Anta KT 10 Summary
The Anta KT 10 is the best basketball shoe of 2024-25, and easily one of the most well-rounded basketball shoes we have tested in recent years.
Release Date: 2024
Price: $130
Pros:
- Excellent traction
- Light, bouncy cushioning
- Very versatile
Cons:
- Break-in time
Anta KT 10 Show
Anta has had a very solid sneaker year. The Anta Kai 1 and the Anta Kai 1 Speed are top-tier performers, the Shockwave 6 was pretty darn solid, and the previous model in the KT line was amazing. It seems that Anta has cracked some sort of code because Klay Thompson’s 10th signature shoe is not just a good basketball shoe, it is the best basketball shoe of 2024.
The biggest issues surrounding the KT 10 are that it seems that the designer forgot that he now plays for the Dallas Mavericks and that the shoe takes some time to break-in. Those “issues” aside, the KT 10 is an elite and versatile performer. It’s the type of shoe that fits almost any playing style and body type, and it’s just a great basketball shoe. Let’s get into the review and see why.
Comprehensive Performance Review of the Anta KT 10 Basketball Shoes
The Anta KT 10, Klay Thompson’s 10th signature model, is a bold step forward in the Anta basketball lineup. This review dives deep into its key performance aspects, covering traction, cushioning, materials, support, fit, and overall performance. If you’re considering the Anta KT 10, this guide will provide the insights you need.
Anta KT 10 Review
Anta KT 10 Traction
This colorway of the Anta KT 10 features a translucent rubber outsole and a linear, radial traction pattern. At first glance nothing particularly impressive. Translucent rubber tends to have more performance issues than solid rubber, and this style of traction pattern will offer great linear coverage, but lateral coverage could be lacking. Having said all of that, The KT 10 has no such issues.
In fact, traction is amazing. No matter what surface you play on and what condition it is in, the KT 10 is able to provide excellent grip. The rubber is strong enough to hold up to moderate use outdoors, and indoors the KT 10 has stopping power (even on dusty courts). You would be hard-pressed to find a more reliable traction setup in the basketball shoe market.
Anta KT 10 Cushion
The cushioning setup of the Anta KT 10 employs Nitrogen-infused foam, a staple in many of Anta’s basketball products. Encased within an EVA carrier and reinforced by TPU sidewall plates, this setup is designed to deliver responsive energy return and stability. And here is where the breaking-in of the shoe comes into play. At first, the KT 10 feels stiff.
NitroEgde is similar to adidas’ Boost, maybe slightly bouncier, but, straight out of the box, it feels very neutral in this shoe. Don’t fret, once the shoe starts warming up and everything softens a bit, the NitroEdge begins to shine. The cushioning setup of the KT 10 provides a stable, bouncy, and smooth ride on court. It’s not a max cushion setup, or even on that side of the cushioning spectrum, but most basketball players will love how the KT 10 feels on the hardwood.
Anta KT 10 Materials
Anta has opted for a mix of synthetic leather, textiles, and TPU overlays in the KT 10. This combination ensures a lightweight build while providing durability and a near-premium feel. If you are going to use synthetics in a basketball shoe, this is the way to go. This build works fantastically well on court: the KT 10 is light and flexible without sacrificing containment or feeling plastic-y in hand.
The base layer of the upper is a thin textile mesh, reinforced by synthetic leather layers which are then bonded to the shoe with fuse overlays for added durability. The side panels of the shoe also feature Nylon cables for improved lateral containment (also to look like the Golden Gate Bridge), 2 TPU panels on either side of the midsole for added support and some torsional rigidity, and an external TPU heel counter made to look like Anta’s logo. Everything is super functional and works well together, and, though it is a completely synthetic upper, it feels as premium as possible on foot.
Anta KT 10 Support
Support is another standout feature in the Anta KT 10. This is an incredibly secure and stable feeling underfoot, which makes sense when you consider who this shoe was designed for. The midsole sidewalls and synthetic leather overlays work in tandem to stabilize the foot during quick cuts and lateral movements. The base of the shoe is wide and flat and the midsole is firm enough to create a stable platform when you are making your moves or gearing up for a jumper. But that’s not all.
The KT 10 is also equipped with a carbon fiber spring plate, which is another reason why the KT 10 needs time to break in. Once that spring plate softens up a bit, however, watch out. The plate provides all the torsional rigidity you could ever need and a good amount of springiness as you make your moves. When you consider that the KT 10 retails for just $130, you can see why it’s not only the best basketball shoe of the year, but also one of the best bang for your buck options as well.
Anta KT 10 Fit
The Anta KT 10 fits true to size, with a slightly snug feel that should break in over time. This snugness provides excellent containment for players who prefer a locked-in sensation. Wide-footed players might experience a bit of tightness initially, but the materials are likely to adapt after a few wear sessions. The shoe’s overall construction supports natural foot movement while minimizing the risk of heel slippage or discomfort.
Anta KT 10 Overall
The Anta KT 10 is the best basketball shoe of the year for a reason. It’s an extremely well-rounded basketball shoe with no major flaws. Traction may not look like much at first, but performs exceptionally well on court. The NitroEdge cushioning needs time to soften up, but ends up being bouncy and fluid. Support in this shoe is elite. And even though it’s a fully synthetic build, it still looks and feels premium.
You also have to consider that this is a $130 basketball shoe (which nowadays is mid-tier pricing). Not only does the KT 10 offer better performance than the price tag would indicate, but it’s also equipped with performance pieces that are rare to find currently in signature and flagship models from other brands.
