Kyrie Irving Finds His Rhythm With the ANTA KAI 3

Kyrie Irving’s third signature basketball shoe with ANTA – the KAI 3 – feels like the point where the athlete's post-Nike era fully comes into focus.

The KAI 3 launches in a ‘Chinese New Year’ colourway, setting the tone for a signature line that’s thinking coast-to-coast. It’s a confident opener – celebratory, symbolic, and unmistakably global – reflecting both ANTA’s market strength and Kyrie’s willingness to embrace basketball culture on a wider stage.

From a performance standpoint, the KAI 3 stays true to Kyrie’s needs as one of the game’s most unpredictable movers. The low-cut build is engineered for speed and control, pairing a breathable mesh upper with reinforced zones through the midfoot and heel to keep things locked in during sharp changes of direction. Underfoot, ANTA’s nitrogen-infused N2 foam delivers a balanced ride – responsive without being unstable, cushioned without losing court feel.

Traction is a major focus, with an aggressive outsole pattern that wraps up the sidewalls to support quick stops, pivots and lateral cuts. Everything here is designed for guards who live in tight spaces and operate at awkward angles – very much Uncle Drew’s lane.

The ANTA KAI 3 launches on January 17, 2026, with the first ‘Chinese New Year’ colourway dropping exclusively via ANTA.com. The shoe carries a $135 retail price.

For more on Kyrie, make sure to check out his ANTA Mules (which go way harder than they need to...).