Kevin Durant, known for his versatile scoring ability and unmatched skillset, has made a significant impact both on and off the court. Since entering the NBA, Durant’s signature sneaker line with Nike has become a favorite among basketball enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike. Each shoe in Durant’s line reflects his journey, combining cutting-edge technology with unique designs that cater to his dynamic playing style. This guide takes you through the history of Kevin Durant’s sneakers, highlighting the inspiration, design, and memorable moments associated with each pair.
Complete Guide to Kevin Durant Sneaker History
1. Nike Zoom KD 1 – 2008
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Designed to provide support and versatility for Durant’s all-around game.
- Top Colorways: Home (White/Orange/Blue), Away (Black/Orange/Blue), Texas (White/Burnt Orange).
Stats (2008-2009): 25.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists
The Nike Zoom KD 1 was Kevin Durant’s first signature shoe, designed by Leo Chang. It featured a sleek design with a focus on support and versatility. Durant wore these during his breakout sophomore season. A funny anecdote is that Durant’s teammates would tease him about how the shoes made him look like he was floating on air, thanks to his smooth playing style.
2. Nike Zoom KD 2 – 2009
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Emphasized comfort and flexibility, with a strap for added lockdown.
- Top Colorways: Creamsicle (Orange/Blue), Scoring Title (White/Blue), All-Star (Blue/Red).
Stats (2009-2010): 30.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists
The Nike Zoom KD 2 provided enhanced comfort and flexibility with a midfoot strap for added lockdown. Durant wore these during his first scoring title season. A memorable moment was when he wore the vibrant “Creamsicle” colorway, leading to playful banter from his teammates about looking like a walking popsicle.
3. Nike Zoom KD 3 – 2010
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Integrated Flywire technology for lightweight support and stability.
- Top Colorways: Christmas (Black/Yellow/Red), All-Star (Red/Blue), OKC Home (White/Blue/Orange).
Stats (2010-2011): 27.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists
The Nike Zoom KD 3 introduced Flywire technology for lightweight support and stability. Durant wore these during another stellar season, highlighted by his appearance in the NBA All-Star Game. His teammates often joked that the Flywire made him “fly” higher during games, adding to his already impressive skillset.
4. Nike Zoom KD 4 – 2011
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Featured Adaptive Fit system for a custom lockdown fit.
- Top Colorways: Weatherman (Green/Yellow), Aunt Pearl (Pink/White), Year of the Dragon (Blue/Orange).
Stats (2011-2012): 28.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists
The Nike Zoom KD 4 featured an Adaptive Fit system for a custom lockdown fit. This shoe gained popularity with iconic colorways like the “Weatherman” and “Aunt Pearl.” A funny story from this period is that Durant’s friends and family would often ask him if the “Weatherman” shoes could predict the weather, given their unique design.
5. Nike KD 5 – 2012
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Built for versatility with a high-top design and Zoom Air cushioning.
- Top Colorways: DMV (Bright Crimson), Black History Month (Black/White), Easter (Teal/Yellow).
Stats (2012-2013): 28.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists
The Nike KD 5 was designed for versatility with a high-top design and Zoom Air cushioning. Durant wore these during a season where he led the Thunder to the playoffs. His teammates would jokingly call him “Super KD” because the high-tops made him look even taller and more dominant on the court.
6. Nike KD 6 – 2013
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Inspired by soccer cleats, with a low-profile design for enhanced agility.
- Top Colorways: Meteorology (Black/Green), Peanut Butter & Jelly (Purple/Yellow), Christmas (Green/Red).
Stats (2013-2014): 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists
Award: NBA MVP
The Nike KD 6 was inspired by soccer cleats, featuring a low-profile design for enhanced agility. Durant wore these during his MVP season. A humorous moment was when he wore the “Peanut Butter & Jelly” colorway, and fans started bringing PB&J sandwiches to games as a tribute.
7. Nike KD 7 – 2014
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Combined Flywire technology with a midfoot strap for improved support.
- Top Colorways: Aunt Pearl (Pink/White), Global Game (Red/Blue), 35,000 Degrees (Orange/Yellow).
Stats (2014-2015): 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists
The Nike KD 7 combined Flywire technology with a midfoot strap for improved support. Durant wore these during a season that saw him battle through injuries. The “Aunt Pearl” edition became especially popular, and Durant humorously mentioned that his Aunt Pearl would always tell him to keep his shoes clean, making this edition particularly special to him.
8. Nike KD 8 – 2015
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Introduced Flyweave technology for lightweight flexibility and strength.
- Top Colorways: Hunt’s Hill Sunrise (Orange/Yellow), Christmas (White/Red/Green), PG County (Black/Red).
Stats (2015-2016): 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists
The Nike KD 8 introduced Flyweave technology for lightweight flexibility and strength. Durant wore these as he returned to top form after injuries. A funny story is that Durant’s friends would jokingly call him “The Weaver” because of the shoe’s intricate Flyweave pattern.
