When Nike’s newest style in the KD8 collection hits stores next week, shoppers may be impressed with the sharp looking colors. But many could be even more impressed with the inspiration behind the shoe.
The Beaverton, Ore.-based company said today that the “shoe is an homage to the suit” NBA player Kevin Durant wore during his MVP acceptance speech in May of 2014.
Durant, a six-time NBA All Star who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder, said he hoped his color-shifting suit would make as much of a statement as his speech.
Durant’s story of hard work and determination is well documented, but much of his personal experience is reflected in his signature line of KD8 sneakers.
The first edition of his KD8 sneakers landed in stores on June 27. That style, for the first time in a basketball shoe, aimed to use Nike’s Flyweave technology for the upper and a full-length Zoom Air unit.
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At the time, Durant said in a statement: “When I 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.”
The KD8 Suit shoe hits Aug. 14 online and in select stores.
