ANTA KAI 1 Speed
Released 9/2024, Low Top, Kyrie Irving,
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Available at 0 shops | Official Retail Price: $124.99
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Performance Ratings
8.9
EXPERT RATING
4 reviews
8.9
USER RATING
3 ratings
Performance Summary
The Anta KAI 1 Speed is a worthy option with impressive traction and an accommodating fit.
Pros
Grippy traction
Generous, comfortable fit
Cons
Poor outsole tread durability
Best Suitable For: This shoe is a good pick for players who want a more responsive version of the KAI 1.
Category Performance Ratings
9.3
Traction
Multi-directional tread with standard rubber. Strong, versatile grip on indoor surfaces, slightly dust-sensitive until broken in.
8.6
Cushion
Nitrogen-infused foam midsole. Lightweight and bouncy with good impact protection, though some find it less plush or slightly less responsive.
8.5
Materials
Embroidered mixed-material upper with breathable mesh and synthetics. Conforms well and feels comfortable; tongue is plush and praised.
9.1
Support
Molded heel counter and structured upper. Solid lateral and torsional stability with good containment for quick cuts.
9.0
Fit
True to size for narrow to medium feet. Snug initial fit that breaks in; toe box slightly tapered for some users.
13%
Outdoor
Rubber tread durability is mixed. Some reviewers say it holds up outdoors while others warn the rubber is too soft and may wear fast.
small
large
Sizing
Runs true to size for most players. Narrow and medium feet can go TTS; no general need to size up.
narrow
wide
Width
Fits narrow to regular widths best. Toe box has a slight taper and may feel snug for wide footers.
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
 ANTA KAI 1 Speed |  Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 13 Encore |  New Balance TWO WXY V3 |  Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 |  Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 |  Nike LeBron NXXT Gen | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.9 | 8.9(0.0) | 8.7(0.2) | 8.7(0.2) | 8.3(0.6) | 8.7(0.2) | |
| User Rating | 8.9 | NA | 8.9(0.0) | NA | 9.2(0.3) | 9.0(0.1) | |
| Best Price | $124.99 | $149 | $119.99 | $89.99 $120 | $129.99 | $129.99 $160 | |
| Type of Cut | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | |
| Weight | NA | NA | 350g - 360g | 400g - 400g | 360g - 370g | 350g - 360g |
19 likes
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10 likes
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Expert Reviews of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
Expert Rating: 8.9 (ranks #18 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.1
November 11, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 Speed has fantastic push-off power, and the shoe propels you in whatever direction you're moving. I like the fit, materials, and outsole tread.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 Speed is an awesome shoe to play in. I felt protected in all movements, the traction was superb, and the cushioning was impressive. This is a top-five shoe for 2024.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
The quality and tech of the Anta KAI 1 Speed are top-notch. It feels like the KAI 1 but it's lower to the ground and more responsive.
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8.5
November 11, 2024
The Anta KAI 1 Speed is faster, lighter, and stiffer than the KAI 1. This shoe is better for players who prioritize fast play styles.
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User Reviews of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
User Rating: 8.9 (ranks #92 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
July 19, 2025
User didn't add a summary.
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Traction of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
Expert Traction Rating: 9.3 (ranks #46 of 381)
User Traction Rating: 9.3 (ranks #57 of 381)
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
November 11, 2024
The outsole tread works well. It's not super tacky but I never slid out. I love the versatility, though. It will play well on multiple court surfaces.
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9.5
November 11, 2024
The traction performance is superb. It's a fantastic setup from Anta.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
Break in the traction. The performance improves the more you play. Just be cautious on excessively dusty courts.
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9.5
November 11, 2024
The traction has a strong grip on all court surfaces.
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Cushion of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
Expert Cushion Rating: 8.6 (ranks #167 of 381)
User Cushion Rating: 8.0 (ranks #246 of 381)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
1
7 - Average
2
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.5
November 11, 2024
The nitrogen-infused foam offers plenty of bounce, and it feels streamlined.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
The foam compound is lightweight, has great impact protection, and doesn't sacrifice court feel.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
The nitrogen-infused foam feels very soft. It feels great under the heel, and responsive in the forefoot.
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7.0
November 11, 2024
The cushioning is worse than the original. The midsole has some bounce, but it is not soft. It also lacks responsiveness.
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Materials of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
Expert Materials Rating: 8.5 (ranks #85 of 381)
User Materials Rating: 8.7 (ranks #104 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
3
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
November 11, 2024
I like the way the upper is constructed with a mixture of materials. It works to provide containment and comfort. The breathability is exceptional.
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8.0
November 11, 2024
The materials are nothing special, but the breathability is impressive.
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8.0
November 11, 2024
The embroidered upper breaks in nicely. The regular KAI 1 is softer, but the Speed is still comfortable. I also love the tongue. It's plush and well-padded.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
I enjoy how the materials conform to my movements. There's no pinching, soreness, or discomfort. The tongue is also a highlight of the shoe.
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Support of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
Expert Support Rating: 9.1 (ranks #14 of 381)
User Support Rating: 8.7 (ranks #145 of 381)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
5
8 - Good
1
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
November 11, 2024
The heel counter design works incredibly well to keep you contained.
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9.5
November 11, 2024
I didn't experience any issues with lateral or torsional support. This is a very supportive shoe.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
You're covered in the forefoot and laterally. The support features are impressive, and the upper is very supportive.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
The support is balanced between flexibility and rigidity. This shoe has fantastic support features.
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Fit of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
Expert Fit Rating: 9.0 (ranks #13 of 381)
User Fit Rating: 9.0 (ranks #57 of 381)
10 - Amazing
2
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
November 11, 2024
I love the fit. The toe box is plenty generous.
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9.0
November 11, 2024
The fit is very snug but breaks in quickly.
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10.0
November 11, 2024
The fit feels perfect for me. My toes are near the edge of the shoe.
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8.0
November 11, 2024
The fit is nothing special. It just works. I never felt any issues.
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Durability of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
User Durability Rating: 8.0 (ranks #246 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
1
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 12.5 (ranks #285 of 381)
User Outdoor Rating: 50.0 (ranks #188 of 381)
Good (100%)
0
Fair (50%)
2
Bad (0%)
3
fair
November 11, 2024
The tread is tough enough for outdoor courts.
More details
no
November 11, 2024
I would not bring this pair outdoors.
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no
November 11, 2024
The rubber feels too soft for outdoor play.
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no
November 11, 2024
I'm concerned about the durability.
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Width of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
very narrow
0
slightly narrow
1
regular
5
slightly wide
1
very wide
0
regularly wide
November 11, 2024
2E feet can go true to size.
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regularly wide
November 11, 2024
The toe box has a slight taper.
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regularly wide
November 11, 2024
The width is normal to slightly narrow.
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regularly wide
November 11, 2024
The toe box is average.
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Size of the ANTA KAI 1 Speed:
very small
0
slightly small
0
true to size
6
slightly long
1
very long
0
true to size
November 11, 2024
Narrow and medium feet can go true to size.
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true to size
November 11, 2024
I went true to size.
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true to size
November 11, 2024
I went true to size.
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true to size
November 11, 2024
You can safely go true to size.
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