ANTA gave Klay Thompson an upgraded version of the KT1 for his second signature shoe — and they perform better than you’d think.
Traction – The traction on the KT1 was solid, but ANTA was somehow able to up the ante with the KT2. I believe it’s a combination of a great pattern — herringbone is always an excellent choice — and a really sound rubber compound. There is nothing special about the outsole of the ANTA KT2 while looking at it, but it plays special which should really be the focus when designing an outsole meant to grip the floor while enduring multiple changes in direction.
Outdoor players will enjoy the KT2 as well as it’ll hold up and grip well without issue. There is an ANTA KT2 Outdoor model — we’ll be testing it in the near future — but if you wanted to play in the main model outdoors then you’ll be able to without worry.
Cushion – ANTA used a basic slab of EVA foam for the KT1’s midsole setup, and much like the traction, it has really improved things with the cushion on the KT2. The brand is calling the setup ANTA EVE, and while it isn’t anything groundbreaking, it’s really comfortable and it works. In a nutshell, ANTA is still using the basic EVA midsole as the stable platform to work with, but at the heel and forefoot have been upgraded with two different density foam pads. This is how Lunar Foam used to be implemented — Cushlon, Podulon, Podulite, Li-Ning’s BOUNSE and CUSHION tech etc. — the list can go on. ANTA went from being basic to finally catching up to what everyone else has been doing. Granted, ANTA is an affordable brand in China so it was never meant to be groundbreaking; rather, it is simply supplying the public with quality footwear at an affordable price. With the acquisition of Klay Thompson, things have changed and the brand has quickly caught up to modern times.
These went from a “well, these are surprisingly nice” to a “I’m not really enjoying the cushion in the CP3.X tonight so I’ll switch into the KT2”.
Materials – Nothing has changed between the KT1 and KT2 in terms of materials. They both feature Fuse and mesh…but mostly Fuse. While Fuse is not my personal preference, it gets the job done and it’s durable as hell. These have taken a beating on-court and if I were to actually clean my shoes (which I find no point in doing when they’re just for basketball) then they’d still look brand new. The upper moves well with your foot while containing it properly. No complaints at all.
Fit – The fit is a little snug, especially if you’re wide-footed. After playing in my pair over the last few weeks I’ve grown to love how they fit me in my true size. So, I’d recommend going up 1/2 size for those that don’t enjoy a super snug fit, otherwise go TTS.
Lockdown is solid on the shoe as well. Again, no complaints. Nothing over the top, nothing special. The ANTA KT2 just gets the job done. And that’s exactly what you want in a hoop shoe — you need them to get the job done. If they don’t then, well, they’d be useless.
Support – The support is another aspect that gets the job done, and gets the job done well. There is a TPU support shank at the midfoot for torsional support, while the TPU heel counter keeps the heel from sliding or shifting off of the footbed. Having Fuse along the upper ensures containment is never a problem, and the outrigger is more than enough to keep you covered upon lateral movements. I believe I said this with the KT1 performance review, and I’ll say it again. The KT line, so far, is similar to the Hyperdunk line in that it’s a good all-around shoe for every position on the floor.
Overall – I was expecting much of the same from the ANTA KT2 as it looked similar, in all aspects, to the KT1. However, I was very surprised to find that the traction was tackier and more durable than the original model, and the cushion was way better than the last model’s. This might be the most comfortable Chinese brand shoe I’ve ever played in — actually, I think it is. It isn’t t soft, but also not firm. It’s just right. The KT2 has enough of everything to make them a great option on-court, and it comes in at a reasonable price as well — even more reasonable if you live in China.
If you’re ever curious about Chinese shoe brands, or any brand other than what you’re used to, then I’d recommend trying the ANTA KT2 out. I think you’ll be surprised with how well it plays. I’d also recommend just trying new things in general. You’ll never know what awesomeness could be out there if you only stick with what you know. I mean, you’ll only ever be certain if what you know is what you want after you’ve tried everything else to make sure.
You can purchase the ANTA KT2 from the following retailer for those interested.
Great review! Where is the outdoor court located? I really want to hoop there next time when I visit family in bay area.
