ANTA KAI 1
Released 3/2024, , Kyrie Irving,
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8.4
EXPERT RATING
10 reviews
9.1
USER RATING
7 ratings
The Anta KAI 1 is a well-rounded performer with excellent support and balanced cushioning.
Best Suitable For:
The Anta KAI 1 is best for tactile players looking for a responsive and low-to-the-ground setup.
Category Performance Ratings:
Weight & Sizing:
Weight:
NA
Sizing:
small
large
Width:
narrow
wide
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
ANTA KAI 1 |  New Balance Kawhi 4 |  New Balance TWO WXY V5 |  Nike Ja 2 |  Nike KD 17 |  Nike G.T. Cut Academy | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.4 | 8.5(0.1) | 8.7(0.3) | 8.1(0.3) | 8.1(0.3) | 8.2(0.2) | |
| User Rating | 9.1 | 8.9(0.2) | NA | 8.7(0.4) | 8.8(0.3) | 8.6(0.5) | |
| Best Price | $124.99 | $101.97 $170 | $119.99 | $119.99 | $112.98 $150 | $69.99 $95 | |
| Type of Cut | |||||||
| Weight | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
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from StockX
$282.00
ANTA KAI 1 Review
Pros:
Balanced cushioning
Support feels secure and stable
Cons:
Breathability could be better
Materials need a break-in period
Performance of the ANTA KAI 1:
Anta and Kyrie Irving team up to release Kyrie's first signature shoe with the brand.
The traction utilizes a unique design which provides a balanced performance. It feels grippy yet forgiving.
Kyrie seems to favour responsiveness in his cushioning. Anta's Nitroedge foam feels low to the ground and balanced. There's impact protection under the heel and responsiveness in the forefoot.
The materials become flexible and more comfortable after breaking them in. Some reviewers have minor gripes with the breathability but appreciate the extra padding.
The KAI 1 features all the necessary support features. The shoe's base and midfoot strap provide plenty of stability and containment.
Anta and Kyrie did a great job with the Anta KAI 1. The performance, particularly the support, feels excellent.
See all 10 reviews
Expert Reviews of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Rating: 8.4 (ranks #147 of 330)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
7
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.7
March 26, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 feels incredibly low to the ground. The traction and cushioning also allow players to get creative with their movements.
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8.6
April 5, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 has consistent traction and responsive cushioning. I felt fast and quick while playing in this shoe.
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8.6
May 1, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 has plenty of tech features to aid with support, traction, and cushioning. The performance is impressive.
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8.4
March 17, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 is a solid first signature shoe with Anta for Kyrie. The support and lockdown are excellent, and the cushioning feels responsive.
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8.4
March 17, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 is an outstanding first signature shoe with the brand. The cushioning feels comfortable, and the materials feel impressive after breaking in.
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8.4
July 15, 2024
I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoy the Anta KAI 1. The shoe feels smooth and the traction is a standout feature.
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8.2
May 1, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 impressed me performance-wise. I like the materials and construction, but the cushioning is my favourite feature.
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8.2
May 19, 2024
I had a fun time playing in the Anta KAI 1. It's a solid performer, but it isn't an elite shoe. The cushioning and traction are the best features.
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8.2
June 9, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 is a solid pickup. My only gripe is the break-in time. I enjoyed the cushioning and overall performance after the shoe broke in.
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7.8
November 2, 2024
I don't recommend the Anta KAI 1 for bigs. If you play on clean courts, this shoe is more suitable for guards and wings.
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User Reviews of the ANTA KAI 1:
User Rating: 9.1 (ranks #50 of 330)
10 - Amazing
2
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
1
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.2
May 7, 2024
I love these shoes. Absolutely no negative aspects except maybe the weight. I am a point guard and I can only recommend this shoe. The lockdown is fantastic. You don't slip a bit in these shoes and you can react very quickly. Ive only played indoors and the traction was great, even on dusty courts. If you can get these for a decent price, do not hesitate to pick these up if youre interested in a great guard shoe. I got the Anta Kai 1 Playoffs White.
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9.0
April 17, 2024
Cushion feels softer the longer you play, traction is very consistent even in dusty court
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8.6
June 17, 2024
User didn't add a summary.
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Traction of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Traction Rating: 8.2 (ranks #231 of 330)
User Traction Rating: 8.6 (ranks #178 of 330)
10 - Amazing
2
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
9
7 - Average
2
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.0
March 26, 2024
The traction is an impressive combination of forgiveness and grip. I love the tactile profile.
