Nike Launches Kevin Durant's 16th Signature Sneaker
In addition to being unstoppable on the hardwood, Kevin Durant is equally powerful in the sneaker industry. The Phoenix Suns forward debuted his 16th signature basketball shoe with Nike earlier this year, and fans are finally getting an opportunity to purchase the kicks.
On April 25, Durant debuted the Nike KD16 NRG 'NY vs. NY' during an NBA Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Fast forward three months, and Nike KD16 NRG 'NY vs. NY' launched on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
Fans can purchase the shoes for $160 in adult sizes on the Nike website. Although Durant is no longer in the Big Apple, he remains a pure hooper at heart. Below is what fans need to know about the historic colorway Nike and Durant chose for the first installment of the Nike KD16.
Details
A detailed look at the Nike KD 16.
Nike
The 'NY vs. NY' colorway is a concept that has been applied to many Nike basketball sneakers. It is a nod to the basketball mecca's legendary streetball courts, the same Durant has played on multiple times.
The colorway sports three shades of red; noble, team, and siren. A sharp shade of Metallic Gold appears on the lateral heel Swoosh logos and around the shoes' exterior lining. The cream laces, ankle collar, and outsoles round out the color scheme.
Nike put the finishing touches on the already-iconic hoop shoe with 'NY vs. NY' logos on the tongues and insoles. The Nike KD16 NRG 'NY vs. NY' is a must-have for hoops fans and historians.
Tech Specs
A detailed look at the Nike KD 16.
Nike
Durant's previous signature shoe was a work of art, so Nike only made modest adjustments to its successor. The Nike KD16 features a multilayer mesh upper that is lightweight and dimensional with a broken-in feel. The design team added thicker material in strategic areas for improved containment.
Inspired by the previous model, a bottom-loaded forefoot Zoom Air unit was added for extra pop. Additional Impact protection is provided by a cushiony foam with a lightweight Nike Air unit.
The shoe's foundation is the rubber outsole with a traction pattern resembling watch gears. The grooves and ridges in the outsole help provide a multidirectional court feel, while a stiff piece under the arch helps provides stability and a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
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