Nike KD 18
Released 2/2025, Low Top, Kevin Durant,
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Performance Ratings
8.2
EXPERT RATING
6 reviews
8.6
USER RATING
2 ratings
Performance Summary
The Nike KD 18 sticks to what worked for the KD 17, but the support update is a welcome one.
Pros
Improved support and lockdown
Comfortable and breathable material usage
Cons
Minimal updated features
Best Suitable For: This shoe is best for players who enjoyed the KD 17 and want better support and lockdown.
Category Performance Ratings
8.3
Traction
Same outsole as KD 17 with similar rubber compound. Strong bite on clean courts but dust sensitive; wiping restores grip.
7.8
Cushion
Full-length Cushlon with a forefoot Zoom Air unit. Soft, plush ride with gentle bounce; Zoom feels muted to some players.
8.4
Materials
Thin breathable mesh upper with a rubber cage and reinforced overlays. Comfortable and upgraded feel but toe box can be soft.
8.5
Support
Rigid midfoot plastic cage, top-loaded shank plate, and reinforced heel counter. Provides strong containment and torsional stability.
7.8
Fit
Snug, slightly tapered fit with good lockdown. Most wearers find true to size but some need half-size adjustments.
38%
Outdoor
Softer outsole compound and thinner grooves give mixed outdoor results. Good on indoor courts but can wear on rough surfaces.
small
large
Sizing
Generally true to size for narrow and medium feet. Some reviewers went down or up half a size for fit.
narrow
wide
Width
Fits narrow to regular widths well and accommodates wider midfoot. Tapered forefoot may feel tight for wide feet; consider sizing up half.
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
 Nike KD 18 |  Adidas AE 2 |  Jordan Luka 3 |  Adidas Harden Volume 9 |  Nike Lebron 23 |  Li-Ning Wade Shadow 7 | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.2 | 8.5(0.3) | 8.2(0.0) | 8.5(0.3) | 8.3(0.1) | 8.3(0.1) | |
| User Rating | 8.6 | 8.8(0.2) | 9.2(0.6) | 9.4(0.8) | NA | NA | |
| Best Price | $70.97 $160 | $129.99 | $129.99 $140 | $112 $160 | $189.99 $200 | $119 | |
| Type of Cut | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | |
| Weight | 420g - 430g | 420g - 430g | 380g - 390g | 410g - 420g | 440g - 440g | NA |
1 likes
in 2 shops
$70.97
$160
4 likes
from DICK's
$88.97
$160
2 likes
in 2 shops
$101.97
$160
7 likes
in 3 shops
$103.99
$160
4 likes
in 3 shops
$108.97
$160
2 likes
from Nike
$108.97
$160
5 likes
in 3 shops
$119.99
$160
1 likes
from DICK's
$123.99
$160
3 likes
from DICK's
$123.99
$160
2 likes
in 2 shops
$124.97
$160
4 likes
from Foot Locker
$129.99
$160
2 likes
in 2 shops
$136.97
$160
2 likes
from DICK's
$154.99
$160
3 likes
from DICK's
$154.99
$160
1 likes
in 2 shops
$155.00
$160
6 likes
in 3 shops
$155.00
$160
4 likes
in 3 shops
$170.00
0 likes
in 2 shops
$170.00
10 likes
from KicksCrew
$171.00
6 likes
from KicksCrew
$188.00
13 likes
from KicksCrew
$324.00
1 likes
No stores found
1 likes
No stores found
Expert Reviews of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Rating: 8.2 (ranks #247 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
6
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.4
May 27, 2025
I can recommend the Nike KD 18. The traction performs well, but the cushioning could be better.
More details
8.2
March 12, 2025
The KD 18 feels like a slightly better version of the KD 17. The traction is better, but the cushioning feels the same.
More details
8.2
March 24, 2025
Nike didn't change much on the KD 18, but it's a solid performer. I like the improvements to the materials and the support.
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8.2
May 4, 2025
I enjoy the Nike KD 18. There are no gimmicks. The traction and cushioning get the job done, and I like the extra structure of the midfoot caging.
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8.2
May 27, 2025
I like the Nike KD 18. It's more comfy but also slightly more clunky. There's not much difference from the KD 17.
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7.8
February 28, 2025
The Nike KD 18 feels similar to the 17. I'm not a fan of the shank plate, but the shoe's overall performance is decent.
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User Reviews of the Nike KD 18:
User Rating: 8.6 (ranks #180 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
2
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.6
August 14, 2025
Amazing shoe for a powerful wing/center i don’t know about guard play cause how bulky the shoe is, for me the traction picks up quite a lot of dust but I do play on pretty dusty courts in saying that the dusty doesn’t have to much impact on the actual traction, the cushion is amazing super plush and responsive at the same time without it holding you off the ground too high great shoe for those heavier powerful players, the support is also a huge positive for the shoe, an upgrade from the 17s
More details
8.6
January 13, 2026
User didn't add a summary.
More details
Traction of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Traction Rating: 8.3 (ranks #243 of 381)
User Traction Rating: 8.5 (ranks #206 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
5
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
May 27, 2025
The outsole is the same as last year, which is a good thing. I felt good making lateral and linear movements.
