Kevin Durant Debuted a New KD 18 Inspired by a Classic — and Controversial — Nike Sneaker
Kevin Durant’s latest signature sneaker, the Nike KD 18, features a design inspired by the cult favorite Nike Air Terra Humara trail running shoe from 1997. And last night, during the Phoenix Suns’ 125-108 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Durant debuted a new version of the sneaker which takes its colors from yet another classic Nike design.
According to photographer Riccardo Mestre, the latest Nike KD 18 colorway takes inspiration from Durant’s Washington, D.C. birthplace and upbringing in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Referencing the area’s affinity for the retro Air Bakin basketball shoe, Durant’s new KD 18 is colored with a bright red-and-black upper which features contrasting yellow shoelaces.
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Mestre shared detailed images of the shoes on social media, including one styled after Nike’s “1-800” ads from the ‘90s.
The clashing color look was a signature detail of the Air Bakin, which, like the Air Terra Humara, was originally released in ’97. In the NBA, the Air Bakin was most memorably worn by Tim Hardaway while he was a member of the Miami Heat. Touted by Nike as being lightweight and breathable while still durable, the Air Bakin featured a mesh-based upper and heel Air Max cushioning.
Not without controversy, tens of thousands of pairs of the original Air Bakin were recalled in the late ‘90s. The heel of the shoe featured embroidery of an “Air” logo in a font which some believed too closely resembled the word “Allah” in Arabic script. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the design, which reportedly led to Nike attempt to cover up the controversial logo with patches and paint. When that didn’t work, Nike recalled 38,000 pairs of the shoe and issued a formal apology to the Muslim community.
The original black, red and yellow colorway of the Air Bakin was last released in 2014. More recently, streetwear brand Supreme issued two collaborations of the Air Bakin in 2023.
Fans of Durant’s retro-inspired pair will reportedly have a chance to purchase the sneaker at retail. According to Sole Retriever, the Nike KD 18 “Air Bakin” will be released on May 15 for a retail price of $150. Its SKU is HV1992-600 and its full colorway is “Fire Red/Black-Amarillo.”
