ANTA KAI 1
Released 3/2024, , Kyrie Irving,
Add to Favourites
8.4
EXPERT RATING
8 reviews
8.9
USER RATING
5 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 |  Nike KD 17 |  Nike G.T. Cut Academy |  Nike Cosmic Unity 3 |  Air Jordan 38 | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.4 | 8.6(0.2) | 8.1(0.3) | 8.2(0.2) | 8.0(0.4) | 8.6(0.2) | |
| User Rating | 8.9 | 8.6(0.3) | 7.7(1.2) | 8.7(0.2) | 7.9(1.0) | 8.9(0.0) | |
| Best Price | $124.99 | $127.99 $170 | $125 $150 | $62.97 $95 | $99.99 $170 | $103.97 $200 | |
| Type of Cut | High Top | ||||||
| Weight | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 390g - 410g |
42 likes
from StockX
$318.00
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 8 reviews
Expert Reviews of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Rating: 8.4 (ranks #139 of 312)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
5
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
User Reviews of the ANTA KAI 1:
User Rating: 8.9 (ranks #77 of 312)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
3
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.
More details
9.0
April 17, 2024
Cushion feels softer the longer you play, traction is very consistent even in dusty court
More details
8.6
June 17, 2024
User didn't add a summary.
More details
Traction of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Traction Rating: 8.3 (ranks #191 of 312)
User Traction Rating: 8.4 (ranks #187 of 312)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
8
7 - Average
1
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.
More details
8.0
April 5, 2024
The traction performs very well after an initial break-in period. It's solid, but not top-tier.
More details
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.
More details
8.0
March 17, 2024
The KAI 1 traction is flat but performs decently well.
More details
8.0
March 17, 2024
The traction performance feels good but not great.
More details
8.0
May 1, 2024
The traction performance is honourable. I was expecting a bit more. I had no issues during play.
More details
8.0
May 19, 2024
The traction performance is slightly above average.
More details
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.
More details
Cushion of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Cushion Rating: 8.8 (ranks #101 of 312)
User Cushion Rating: 8.4 (ranks #162 of 312)
10 - Amazing
2
9 - Great
6
8 - Good
4
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
9.0
May 1, 2024
The cushioning is my favourite feature. The foam is versatile with a good balance of impact protection and responsiveness.
More details
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.
More details
9.0
June 9, 2024
The cushioning setup feels very nice. The impact protection is impressive, and I still felt responsive.
More details
Materials of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Materials Rating: 8.3 (ranks #111 of 312)
User Materials Rating: 8.8 (ranks #70 of 312)
10 - Amazing
2
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
7
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.
More details
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.
More details
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.
More details
9.0
March 17, 2024
I'm impressed with the materials. There's lots of padding for extra comfort.
More details
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.
More details
8.0
May 1, 2024
The materials feel standard. Anta did a good job.
More details
8.0
May 19, 2024
The attention to detail is unbelievable, but the materials feel cheaper than expected. The breathability feels okay.
More details
8.0
June 9, 2024
The upper is a full textile. It feels durable and comfortable.
More details
Support of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Support Rating: 8.6 (ranks #112 of 312)
User Support Rating: 9.2 (ranks #37 of 312)
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
5
8 - Good
5
7 - Average
0
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.
More details
8.0
April 5, 2024
Support and lockdown feel good.
More details
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.
More details
9.0
March 17, 2024
The material usage on the lateral side provides excellent stability and containment. Heel containment and lockdown are solid too.
More details
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.
More details
9.0
May 1, 2024
The lockdown feels A1. I had no issues with the support features.
More details
8.0
May 19, 2024
The stability is decent. The lockdown could be better around the heel, though.
More details
8.0
June 9, 2024
I had zero issues with the support in the shoe. My heel and foot felt contained.
More details
Fit of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Fit Rating: 8.1 (ranks #194 of 312)
User Fit Rating: 8.8 (ranks #102 of 312)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
7
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.
More details
9.0
April 5, 2024
The shoe fits me like a glove. My toes go right to the edge.
More details
8.0
May 1, 2024
After breaking the shoe in, I enjoyed the fit. My foot felt well accommodated.
More details
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.
More details
9.0
March 17, 2024
The strap area can become constricted if you lace up tightly. Otherwise, the shoe fits me perfectly.
More details
7.0
May 1, 2024
I prefer a tighter-fitting shoe. I would've liked a shoe with less space.
More details
8.0
May 19, 2024
The fit is straightforward with no issues.
More details
8.0
June 9, 2024
I enjoy the fit. I only experienced a bit of dead space in the toe box.
More details
Durability of the ANTA KAI 1:
User Durability Rating: 8.7 (ranks #104 of 312)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the ANTA KAI 1:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 20.0 (ranks #214 of 312)
User Outdoor Rating: 33.3 (ranks #233 of 312)
Good (100%)
0
Fair (50%)
4
Bad (0%)
4
fair
March 26, 2024
The rubber is soft and malleable but still feels durable.
More details
fair
April 5, 2024
This shoe isn't the best option for outdoor play, but it's not terrible.
More details
no
May 1, 2024
The traction will perform well outdoors, but the rubber is not durable.
More details
no
March 17, 2024
I wouldn't take these shoes outdoors.
More details
no
May 1, 2024
You're better off staying indoors when hooping in this shoe.
More details
Width of the ANTA KAI 1:
very narrow
0
slightly narrow
2
regular
9
slightly wide
2
very wide
0
slightly narrow
March 26, 2024
The strap can cause cramping for wide feet. Go up half a size.
More details
regularly wide
April 5, 2024
The width feels normal.
More details
slightly wide
May 1, 2024
The width is wide-foot friendly after a break-in period.
More details
slightly narrow
March 17, 2024
People with wide feet can go up half a size.
More details
regularly wide
March 17, 2024
Most wide-footers can go true to size.
More details
slightly wide
May 1, 2024
The base is wide enough for most players.
More details
regularly wide
May 19, 2024
My slightly wide feet felt fine going true to size.
More details
regularly wide
June 9, 2024
The width feels comfortable.
More details
Size of the ANTA KAI 1:
very small
0
slightly small
1
true to size
11
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.
More details
true to size
April 5, 2024
I went true to size.
More details
true to size
May 1, 2024
I recommend going true to size.
More details
true to size
March 17, 2024
Go true to size for people with regular feet.
More details
true to size
March 17, 2024
Go true to size.
More details
½ size large
May 1, 2024
I wish I would've gone down half a size.
More details
true to size
May 19, 2024
True to size is my recommendation for most people.
More details
true to size
June 9, 2024
The shoe runs true to size.
More details
Share this article:
Sharing is caring:
Sneaker Geek App
Get the "SneakerGeek" app and always stay up-to-date with new shoe releases!
Latest Shoe Releases:
8.1
Nike KD 17
