We doubt this will turn into one of those releases where the signature player never deigns to actually wear the sneaker. The eighth installment in Nike’s signature series for Kevin Durant combines two additions that make the KD8, the best performance sneaker in his line.
RELATED: The Nike KD8 “July 4th” Arriving At Retailers
The sneaker features Flyweave and full-length Zoom Air that allows thousands of fibers to cushion his foot every time it returns to the court.
With a Jones fracture and complications with surgery rendering Durant largely ineffective in the 2014-15 season, the segmented full-length Zoom Air will aid him in his return to the MVP-level he achieved just one season ago.
Plus, special grooves in the forefoot and heel “intuitively flex” with KD’s foot.
Aside from the Zoom Air, the Flyweave upper continues Nike’s use of the strong woven textile that was first introduced in the Flyknit upper on the Kobe 9 Elite in 2013.
But the KD8 is the first Nike Basketball kick to feature the full Flyweave high resolution design that melds, bends and covers the foot as it goes through the paces on the court.
Then there’s the sabertooth heel counter, pantomiming one of the rare KD tattoos you can see when he’s on the court.
Obviously, the saber tooth continues the storytelling that’s made the KD line so popular — even quarter-billion-dollar-guaranteed popular. It represents the instincts, ferocity and primeval predator KD can often resemble on the court.
The first two colorways include the V8 (red) and the July 4th shoe (red, white, blue).
The KD8 debuts today, June 23 on NIKEiD for personalized customization. The KD8 July 4th colorway is available June 27 in limited quantities, followed by the KD8 V8 colorway on July 11. The KD8 retails for $180.
(Via Nike)
