Kevin Durant had an amazing 2013-2014 season. He put up huge scoring numbers and went on elite level scoring streaks. KD would also win his very first MVP Trophy. He did all of that in the Nike KD 6.
KD 6
The KD 6 might be the most unique KD shoe of the first six silhouettes released. The 6 took inspiration from a watch and how pieces come together. The shoe focuses on each aspect and works together as one. The KD 6 is a low cut shoe with a tongue that pivots to the side. The hexagon pattern on the outsole helped its traction and was perfect for a player like KD who made quick moves on the court. The 6 was made of a combination of synthetic and Flywire materials for a lightweight fit. There was also Zoom Air cushioning.
Storytelling
The 6 had many memorable colorways. Colorways that told stories about KD’s life and career. Some of the more popular colorways include 'Meteorology,' 'Peanut Butter & Jelly,' and the 'What The KD.'
The Knight & Bowerman Team
Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight both had an interest in approving the footwear that was available for athletes. In the early 1970s, Bowerman developed the waffle outsole. The waffle outsole was an experiment by Bowerman that had him pouring rubber compound into his wife’s waffle iron. The duo wanted to offer athletic shoes with more traction and that were lighter. The waffle soles and the great marketing of Nike helped to establish them as a leading athletic shoemaker very quickly.
MJ
Michael Jordan signed an endorsement contract with Nike for $2.5 million his rookie year. That looks like clearance aisle pricing today, but at the time many felt MJ, an unproven newcomer, did not deserve a contract that large. The Air Jordan 1 was designed by Peter Moore and was released in 1985. Nike was dedicated to giving Michael Jordan his own brand to grow with. Nike’s belief in MJ as an athlete and pitchman paid off bigger and better than anyone could have ever imagined. Michael Jordan and his Air Jordan sneakers helped to make Nike a household name and gave them the ability to create Jordan Brand.
To The Court
The signing of Michael Jordan by Nike was a gamechanger. It turned Nike into a dominant force in the basketball world. The marketing and highlighting of MJ’s game, and his persona, are legendary. The innovation put into every Air Jordan shoe, along with the trailblazing designs, made Air Jordan sneakers the crown jewel of Nike’s arsenal.
- Adam C. Better
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