More details
9.0
March 12, 2025
The traction performance feels amazing. It's much improved on dust.
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8.0
March 24, 2025
You won't have issues on clean courts. The bite is solid. Expect to wipe on dustier courts.
More details
8.0
May 4, 2025
The traction setup works fine.
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8.0
May 27, 2025
The traction is good and reliable. I enjoy this setup.
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8.0
February 28, 2025
The traction performs well as long as you keep the dust off.
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Cushion of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Cushion Rating: 7.8 (ranks #299 of 381)
User Cushion Rating: 9.0 (ranks #85 of 381)
10 - Amazing
1
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
6
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
7.5
May 27, 2025
The midsole is the same as last year. The forefoot Zoom unit is fairly muted, but the foam is decent.
More details
8.0
March 12, 2025
The cushioning feels the same as the KD 17. The setup feels soft and comfortable.
More details
8.0
March 24, 2025
The full-length Cushlon and the combination of Zoom and Air feel comfortable and plush.
More details
8.0
May 4, 2025
The foam feels soft and plush. There's a subtle bounce with your movements.
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8.0
May 27, 2025
Cushioning is comfortable, but it's the same as the KD 17.
More details
7.0
February 28, 2025
The midsole is almost the same. There are only minor changes, but the forefoot Zoom Air unit feels bouncy.
More details
Materials of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Materials Rating: 8.4 (ranks #107 of 381)
User Materials Rating: 8.0 (ranks #226 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
5
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.5
May 27, 2025
I like the material setup, even if it's synthetic. It feels like an upgrade from last year.
More details
8.0
March 12, 2025
The upper materials are thin and breathable. I wish the toe box area were more structured. It feels too soft.
More details
8.0
March 24, 2025
I like the addition of the rubber cage. The rest of the materials feel better, too.
More details
9.0
May 4, 2025
The mesh conforms to my feet extremely well. This is the most comfortable Nike shoe.
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8.0
May 27, 2025
The reinforced upper is welcome, and I like the lacing setup. The materials are also the biggest change from the KD 17.
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9.0
February 28, 2025
The upper materials are my favourite part of the shoe. I like the rubber and eyelet setup. The engineering to help with breathability is impressive.
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Support of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Support Rating: 8.5 (ranks #156 of 381)
User Support Rating: 8.5 (ranks #200 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
4
8 - Good
4
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
May 27, 2025
My foot felt locked in thanks to the side caging and heel counter.
More details
8.0
March 12, 2025
I like how supportive the plastic caging feels. The support and containment, in general, feel better this year.
More details
9.0
March 24, 2025
The upgraded materials are a much-needed improvement for support. I had no issues with the containment.
More details
8.0
May 4, 2025
The midfoot cage is stronger and more rigid.
More details
9.0
May 27, 2025
I like the top-loaded shank plate for torsional support. The heel counter and wide base also provide support and stability.
More details
8.0
February 28, 2025
The upper makes lockdown much better.
More details
Fit of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Fit Rating: 7.8 (ranks #316 of 381)
User Fit Rating: 8.0 (ranks #269 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
7
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
8.0
May 27, 2025
The fit is tighter than previous models. It could be because of the extra padding.
More details
8.0
March 12, 2025
This shoe fits me well.
More details
8.0
March 24, 2025
The fit is similar to the KD 17. Most people will be okay with the fit.
More details
8.0
May 4, 2025
I needed to go down half a size to get a secure fit. The lacing didn't work at larger sizes.
More details
8.0
May 27, 2025
The shoe fits well.
More details
7.0
February 28, 2025
The shoe feels tapered. My right foot was going numb after extended play.
More details
Durability of the Nike KD 18:
User Durability Rating: 8.5 (ranks #153 of 381)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
1
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 37.5 (ranks #184 of 381)
User Outdoor Rating: 0.0 (ranks #309 of 381)
Good (100%)
0
Fair (50%)
3
Bad (0%)
2
fair
May 27, 2025
The firmness of the outsole should be decent outdoors.
More details
no
March 12, 2025
The rubber is too soft and the grooves are too thin for outdoor play.
More details
fair
May 27, 2025
This outsole is durable enough for outdoors.
More details
fair
February 28, 2025
This outsole does its best on indoor courts, but the performance is okay on outdoor courts.
More details
Width of the Nike KD 18:
very narrow
0
slightly narrow
1
regular
4
slightly wide
1
very wide
0
slightly narrow
May 27, 2025
The shoe feels narrow.
More details
slightly wide
May 4, 2025
This shoe is wide-foot friendly.
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regularly wide
May 27, 2025
The shoe is suitable for people with a wide midfoot.
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regularly wide
February 28, 2025
2E feet can go up half a size for a roomier fit.
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Size of the Nike KD 18:
very small
0
slightly small
1
true to size
6
slightly long
1
very long
0
½ size small
May 27, 2025
I had to go up half a size.
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true to size
March 12, 2025
I went true to size.
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true to size
March 24, 2025
Going true to size is your best bet.
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½ size large
May 4, 2025
I went down half a size.
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true to size
May 27, 2025
I recommend going true to size.
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true to size
February 28, 2025
Narrow and medium feet can go true to size.
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