Possibly one of the most historic and heartfelt award speeches by any athlete, Kevin Durant has left a lasting impression about his character on and off the court.
Today we are retiring the Nike KD VI now that the KD 7 has been officially unveiled and its first release is currently out at retailers.
This year marked the 6th signature shoe for the Durantula who captured the MVP of the NBA along with winning yet another Scoring Title.
After some pictures prematurely leaked prior to the initial release of the Nike KD 6 there were some very mixed reviews. Even I can admit I felt like maybe the Nike KD 6 was going to be a let down. Thats just me though and my rushing to premeditated opinions on things but don’t judge me.
Evidently I was wrong and as I seen actual detailed pictures and the different color ways in stores in person I automatically became a fan.
I think it’s only right that I take you guys on an adventure down memory lane back to when the KD6 was first officially unveiled;
Kevin Durant’s sixth Nike signature shoe takes inspiration from his hometown and the precision craftsmanship of a wristwatch.
The design for the Nike KD 6 was a vastly better improvement than the Nike KD 5, not only the design but the color ways as well. Speaking about the color ways, each for the most part took its inspiration from a number of things associated with Kevin Durant. Whether it be his favorite snack, accomplishments, or even taking inspiration from his hometown.
Now the reason we are all here today, I’ll be taking you guys through a recap so to speak on 6 of my favorite Nike KD 6 color ways as well as a brief description on what inspired said color way.
NIKE KD VI ‘TEXAS’
Kevin Durant’s collegiate days in Texas left a lasting impact on him. Texans’ friendliness and hospitality, combined with the unique ‘keep it weird’ nature of Austin, made an impression he’ll never forget. Bringing the Texas big sky to life, the shoe includes a speckled upper representing stars. Burnt orange pays tribute to KD’s beloved Longhorns, while the shoe pops with green glow colored details.
NIKE KD VI ‘CHRISTMAS’
Christmas red with accents of gold and mint. With a twist on traditional Christmas prints, the KD VI features a Fair Isle style Christmas sweater pattern that incorporates trees, stripes, and his number 35. Christmas plaid adorns the collar lining, with decorative detail worked into the metallic red Nike Flywire technology upper and a mint green speckled sole.
NIKE KD VI ‘METEOROLOGY’
Before KD was raining 3s on the hardwood, he dreamed of becoming a weatherman. This is the inspiration behind the KDVI Meteorology. The shoe is actually an evolution of the KDIV weatherman concept. Instead of just a weather pressure system, which is represented in the collar lining, elements of topographical maps and grids represent locations and terrain. The designer also hid coordinates in the graphic as homage to the places where KD has left his mark. The look is rounded out with reflective weather icons on the medial sides of the shoe.
Nike KD VI ‘BHM’
For the fourth year, NIKE, Inc. is honoring Black History Month with a collection that pays tribute to a group of extraordinary athletes and their unwavering dedication to achieving success at the highest levels. Black History Month is always a reminder that athletes worldwide representing the NIKE, Inc. brand have been inspired by a legacy of Pan-African achievement. The 2014 BHM Collection was designed under the theme, Sport Royalty, to honor Nike’s kings and queens of sport. The collection celebrates the crowning achievements and work ethic of these athletes that have won multiple championships, awards and led with high integrity and commitment both on and off their field of sport.
NIKE KD VI ‘DC PREHEAT’/’SUPREME’
Inspired by the idea of depth and internal mechanisms of precision watches, the Nike KD VI “DC/Pre-Heat” serves as a nice appetizer to the global unveiling of the Nike KD VI. This limited edition was designed by Nike designer Erick Goto and features a map of Maryland and white “time-warp” graphics on the upper.
NIKE KD VI ‘WHAT THE’
Kevin Durant’s ascension to one of the world’s top athletes comes as no surprise to Nike Basketball, who signed Durant in 2007. His relentless work ethic, humility and drive to be the best never waver. His journey inspired the KD VI shoe, originally launched with an event at Durant’s childhood rec center, the Seat Pleasant Activity Center, which he still views as his home away from home. The new KD VI “What The KD” melds 35 graphics and colors from all the past KD VI colorways. From the Maryland blue crab-inspired Swoosh, to the floral graphic of his late Aunt Pearl’s robe, this new shoe captures KD’s personal stories all in one.
BONUS:
NIKE KD VI ELITE ‘GOLD’
As the playoffs begin on April 19, every game becomes increasingly worth its weight in gold.
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant represent Nike Basketball’s gold standard. Their collective commitment, work ethic and winning ways have resulted in seven world championship trophies with their sights set on more to come. The Nike Basketball Elite Series Gold Collection is designed to their championship specifications.
NIKE KD VI ‘ILLUSION’
Not everything is what it first appears to be in New Orleans. Similarly, Durant defies the perception of a near seven-footer – an illusion of sorts. His limitless scoring range is redefining the perception of a forward. Celebrating the magic of KD’s versatility, the KD VI Illusion showcases hand-drawn patterns on the upper emulating Durant’s fluidity on the court. A glow-in-the-dark outsole also represents the “spark” of KD’s game.
