Anta Kai 1

At a listed 13.5 oz, the Kai 1 is lighter than 39 of the other 66 performance shoes in our database and heavier than 24 (3 other models list the same weight). The average across all 67 performance shoes is 13.8 oz, so it runs 0.3 oz lighter than average. For reference, the lightest is the Anta KT 9 (12.4 oz) and the heaviest is the Nike GT Hustle 3 (15.8 oz).

Its 7 mm heel-to-toe drop is the lowest in this group, shared by 7 of 67 performance shoes (the most common figure is 8 mm). Drops across the group only run from 7 to 10 mm, so drop is a smaller differentiator than weight or cut height.

It is one of 40 mid-cut models among the 67 performance shoes we track, and it sits in the mid price band (set from manufacturer MSRP), which 43 other models share.

Like 53 other performance shoes, it is rated for indoor courts; 13 in the group carry an outdoor rating.

Going by its spec profile, we classify the Kai 1 for point guards with a slashing, rim-attacking game. You can compare it against every shoe we file for that role in Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards.

The mid cut is the middle ground between ankle coverage and freedom of movement — the most common choice in the database.

It is rated for indoor courts. If most of your games are on asphalt or concrete, the closest outdoor-rated performance shoes on spec are the Adidas T-Mac Restomod and Nike LeBron Witness 9. The fit is listed as narrow, so wide-footed players should check our wide-feet hub first.