SLAM Sneaker Review: Nike KD 8

Always Strive And Progress. This isn’t only what the stylized “ASAP” in rapper A$ap Rocky’s name stands for, but it’s also the constant storyline of the KD series by Nike, an eight-year strong partnership between Kevin Durant and designer Leo Chang. Let’s take a closer look at the fresh-from-the-factory, newly-released Nike KD 8.

FIT

It has an excellent heel fit, one that really locks your ankle down. There’s no unwanted movement at all inside the shoe. The tricky part though is fit, with sizing likely to be on a case-to-case basis. It’s true-to-size width-wise, if you have a narrow foot. If you have a wide foot though, it’s a different story. You might need to really break the shoe for the sides to adjust, as it’s a bit tight because of the Flyweave. The toe area meanwhile has a bit of allowance when you get your regular size. I suggest you try them on first before copping.

WEIGHT

If your game involves lots of driving to the basket and cutting, this will be a good choice for you. Simply put, it is really a solid, technical shoe. Weighing in at 12 ounces, the KD 8 has silently built a budding signature dynasty and is racking up the W’s in terms of pure performance. Lightweight, phylon packed, low to the ground. I’m sure fans of the Kobe line will also enjoy this as part of their low top rotation.

TRACTION

Great traction for all courts, indoor and outdoor. I really love it when multi-directional patterns take over. The quality of the rubber could make this a durable outdoor shoe as well.

DETAIL

Ah yes. Flyweave. Another new innovation from the swoosh. It consists of woven textiles engineered for spacesuits to be light and sturdy. My favorite part is the Sabretooth-inspired heel representing KD’s leg tattoo. Would be dope if there would be an X-Men or Wolverine collab pack for this.

STABILITY/SUPPORT

The previously-mentioned Flyweave gets the job done. It adjusts to your foot while sliding and you honestly feel it mold to your foot. I expected more support from the articulated full-length Zoom Air unit on the back, but the front part is pretty comfortable when you jump off your toes.

The shoe wrapped quite well, it felt like the rice paper/ fresh spring rolls in the vietnamese restaurants. “Kapit” factor on point.

The Flywire cables on the outer forefoot play a big role in this shoe, controlling how your foot will be supported when you’re moving.

LOOK/FEEL

This particular colorway, the 4th of July, is the first one out of this silhouette. I really dig the diversity on this one as it splatters a pattern of the U.S flag. Really excited for the V8 all red colorway as well.

Also, the high-strength woven textile upper will really impress you on court.

STYLE

Looks like a runner, kinda like an Air Max 2015, (a bit Kardashian-y on the butt though) and performs like a modern and advanced basketball shoe.

OVERALL 9/10

The swoosh put a lot of work in the kitchen on this shoe for sure. I really loved riding in these. Other than the size concern, once you get your proper fit when you try them out, you’ll have some great sessions in these KD’s.

The Nike KD 8 retails for PHP8,995.

Photos c/o Marion Rocha
Twitter: @MarionR_photos
Instagram: @marionrochaphotography