When Kevin Durant was taken number 2 overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, few would have guessed he would end up being one of two hoopsters in league history to have a signature shoe to last for at least 15 consecutive models. Actually, maybe some would have guessed it. After becoming a nationally-recognized prospect out of high school and winning Big 12 Player of the Year in college at the University of Texas, the Maryland-native awed basketball enthusiasts and experts alike with his surprising finesse on his 6’9” (at the time) frame. Twelve NBA All-Star selections and a pair of Finals MVP trophies later and it’s safe to say any predictions of the player’s footwear prowess should have been given credence from the beginning.
Today Nike has unveiled the KD15, which began development two years ago with Durant involved in the direction. The fundamentally-sound player that he is, the Brooklyn Net has ensured his shoes fit the bill as well. They sport a low-cut design that gives wearers a broader range of motion without losing any support in the process. With his past few signatures being high-tops, the lower KD15 is more reminiscent of the 3, 4, and 6 models. After designer Leo Chang crafted the first 12 sneakers for Durant, Ben Nethongkome has been at the helm since 14.
Just because they’re highly functional as a basketball shoe doesn’t mean the KD15s aren’t great to look at. From a 360-view, the shoes have a lot to take in. Durant and the team at Nike went into the archives to inspire a retro aesthetic with this new silhouette, which echoes past favorites from the ‘90s and ‘00s, such as the Uptempo, the Flight, and the Jet Flight — a personal favorite of Durant’s that he first saw on the feet of Steve Nash and Luke Ridnour circa 2001 — which was used to influence the mesh toe and 3D-molded midfoot cage on the KD15.
Featuring an artistic tongue that showcases a canvas of curated imagery and Zoom Strobel cushioning for ultimate comfort, the KD15 in its inaugural Beginnings colorway is perhaps the basketball player’s most personal signature shoe yet. The KD15 drops this summer at Nike’s shop and retailers for $160.
