The kind of modern athleticism that Kevin Durant embodies is realized through the new Nike Zoom KD13, specifically in the shoe’s cushioning set-up: an additional kidney-shaped Zoom unit placed in the forefoot beneath the full-length Air Zoom strobel. That Zoom strobel returns from the KD12, merging two shoe components to bring the foot into closer proximity with the Zoom unit. Where the KD12 used double-stacked Zoom underneath the heel for a plush ride, the double-stacked forefoot Zoom of the KD13 encourages movement off the ball of the foot, whether it’s a hesitation dribble or a pivot into a turnaround jumper. The rebound between the adjacent Zoom units helps generate a responsiveness that’s greater than what the units could do alone.
“The intent behind a Zoom Bag is similar to that of a mechanical spring underfoot,” says Ross Klein, Senior Creative Director for Nike Basketball. “The essence of a spring is to return the amount of energy you put into it. In the KD13, we're doubling the spring in the form of the double-stacked forefoot Zoom, allowing you more travel in the system and more energy back.”
The mechanics of basketball make for broad requirements in energy return. Movement needs to follow a rough sequence of absorption, moderation and propulsion across all planes, whether it supports running, shuffling, cutting or jumping, all of which can look different depending on a player’s profile. Double-stacked forefoot Zoom is a tool for the kind of decisive playmaking that the modern player is known for.
The launch black/white colorway of the KD13 releases April 6 globally and April 17 in North America.
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