Nike KD 14 Performance Review

With Kevin Durant focused on winning his 3rd Championship with the Brooklyn Nets, his 14th signature shoe was leaked. Whilst the transition from the KD 12 to the KD 13 was fairly minimal, the transition to the KD 14 is an overhaul of the existing silhouette.

Upper

Rather than the high-cut silhouette of the KD 12 and KD 13, the KD 14 opts for a mid-cut look. There seems to be a change in materials as the KD 14 uses thicker mesh compared to the minimal material build on the KD 13. The most obvious change is the addition of a mid-foot strap for additional lockdown. The strap on the KD line was first introduced in the KD 2. Since then, the strap would be in and out of the KD line until it was last used on the KD 7. The KD 14 will be KD's fourth signature shoe to implement a mid-foot strap.

Midsole Cushion Set-up

The large TPU piece on the side of the midsole shows that Air Zoom technology will be implemented. Sources have stated that the KD 14 will feature full-length Air Zoom Strobel with Cushlon foam. Currently it is not clear on whether an additional Air Zoom unit will be added to either the forefoot or heel.

Outsole

Whilst it is difficult to see at an angle, the KD 14 looks to use a wave like pattern with long lines vertically spreading across the foot bed. The KD 14 looks to be a entirely different shoe compared to the last two models. This is typical of the KD line since Kevin Durant is such a versatile player, his silhouettes have dramatically changed over the course of one shoe to another. With all of KD's shoes known for excellent cushioning, we will have to see if the KD 14 will also perform as well as the others. The Nike KD 14 is set for release on April 17 and will retail for $150.