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8.0
April 5, 2024
The traction performs very well after an initial break-in period. It's solid, but not top-tier.
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10.0
May 1, 2024
The traction pattern is unusual. The tread is not aggressive, but it still performs very well. I was pleasantly surprised by how little dust the shoe picked up.
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8.0
March 17, 2024
The KAI 1 traction is flat but performs decently well.
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8.0
March 17, 2024
The traction performance feels good but not great.
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9.0
July 15, 2024
The traction performs very well. It doesn't pick up much dust, and the grip and bite are impressive.
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8.0
May 1, 2024
The traction performance is honourable. I was expecting a bit more. I had no issues during play.
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8.0
May 19, 2024
The traction performance is slightly above average.
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8.0
June 9, 2024
The traction performance requires some break-in time, but it becomes solid afterwards. Make sure to watch out for dust.
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7.0
November 2, 2024
The outsole feels rigid, and I had some slippage. Dust caused me a lot of problems.
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Cushion of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Cushion Rating: 8.8 (ranks #107 of 330)
User Cushion Rating: 8.9 (ranks #106 of 330)
10 - Amazing
4
9 - Great
7
8 - Good
5
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.5
March 26, 2024
You can feel the top-loaded shank provide push-off power. The nitrogen-infused foam provides a balanced, low-to-the-ground performance.
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10.0
April 5, 2024
The cushioning is my favourite part of the shoe. The heel is soft, and the N2 foam is plush and responsive. This setup is well-balanced.
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9.0
May 1, 2024
I welcome the full-length Nitroedge foam Anta uses in the KAI 1. You might need to break it in if you're lighter. I love the impact protection, while still feeling low to the ground.
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8.0
March 17, 2024
The Nitroedge foam provides impact protection under the heel and responsiveness under the forefoot. The cushioning feels close to the ground.
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8.0
March 17, 2024
There's plenty of impact protection under the heel. The foam is Anta's Nitroedge technology, and it feels similar to all of Kyrie's previous Nike shoes.
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8.0
July 15, 2024
The cushioning feels responsive. You're going to feel fast in this shoe. Court feel is the priority.
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9.0
May 1, 2024
The cushioning is my favourite feature. The foam is versatile with a good balance of impact protection and responsiveness.
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9.0
May 19, 2024
The NitroEdge foam feels more well-cushioned than any Nike Kyrie models. It feels great and much improved for a Kyrie shoe.
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9.0
June 9, 2024
The cushioning setup feels very nice. The impact protection is impressive, and I still felt responsive.
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9.0
November 2, 2024
I have no complaints about the cushioning. Impact protection is solid without sacrificing the court feel.
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Materials of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Materials Rating: 8.2 (ranks #150 of 330)
User Materials Rating: 9.0 (ranks #43 of 330)
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
9
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
March 26, 2024
The upper has a lot of stitching and reinforcing. I'm also a fan of the strap. The tongue is extra padded and secure, too.
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8.0
April 5, 2024
The upper feels soft and comfortable, especially the woven section over the toe box. The internal padding is also plush.
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8.0
May 1, 2024
The materials feel nice. I like how well-padded the inner lining is. It feels incredibly comfortable. Breathability isn't the best.
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9.0
March 17, 2024
I'm impressed with the materials. There's lots of padding for extra comfort.
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8.0
March 17, 2024
The materials are a mix of mesh and TPU. The performance becomes better after a break-in period. It feels durable and flexible.
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8.0
July 15, 2024
The materials are soft yet supportive. The shoe also feels light. I love the details and construction of the upper.
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8.0
May 1, 2024
The materials feel standard. Anta did a good job.
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8.0
May 19, 2024
The attention to detail is unbelievable, but the materials feel cheaper than expected. The breathability feels okay.
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8.0
June 9, 2024
The upper is a full textile. It feels durable and comfortable.
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8.0
November 2, 2024
The upper is flexible and non-restrictive. You can play in this shoe immediately. Breathability is not the best, though.
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Support of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Support Rating: 8.4 (ranks #169 of 330)
User Support Rating: 9.3 (ranks #28 of 330)
10 - Amazing
4
9 - Great
6
8 - Good
6
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
10.0
March 26, 2024
The lockdown and containment are outstanding. The mid and rearfoot feel incredibly stable, too.
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8.0
April 5, 2024
Support and lockdown feel good.
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8.0
May 1, 2024
The base width and the carbon fibre shank plate feel great for support. The strap doesn't do much, though.
