Behind LeBron James (and of course Michael Jordan), Kevin Durant is the NBA player with the largest collection of signature shoes. Thanks to his longevity, his consistency in excellence, and his loyalty to his equipment supplier, the Suns superstar had the honor of wearing his 17th signature model at the end of the season: the KD 17a model which symbolizes in its own way the mark left by KD on the league for more than fifteen years now.
Obviously, Nike and Kevin Durant have clear ideas about what they are looking for in terms of performance, and the KD 17 has opted for the same “technical” characteristics as on previous versions.
This is especially the case at the sole level, between sobriety and efficiency for the midsole, composed of a thin layer of foam decorated with an Air Strobel unit under the heel and a Zoom Air unit, all resting on a well-worked outer sole.
To innovate, the model has therefore revised the design of the upper, compared to the KD 16, with wavy TPU side reinforcements going up to the eyelets on a mesh base. A pattern that is reminiscent of the Nike Air Max Plus, the famous “TN”, but also the lesser-known Nike Air Flight Determination, also dating from the end of the 90s. The whole thing also aims to provide more support up to the front of the foot.
Everyone will have their own opinion on the choice of design. As for the rest, the KD 17 inevitably stands out as one of the most complete models on the market, offering a good compromise between general comfort and dynamism, but also solid on its supports, faithful to the characteristics of one of the best attackers in the history of basketball.
GENERAL COMFORT
The pair fits without too much trouble. It is rather well cut. The tongue is pleasant and generously padded with foam up to the front. At the collar too, the foam walls are comfortable.
Overall comfort is similar to previous models, due to the more dynamically oriented sole composition, with just adequate comfort. The upper contains a very light ventilation device, with a few holes at the heel.
Rating: 8/10
CUSHIONING
With a sole rather in the “rigid” range, the KD 17 has correct cushioning and good rebound. The model is intended to be “nervous”, to the detriment of overall comfort, in a way a little more accentuated than on a LeBron, but much less than a PG for example.
The midsole, however, has been matched with an Air Strobel unit under the heel and a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot to accompany a relatively thin layer of classic foam. The whole thing gives a decent feeling between its cushioning comfort and its ability to bounce back strongly.
Rating: 8/10
TRACTION
The classic multi-directional herringbone rubber outsole is a model of its kind in terms of grip and “grip” on the ground. You really have this feeling of sticking to the parquet and being able to stretch out on the supports without the slightest risk.
Nothing new, but the result is there.
Rating: 8.5/10
MAINTENANCE AND STABILITY
This is again one of the little extras of the pair, with a support already well assured at the base of the heel, but especially on the middle and the front of the foot with its TPU reinforcements starting from the base of the upper and going up to the eyelets. Once tightened well, the whole is well maintained, up to the toe.
The ankle is much freer to move, with KD having traditionally favoured low-cut models, in keeping with his player profile.
Stability is also very good, without any real gimmick to highlight this aspect except for the fact that the foot is well supported and therefore perfectly stable, and that lateral supports can be accomplished without fear. We note as often the presence of a plate placed in the middle of the outer sole to also provide more stability.
Rating: 9/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
To complement a mesh front base and a leather heel overlay, the KD 17 has opted for this brand new TPU “framing” on the upper, in the form of wavy rods starting from the midsole and going up to the eyelets. A nod to the Nike Air Max Plus “TN”? The device is accompanied by a little new extra, foam padding between each rod.
For the rest of the finishes, the “Swoosh” is also in TPU, an “EASY” tab appears at the base of the heel on the rubber outsole, just below the vertical “Kevin Durant” inscription. Depending on the colorway, the “Easy Money” inscription is also visible on the midsole. An air bubble on which the player's logo appears is also present on the tongue.
Released in France since mid-May, the KD 17 is currently only available in four colorways: “Sunrise” for Phoenix, “Penny” for his childhood idol Penny Hardaway, “USAB” for the Paris Olympic Games, and finally the “Alchemist” pair from the 2024 “Producer Pack”, already available to order.
The lifespan of the upper is perhaps one of the points where the KD 17 could be in difficulty, particularly on friction, or wear at the level of the foam padding. Everything will depend as always on the use that each person makes of it. The same goes for the lifespan of the outsole, depending on the coating used, which should resist classic wear.
Rating: 8.5/10
KD 17 VERDICT
Nike has stuck to the same method to make the KD 17 a rolling affair. Kevin Durant's 17th signature shoe dared to change the design while keeping the same guarantees on the technical side, with a sole corresponding to those who appreciated the previous KDs, a little rigid but still suitable in terms of comfort, and with very good traction.
Beyond the choice of the upper design, which some will see as rehashed, it is above all on its “basketball” qualities that the pair will rely to keep its place among the top of the basket, with also good support to top it all off.
The KD 17 hasn't had the best exposure so far, thanks to the Suns' early playoff exit. But with the 2024 Paris Olympics and next season, KD's 17th signature shoe still has plenty to show what it has under the hood.
Note : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shoe weight (size 45): 442 grams
Price : available at 160 euros on Basket4Ballers
Grading scale
- – less ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: flaws that may put some people off but qualities that will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
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