Anta Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work” sneakers: Where to buy, price, and more explored

Kyrie Irving’s Anta Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work” sneakers are the latest iteration of his signature line with Chinese sportswear giant Anta.

The shoes are officially scheduled to launch on February 13, 2025, with a retail price point of $125. The pair's Grade School (GS) sizes will have a $110 price tag. Sneakerheads worldwide can purchase the pair on the official Anta website, Foot Locker with an exclusive in-store release at Foot Locker’s KAI Deli in San Francisco, and other select retail points.

These sneakers draw from an unconventional training method Irving used to perfect his dribbling skills: wrapping a basketball in a plastic grocery bag. The method proved effective later on. The shoe's design elements are reportedly inspired by traditional corner stores and bodegas.

As part of Anta's All-Star Weekend 2025 collection, the Kai 1 Speed "Bag Work" will initially be launched exclusively through Foot Locker and Anta's official channels.

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Delving into the Anta Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work” sneakers

The "Bag Work" colorway is rooted in Irving’s early training experiences. As a young player, he practiced dribbling by wrapping a plastic grocery bag around the ball.

This was believed to make it harder to control the ball and improve his hand coordination. This sneaker comes with a nod to that method with visual elements that are reminiscent of everyday shopping bags.

Upper

• The sneaker’s white and metallic silver upper mimics the glossy look of plastic bags.
• The Thank You for Shopping With Us text appears on the heel counter and topmost eye stay. This element is a nod to bodega bags.
• Neon green graffiti-style Bag Work graphics add a visibility element to the overall design of the Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work” sneakers.
• Some sections of the pair feature semi-translucent TPU overlays. It is expected to create a layered and hazy effect similar to a bag full of bags.
• The white leather vamp and eyelets incorporate more shopping bag-inspired graphics.

Performance specs

• The midsole houses Full-Palm Nitro Edge foam. This is expected to offer responsive cushioning to the wearer.
• A cable system on the medial side has been incorporated for lockdown support.
• The outsole features a white rubber traction pattern, which will help in cuts and multidirectional movements.
• A nylon pull tab at the heel has also been spotted.

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Potential cons of the upcoming Anta Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work” shoes

While the Kai 1 Speed "Bag Work" has details that come with storytelling and performance features, there are a couple of aspects to consider:

• Limited release: Since the sneaker is launching as an All-Star Weekend exclusive, availability may be restricted, making it harder for fans outside select regions to grab a pair.
• Simplistic color palette: Some sneaker enthusiasts may find the white and silver base too minimalistic compared to bolder Kai 1 colorways.

The official Instagram handle of the Anta Sports division shared some pictures of the upcoming Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work” sneakers, captioning,

"Introducing the ANTA Kai 1 Speed “Bag Work”. From plastic bags to perfect handles—Inspired by Kyrie’s unmatched ball-handling skills and his innovative training method using plastic grocery bags to refine hand coordination and ball control, this sneaker pays homage to his East Coast upbringing."

It also added:

"The design features prints, colors, and materials inspired by classic bodega and corner store shopping bags. Available 2/13 at the 2025 Foot Locker All-Star Experience in San Francisco, @footlocker, and Anta.com"

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Be sure to check the official Anta website and Foot Locker to stay updated on availability.