Have you ever heard of Nike DNA?
While your mind may automatically conjure up images of the Swoosh running through the sneaker enthusiast’s very cells, it’s a little more tangible than that.
The Department of Nike Archives, or DNA, is a physical building as well as a searchable website accessible by Nike employees that contains literally the entire history of the company’s footwear, apparel, designs and technology.
Users can search for inspiration for new designs or simply learn something about a model or collection they never knew existed.
It’s pretty safe to say that designers in the hops division consulted the archive when putting together the latest model in Kevin Durant’s signature line.
Scholars of the brand will certainly recognize a few familiar design elements in the Nike KD14, whose first colorway arrives at Finish Line on 5/1.
From the most recent history, the strap finally makes its return for the first time since Durant’s 7th signature model.
“It’s been a while since we incorporated the strap, which excites me,” Durant told Nike News.
“My other favorite part about the shoe is the cushioning, which helps me feel low to the ground and still helps give me some of that energy back.”
Turn the shoe around, though, and consider the medial side of the strap. look familiar? It’s inspired by the iconic Nike Air Presto, the running model which made its debut during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
And if the Swoosh on the lateral side appears to be a little different than the one you’re used to seeing on other models, it’s because it’s an homage to the way the famous Nike branding came to life on the Bruin, one of the company’s oldest basketball models.
The new KD14 isn’t just about old-school design nods, though.
It’s the third consecutive Durant model to be built on a full-length Zoom Air strobel for maximum responsiveness, while the upper is crafted from engineered mesh with layered textures over the top.
Celebrate Nike’s deep archives when the KD14 ‘Black/White’ releases in Men’s sizing on 5/1 at finishline.com.
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The post Nike KD14: You can’t spell “Kevin Durant” without “Nike DNA” appeared first on The Fresh Press by Finish Line.