Shoe test | Anta Kai 3, foot to the floor!

The Anta Kai 3 will be the signature renaissance shoe for Kyrie Irving. Still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon at the end of last season, the Mavs leader knows there’s a little gem waiting for him at the end of the tunnel.

The creative director of the Chinese equipment manufacturer since 2023, Kyrie Irving has developed a unique identity, largely inspired by his Native American heritage. Its distinctive collection has advanced in terms of performance over the years to offer this Kai 3 to be classified among the most successful models of the season.

Released two weeks ago, the Kai 3 also marks a renewal for the Anta, which arrived in the European market last fall and will have a high-end model for continued promotion. Even Stephen Curry gave it a little help by wearing it this week during the Warriors vs. Mavs game.

GENERAL COMFORT

The shoe provides support and therefore compresses the foot quite well when laced. We feel the TPU reinforcement in the bottom of the heel, the base of the ankle joint is well secured and the rest of the foot as well.

Comfort is very present, especially thanks to the rather thick midsole. The upper is lightweight and the tongue is also quite thin. The whole thing, however, could have benefited from a few ventilation points.

Note: 8.5

CUSHIONED

The Kai 3 benefits from an all-new midsole with a generous dose of nitrogen-injected N2 foam. The result is very good with a hint of comfort in the heel, for comfortable cushioning.

The impression that the whole is gaining from advanced reactivity. The sole is thick enough to provide good cushioning, but you don’t sink into it. The whole thing remains stiff enough to provide plenty of bounce and dynamic support.

Note: 8.5

TRACTION

Kudos to Anta for making the Kai 3 sole their big highlight. The model was obviously expected at this point, because Kyrie Irving is a reference for his changes of direction and his ultra-lively support. The result is really impressive!

The grip of the non-slip rubber sole is perfect. Herringbone patterns climb quite high on the front side sections, with flared contours to follow the sills as far as possible. The forefoot is perfectly locked, thanks to the new stability system and its accentuated lines that follow the natural movement of the foot.

Note: 9

SUPPORT AND STABILITY

You’d think Kyrie Irving would let his legs roam free. It’s quite the opposite, he needs them to be perfectly maintained in order to get by. The heel is well supported thanks to internal TPU reinforcement, the ankle is also well supported and the rest of the foot is well compressed. Upon arrival, this is also a big plus for the couple.

Stability is also very good with a fairly wide base and front contours designed to provide stability. The device also benefits from a carbon fiber plate under the midfoot to provide good support throughout.

Note: 9

GRADUATES AND LIFE CENTURY

We can count on Kyrie Irving’s artistic fiber to redouble his imagination and creativity to surprise with every color of the Kai 3. The model started very strong with its inaugural version called “CNI” for “Chinese New Year”, with a gradient between blue, pink and yellow, marking the transition from winter to spring. The upper is coordinated with a pearl white upper, gold finishes and even a pendant, where we find the player’s logo, also present on the tongue and heel.

Numerous patterns that reference Kyrie Irving’s mother’s Native American culture and heritage remain one of the hallmarks of this Kai 3. So many finishes can be found on the heel, tongue, forefoot and back of the sole where the words “Anta” and “Kai” appear. Among the many “Easter eggs” that can be found throughout, we can read the phrase “This billion dollar dream started in my backyard”, present under the middle of the sole.

As for longevity, Anta made sure to cover the front base and top of its upper with a thin strip of clear TPU. The rest of the upper and sole of the coupler should also be able to hold up reasonably well over time.

Note: 9

JUDGMENT OF KAI 3

This third signature shoe from Kyrie Irving’s Kai collection marks the arrival of equipment manufacturer Anta Sports to the European market with great fanfare. This undoubtedly offers its most advanced model in terms of performance.

We really find a model in the purest style of Kyrie Irving, with amazing grip qualities, good support and a new midsole that is thick enough for comfort and responsiveness to provide the most explosive support.

Kiria Irving’s design and touch in terms of style are now well identified and add to the uniqueness of the model. In any case, this one has enough to rank at the top of the basket, as in the best years of the elusive leader.

Note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shoe weight (size 45): 435 grams

Price: available 135 euros on the official website of Anta

Rating scale

– minus ⭐⭐: not recommended
– between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: faults that may stop some, but qualities that will charm others
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: an exceptional couple!