9. Nike KD 9 – 2016
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Featured Flyknit technology for a dynamic, sock-like fit and Zoom Air cushioning.
- Top Colorways: Mic Drop (Black/White), Battle Grey (Grey/Black), Pre-Heat (Blue/Yellow).
Stats (2016-2017): 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Championship: NBA Champion, Finals MVP
The Nike KD 9 featured Flyknit technology for a dynamic, sock-like fit and Zoom Air cushioning. Durant wore these during his first NBA Championship win with the Golden State Warriors. He humorously mentioned that the shoes were so comfortable, he felt like he was playing in his slippers during the Finals.
10. Nike KD 10 – 2017
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Built on the success of the KD 9 with enhanced Flyknit and responsive cushioning.
- Top Colorways: Still KD (White/Gold), City Edition (Black/Gold), Aunt Pearl (Pink/White).
Stats (2017-2018): 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists
Championship: NBA Champion, Finals MVP
The Nike KD 10 built on the success of the KD 9 with enhanced Flyknit and responsive cushioning. Durant wore these during his second consecutive NBA Championship win. After winning the Finals MVP again, Durant joked that the shoes were his “secret weapon” for back-to-back championships.
11. Nike KD 11 – 2018
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Combined React foam and Zoom Air for ultimate cushioning and comfort.
- Top Colorways: Multicolor, Paranoid (Blue/Orange), Aunt Pearl (Pink/White).
Stats (2018-2019): 26.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists
The Nike KD 11 combined React foam and Zoom Air for ultimate cushioning and comfort. Durant wore these during another All-Star season. A funny story is that Durant would often prank his teammates by hiding their shoes and leaving a pair of KD 11s in their lockers, claiming they were a “better choice.”
12. Nike KD 12 – 2019
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Focused on broken-in comfort with a full-length Zoom Air unit stitched directly to the upper.
- Top Colorways: The Day One (Black/White), University Red, YouTube (White/Red).
Stats (2019-2020): 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists
The Nike KD 12 focused on broken-in comfort with a full-length Zoom Air unit stitched directly to the upper. Durant wore these as he transitioned to the Brooklyn Nets. He humorously remarked that the KD 12s felt so good, he could “nap in them” after intense games.
13. Nike KD 13 – 2020
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Enhanced cushioning and flexibility with a double-stacked Zoom Air unit.
- Top Colorways: Hype (White/Black), Chill (Blue/White), Easy Money Sniper (Green/Gold).
Stats (2020-2021): 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists
The Nike KD 13 featured enhanced cushioning and flexibility with a double-stacked Zoom Air unit. Durant wore these during the 2020-2021 season. Teammates often joked that Durant’s “easy money” nickname also applied to his shoes, as they made everything on the court look effortless.
14. Nike KD 14 – 2021
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Combining the best features of past KD models with modern technology, featuring a midfoot strap for stability.
- Top Colorways: Cyber (Black/Green), Home (White/Black/Blue), Sunset (Orange/Yellow).
Stats (2021-2022): 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists
The Nike KD 14 combined the best features of past KD models with modern technology, featuring a midfoot strap for stability. Durant wore these as he continued to dominate with the Brooklyn Nets. After a particularly impressive game, he humorously mentioned that the KD 14s had “magic straps” that kept him locked in and focused.
15. Nike KD 15 – 2022
- Designer: Leo Chang
- Inspiration: Lightweight construction with full-length Air Zoom Strobel for maximum responsiveness.
- Top Colorways: Beginnings (White/Red), Black/Gold, Multicolor.
Stats (2022-2023): 29.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists
The Nike KD 15 featured lightweight construction with full-length Air Zoom Strobel for maximum responsiveness. Durant wore these during the 2022-2023 season. After a game-winning shot, he humorously credited the KD 15s for giving him the “extra bounce” needed to make the clutch play.
Funny Stories and Anecdotes
KD’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Ritual
One of the funniest and most memorable stories is Durant’s love for the “Peanut Butter & Jelly” colorway of his shoes. Fans started bringing PB&J sandwiches to games, and Durant even admitted to eating one before each game as a good luck ritual, adding to the playful lore of the KD line.
Teammates and the KD Prank
Durant’s sense of humor is well-known among his teammates. During the launch of the KD 11, Durant would hide his teammates’ shoes and replace them with pairs of KD 11s, claiming that it was an upgrade. This light-hearted prank became a fun inside joke within the team.
Conclusion
Kevin Durant’s sneakers are a testament to his influence, style, and impact on the game of basketball. From the innovative designs of the early KD models to the advanced technology in the latest releases, each shoe reflects a chapter in Durant’s illustrious career. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a basketball fan, or someone who appreciates innovation, Durant’s sneakers offer something unique and inspiring. As you lace up a pair of KDs, remember the dedication, skill, and excellence that define his legacy.