Suns’ Kevin Durant Is Not Much Thrilled About His New Nike Sneaker

Kevin Durant has a reputation for being brutally honest, and it appears that the lifetime contract he signed with Nike earlier this year hasn’t altered that.

Durant has had a Nike sponsorship agreement since his rookie season in 2007. The Nike KD 16 was released this year to commemorate his 16th year in the league. However, not everyone seemed to be overjoyed about them, including the 13-time NBA All-Star himself.

Suns’ Kevin Durant Is Not Much Thrilled About His New Nike Sneaker

The Phoenix Suns forward is just as deadly with his social media comebacks as he is with a late-game pull-up jumper.

But don’t expect Durant to become a corporate man simply because he’s permanently linked to the Swoosh.

“It’s just another pair of kicks, man,” Durant, wearing the “Ember Glow” colour way of his signature shoe, told NBA Kicks during Suns media day. “It’s the 16th instalment, so it’s nothing to call home about, brother. It is what it is, it’s KD’s. You just know they’re going to be on my feet every year.”

Meanwhile, Nike appeared to be of a different mind.

“Actually calling home about these right now,” read a post by the official Nike Basketball account.

Durant is not the only Nike athlete who has expressed dissatisfaction with one of their shoe designs. Durant’s former teammate, Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, agreed. Irving’s journey to popularity on the Nike brand was meteoric. In June 2011, he was picked, and by December 2014, he already had a signature sneaker.

The KD 16 ($160) is touted as a lightweight and comfy sneaker due to its blend of Nike Air and Zoom Air. The multilayer mesh is intended to produce a broken-in sensation, while grooves and ridges in the sole that resemble watch gears aid in multidirectional traction. While the sneaker seemed to be good, Durant’s endorsement leaves a lot to be desired.

As a sneaker lover, it’s frustrating to hear a signature player express such dissatisfaction with their signature shoe. Especially since Durant is a true sneakerhead who enjoys trying out new shoes.

Durant remains one of the league’s finest players, with one of the most impressive footwear credentials in basketball history.

 

 

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