The KD 14’s traction has been amazing if I contrast it to the Nike Air Zoom GT Cut although the cushion covering in Air Zoom GT Cut was on the next level of ease with three layers. The shoe performed extremely well outdoors as well as indoors. They are my go-to shoe, at least until I get my new Puma Clyde All-Pro.

Nike-KD-14

Nike KD 14

Amazon: $119.95 - $249.92 Nike: $150

Pros

  • Advanced Cushioning System

  • Supportive Design

  • Traction Performance

  • Durability

Cons

  • Breathability Issues

  • Price Point

Key Specs

Fabric Type:

100% Synthetic

Sole Material:

Rubber

Outer Material:

Leather

Closure Type:

Lace-Up

Although they may not have the same bite as the Air Jordan 1, Nike Kobe 9, and Air Jordan XX8 models, the KD 14 is just as reliable as the other models.

Cushion

The Nike KD 14 Cushion features a full-length Zoom Air Strobel and a Cushion Midsole.

For being so soft, the Cushion is bouncy, responsive and soft. The Zoom Air unit keeps the shoe snappy underfoot and sluggish, while the midsole isn’t too thick (you can sit in most of them despite their thickness), so you get a plush ride with every step.

You can wear these shoes indoors or outdoors. Outdoors, I didn’t feel the blacktop or concrete. It was a smooth ride that made me feel like my feet were being cradled in comfort.

Materials

Materials may not be my cup of tea but they perform well from a performance perspective.

While the build is more supportive than the KD 13, it still feels light. The shoe is easy to break in and felt great on my feet after just a few weeks. These are my current favorite shoe. They are my favorite thing about the world.

Fit

It is not the most comfortable fit. After filming the video review, I was able try on a pair of size 9. I ended up purchasing a new pair in size 9.5. It is the exact same size as the one I tried. Size 9 was not available when the KD 14 was first released. I was limited to a size 9.5 unless I needed to go down 1/2 size. KDs are usually quite snug, so I was hesitant to take the chance. Although the size 9 was not as snug as I prefer, the 9.5 felt great so I bought it. To avoid potential problems, I recommend that you try them on in-store.

Lockdown was amazing. I felt secure from my ankle to my forefoot because the build isn’t flexible. I didn’t find the strap to stay in place all the time, so it was not a problem.

Support

Modern Nike Basketball shoes have a pretty standard support system.

An internal heel counter and standard shank are in place. The strap is not very useful, but it plays a greater role in the shoe support. In that sense, they are great. The soft Cushlon is reinforced by the TPU sidewall which keeps you on the footbed. The shoe’s base is also wide and comfortably cradles your foot.

Overall

I have loved the Nike KD 14 basketball shoe since 2021. They will be there forever. It’s possible. There are still many shoes to come out of June. The KD 14 provided excellent traction, good cushion, decent materials and decent support. It is a versatile and all-around performer.

Initial Impressions

The Nike KD 14 is a big shoe. The KD 12 introduced Zoom Strobel and the KD 13 added a forefoot Zoom unit. The KD 12 introduced the Zoom Strobel, while the KD 13 added an additional forefoot Zoom unit. This gave users a low-tothe-ground, bouncey feel and also kept their knees fresh enough to allow them to play longer. It would be disappointing if the line ended there. But it seems that it isn’t.

What’s in the video?

Source: Weartester

Chris gives detailed information on all of the categories. This video will provide the information you require. He provides expert opinions on materials, cushioning and traction, as well as support and fit. Here are some examples of his discussions:

  • It’s like Chris’s favorite KDs of all time
  • Design cues and traction pattern
  • Technology with cushioning removed?
  • Similar insoles to the Kobe 6 or KD 13
  • Pricing
  • Cushlon foam
  • Issue with stabilizer plates
  • Interesting aesthetics
  • Four-layered upper
  • Are you the “Slim Reaper?” caller?
  • Sizing recommendations
  • Nike’s return policy

In addition, Mrs. Wing teases the upcoming podcast and announces two giveaways to Discord members.

We would love to hear your thoughts on KD 14 via YouTube or Twitter.

How to Buy the Nike KD 14

  • Colorway: Black/Copa/Orange Trance/White
  • Release Date: April 14, 2021
  • Style Code: CZ0170-001
  • Retail Price: $150

Nike has the Nike KD 14 available.

Nike KD 13 VS Nike KD 14

There are two notable differences between the two pairs, despite the fact that they offer similar traction and lockdown.

I would suggest the Nike KD 13 if you want a lighter and more breathable sneaker. The velcro strap across the top of the KD 13 is also absent, which is a characteristic that you come to love.

I would suggest the Nike KD 14 if you like extra cushion, particularly for jumpers/leapers. On wood flooring, the KD 14 traction improved with time, but stop and go remained elusive.

Both are excellent options for any level of basketball play. Most of my recent workouts have been in the KD 13, and I like the KD 14 in games.

Performance of KD 14

Comfort, impact protection, and responsiveness are all combined in the midsole. It has been dubbed the softest KD to date by one critic.

The materials seem cheap to the touch, yet they’re comfy on the feet, and when paired with the broad base and plastic reinforcement on the sides, they give a lot of lockdown and support.

Unless you have really large feet, the fit is less tight than prior KDs and should work for most players.

Performance of KD 13

Nike KD 13

The full-length Zoom Strobel, which delivers one of the finest cushioning settings in basketball, is the best element of the KD 13.

The traction pattern is strong and thick enough to endure outside and works well in all directions.

Although the materials are thin, light, and work well, the quality does not seem premium when held in the hand.

The broad base and decent fit give support, but the basic upper doesn’t provide the same kind of lockdown as earlier KD versions.

The KD13’s fit is really comfortable if you have normal or narrow feet, but wide-footers should go up half a size or search elsewhere, as is the case with other KD models.

The KD 13 is a fantastic basketball shoe with excellent cushioning.