The floor at your local open gym probably tells the whole story. Five years ago, you couldn't look at a baseline without seeing a dozen pairs of the Nike Kyrie 4 or 5. They were the universal hoop shoe. Today? Things look different. The swoosh is largely gone from his newest designs, replaced by a mountain-like logo and a whole lot of intricate, indigenous-inspired patterns.
If you're hunting for men's kyrie irving sneakers in 2026, you've basically stepped into a brand war. Nike still holds the "legacy" title, but Anta is currently where the actual innovation is happening.
Kyrie's split from Nike in late 2022 wasn't just a business move; it was a total vibe shift for the sneaker industry. People thought his career in footwear was cooked. Instead, he signed with the Chinese powerhouse Anta, became their Chief Creative Officer, and started dropping shoes that actually—honestly—might play better than his old Nikes.
The Performance Gap: Nike vs. Anta
Most people shopping for men's kyrie irving sneakers are looking for two things: insane traction and that "low to the ground" feel.
Nike nailed this for a decade. The Kyrie 7, for instance, is still a gold standard for shifty guards. It used a 360-degree data-informed traction pattern that felt like glue on a clean hardwood floor. But there was always a complaint. The cushioning was... well, it was minimal. Some called it "court feel." Others called it "my knees hurt after two games."
Then came the Anta KAI 1.
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Anta didn't just copy the Nike formula. They stuffed the KAI 1 and the newer KAI 2 with nitrogen-infused foam (called Nitro Edge). It’s bouncy. It’s light. Unlike the old Nike Zoom Air units that could feel a bit stiff until you broke them in, the Anta stuff feels plush right out of the box.
Why the KAI 3 is Winning the 2026 Season
We just saw the release of the Anta KAI 3 "CNY" (Chinese New Year) colorway on January 17, 2026. This shoe is a beast. It’s inspired by the aerodynamics of a peregrine falcon. Does that sound like marketing fluff? Sure. But when you’re doing a hard crossover, the stability system in the forefoot actually keeps your foot from sliding off the footbed.
The KAI 3 marks the start of what Anta calls the "3.0 era." It's less about just being a "guard shoe" and more about "holistic recovery." Basically, they added more support in the heel. They even put air vents in the upper because, let's be real, his older shoes used to turn into ovens by the fourth quarter.
Sizing is Still a Nightmare
Let’s talk about the biggest headache with men's kyrie irving sneakers: the fit.
If you’re buying older Nike stock on GOAT or StockX, remember that the Kyrie 6 and 7 ran notoriously narrow. If you have wide feet, you almost had to go up a half size, or you’d lose circulation by halftime.
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Anta is different.
- The KAI 1 and 2 have a much wider base.
- They actually fit "true to size" for most people.
- If you're coming from Nike, you might find the Anta toe box feels surprisingly roomy.
It’s a weird adjustment. You’ve spent years squeezing into Nikes, and now the Anta pairs feel like they actually want your feet to be comfortable. If you’re unsure, check your Euro size. It’s usually more consistent across brands than US men's sizing.
Are the Nike Kyries Still Worth It?
You can still find the "Infinity" or the Kyrie 8 (which was the last Nike model) at outlets or resale shops. Are they worth the hunt?
Kinda.
If you’re a purist who needs that specific Nike Zoom Turbo feel under your forefoot, then yeah. But there’s a catch. Nike isn’t making these anymore. The rubber on a pair of Kyrie 4s sitting in a warehouse since 2017 is starting to harden. You lose that "bite" on the court.
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Also, the resale prices are getting stupid. People are treating the "What The" or "Friends" colorways like museum pieces. If you actually want to play basketball, paying $300 for a five-year-old shoe is a bad investment.
What Most People Get Wrong About Anta
There’s this weird bias that Chinese brands make "cheaper" shoes. In 2026, that’s just not true.
The build quality on the Anta KAI 1 Speed actually puts most $180 Nikes to shame. We’re talking about carbon fiber shank plates for stability. You usually only see those in high-end Jordans. Anta is putting them in a shoe that retails for around $125.
They’re also much better for outdoor hoops. Most Nike Kyries had thin, pliable rubber that would shred on asphalt in a week. Anta uses a denser compound because outdoor basketball is huge in China. If you play at the park, the Anta models are the obvious choice.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
Don't just buy the first pair of men's kyrie irving sneakers you see on an Instagram ad. Do this instead:
- Check the Surface: If you play exclusively indoors, find a pair of Nike Kyrie 7s or the Anta KAI 2. If you play outdoors, go with the Anta KAI 1 Team or the KAI 1 Speed. The rubber will last twice as long.
- Measure in Centimeters: Since you're likely ordering Anta from overseas or a specialty shop like Kicks Crew, use your foot length in CM. It eliminates the "does this brand run small" guesswork.
- Watch the "CNY" Drops: The Chinese New Year colorways (like the KAI 3) usually have the best materials—think embroidery and premium textures—for the same price as the standard colors.
- Insole Swap: If you find a pair of Nikes you love but they feel "dead" under your heel, swap the factory insole for something like a Move Game Day insole. It's a $40 fix that makes a 2021 shoe feel like a 2026 flagship.
The landscape has shifted. The swoosh isn't the only player in the gym anymore, and honestly, your feet might be better off for it. Anta is hungry, and Kyrie is actually putting effort into the tech specs rather than just the colorways.