Chinese New Year Energy Powers the Anta Kai 3 Comeback Story

The ANTA Kai 3 is entering the next chapter of Kyrie Irving’s signature line with the debut ANTA Kai 3 “Chinese New Year”, a launch that ties comeback energy, cultural symbolism, and exclusive access into one statement performance sneaker. The drop will be available only via ANTA.com on January 17, 2026, for $135 USD, making it a tightly controlled release for fans and hoopers.​

Kai 3.0 and the comeback story

The Kai 3 marks the beginning of the KAI 3.0 era, described as a return to the game shaped by patience, resilience, and inner work rather than a quick comeback. The design language reflects a holistic rebuild of self, physically, mentally, and spiritually, with the shoe symbolizing the commitments required to refine every part of the athlete.​

For Kyrie Irving, this model represents a fresh chapter in his partnership with ANTA, combining high-performance engineering with personal storytelling and a focus on intentional growth. That narrative is echoed in the campaign line “time away is time gained,” aligning the sneaker with recovery, renewal, and purpose.​

Chinese New Year colorway details

The debut “Chinese New Year” colorway honors Lunar New Year themes of renewal, family, prosperity, and good fortune. The Kai 3 “CNY” features a palette led by beige, gold, and red, colors traditionally associated with protection, abundance, and new beginnings in Chinese culture.​

Designers use layered tones and flowing lines to echo fireworks and movement, visually nodding to Kyrie’s fluid play style and the celebratory energy of the holiday. Details like storytelling hits and symbolic accents reinforce the idea that this is not just a seasonal colorway, but the opening statement for the KAI 3.0 line.​

Release date, price, and access

The ANTA Kai 3 “Chinese New Year” will release on January 17, 2026, with pairs dropping exclusively on their official website. The shoe is priced at $135 USD, positioning it as a premium yet competitive option in the performance basketball market.​

Performance and on-court focus

While storytelling is front and center, the Kai 3 is still built as a performance-first basketball shoe, with lightweight construction, responsive cushioning, and a stable base for sharp cuts and stop-start movement. The outsole incorporates winding, organic traction patterns that mirror Kyrie’s unpredictable handle and directional changes on court.​