ANTA KAI 3 | CNY
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ANTA KAI 3 | CNY

Photography: ANTA

Kyrie Irving and ANTA officially began the KAI 3.0 era with the release of the KAI 3 "Chinese New Year." This debut marks a major evolution in Irving's journey, focusing on renewal and disciplined growth. Continue swiping to explore the design and tech behind this celebratory sneaker.

A Meaningful Launch

The ANTA KAI 3 "CNY" represents a period of holistic recalibration for Kyrie Irving as he recovers from injury. The Chinese New Year theme celebrates the transition from winter to spring, and the sweeping away of past misfortune.

Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon, the fastest bird in the world, served as the design muse for Kyrie’s third shoe. The KAI 3 enhances players that use speed, precision and forward motion to set up defenders. Strategically placed air vents in the upper construction help regulate heat.

A Vibrant Palette

The CNY colorway features a base of beige, gold and red, which are traditional colors for protection and abundance. A striking gradient on the mesh upper, meant to resemble New Year’s fireworks, shifts from beige to shades of red, purple and blue as it moves toward the heel.

Advanced Stability and Cushioning

The KAI 3’s midsole utilizes ANTA’s nitrogen-infused N2 foam midsole to distribute impact forces evenly. A midfoot carbon plate and a TPU sidewall work together to enhance stability during sharp, directional changes.

Cultural and Personal Details

Kyrie's personal journey is etched into the shoe with his statement: “THIS BILLION DOLLAR DREAM STARTED IN MY BACKYARD.” The tongue features a unique shape inspired by African shields and arrowheads, and because this is the launch colorway, each pair includes a specialized KAI shield pendant just like the KAI 1 and KAI 2.

Built for the Court

The outsole features an organic, winding traction pattern specifically built for the quick stops and explosive breakthroughs that define Kyrie’s game. While the shoe serves as a fashionable cultural statement, it remains a performance-first tool for the highest levels of basketball.

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