Nike KD 17 basketball runners

KD 17 basketball shoes

Kevin Durant signed with Nike at the beginning of his rookie year in 2007, with the pair launching his signature series two years later. Through innovative and stylish design, his basketball shoes became immensely popular, and in 2024, the long-running line was extended with the release of the Nike KD 17.

The KD 17 features a supportive, mixed-material upper with a breathable yet sturdy mesh through the forefoot, durable synthetic leather around the heel and structured TPU bands interspersed with cushy foam inserts on the flanks. These TPU elements connect to the eyelets, providing lateral stability and clinging securely to the foot when the laces are tied for enhanced lockdown. This effect is further improved by the fully gusseted tongue, which incorporates lightweight cushioning for reduced lace pressure, the well-padded ankle collar and the sturdy heel counter. Lastly, a thin TPU coating around the forefoot and eyestay protects the upper from toe drags and other abrasions.

The sole of the Nike KD 17 brings together a full-length slab of Cushlon foam with a bottom-loaded forefoot Zoom Air unit and a top-loaded Nike Air Strobel in the heel for a powerful blend of comfort, impact protection and responsive propulsion. A TPU shank forms the front part of the strobel board, adding a springy snap at toe off, with everything set low-to-the-ground to maintain excellent court feel. Alongside this, the wide forefoot presents a solid platform for stable landings, and the lateral guard rail brings an extra touch of stability during side-to-side cuts. Deep, multidirectional tread lines curve in concentric patterns across the rubber outsole, offering excellent traction that stays consistent on a range of indoor and outdoor surfaces, including dusty courts.

Inspired by the iconic Air Max Plus, the KD 17 is defined by its distinctive TPU exoskeleton. Its bold tongue logo is joined by classy Swooshes over each ankle, while Durant’s name is written up the heel spine in sophisticated lettering. In another nod to the TN, it debuted with the vibrant ‘Sunrise’ colourway featuring vivid shades of red and orange. This was soon joined by a collection of stylish designs, including the ‘Producer Pack’, which consists of three stunning editions crafted by some of Durant’s favourite hip-hop record producers.

With its innovative upper, bouncy sole and heritage aesthetic, the Nike KD 17 is a versatile court shoe that intelligently merges form and function so that players can achieve top-tier performance in style.