Kevin Durant is consistently candid, once telling David Letterman on his Netflix series, “I’m actually high right now.” When asked about his latest signature shoe from Nike, the KD 16, the Phoenix Suns superstar was equally blunt.
“Just another pair of kicks,” he told NBA Kicks at the Suns’ Media Day when asked about what he was wearing. “It’s the 16th installment, so it’s nothing to call home about, brother. It is what it is. It’s KDs, you know they’ll be on my feet every year.”
The KD 16 made its debut in August with a colorway for the NY vs NY youth basketball tournament hosted by Nike in New York City. The shoe comes in lighter and lower than its predecessor, while a bottom-loaded Zoom Air underfoot works in conjunction with a regular Air unit at the bottom of the upper.
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While Durant isn’t making a big deal about the sneaker, Nike hasn’t either. The KD 16 never got a formal announcement on the Nike Newsroom website, where recent press releases have included the new LeBron 21, Devin Booker’s first signature sneaker, and the most recent release from the Kobe line.
There’s no reason to assume Durant is unhappy — he may, in fact, just feel unburdened by the need to hype up his newest sneakers. All signs point to his relationship with Nike being just fine, as he recently inked a lifetime contract with the Swoosh. Early models from his signature line are now getting the retro treatment, including a KD 3 “Aunt Pearl” that will release soon as part of Nike’s holiday lineup.
Still, even if you just chalk up the comments to KD being KD, it’s amusing to see him talk about his own product in such a humdrum manner. Those Nike checks will keep clearing, so why elevate the heartbeat?
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
