PRESS RELEASE


March 2009

Nike and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, Kevin Durant, have come up with the next generation of footwear–KD1, Durant’s first signature shoe with the sports brand.

By taking a personal journey through Durant’s life using Durant’s relentless work ethic, Nike designers seamlessly integrate superior performance with personal design touches.

From the age of nine he has been a “gym rat” through and through and the KD1 includes design details that reflect Durant’s determination. His strong work ethic has carried him from his amateur basketball playing days to life now in the league. Nike collaborated closely with Durant to create a signature shoe with performance and design at the forefront.





“Working with Nike on my first signature basketball shoe was a dream come true,” said Durant, consensus 2007 National College Player of the Year and Washington, D.C. native.

“My goal was to introduce a shoe that performs well, looks great and showcases my roots.”

Nike designers met with Durant to get to know his personality and sources of inspiration. The KD1 has many storytelling elements including:

A postage stamp inspired design on the left tongue because Durant’s mother worked at the post office; a security badge is included on the right tongue for his father who worked as a security officer

Symbols and numbers on the left outsole represent locations meaningful to Durant

Elements that represent the hard-work ethic that he puts into his game, such as “1 hr defense drills, 1000 toe raises, grandma brings dinner to the gym” and “I never quit”


The KD1 is lightweight, well-cushioned and a sleek men’s basketball shoe. Durant plays small forward and needs lightweight footwear that can keep up with his quick sprints down the court.

KD1 has a Nike Zoom unit and a lightweight injection phylon midsole for exceptional cushioning. It is also equipped with plenty of flex grooves on the outsole that forwards need for multidirectional cuts.

The KD1 is now available in the United States.


............................................................................
Read NIKE ARTICLES on TAXI Design Network

Nike Golf Kicks Off Commercial Celebrating Tiger Woods’ Return

Jordan Brand Presents $100,000 Donation To Make-A-Wish Foundation

Nike Announces Key Sponsorship Support For ‘GCC 19’


Want to see what 24 hours of creative awesomeness look like? Click here.



This news message is supported by The Creative Finder, an online platform for photographers, illustrators, designers, and art directors to promote their portfolios towards new clients and collaborators. Creatives who wish to sign up for an account can save 10% off annual fees with promo code 'designtaxi'.