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9.0
March 17, 2024
The material usage on the lateral side provides excellent stability and containment. Heel containment and lockdown are solid too.
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9.0
March 17, 2024
The shoe has all the support you need, including a shank plate. The strap and shoe's base also provide plenty of stability.
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8.0
July 15, 2024
The support feels solid thanks to the upper materials and construction. The base is also wide and stable.
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9.0
May 1, 2024
The lockdown feels A1. I had no issues with the support features.
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8.0
May 19, 2024
The stability is decent. The lockdown could be better around the heel, though.
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8.0
June 9, 2024
I had zero issues with the support in the shoe. My heel and foot felt contained.
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7.0
November 2, 2024
Because of the extra space from the upper, lockdown in the forefoot is lacking. The torsional support isn't as good as I wanted, either.
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Fit of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Fit Rating: 8.2 (ranks #181 of 330)
User Fit Rating: 9.1 (ranks #31 of 330)
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
5
8 - Good
8
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.0
March 26, 2024
The fit is a little short but is generous on the footbed.
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9.0
April 5, 2024
The shoe fits me like a glove. My toes go right to the edge.
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8.0
May 1, 2024
After breaking the shoe in, I enjoyed the fit. My foot felt well accommodated.
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8.0
March 17, 2024
The lacing system helps the shoe hug your foot. There's more space in the toe box than in other Anta shoes.
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9.0
March 17, 2024
The strap area can become constricted if you lace up tightly. Otherwise, the shoe fits me perfectly.
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9.0
July 15, 2024
The fit feels great. I like how accommodating it feels.
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7.0
May 1, 2024
I prefer a tighter-fitting shoe. I would've liked a shoe with less space.
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8.0
May 19, 2024
The fit is straightforward with no issues.
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8.0
June 9, 2024
I enjoy the fit. I only experienced a bit of dead space in the toe box.
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8.0
November 2, 2024
The sneakers fit me close to perfectly.
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Durability of the ANTA KAI 1:
User Durability Rating: 8.8 (ranks #91 of 330)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 35.7 (ranks #166 of 330)
User Outdoor Rating: 33.3 (ranks #241 of 330)
Good (100%)
1
Fair (50%)
5
Bad (0%)
4
fair
March 26, 2024
The rubber is soft and malleable but still feels durable.
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fair
April 5, 2024
This shoe isn't the best option for outdoor play, but it's not terrible.
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no
May 1, 2024
The traction will perform well outdoors, but the rubber is not durable.
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no
March 17, 2024
I wouldn't take these shoes outdoors.
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fair
July 15, 2024
The traction will hold up better than other shoes outdoors.
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no
May 1, 2024
You're better off staying indoors when hooping in this shoe.
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good
November 2, 2024
The grip is perfect for outdoor courts.
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Width of the ANTA KAI 1:
very narrow
0
slightly narrow
2
regular
13
slightly wide
2
very wide
0
slightly narrow
March 26, 2024
The strap can cause cramping for wide feet. Go up half a size.
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regularly wide
April 5, 2024
The width feels normal.
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slightly wide
May 1, 2024
The width is wide-foot friendly after a break-in period.
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slightly narrow
March 17, 2024
People with wide feet can go up half a size.
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regularly wide
March 17, 2024
Most wide-footers can go true to size.
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regularly wide
July 15, 2024
There's enough room for wide-footers to go true to size.
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slightly wide
May 1, 2024
The base is wide enough for most players.
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regularly wide
May 19, 2024
My slightly wide feet felt fine going true to size.
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regularly wide
June 9, 2024
The width feels comfortable.
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regularly wide
November 2, 2024
Players with wide feet don't need to worry.
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Size of the ANTA KAI 1:
very small
0
slightly small
1
true to size
15
slightly long
1
very long
0
true to size
March 26, 2024
Narrow and medium feet can go true to size. People with long feet want to consider going up half a size.
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true to size
April 5, 2024
I went true to size.
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true to size
May 1, 2024
I recommend going true to size.
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true to size
March 17, 2024
Go true to size for people with regular feet.
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true to size
March 17, 2024
Go true to size.
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true to size
July 15, 2024
I recommend going true to size.
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½ size large
May 1, 2024
I wish I would've gone down half a size.
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true to size
May 19, 2024
True to size is my recommendation for most people.
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true to size
June 9, 2024
The shoe runs true to size.
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true to size
November 2, 2024
True to size works for me.
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