The Nike KD 17 is Kevin Durant’s newest signature shoe for 2024. It marks the seventeenth model in the Nike KD legacy. As Durant is a lifelong Nike athlete, the popularity of this basketball shoe shows no signs of waning. The KD 17 is set to hit the shelves on May 17th, 2024, with a retail price of $150. It will be available both on Nike.com and through partnering Nike Basketball retailers.
Debut: Kevin Durant officially unveiled the Nike KD 17 on April 20th, 2024, during Game 1 of the MIN/PHX playoffs series. He sported an all-black colorway of the KD 17, although it’s uncertain whether this version is a sample pair for the athlete or a forthcoming release. The all-black colorway is unusual in the KD signature shoe line, suggesting it may be a personalized edition for Durant himself.
Ad Campaign: An official ad campaign for the Nike KD 17 featuring Nike athlete Chet Holmgren has been revealed in a video shared by footwear retailer Hibbett. Holmgren, a member of the OKC Thunder, may be seen wearing the Nike KD 17 throughout the remainder of the playoffs. Nike seems to be expanding the KD franchise by enlisting younger athletes in the league who share similar physical attributes with the two-time NBA champion.
Design Inspiration: Kevin Durant’s new signature shoes typically debut late in the NBA season, often worn by Durant himself during the playoffs. The KD 17’s first launch colorway is University Gold/Black/Safety Orange, unofficially dubbed “Sunrise” due to its resemblance to the popular Air Max Plus colorway. While Nike has yet to officially announce details of the shoe’s design, it’s speculated to draw heavily from the 1998 Air Max Plus, a sneaker that has been a focal point for the brand’s Sportswear department.
Ironically, the colorway bears resemblance to the colors of the OKC Thunder. Durant’s departure from Oklahoma City as a free agent to join rivals Golden State remains a controversial move in NBA history, with OKC fans often expressing their displeasure when he faces his former team.
Release Information: The Nike KD 17 is confirmed to release on May 17th, 2024, on Nike.com and partnering Nike Basketball retailers, including Finish Line, JD Sports US, Foot Locker, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and other major retailers. Priced at $150, the KD 17 is expected to garner significant attention. Below are official Nike images of the Nike KD 17, along with additional images from retailer JD Sports.
