Anta Kai 1 Speed Review: A Comprehensive Guide
You know that feeling when you step on the court and your shoes just click? That connection between your feet and the floor that makes every move feel effortless? The Anta Kai 1 Speed promises exactly that experience.
This basketball shoe comes from the collaboration between NBA superstar Kyrie Irving and his father, Drederick Irving, making it more than just another sneaker release.
When Kyrie left Nike to join Anta, basketball fans wondered if the quality would match his previous signature line.
Key Takeaways
- Superior Traction Performance: The herringbone pattern on the outsole delivers ultra tacky grip that works perfectly for quick cuts and direction changes. The traction feels more aggressive than the original Kai 1, making it ideal for shifty guards who need instant stopping power.
- Responsive Nitro Edge Cushioning: The nitrogen infused foam provides a bouncy, responsive ride while keeping you low to the ground. This setup offers better impact protection than the original Kai 1 without sacrificing court feel or responsiveness.
- Elite Support and Lockdown: TPU panels on both sides, a substantial shank plate at midfoot, and external heel counters work together to create maximum foot containment. Your foot stays locked in during the hardest crossovers and explosive movements.
- Outdoor Durability: Unlike many performance basketball shoes, the Kai 1 Speed handles outdoor courts without wearing down quickly. The durable rubber compound maintains its grip on rough surfaces that would destroy other shoes.
- True to Size Fit: The shoe fits true to size when you go with your centimeter or euro measurement. The lightweight mesh upper breaks in quickly and conforms to your foot shape within a few wears.
- Exceptional Value at $125: You get premium performance features at a mid range price point that competes with shoes costing much more. The quality and technology justify every dollar you spend.
What Makes the Anta Kai 1 Speed Special
The Anta Kai 1 Speed represents a new chapter in basketball footwear. When Kyrie Irving signed with Anta in 2023, he didn’t just become another signature athlete. He took the role of creative director for the entire basketball division, giving him control over design and athlete signings.
His first major move? Signing his own father, Drederick Irving, to a sneaker deal. The Kai 1 Speed serves as Drederick’s first signature shoe, making it a family legacy product that carries emotional weight beyond performance specs.
This shoe targets players who move like Kyrie. Quick guards who rely on explosive first steps, sharp direction changes, and unpredictable movement patterns. The design philosophy centers on speed and agility rather than maximum cushioning or heavy support structures.
Traction That Grips Like Crazy
The standout feature of the Anta Kai 1 Speed is its exceptional traction pattern. The outsole uses primarily herringbone grooves that feel ultra tacky from the first step. After a brief break in period of just a few games, the grip becomes even better as the rubber compounds conform to court surfaces.
The traction pattern differs from the original Kai 1 with a more aggressive bite. Those deeper grooves grab the floor during quick stops and direction changes. When you plant your foot for a crossover or pull up jumper, the shoe sticks exactly where you need it.
What really sets this traction apart is the rounded outsole design. Like many Kyrie models from his Nike days, portions of the outsole wrap up the midsole. This design choice adds mobility for those exaggerated moves where you’re practically rolling on the side of your foot.
Indoor courts are where this shoe truly shines. The herringbone pattern delivers instant stopping power without any dust wiping needed. You can make sudden direction changes with complete confidence that your feet won’t slip out from under you.
Cushioning System Explained
The Anta Kai 1 Speed uses Nitro Edge foam technology in the midsole. This nitrogen infused foam creates a cushioning system that feels more responsive and bouncy than traditional EVA foam setups. The foam density strikes a balance between impact protection and court feel.
Compared to the original Kai 1, the Speed version implements the cushioning differently. The first Kai 1 featured a heavily caged midsole that felt very low to the ground and ultra responsive but not particularly plush. The Speed removes much of that caging, exposing more of the foam to create a softer, more cushioned ride.
You still get that responsive, bouncy feeling that makes you want to stay on your toes. The nitrogen infusion keeps the foam from bottoming out during hard landings. But now you also get better impact protection for those explosive movements and jump shots.
The cushioning setup remains clearly designed for guards. It’s not a thick, plush ride like you’d find in a center’s shoe. Instead, it provides just enough padding to protect your joints while maintaining the low to ground feel that quick players need.
Top 3 Alternatives for Anta Kai 1 Speed
Materials and Construction Quality
The upper construction of the Anta Kai 1 Speed uses lightweight mesh with an embroidered pattern throughout the body. This mesh provides excellent breathability to keep your feet cool during intense games. The thin material also means minimal break in time needed before the shoe feels comfortable.
High wear areas like the toe box and lateral sides feature reinforcement with a hot melt fuse style material. In some spots, this material looks like textured leather, but it’s actually a durable synthetic that holds up better to repeated wear. These reinforcements prevent the mesh from tearing during aggressive movements.
The materials are clearly chosen for function over luxury. At a $125 price point, Anta focuses the budget on performance features rather than premium leathers or exotic textiles. The upper gets the job done without any complaints, though it doesn’t feel as luxurious as some competitor shoes.
