What sizes are left?
FAQ + live marketUpdated 2026-03-11
ANTA Kai 1
Kyrie Irving's first signature with Chinese brand ANTA that delivers competitive basketball performance while challenging Nike's dominance of the signature shoe market.
Guide Score
73/100
GoodLensBasketball
Comfort8/10
Durability5/10
SizingRuns half size big
WidthStandard fit
Dress codeAthletic
CushioningNitro
This is our 0-100 guide score for the shoe overall. Higher is better. It is not a stock number or a price score.
How to trust it
The Sources section links to 8 pages we used or checked.
This is a SoleFeed guide page with live store data.
Moderate evidence — enough to identify patterns
Key facts
- Popularity: High attention due to Kyrie's star power and the Nike departure story
- Comfort: Nitrogen Speed cushioning is responsive and court-ready
- Fit: Runs slightly small, half size up recommended
- Value: Good at $125-150, undercuts most Nike signatures
- Use case: Basketball performance, guard-style play
- Risk: ANTA quality perception and limited Western retail availability
Shoe intelligence
Comfort 8/10Durability 5/10Size up ½NitroBasketball
Guide
Full breakdown
The ANTA Kai 1 is Kyrie Irving's first signature shoe after leaving Nike, released in 2024 through Chinese sportswear brand ANTA. It features Nitrogen Speed cushioning, a flexible upper designed for Irving's quick-cutting play style, and a herringbone traction pattern. The shoe generated significant attention as the highest-profile signature shoe ever produced by a Chinese brand for the Western market.
Questions answered
FAQ
Is the ANTA Kai 1 good for basketball?
Yes, it has been well-reviewed for on-court performance. The traction is excellent, the cushioning is responsive, and the fit suits quick, agile play styles. It performs competitively with Nike signatures at a lower price.
How does the Kai 1 compare to Kyrie's Nike shoes?
Performance is competitive. The Kai 1 trades Nike's cultural cachet and retail distribution for a lower price and the novelty of the ANTA partnership. On-court feel is similar.
Where can you buy the Kai 1?
Availability in Western markets is more limited than Nike or Adidas. ANTA's own channels, select retailers, and online marketplaces. Distribution has been improving but is not yet mainstream.
Does the Kai 1 run true to size?
Reports suggest it runs slightly small. Half a size up from your Nike size is commonly recommended. Trying them on in-store is ideal if possible.
Sources & methodology
This page mixes guide writing with current store data.