Love to get these, anyone know if where I can find them in Europe?
lol I remember when your son was just born
time flies by so fast
Wow looks like Anta knock one out the park. Starting five rating, indoor/outdoor, all for 90! Good performance review by NW.
bilhin ko to.
5.9k php
where in manila sir?
NBA Store TriNoma
I would not have never expected fuse based materials to get a starting five rating
Ratings seem more heavily based on execution than what was used/equipped. It’s not necessarily wrong. I mean the point would be that for the money it’s a pretty good shoe and functions properly.
But I understand it’s weird when the BB Rare Metal exists for just $20 more. For a pair that presumably one-ups the JC2 —meaning building upon a stellar knit execution and cushion that’s fighting for second to Boost, I’m expecting one hell of a shoe and in no way would I imagine a fuse upper, EVA cushioned shoe to be in the same class.
I know WT has explained their rating system before. Shouldn’t be treated as traditional/dry cut as the old number setup because things change with time and sometimes it’s apples to oranges (like in the scenario I outlined). The KT2 is a bit more favorable in longevity and aimed at a different price point and consumer market, and apparently does very well for that purpose; while the BB does well in it’s own realm.
Kinda explains why the small wave of comparison vids were only comparing current models to their predecessors.
The whole point brands use fuse as materials is durability and cost. I can’t imagine that this fuse would be that better than the fuse of hyperdunks past and present, or any fuse based shoe for that matter. My only point is about consistency in the rating as I don’t recall any other shoe with a fuse based upper getting a starting five rating for materials used. Can you remember the last time that happened?
If you don’t remember then you can always go back and look. The Hyperdunk 2016 Low received the same rating and used the same materials. So did the Kobe 11 EM. As did the ANTA KT1. As did the LeBron 13. Tesh received a lower rating for using the ‘same’ materials due to the quality of the Fuse and Mesh — it was a bit cheaper than other Fuse products I’ve worn.
Not sure I see where your problem is with the rating here.
no problem here man, was just curios is all. I always thought that starting five rating was reserved only for genuine leather or woven. I guess I may have to start paying attention to all your sneaker reviews and not just the ones that pique my interest, so i will hold my L and sit the eff down.
lol, no worries.
Type of material plays a role in scores, but it’s mostly function. Knits, woven, and textiles are in right now. Some are great, while others may be poorly executed. Same goes for leathers and synthetics like Fuse.
Any material as long as they fit, feel and play well with the foot then they’ll likely get a Starting 5. If there is dead space due to materials used, low quality materials, less durable etc. then that may have an affect on the score.
boy, don’t ever questions NW …his reviews aren’t biases. keep up the great work Chris…
*ever
In the Philippines it will be called by the Filipinos “Antas Kitty 2”.
adidas needs to make targeted boost midsole like above…
Not bad. Reminds me a lot of the first couple Hyperfuses, in materials, shape, and price.
Lil’ Nightwing already loves the game seems like.
Thanks for another great review mate!!
Wondering should I choose these over Brandblack Rare Metal, I like both low and mid cut shoes, in terms of performance, which one is better?
Great review! Do you know anything about the outdoor version of these? The cushioning is called: “New A-shock cushioning tech”…. Not sure if it’s as good at the EVE Tech cushioning….
Is there a review on the rr4? I am interested to see how that shoe goes
Is there a review on the rr4? I am interested to see how that shoe goes
do the shoes fit snug?
I bought a pair in Hong Kong . Really impressed by the fit and grip. Won’t be long before these catch on …
Where abouts in HK did you get them from? I’m also looking to find some!
Thanks!
Im confused what does rebound mean when he is talking about the cushion?
Hey Nightwing,
This model seems to have struck an interest with me. Would you argue these are still lightweight and mobile similar to the Curry or Kobe line? I was looking for a good guard shoe (tailored for shooters) that had better cushion than those signatures because of a recent back injury. I really prefer court feel and a good one to one fit like those signatures but I’m afraid my injury is catching up to me and I need a shoe more impact resistant. Any recommendations on a shoe that would fit those criteria that is still at least somewhat easily obtainable today (availability/pricing)?