The Nike KD 19 Leans Into the Early 2000s
Nike Basketball have been moving differently of late, specifically by drawing inspiration from places other than Kobe silhouettes. The Nike KD 19 just leaked, and it is unlike anything we’ve seen from the Slim Reaper’s line. To Kevin Durant’s credit, his recent models have explored the archives – the KD 16 referenced the Air Penny 2, and the KD 18 took cues from the Air Terra Humara. With the 19, however, Durant wades into waters which have never yet been charted by his signature line.
The changes from the KD 4 to the 5 and then to the 6 are commonly considered the most significant design departures present in the KD line. After a string of low-top designs, the KD 5 introduced high-tops back into the line, before reversing course and opting for an ultra-lightweight, low cut in the KD 6.
The new KD 19 may dethrone these models as Most Divergent From Norm, as we can see from that it dons a TPU caged upper, overhauling the signature line with themes from the early 2000s – and even warranting comparison to silhouettes like the Hyperflight and Ultraflight. The most striking element is the zigzag panel that runs the length of the lateral side. The launch colourway is expected to be the orange ‘Bright Ceramic’ edition seen below.
Nike have found positive momentum by leaning into the early 2000s design language with their new performance models – namely the GT Future, which has yet to release but has been widely applauded.
The Nike KD 19 is poised to offer a low-top option of this revamped flavour, and is set to debut next summer. Stay tuned for more updates, as multiple colourways are planned.
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