One impressive aspect is how quickly the upper conforms to your foot shape. Within just a couple of wears, the mesh and reinforcements mold around your foot contours. This creates a custom fit feeling that enhances the overall lockdown and support.
Support Features That Lock You In
Support is where the Anta Kai 1 Speed truly excels above its price range. The shoe features TPU panels on both lateral and medial sides that add containment and prevent your foot from rolling over during hard cuts. These panels also add torsional rigidity to keep your foot stable during twisting movements.
A substantial TPU shank plate runs through the midfoot area. This plate provides arch support and prevents the shoe from collapsing during explosive lateral movements. The shank connects the heel and forefoot, creating a stable platform for quick direction changes.
Both external and internal heel counters wrap around your heel to lock it firmly in place. This dual counter system prevents heel slippage that can cause blisters or instability during gameplay. Your heel stays planted exactly where it should throughout every movement.
The Achilles notches deserve special mention for their effectiveness. These curved cutouts in the heel collar allow your Achilles tendon to move freely without restriction. At the same time, they help lock your heel down by creating a snug fit around the lower ankle.
Sizing and Fit Guide
Chinese basketball shoe brands have earned a reputation for inconsistent sizing that makes buying online risky. The good news is that Anta has improved significantly in this area. The Kai 1 Speed fits true to size when you go with your centimeter measurement or euro size.
If you normally wear a US size 10, check what that converts to in centimeters. Then order that centimeter size in the Kai 1 Speed. This approach eliminates the confusion that sometimes comes with US size conversions from Chinese brands.
The shoe offers a generous, comfortable fit that accommodates most foot shapes. The toe box provides enough room for your toes to spread naturally without feeling cramped. At the same time, the midfoot and heel fit snugly to provide lockdown.
Width wise, the shoe works well for average to slightly wide feet. If you have particularly narrow feet, you might find the fit a bit roomy in the midfoot. Very wide footed players should still be able to wear their normal size comfortably.
Performance on the Court
On court performance is where the Anta Kai 1 Speed proves its value. The combination of excellent traction, responsive cushioning, and elite support creates a shoe that disappears on your feet. You stop thinking about your footwear and focus entirely on your game.
The traction enables explosive direction changes without any slippage. When you plant your foot to change direction, the herringbone pattern grabs the floor instantly. This confidence in your grip allows you to push your movements to the limit.
Quick first steps feel effortless thanks to the responsive Nitro Edge cushioning. The foam returns energy with each push off, giving you an extra boost of acceleration. The low to ground feel maintains excellent court contact for precise footwork.
Lateral movements are where the support system really shines. The TPU panels and shank plate keep your foot stable during hard cuts. You can lean into crossovers and defensive slides without worrying about rolling your ankle.
Durability Testing Results
Durability often separates good basketball shoes from great ones. The Anta Kai 1 Speed performs exceptionally well in this category, especially for its affordable price point. The traction rubber shows minimal wear even after dozens of games on various surfaces.
The outsole rubber compound is clearly designed to handle outdoor courts. Unlike many performance shoes that wear down quickly on concrete, the Kai 1 Speed maintains its traction pattern and grip. This makes it a versatile option for players who split time between indoor and outdoor courts.
The upper materials hold up well to the friction and stress of basketball movements. The fuse reinforcements in high wear areas prevent the mesh from tearing. Even after aggressive cutting and sliding, the upper maintains its structural integrity.
The cushioning foam shows minimal compression over time. The Nitro Edge technology maintains its responsive feel even after extended use. You don’t get that dead, bottomed out feeling that happens with cheaper foam compounds.
Colorway Options Available
Anta releases the Kai 1 Speed in numerous colorways that range from subtle to bold. The Pass the Torch colorway features a clean white base with gold accents, representing the father son connection between Kyrie and Drederick Irving.
The North Star edition uses deep blues and purples to create a cosmic theme. This colorway includes reflective details that catch light beautifully. It’s one of the more eye catching options available.
Afro Futurism celebrates African heritage with vibrant patterns and colors. This colorway makes a statement on the court with its unique aesthetic that stands out from typical basketball shoe designs.
The Electric Horizon brings bright neon accents on a darker base. This option appeals to players who want maximum visibility and bold style. The contrast between the bright highlights and dark foundation creates visual impact.
Who Got Next features a sleek monochrome look that works with any uniform. This versatile colorway lets the shoe’s performance speak for itself without loud graphics or colors competing for attention.
Price and Value Analysis
At $125 retail price, the Anta Kai 1 Speed delivers exceptional value for performance basketball shoes. Compare this to signature shoes from Nike or Adidas that often retail for $140 to $180, and you’re getting similar or better performance for less money.
The traction quality matches shoes that cost $50 more. The support system rivals premium models from major brands. The responsive cushioning competes with nitrogen or boost foam setups found in much pricier shoes.
You’re essentially getting flagship performance at mid tier pricing. The only real compromise is in premium materials and brand prestige. If those factors matter less to you than on court performance, this shoe is an incredible value.
Sales and promotions sometimes drop the price to $90 to $100, making it an absolute steal. At that price point, it’s hard to find any basketball shoe that performs better. The value proposition becomes almost too good to pass up.
