The Technology of Nike KD 9 Athletic Shoes for Men
The Nike KD 9, Kevin Durant's ninth signature sneakers, was first released in June 2016. The sneaker was fitted with a number of new technologies being debuted by Nike. The KD 9 was the first sneaker Kevin Durant wore when he began playing with the Golden State Warriors. The KD 9 Elite, a more technically advanced version of the original, was released during the NCAA Tournament in March 2017.
How are the Nike KD 9 shoes supposed to help?
With Air Zoom and phylon combined in the midsole, the KD 9 sneakers provide athletes with bounce and responsiveness. The phylon is lightweight, responsive EVA foam with a low profile on top of the midsole for flexibility and cushioning. The ultra-thin, full-length Air Zoom underneath the phylon provides firm support while improving maneuverability on the court. The synthetic fibers within the compressed plastic of the Air Zoom are designed to improve the court feel for players.
The Flyknit upper is designed to provide flexibility and support. The honeycomb outsole is designed to support the multidirectional movements of quicker athletes indoors or outdoors. The soft, pliable rubber compound of the sole is designed to enhance grip on different types of surfaces. The stretchable neoprene in the extended ankle is designed to enhance players' flexibility and stability.
How do the Nike KD 9 shoes fit on your feet?
The Flyknit is designed to help the Nike KD 9 sneakers provide a snugger fit from the midfoot to the toes. The material used is thin, soft, and offers breathability. The Flywire lockdown system helps the KD Elite 9 fit like a glove, using five eyelets to minimize height while supporting the heel and forefoot. The laces are designed to wrap around the ankle for better lockdown, containment, and dynamic support.
The top wires on these high-upper basketball shoes can be tightened to provide your ankles with additional support. Both sneakers are designed on Kevin Durant's foot structure so they rarely fit true to size in length or width. These sneakers favor wearers with narrow feet so athletes, especially those with wider feet, must shop for a half-size larger. See the manufacturer's site for details.
What are some key features of the Nike KD 9 sneakers?
The KD 9 sneaker features tapered Zoom Air running from head to toe, a honeycomb Flyknit upper, and an anatomically articulated flex-groove outsole. The Nike KD Elite features Zoom Air, Dynamic Flywire lacing, a Flyknit upper, phylon midsole, and an extended ankle sleeve made of neoprene. Both versions of the Nike KD 9 feature visible, full-length Zoom Air. These Leo Chang designed sneakers are built to meet Kevin Durant's needs on and off the court.
Nike KD 9 - Red
Nike KD 9 - Black
Chang and Durant worked together to design basketball shoes that could also be worn as fashion sneakers. Nike currently offers these sneakers in over 20 different colorways, including the Xmas KD shoes. The KD 9 Elite is available in up to four different colorways. The Nike Swoosh is positioned on both sides of the sneaker, and the color often coincides with the shade of the colorway.
Nike KD 9 vs. Nike KD 9 Elite vs Nike KD 10
| Nike KD 9 | Nike KD 9 Elite | Nike KD 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12 oz. | 11.3 oz. | 12.6 oz. |
| Closures | Laced | Laced | Laced |
| Available Colors | 21 | 4 | 17 |
Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nike.
Nike Release Dates, News and Articles
Step up your game with the latest Nike news, guides and releases on the eBay Sneakers Hub. From classic silhouettes to new Nike Dunk and Nike Air collaborations, you'll find everything you need to know to stay ahead of the game.