Kevin Durant’s 16th trademark sneaker isn’t even nine months old, yet its replacement is set to drop in April, well ahead of schedule.
The Nike KD 17 immediately sticks out for its resemblance to the Air Max Plus, which debuted in 1998 as a Foot Locker exclusive and has become a focus point for Nike in the last year to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Both sneakers have the same wavy patterns on the top profile, which designer Sean McDowell claims were inspired by witnessing palm trees in front of a sunset.
Those beginnings are obviously evident in the KD 17’s debut colorway, which has orange and yellow gradient overlays over a white and yellow gradient foundation. A blue strip on the midsole sits beneath those overlays, and it features a repeating “KD” symbol that resembles waves on the lake. The branding includes an iridescent “KD” tongue logo, “Kevin Durant” script on the heel counter, and a circle with the word “Easy” just beneath as an homage to Durant’s “Easy Money Sniper” nickname and social handles.
According to Complex, the KD 17’s design has forefoot Zoom cushioning, a TPU shank, a Cushlon midsole, and a generative rubber outsole.
The KD 17’s appearance so quickly after its predecessor, which launched in August, could be attributed to the KD 16’s lackluster reception. Even Durant voiced reluctance, saying during the Phoenix Suns media day: “It’s the 16th installment, so it’s nothing to write home about, brother. It’s what it is. It’s KDs; you know they’ll be on my feet every year.
The Nike KD 17 will be available on April 12 through the Snkrs app and select third-party shops. The price is set at $150.