NIKE KD8 basketball shoe

NIKE KD8 basketball shoe

the new NIKE KD8 designed by leo chang features two technical firsts in a NIKE basketball shoe: a FLYWEAVE upper and an articulated full-length ZOOM AIR unit. these elements work in tandem to provide durant with a versatility, fit and responsiveness engineered for basketball’s most dynamic player.

born from the design principals of woven textiles engineered for spacesuits, FLYWEAVE technology was just over two years in development when chang and fellow NIKE designer thomas bell singled it out for the KD8 upper.

FLYWEAVE creates a lightweight, engineered textile upper, tightly woven in a single layer for flexible support and a lockdown fit

the KD8 is the first NIKE basketball shoe to bring high-strength woven textile that can be designed in high resolution, down to the pixel, for the rigors of basketball footwork. the introduction of FLYWEAVE along with the FLYKNIT upper that debuted in the kobe 9 in 2013, continues NIKE basketball’s leadership in engineered textiles.

‘it is the most technically precise shoe we’ve designed for kevin. FLYWEAVE is optimal for his multidimensional skillset and footwork as he jumps, cuts, jabs and accelerates’ said chang. ‘combined with flywire cables in the forefoot, FLYWEAVE locks you in like a seatbelt, but moves and feels like a second skin.’

the adaptive heel counter takes inspiration from durant’s sabertooth tiger tattoo

the articulated, full-length NIKE ZOOM AIR unit specifically designed for the KD8 provides responsive cushioning that moves naturally with durant’s foot.  thousands of high-strength fibers connect the top and bottom of this ZOOM AIR unit, which runs the foot’s entire length. for the first time in basketball, this ZOOM AIR unit is designed with strategically placed notches in the forefoot and heel to intuitively flex with the foot’s movement.

‘when I first tested the KD8, I instantly loved the springy response of the ZOOM AIR combined with the natural feel of the FLYWEAVE. I didn’t want to take it off,’ said durant.

the articulated, full-length ZOOM AIR unit intuitively flexes with the foot

durant connected with the sabertooth tiger’s unique predatory instincts, ferocity and prehistoric old soul – resulting in a tattoo on his right leg.

the sabertooth tiger tattoo on KD’s right leg inspired the KD8 heel counter design

building athlete insight into the KD8, chang created a one-of-a-kind heel design for the KD8 that mimics a sabertooth’s fangs. this high wrapping midsole detail also serves a functional benefit – keeping durant’s foot locked in and stable.

 
design sketch by leo chang

 
durant with his latest NIKE shoe, the KD8

KD8 july 4th colorway

the KD8 july 4th colorway reflects durant’s love for the holiday with a patriotic red, white and blue palette.  every year durant spends quality time with friends and family over independence day celebrations and backyard barbeques.

NIKE KD8 – july 4th colorway

the holiday is also an important reminder for durant to continually push himself during the important summer off-season as many of his opponents are resting. he begins each july 4th with an intense early morning workout and this year will be no different. the KD8 july 4th colorway showcases the versatility of FLYWEAVE construction with its explosive firework-inspired pattern that intermixes colors.

the KD8 v8 is the second colorway drop and pulls inspiration from durant’s camaro he had customized in 2010.  this bold, matte red v8 car attracted durant with its speed and power, and serves as a lasting memory of hard work paying off.

the kd8 debuts june 23 on NIKEiD for personalized customization.  the KD8 july 4th colorway is available on june 27 in limited quantities, followed by the KD8 V8 colorway on july 11.