Nike KD 18
Released 2/2025, Low Top, Kevin Durant,
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8.2
EXPERT RATING
6 reviews
NA
USER RATING
0 ratings
The Nike KD 18 sticks to what worked for the KD 17, but the support update is a welcome one.
Best Suitable For:
This shoe is best for players who enjoyed the KD 17 and want better support and lockdown.
Price Comparison:
Available at 4 shops | Official Retail Price: $159.99
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Category Performance Ratings:
Weight & Sizing:
Weight:
NA
Sizing:
small
large
Width:
narrow
wide
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
Nike KD 18 |  Jordan Luka 2 |  Adidas Dame 9 |  Li-Ning Wade Shadow 5 |  Jordan Luka 3 |  Puma Court Rider | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.2 | 8.3(0.1) | 8.4(0.2) | 8.0(0.2) | 8.2(0.0) | 8.2(0.0) | |
| User Rating | NA | 8.6 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 8.1 | |
| Best Price | $154.99 $160 | $130 | $72 $120 | $119 $130 | $64.99 $140 | $79.99 $100 | |
| Type of Cut | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | |
| Weight | NA | 390g - 410g | 410g - 420g | NA | 380g - 390g | 410g - 420g |
0 likes
in 2 shops
$154.99
$160
0 likes
in 3 shops
$155.00
$160
0 likes
from DICK's
$169.99
0 likes
in 3 shops
$170.00
6 likes
from KicksCrew
$321.00
Nike KD 18 Review
Pros:
Improved support and lockdown
Comfortable and breathable material usage
Cons:
Minimal updated features
Performance of the Nike KD 18:
The Nike KD 18 feels like a slightly updated version of its predecessor.
The outsole is the same, but that's not a bad thing. The traction performance feels good on clean courts. Just make sure to keep the dust off.
Cushioning is unchanged. The setup feels comfortable, and the forefoot is somewhat bouncy.
The fit is slightly long and narrow. However, it is accommodating enough for most.
Materials are slightly updated. The addition of rubber side cages feels supportive, and the upper is breathable.
The support and containment feel better because of the new rubber side panels.
If you enjoyed the Nike KD 17, the KD 18 may be a slightly better shoe for you. The changes are minor but primarily work.
See all 6 reviews
Expert Reviews of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Rating: 8.2 (ranks #228 of 351)
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.
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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.
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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:
No user reviews so far
Traction of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Traction Rating: 8.3 (ranks #218 of 351)
User Traction Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
2
8 - Good
4
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.
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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.
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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 #273 of 351)
User Cushion Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
5
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.
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8.0
March 12, 2025
The cushioning feels the same as the KD 17. The setup feels soft and comfortable.
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8.0
March 24, 2025
The full-length Cushlon and the combination of Zoom and Air feel comfortable and plush.
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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.
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7.0
February 28, 2025
The midsole is almost the same. There are only minor changes, but the forefoot Zoom Air unit feels bouncy.
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Materials of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Materials Rating: 8.4 (ranks #102 of 351)
User Materials Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
3
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.
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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.
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8.0
March 24, 2025
I like the addition of the rubber cage. The rest of the materials feel better, too.
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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 #145 of 351)
User Support Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
3
8 - Good
3
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.
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8.0
March 12, 2025
I like how supportive the plastic caging feels. The support and containment, in general, feel better this year.
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9.0
March 24, 2025
The upgraded materials are a much-needed improvement for support. I had no issues with the containment.
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8.0
May 4, 2025
The midfoot cage is stronger and more rigid.
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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.
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8.0
February 28, 2025
The upper makes lockdown much better.
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Fit of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Fit Rating: 7.8 (ranks #294 of 351)
User Fit Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
5
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.
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8.0
March 12, 2025
This shoe fits me well.
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8.0
March 24, 2025
The fit is similar to the KD 17. Most people will be okay with the fit.
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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.
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8.0
May 27, 2025
The shoe fits well.
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7.0
February 28, 2025
The shoe feels tapered. My right foot was going numb after extended play.
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Durability of the Nike KD 18:
User Durability Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
0
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 37.5 (ranks #170 of 351)
User Outdoor Rating: NA
Good (100%)
0
Fair (50%)
3
Bad (0%)
1
fair
May 27, 2025
The firmness of the outsole should be decent outdoors.
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no
March 12, 2025
The rubber is too soft and the grooves are too thin for outdoor play.
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fair
May 27, 2025
This outsole is durable enough for outdoors.
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fair
February 28, 2025
This outsole does its best on indoor courts, but the performance is okay on outdoor courts.
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Width of the Nike KD 18:
very narrow
0
slightly narrow
1
regular
2
slightly wide
1
very wide
0
slightly narrow
May 27, 2025
The shoe feels narrow.
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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
4
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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