adidas Anthony Edwards 3 vs ANTA KAI 2 "Triple Black"
Buy the adidas Anthony Edwards 3 if you want plush cushioning, wide lateral stability and a low-cut feel, and you can get it near its $69 low. Buy the ANTA Kai 2 "Triple Black" if you want a proven, highly rated guard shoe with a locked-in fit and elite traction out of the box. The AE3 has swung from $130 on October 31 to $69 on November 1, so its price is far more volatile than the Kai 2's.
Ask our shopping agent
adidas Anthony Edwards 3
Choose the Anthony Edwards 3 if you want soft Hyperboost cushioning, a wide stable forefoot and a low-cut silhouette for shifty play.
Pros
- Plush, soft Hyperboost cushioning underfoot
- Great traction and lateral stability from the wide forefoot
- Achilles padding and a comfortable padded collar
- Called the best Edwards model yet by several reviewers
- Low-cut knit upper with a supportive TPU cage
Cons
- Heel-to-toe transition feels clunky
- Break-in period needed for the cushioning
- Runs about half a size small
What separates them
| adidas Anthony Edwards 3 | ANTA KAI 2 "Triple Black" | |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Boost+ and LightstrikePro midsole with Hyperboost | Advanced cushioning system tuned for energy return |
| Cut and height | Low-cut silhouette with padded collar | Low-top guard shoe |
| Upper | Two-way stretch knit with molded TPU cage and triangular cutouts | Mesh, synthetic leather and rubber-plastic composite |
| Stability | Advanced TPU cage and wide forefoot with multi-angled chevron design | Standard midfoot support, no listed plate or cage |
| Break-in | Needs a break-in period; runs about half a size small | No reported break-in complaints |
| Transition | Reviewers call the heel-to-toe transition clunky | Marketed for high-speed precision and agility |
| Ratings | No rating figure given | 4.8 out of 5 from 136 ratings |
Price history
$130.00$69.00
- adidas Anthony Edwards 3: lowest $69.00 on Nov 1 at StockX; $130.00 on Nov 2.
- ANTA KAI 2 "Triple Black": lowest $107.00 on Nov 2 at GOAT.
Prices at every store
adidas Anthony Edwards 3
- adidasCheck price at adidas
- DICK'S Sporting GoodsCheck price at DICK'S Sporting Goods
- StockXCheck price at StockX
Specs compared
| Spec | adidas Anthony Edwards 3 | ANTA KAI 2 "Triple Black" |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole | semi-translucent blue finish | RB/EVA/TPU |
| Release Date | September 18, 2026 | — |
| Upper material | mesh with molded TPU pieces | — |
| Cushioning | Hyperboost | — |
| Midfoot plate | midfoot plate | — |
| Cut | low-cut silhouette | — |
| Upper construction | molded TPU overlay with sharp triangular cutouts | — |
| Cushioning technology | Boost+ and LightstrikePro midsole | — |
| Upper knit | two-way stretch knit upper | — |
| Lateral support | advanced TPU cage | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a quick, shifty guard?
- The Kai 2 is built for high-speed cuts and precision agility, and its multi-directional outsole is the stronger match. The AE3 is stable but reviewers call its heel-to-toe transition clunky.
- Which has softer cushioning?
- The AE3. Its Boost+ and LightstrikePro midsole with Hyperboost is described as plush and soft underfoot. The Kai 2's cushioning is tuned for energy return rather than plushness.
- Is the AE3 worth it at $69?
- Yes, if you want plush cushioning and lateral stability. That is its lowest price since 2026-10-29, down from $130 on 2026-10-31, so it is well below its recent high.
- Which lasts longer?
- Neither maker publishes durability figures. The AE3's rubber outsole and TPU cage suggest solid structure, while the Kai 2's rubber outsole is built for outdoor-grade traction. Expect similar wear for indoor play.
- Does the AE3 fit true to size?
- No. Reviewers say it runs about half a size small and needs a break-in period, so consider going up half a size. The Kai 2 has no reported sizing complaints.
- Which is better for wide feet?
- The AE3. Its wide forefoot and advanced TPU cage give more lateral stability for broader feet. The Kai 2 is a narrower guard shoe with no width options listed.
