A Closer Look at the Nike KD8

Kevin Durant’s newest signature shoe for Nike boasts two feats in technology that have not yet seen the day of light in a basketball shoe — a Flyweave upper and a full-length Zoom Air unit. These two cutting edge elements are inspired by the versatile player himself, with a dynamic and flexible shoe that is a first for Nike Basketball. Designed by Nike designer Leo Chang in collaboration with Durant, the shoe features the innovative and high strength woven textile Flyweave upper resulting in the brand’s most technically precise shoe. Combined with Flywire cables, the durability is unmatched while still being flexible and feeling like a second skin. Sitting upon another first, the shoe features a full-length Zoom Air unit that intuitively moves and flexes with your foot. Design-wise, the shoe is inspired by a sabretooth tiger, the same tiger of which Durant has a tattoo above his right ankle. Inspired by its predatory instincts, the shoe’s heels mimic its fangs, with a high wrapping midsole that also keeps the foot locked and stable.

For its introductory colorway, the KD8 is available in a celebratory “July 4” colorway as well as a fiery matte red “V8.” The former celebrates Durant’s favorite holiday in a patriotic melange of red, white and blue atop a striking red Zoom Air unit. For the “V8,” inspiration was taken from Durant’s customized Camaro. The silhouette is available now in its “July 4” colorway as well as on NIKEiD, while the “V8” iteration will drop July 11. Head over to Nike.com for more information.