Anta Shoes

From Humble Beginnings to the Global Stage: A Look at Anta Shoes

It might be the most popular sneaker brand you’ve never heard of. Anta shoes appeared on the scene quietly, building momentum in Asia. But it wasn’t until basketball great Kyrie Irving inked a five-year deal with the Chinese manufacturer that they exploded into the U.S spotlight.

Anta shoes have a modern aesthetic, often incorporating bold colors and innovative materials. The brand primarily targets streetwear enthusiasts and young athletes, with a strong focus on basketball and running.

Legacy Built on Innovation: The History of Anta

The year was 1991. Ding Shizhong was the head of his family’s manufacturing businesses and decided it was time to go global. He launched the Fujian-based Anta, and through the years, the company has become the fourth-largest sporting goods company by market cap.

A turning point came in 2009 when Anta acquired the bankrupt Fila brand. This acquisition provided Anta with global brand recognition and expanded its product offerings. By leveraging Fila's heritage and design expertise, Anta was able to cater to a wider range of consumers and accelerate its international expansion.

Today, Anta boasts over 300 designers who create more than 8,000 SKUs per year. In fact, the brand sold over 15 million products in 2019 alone. Some of the most notable releases include:

• Anta KAI 1: Irving’s first signature shoe with the brand, the KAI 1 boasts a unique and eye-catching silhouette, featuring a split tongue and asymmetrical lacing system.
• Anta KT Series: Designed for Klay Thompson, this basketball shoe line is known for its lightweight construction, responsive cushioning and excellent traction.
• Anta Shock Wave: Featuring Anta's proprietary nitrogen technology, this basketball shoe series offers exceptional energy return and comfort.

What Makes Anta Shoes Unique?

From running to basketball, Anta shoes work for a number of athletic endeavors. Here’s what sets them apart from the competition.

Nitrogen Technology

Found in several of Anta’s basketball shoes, Anta's Nitrogen Technology is a cushioning system that provides a soft and responsive feel underfoot. The result? Reduced fatigue and improved comfort during athletic activities.

Standout Colorways

Anta shoes are known for their bright and bold colorways that represent the athletes they partner with. Each colorway is designed with specific inspiration in mind, so the shoes feel more like a work of art than just another commercial release.

Multi-direction Stability

Several Anta basketball shoes feature a midsole stabilizer paired with an EVA anti-rollover sidewall. This reduces the chances of you rolling an ankle when you land weird after your jump shot.

Who Makes Anta Shoes?

Anta shoes are made by Anta Sports Products Limited, which is headquartered in Jinjiang, China.

Who Wears Anta?

The Anta Kyrie collab is probably the biggest name the brand has landed. However, Luis Scola, Klay Thompson, Gordon Hayward and Jordan Clarkson also have their own Anta shoes. Outside of basketball, Anta is also the official sports apparel partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee, meaning that many Chinese athletes wear the brand. Other athletes who wear Anta include Manny Pacquiao and Kong Linghui.