Nike KD 9 Shoe Review
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- The Good
- Very comfortable shoe to wear and play in.
- Excellent traction when clean.
- Superior cushioning during even the most strenuous moves.
- The Bad
- Shoes need frequent wiping to maintain traction.
- Minimal support and lack of stability during lateral motions.
This solid addition to the Nike lineup puts comfort at the top of the list. It’s a great fit from day one and will leave you feeling energized on the court. The only big downsides are the reduced traction during heavy play and the lack of support.
- Price
- $150, on sale for $115
An affordable price point combined with reasonable performance makes the Nike KD 9 a great choice to fit nearly any budget. You might even be able to grab a pair on sale and enjoy a premium brand at off-brand prices. They first retailed at $150 though, so be prepared to pay more if you need to order in a specific size.
- Fit
- Traction is where the KD 9 really excels.
- The amount of support you get, particularly in the ankle, will depend entirely on the fit.
- Superior cushioning gives you added spring when shooting and blocking.
- Added cushioning in the form of articulated Max Zoom does impact stability since the KD 9 did away with the two TPU bumpers that reinforced the sides during lateral motions.
The KD 9 tends to run slightly big, which can make sizing a challenge. The right size can make it difficult to get the shoe on. However, once on, a good fit should mean a solid, locked-down fit that will keep slippage to a minimum.
- Materials Used
- A rubber outsole combined with a full, articulated Max Zoom insert offers exceptional cushioning.
- The upper is made up of Flyknit, mesh, nylon backing, foam and Fuse.
- The Flyknit front offers tons of options in design and texture, while the rear support section creates contrast.
A Flyknit upper backed by nylon gives you a front foot that is flexible and durable, while the more structured heel helps achieve a stable fit. The Max Zoom sole makes every jump and lunge feel smooth and comfortable.
- Quality Grade
- A-
For the price, it is hard to find another shoe that meets the quality standards set by the KD 9. Serious cushioning, exceptional traction and some of the best materials out there make the KD 9 a top-quality basketball shoe.
Nike KD 9 Shoe: User Reviews
Nike KD 9 Shoe: Comments
How Does the Nike KD 9 Work?
Like any good basketball shoe, the KD 9 is fairly easy to fit, though it doesn’t run entirely true to size. You might need to size down a half size for the best fit. Once you have the right size, you can ensure a solid lockdown with plenty of lace loops to give you customization. Once the shoe is on, you’ll see what all the fuss is about. The articulated cushioning in this shoe makes it a supremely comfortable option during a game. Combine that with great traction when clean, and you’ve got a shoe that will give you great court feel and performance.
What Makes the Nike KD 9 Stand Out?
If you’re looking for one feature that really makes the KD 9 unique, it’s all in the cushioning. A full Zoom sole gives serious bounce during any motion, with little to no need to wait for the shoe to reset before starting your next motion. Because the sole is articulated, the air pockets for the heel and midsole are separate from the air pocket that supports the ball of your foot. That separation gives you unparalleled mobility in any direction. The only thing to watch for is support during lateral movements. There isn’t any reinforcement on the sides of the shoe to help keep you solid on the footbed. That added spring from the Zoom sole could cause you to slip off the base of the shoe. Something to keep in mind during a quick turn.
Common Reviews of the Nike KD 9
KD 9 reviews usually start by talking up the cushioning. After all, what’s not to like about an industry-leading design that doesn’t quit? However, the shoe also gets an honorable mention for solid traction control and a great choice on the materials. Consumers (the people actually buying and using the shoes) also give them high ratings. On retail sites, you’ll often see four stars or better.
Is the Nike KD 9 for Me?
The KD 9 is great for smaller players, guards and anyone who doesn’t need a lot of support while on the court. The dual zone air pockets make transitions from heel to toe quick and seamless, but larger players may have trouble with stability. The Flyknit upper is a great choice for mobility, but it doesn’t add stability in the same way that a TPU-reinforced sole does. The lack of an outrigger also plays a role in the reduced stability that is part of the KD 9 design. The incredible traction and cushioning make up for these defects for players who don’t need the added stability.
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