Last night, Kevin Durant debuted a brand-new colorway of his Nike KD 18, the latest silhouette from his signature sneaker line with Nike. We first saw the retail debut of the model as part of the luxury Black Label Collection for NBA All-Star and were given a preview of teal and lime-shaded colorways set for April. However, the pair worn by the Slim Reaper last night is inspired by KD’s DMV roots and his love for the Air Bakin silhouette.
Outside of the apparent homage to the Air Bakin’s OG colorway, the red and gold combo also ties in with the Washington Commanders’ team colorways, Durant’s favorite NFL franchise. This vibrant red hue covers most of the upper, including the ACG Terra Humara-inspired midfoot cage, the mesh collar, and the suede overlay on the midfoot. Below this sits a black mesh base, with more black found on the lining of the paneling on the collar, midfoot, and sockliner.
Pops of gold are on the lace set, which features red stitching details in the center, and on the KD logo atop the tongue. A Swoosh logo on the collar takes on a black finish and comes piped with yellow hues. The black Air Zoom-laden midsole finishes the sneaker with a black and yellow generative rubber outsole.
For the first look, Nike tasked Riccardo Mestre, who goes by the handle uninstructedvision on social media, with photographing the sneaker. Mestre harkens back to the original 1-800 ad series from the ‘90s, which the Air Bakin was part of.
The Nike KD 18 Air Bakin will release on May 15, 2025, through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $150. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Nike KD 18 Air Bakin
Images via Riccardo Mestre
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
