Nike KD 19 Candy Apple

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Red

IH1117-600

The Expert's Opinion

Gaylor Curier, former professional player in the Betclic Elite

The Verdict

“The KD 19 is a maximalist shoe that takes time to reveal its full potential. Despite weighing 628 g in a US size 14 and featuring a bulky design, its weight is surprisingly unnoticeable thanks to highly dynamic cushioning and excellent stability. The Zoom Strobel + Cushlon 3.0 combination offers a unique feel: plenty of protection, noticeable compression, and then a pronounced energy return that benefits powerful and explosive players. It’s a demanding shoe during the break-in period, but it’s a lot of fun once it’s broken in.”

⚡ My Key Points

• ✓ Zoom Strobel full-length + Cushlon 3.0: highly protective cushioning with deep compression followed by a pronounced energy return
• ✓ Heavy on the scale, but the weight is well-distributed and less noticeable when moving
• ✓ Very good traction overall
• ✓ Excellent stability despite a distant feel, thanks to a sturdy construction and a foot that is well supported laterally
• ✓ Generous padding, luxurious comfort, but a very snug fit at first: the padding and the thickness of the upper significantly reduce the interior volume
• ✓ True to size; recommended for narrow/standard feet, assuming a proper break-in period; add 0.5 or even 1 for wide feet, depending on their width
• ✓ Heel lock could be improved and changes as the shoe breaks in: padding that compresses, a stiff upper, and slightly stretchy laces may contribute to heel slippage

Who is this pair intended for?

Recommendations for players:

• • Powerful and explosive players looking for plenty of protection, energy return, and stability.
• • Fans of maximum cushioning.
• • With slender feet.

More info

Nike Basketball and Kevin Durant are back with the player’s 19th signature shoe: a striking design engineered for ultimate responsiveness, comfort, and support. 

The result of a creative process focused as much on unique style as on dominance on the court, the KD19 marks a new in Kevin’s journey as a signature athlete. The shoe features an innovative multi-layered cushioning system and a TPU pattern on the outer side that resembles a dagger, a nod to Kevin’s nickname, “Slim Reaper.” 

“In basketball, few athletes have a playing style as fluid and dangerous as Kevin Durant’s. He can score from anywhere,” explains Ross Klein, vice president and creative director of Nike Basketball. “The KD19 reflects this mastery: it’s visually unique and offers instant responsiveness and optimal comfort throughout the game. It allows athletes to move anywhere on the court and shoot in any situation.”   

Kevin's latest signature shoe features a multi-layered cushioning system built around the return of the full-length Zoom Strobel unit. The pinnacle of innovation for Nike Basketball, this technology made its debut on the KD12. This innovative system is paired with a 3D-molded insole and a flexible Cushlon 3.0 midsole. The silhouette stands out for its ultimate comfort, providing a natural, effortless feel on the court—just like Kevin’s game. 

To complement this cushioning system, a midfoot shank provides exceptional stability. This design ensures the shoe remains durable from start to finish. 

The upper features a TPU pattern on the outside, created using an innovative dual-injection process. The first injection creates the mold that provides perfect support for the heel and midfoot. The second injection then produces the distinctive dagger shape, allowing Kevin and athletes like him to make decisive shots in style. 

The fabric tongue provides optimal breathability. And custom details for Kevin Durant, such as the combination of his jersey numbers—35 and 7—on the outsole, complete the design.