Kevin Durant on the Evolution of His Signature Line With Nike

We sat down with KD and designer Leo Chang to talk about their latest creation, the KD 9.

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The scene was Austin, Texas, where the Longhorns had once again played host to Kevin Durant, this time to unveil the ninth installment of his signature sneaker line with Nike.

It was a pretty quick turnaround moving from the KD 8 Elite and its unique compression sock attachment, to the KD 9, but that’s what growth is all about, right? As KD’s career grows — and boy did it grow — so does his arsenal on-court, and the footwear needed to maximize this repertoire of weapons.

Over time, the former MVP has built a strong, collaborative relationship with Nike designer Leo Chang, one that allows him to be very hands-on in the design process. Stemming from KD’s first signature shoe, to models that will never see retail shelves, you immediately recognize the bond between the two when in their presence. That bond has resulted in the next and arguably most exciting chapter in their friendship, the aforementioned KD 9.

We were granted the opportunity to sit down with both Durant and Chang at the Austin reveal, where we discussed Kevin’s affinity for Flyknit and how it elevates the performance of this new sneaker, as well as the superstar’s growth and love for the city of Austin.

For more on Kevin Durant and his move to Golden State, check out our latest feature article here.

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