ANTA KT3 Low Performance Review

Could the Anta KT3 get any better? Maybe, if you made it into a low. That’s where the KT3 Low comes in.

You can find the ANTA KT3 Low now at Famuji Sneakers. Use code WearTesters for a small discount.

Traction on the Anta KT3 Low is identical to that of its higher cut counterpart. It utilizes what looks like a finger print pattern — à la the Air Jordan XX3 — and like other circular patterns, it works wonderfully. When patterns are circular you end up with multi-directional coverage that covers almost any move the wearer can throw at it.

Widely spaced grooves made wiping the outsoles during games a rare phenomenon. In fact, it was even rarer on the translucent rubber version even though that outsole attracted the most dust. Not sure why, but I had a slightly better experience in the clear rubber pair. That doesn’t take anything away from the solid rubber version, which was very good, but this is one of the few times that I can say that the clear-soled version performed a bit better. Same courts and conditions, slightly different results.

Cushion in the KT3 Low is also unchanged between it and its higher cut counterpart.

It’s very similar setup to what was used in the KT2, which Anta was calling ANTA-EVE, but I’m not sure if that name is still floating around. However, the implementation here is pretty much the same; Anta used an EVA midsole with two different density foam pads in the heel and forefoot. In terms of feel, these aren’t as plush or bouncy as the KT2. This time around it feels like the forefoot area heavily focuses on court feel while the heel focuses on impact protection. I don’t use my heel that often but if it ever hits the ground it’d be covered.

There is a noticeable heel to toe drop in the KT3. Most shoes have one but I rarely ever notice it when it comes to basketball shoes. Runners are pretty noticeable, but hoop shoes not so much. This didn’t negatively affect things as far as performance or transition, but it was just a little weird at first because it isn’t what I’ve come to expect over the years. You will get used to the feeling pretty quickly, it’s just something worth noting.

This is also the first true decoupled midsole setups we’ve had since Jordan Brand’s Air Jordan XX8, XX9, and XXX (30). If you’ve loved how a decoupled tooling setup feels then you already know how wonderful it is on-court. It offers the wearer complete range of motion without sacrificing any support.

Materials have been very basic for the KT line up until now. While we’ve seen Anta use knitted materials on the KT1 and KT2, the materials were only used on the post season model. In the Anta KT3 Low we get knitted uppers right from the jump — and I love it.

The low top and Playoff edition of the KT3 offer more ventilation in the forefoot of the shoe versus the original high top (the one with the removable strap). Other than that one addition, the materials are identical and play identically.

The materials have been durable and comfortable right out of the box, all while being supportive. The knit is not free of glue and there is nylon backing it, but if you’ve played in the Nike Kobe 10 Flyknit and enjoyed the materials there then you’ll love the materials here because they aren’t as stiff as the Kobes.

The KT3 Low fits true to size. The extra volume in the toe that I experienced in the original model is gone in the low tops, thankfully. While it was never a deal breaker for me when wearing the mids, the lows just fit and feel a bit better.

Lockdown was great, as it was on the higher cut version. With the useless strap removed, as well as the excess material at the collar, the KT3 Low offers a much nicer fitting experience from heel to toe. Anta even added an internal sleeve that gives you a bit of compression around your foot — a great feeling that I enjoyed. Additionally, heel pillows were added in the rear to ensure there was no heel slippage with the lower cut collar. Smart move, ANTA. Smart move.

I had nothing to complain about with the support in the KT3 and the same goes for the KT3 Low. Everything you need is there and it all works well. Klay Thompson is a shooter, but he’s also much more than that. He’s a lockdown defender and needs to remain mobile while being supported. This shoe covers all the bases. Whether you’re a mobile player or a spot up shooter, the Anta KT3 Low will be able to handle whatever you throw at it.

While I loved the Anta KT3, I really love the KT3 Low. The shoe hasn’t left my gym bag since I started wearing it; it’s right next to my Kobe 1 Protro just in case I run into a gym floor that no shoe will grip — because this shoe somehow finds a way to provide me with traction no matter what. “Mr. Reliable” is the best way to describe the Anta KT3 Low. It does everything well and it doesn’t fall short in any one category.

The Anta KT3 Low retails for under $100 — that makes the shoe one of the best bang for your buck options available at the moment.