words_Brandon Richard
As we mentioned yesterday, Nike designer Leo Chang sat down for a live Facebook chat to talk about his latest creation, the Zoom KD III. KD fans from around the world had the opportunity to interact directly with Chang, and ask him questions pertaining to the KD III and the direction of Kevin Durant's signature line in general. Since the chat was packed and a bit lengthy, we've recapped some higlights for you into this post. Included in the Q&A is the inspiration behind the KD III, why Durant's signature line is so affordable, possible colorways and news on the KD III making its way to NIKEiD.
Khalid Oneal: How many colorways will the shoe have?
Leo Chang: We'll have at least 7...and some special one's for KD.
James Xerxes Gordon: Will there be Nike ID for the KD 3s?
LC: Yes, we are planning on having the KD3 on ID... some cool options to customize too... more than just color!
Khalid Oneal: The KDII felt heavy on my feet. Will the kdIII be light like the Hyperfuse?
LC: It's approx. 13.5oz.
Eddie D-Wade Johnson: Hey Leo what colorways will you have for the KD 3's?
LC: We will have a few home and away OKC colors in Spring and Summer. Some cool colors I can't talk about for All-Star. Yes, there will be red. It's also gonna be on ID...so whatever you want!
Jerred Putahandup Cook: No strap on the new KDs, why?
LC: No strap because KD wanted to switch things up a bit...go lighter and lower!
Billy Fox: What's one of the biggest difference between the KDII and the KDIII's?
LC: Lighter, better fit. It's the first time we're using our Flywire technology on the upper at $88...it's usually on our Hyperdunks.
Raymond Ng: what kind of cushioning setup is in the KD3? and have you made improvements from the KD2?
LC: The cushioning setup is Zoom in the forefoot, Phylon midsole and we carved away a lot of rubber to make it lighter without sacrificing stability and durability.
Mathias Murphy: Was it difficult to design a shoe that works for a slashing PG, a do-everything guy like KD, and a low-post threat? What’s different about the shoe than a normal design as far as performance?
LC: We designed the shoe to meet the needs of positions 1-5. Since pretty much KD's entire team wears his shoe!! The key is to be Lightweight and stable, not to go overboard with stripping it down.
Marco San Juan: How involved is KD in the creation of his signature compare to Kobe and his sig?
LC: KD was very involved in the design process. We started by asking him what he wanted in the 3 before I put pen to paper. Even Nick Collison had an influence on the design. A lot of the storytelling details were specifically requested by KD. Controller buttons, something that talked about Team, his family, Seat Pleasant. Performance wise, he's all about lightweight, comfort, sleek conforming fit.
Tyler Jarnagin: Why are the KD IIIs $88 and the Kobe V are still $130? Are the KD IIIs inferior?
LC: The reason why the KD3 is cheaper than the other Nike signature shoes is because KD specifically wanted it to be affordable. By no means is it inferior in performance. We try to pack as much punch in it as possible. We just have to be efficient with our embellishments so we can focus on performance. BTW - KD wears STOCK kicks, not customized.
Riley Parrish: Hey Leo, are the KD III's as personalized as the II's? I loved all the little details inscribed in the sole. Really lets you get to know him.
LC: Yes, tons on new details in the 3. Controller buttons: kd is a bit obsessed with gaming! Piano keys: KD loves to make beats when he's not hooping and playing games. WP: parents initials, Seat Pleasant: SP rec center is where he lived and breathed basketball as a kid. The 5 thunder bolts: TEAM. He's so tight with his team I wanted to find a way to symbolize that.
Matthew Chan: Good morning Leo (from Hong Kong)! Many people like Creamsicle on KD2 and Hyperfuse PE. Will we see this colorway on KD3? what's the inpsiration of yellow/grey KD3?
LC: Creamscicle...we're gonna do a pretty crazy colorway for KD that he will wear Xmas day. It won't be orange though. It's hot! As for the yellow/grey, we're using the yellow that's also in the OKC uni as a primary color, instead of always using the blue and orange. Grey is just the neutral that makes it fresh!
