Kevin Durant’s Nike Air Max Plus-Inspired KD 17 Sneaker Will Release in Mid-May
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Kevin Durant’s 16th signature sneaker is not even ten months old, but the successor is slated to release in April well ahead of when many may have expected.
The Nike KD 17 immediately stands out for its similarities to the Air Max Plus, which debuted in 1998 as a Foot Locker-exclusive and has become a focal point for Nike over the past year to coincide with its 25th anniversary. Both sneakers share the same wavy lines on the upper’s profile, which designer Sean McDowell says were inspired by him seeing palm trees standing in front of a sunset.
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Those origins are clearly at play for the KD 17’s debut colorway, which utilizes orange and yellow gradient overlays and a white and yellow gradient base. Sitting beneath those overlays on the midsole is a blue panel on the midsole, which uses a repeating “KD” motif” that ends up looking like ripples on water. Branding consists of an iridescent “KD” tongue logo, as well as “Kevin Durant” script on the heel counter and a circle that reads “Easy” directly beneath as a nod to Durant’s “Easy Money Sniper nickname and social handles.
According to a report from Complex, the KD 17’s text consists of forefoot Zoom cushioning, a TPU shank, Cushlon midsole and generative rubber outsole.
The arrival of the KD 17 so soon after its predecessor, which only debuted in August, could be because of such a lukewarm reception to the KD 16. Even Durant himself expressed ambivalence, as he said during the Phoenix Suns media day: “It’s the 16th installment, so it’s nothing to call home about, brother. It is what it is. It’s KDs, you know they’ll be on my feet every year.”
The Nike KD 17 will release May 17 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $150.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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