Anta KAI SPEED 2 “Top Scholar” Men’s Basketball Shoes

Summer 2026. The KAI SPEED 2 “Top Scholar” (状元及第, also known as “Zhuangyuan”) lands right at exam season, and the double meaning is very much intentional — Kyrie Irving was the No.1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and “状元及第” is the highest honor a Chinese scholar can achieve. The “状” character is embroidered on the tongue, dragon scroll reliefs pressed into the heel, and scholar flower patterns line the midsole sidewall. The honeycomb mesh upper is summer-specific, noticeably more breathable than standard KAI SPEED 2 colorways. Underneath, NitroEdge 80 supercritical foam sits low and punchy — front-loaded for court feel, fast off the first step. The AGILITY-WRAP TPU cage locks the forefoot down during crossovers, and the Bio-Traction outsole wraps so far up the sides it grips at angles most shoes can’t manage. A pure guard shoe, and one of the better-looking colorways in the KAI lineup this year.

Specifications
Model    ANTA KAI SPEED 2 “Top Scholar” (先驱二代 状元及第)
Style Code    912631114-1
Release Date    Summer 2026
Weight    ~380g (EU 42, approximate)
Materials    Honeycomb mesh upper + segmented TPU overlays · Gold Kyrie Shield TPU frame
Sole & Technology    NitroEdge 80 supercritical midsole · X-type nylon midfoot shank · AGILITY-WRAP TPU side cage · Bio-Traction GCU crystal rubber outsole
Stack Height    Forefoot 8.5mm
Breathability    Excellent — 35% more breathable than standard colorways
Fit    Standard to wide — size up ½ for wide feet or high insteps
Best For    Guards and wings; fitness tests, indoor play; ideal for players 85kg and under
Terrain    Indoor hardwood / lightly dusty synthetic courts