The durability adds to the value equation. Since the shoe lasts longer than many competitors, you get more games per dollar spent. This longevity means you don’t need to replace your shoes as frequently.
Who Should Buy This Shoe
The Anta Kai 1 Speed is perfect for quick guards who prioritize speed and agility over maximum cushioning. If you play like Kyrie Irving with lots of direction changes, crossovers, and explosive movements, this shoe will enhance your game.
Players who need excellent traction will love this shoe. The herringbone pattern works on any court surface without requiring constant dust wiping. You can trust your grip in crucial moments.
If you split time between indoor and outdoor courts, the durability makes this an ideal choice. Many players can’t afford separate shoes for different surfaces, and the Kai 1 Speed handles both equally well.
Budget conscious players get premium performance without premium pricing. You don’t need to compromise on quality just because you’re watching your spending. This shoe proves that affordable can still mean excellent.
However, bigger players or those who need maximum cushioning should look elsewhere. The low profile, responsive cushioning serves guards better than forwards or centers who need more impact protection.
Comparing to the Original Kai 1
The original Anta Kai 1 and the Kai 1 Speed share many similarities but feature some key differences worth understanding. Both shoes use the same Nitro Edge foam technology, but the implementation differs significantly.
The original Kai 1 features a heavily caged midsole that creates an ultra responsive, low to ground feel. The Speed removes much of this caging to expose more foam, resulting in a softer, more cushioned ride. This makes the Speed more comfortable for players who want impact protection.
Traction on the Speed feels more aggressive with deeper grooves and a tackier rubber compound. The original Kai 1 had excellent traction, but the Speed takes it up another notch. This improvement benefits players who make the quickest, shiftiest movements.
The materials and upper construction remain nearly identical between versions. Both shoes use lightweight mesh with fuse reinforcements in the same areas. The fit and feel of the upper are essentially the same.
Final Verdict on the Anta Kai 1 Speed
The Anta Kai 1 Speed stands as one of the best performance basketball shoes available in the under $150 category. It delivers professional level traction, support, and responsiveness at a price that makes it accessible to players at all levels.
Quick guards will find this shoe perfectly matches their playing style. The combination of excellent grip, responsive cushioning, and lightweight construction lets you maximize your natural quickness and agility. Every design choice supports explosive, shifty movements.
The durability means you get months of reliable performance from a single pair. Unlike shoes that fall apart after a few weeks, the Kai 1 Speed maintains its quality through extended use on any surface.
At $125, this shoe outperforms its price point significantly. You’re getting technology and performance that usually costs much more. The value proposition is hard to beat unless you find a sale on a higher priced competitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anta Kai 1 Speed good for outdoor basketball?
Yes, the Anta Kai 1 Speed performs exceptionally well on outdoor courts. The durable rubber outsole maintains its grip on concrete surfaces without wearing down quickly. Many reviewers specifically praise its outdoor durability compared to other performance basketball shoes that fall apart after a few outdoor sessions. The herringbone traction pattern continues to provide excellent grip even after extended outdoor use.
How does the sizing run on the Anta Kai 1 Speed?
The Anta Kai 1 Speed fits true to size when you use your centimeter or euro size measurement. The shoe offers a generous, comfortable fit that works well for average to slightly wide feet. The lightweight mesh upper breaks in quickly and conforms to your foot shape within just a couple of wears. It’s recommended to go with your normal size rather than sizing up or down.
What is the main difference between Kai 1 and Kai 1 Speed?
The main difference is in the cushioning setup. The original Kai 1 features a heavily caged midsole that feels ultra responsive and low to the ground. The Kai 1 Speed removes much of that caging to expose more of the Nitro Edge foam, creating a softer, more cushioned ride with better impact protection. The Speed also features slightly more aggressive traction with deeper grooves in the outsole.
Are Anta Kai 1 Speed shoes worth the price?
Absolutely. At $125 retail, the Anta Kai 1 Speed delivers exceptional value for performance basketball shoes. You get traction quality, support features, and cushioning technology that matches shoes costing $50 to $75 more. The durability adds even more value since the shoes last longer than many competitors. For budget conscious players who want premium performance, this shoe is an excellent investment.
Who is the Anta Kai 1 Speed designed for?
The Anta Kai 1 Speed is designed specifically for quick guards who prioritize speed, agility, and explosive movements. Players who make lots of direction changes, crossovers, and quick cuts will benefit most from this shoe’s features. The low profile cushioning and excellent traction support a playing style similar to Kyrie Irving’s. Bigger players or those who need maximum impact protection might prefer shoes with more cushioning.
Can I use the Anta Kai 1 Speed for casual wear?
While the Anta Kai 1 Speed is primarily a performance basketball shoe, many people wear it casually. The stylish colorways like Pass the Torch, North Star, and Afro Futurism look great with athletic wear or streetwear. The lightweight construction and comfortable fit make it suitable for everyday walking. However, to preserve the traction and durability for basketball, you might want to reserve them for the court.
