Let’s be real for a second. If you’re searching for "Kyrie Irving shoes 11," you’re probably a bit confused. You’ve followed the math. You remember the Nike Kyrie 1 dropping back in 2014. You saw the line evolve through the 5, the 6, and that weirdly controversial Kyrie Infinity (which was basically the 8). So, naturally, you're looking for the 11.
The thing is, it doesn't exist. Not in the way you think.
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Kyrie’s relationship with Nike didn't just end; it imploded. When Nike officially cut ties with the Dallas Mavericks star in late 2022, the "Kyrie 11" became a ghost. It's a shoe that was never born because the contract died first.
But here is where it gets interesting. While there is no official eleventh Nike model, the spirit of that performance—the "11" in spirit—has moved over to a brand called ANTA. And honestly? The transition has been wild to watch.
Where Did the Kyrie Irving Shoes 11 Go?
To understand why you can't find a box with "Kyrie 11" on the side, we have to look at the messy breakup of December 2022. Nike didn't just pause the line; they stopped the factory wheels. The Kyrie 8 (Infinity) was the last one to really hit shelves in mass, and the Kyrie 9 was essentially scrapped before it could breathe.
If the Nike partnership had stayed on track, we would be talking about the 11 right now. Instead, we are talking about a total career pivot.
Kyrie didn't just sign a new shoe deal with ANTA in 2023. He became their Chief Creative Officer. That’s a fancy way of saying he actually has a say in how the rubber meets the hardwood. He isn't just a billboard anymore. He’s the architect.
The New Era: ANTA KAI 1 and Beyond
So, if you’re looking for the current version of what would have been the Kyrie Irving shoes 11, you’re actually looking for the ANTA KAI 1 or the brand new KAI 3.
I know, it's a bit of a leap to switch from the Swoosh to a Chinese brand. But if you’ve actually played in them, you’ll notice the DNA is still there. The KAI 1 released in early 2024, and it felt like a love letter to his old Nike Lows but with better materials. It had that "Artist On Court" vibe—lots of purple and pink—and that signature lockdown strap that keeps you from sliding out of the shoe during a crossover.
Why People Keep Searching for the Number 11
It’s mostly habit. We are used to LeBron being on the 21 and KD on the 17. We expect numbers to go up.
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But Kyrie’s journey isn't linear. It’s "recalibration," as he likes to say. In January 2026, he officially unveiled the ANTA KAI 3. This is the shoe that currently occupies the spot in the timeline where the 11 would have lived.
The KAI 3 is actually pretty insane from a tech perspective. They used a "peregrine falcon" inspiration for the shape. It’s got these aerodynamic air vents and a nitrogen-infused N2 foam midsole. If you’re a hoop player, you know that nitrogen foam is the gold standard for "bounce without the weight."
Is the "11 Games" Shoe What You’re Looking For?
There is one specific reason the number 11 keeps popping up in sneaker searches lately. It’s the ANTA KAI 1 "11 Games" colorway.
This is a deep cut.
Kyrie only played 11 games at Duke before getting hurt and eventually going pro. ANTA released a "11 Games" edition (sometimes called the "Duke" colorway) that features that classic royal blue and white. It’s a nostalgic nod to the shortest, most impactful college career in recent memory.
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If you see someone talking about "Kyrie 11s" in 2026, they are almost certainly talking about this specific Duke-themed KAI 1.
Performance Breakdown: ANTA vs. The Old Nikes
Let’s talk shop. If you’re used to the Nike Kyrie 4 or 7, how do these new ones feel?
- Traction: The old Nikes were legendary for their "wrap-around" traction. You could practically play on the walls. The ANTA KAI series keeps this. The outsole is rounded, allowing for those weird-angled drives Kyrie is known for.
- Cushioning: This is where the upgrade happened. Nike’s Zoom Air was great, but it could feel stiff. The new KAI 3 uses that N2 foam which feels way more "alive." It’s softer on the landings but still firm enough that you don't feel like you're jumping on a marshmallow.
- Weight: The KAI 1 was a bit heavier than the old Nike Lows. However, the KAI 1 Speed and the new KAI 3 have trimmed the fat. They feel like a feather on foot.
Honestly, the "Kyrie Irving shoes 11" search leads you to a crossroads. You can go hunt for deadstock Nikes on eBay and pay $300 for a shoe that’s three years old, or you can jump on the ANTA train for about $125–$135.
What’s Next for the Line?
As of right now, Kyrie is pushing the KAI 3.0 era. The latest drop is the "Chinese New Year" (CNY) colorway that just hit in January 2026. It’s all gold, beige, and red. It looks more like a piece of art than a gym shoe.
He’s also brought his father, Drederick Irving, into the fold. They actually gave his dad a signature shoe deal too. That’s a first in the industry. It shows how much control Kyrie actually has now. He’s building a family legacy, not just a retail line.
If you’re still holding out hope for a Nike revival, don’t. That bridge is burnt, buried, and paved over. The "11" isn't a shoe anymore; it's a chapter of his past.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your sizing: If you’re moving from Nike to ANTA, many players find that ANTA runs slightly wider. If you have narrow feet, you might actually want to go down a half size compared to your old Kyries.
- Look for the KAI 3: Since it just launched in mid-January 2026, it’s the most "current" tech available. It retails for $135, which is cheaper than almost any high-end Nike signature shoe on the market right now.
- Verify the seller: Because ANTA is a Chinese brand, there are a ton of fakes online. Only buy from the official Anta.com site or reputable secondary markets like KICKSCREW, which Kyrie actually has an investment in.