There are certain kicks synonymous with current and innovative style, remaining affixed in the forefront of street style and design. Nike’s KDs reside in that realm. Jordans, Air Force Ones, Chucks, to name a few, are staples, tried and true confidants that no matter the gear, will rock along accordingly. It’s impossible to wear KDs and not at least appear to be an individual who has procured a significant street fashion relevance. You could wear a burlap potato sack and some KDs and people would say, “Dudes got some nice shoes.” Durant isn’t the best player in the NBA, that title goes to Lebron, even Steph Curry is rocking Under Armours in all their “we-must-protect-this-house” Under Armourdness. KD exists as an elusive roundball unicorn, so unique that his exemplary skills outshine his flaws, even when compared to the pinnacle of the sport. His shoes are no different. It’s undeniable KDs are just straight up cool, but his new kicks take a small step back. (As noted in other articles, this is purely a style review, size 11.5, send em and I’ll review them fully.)
Above are the “Fourth of July” edition of the KD8s, which now feature Nike’s patented Flywire technology, which will undoubtedly add several feet to your vertical leap and shave minutes off of your mile time. We all know Nike is pretty good at this whole sneaker making thing, save me the specs and show me the colorways! The KD8s continue the lowtop trend of previous iterations, spitting in the collective faces of oldheads and basketball purists worldwide, who still deflect all suggestions that sneaker tops should end anywhere below the hip. The overall look of the shoe is a timid delivery of riskless composition, that results in an adequate. but unimposing and forgettable end product. What’s up with that jutting out heel anyways? Thats not to say the KD8s are a bad looking shoe, by no means is that the intent. Simply, when you set the bar as high as the KD6, you run the risk of perpetual comparison and subsequent disappointment.
A popular term in today’s global sports market, consider this a “bridge year” for the KDs. The KD8s are no indictment upon the brand itself, not a misstep but a lateral move, a finished product that is simply underwhelming for expectant feet. Nike is a clever beast and is never one to rest on it laurels, expect them to, at some point, release a colorway that will render all previous statement null and void. The design is strong with that one. The current KD8 is the base model, the premiums aren’t on the showroom floor yet. Honestly they could just release an edition with a photo of Durant while giving his MVP speech, emblazoned upon the side of the shoe and it’ll be a wrap. Expect bigger things from Nike, while other sectors of may be more profitable, there are none cooler than KD.
