpeed for better energy return and Smart S.A.M for better cushioning. Part of the ANTA 3D Flow System, Smart S.A.M refers to shock absorption molecule, and fluid, bulletproof materials that can absorb 99.4 percent of impact to reduce the burden on ankles and knees to a great extent. It also uses lower heights, and thin and breathable material for comfort.
For stability, KT7 uses parametric for better traction and liquid rubber for better grip.
Filipino pride
Anta is also putting a spotlight on Filipino pride and the country’s love for basketball. The shoe brand will unveil its new ‘Friends of ANTA’ brand ambassadors featuring professional and collegiate basketball players in the country. Joining Paras and Asistio is UP Fighting Maroons player Joe Gomez De Liaño.
