Nike KD 12
Released 4/2019, Mid Top, Kevin Durant,
Add to Favourites
8.8
EXPERT RATING
7 reviews
9.2
USER RATING
27 ratings
Great overall-performer with awesome full-length Zoom cushioning
Best Suitable For:
A well-balanced shoe that works for a wide array of basketball players
Price Comparison:
Available at 3 shops | Official Retail Price: $149.99
Category Performance Ratings:
Weight & Sizing:
Weight:
light
heavy
Sizing:
small
large
Width:
narrow
wide
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
Nike KD 12 |  Nike GT Hustle 3 |  Nike G.T. Hustle 2 |  Puma MB.04 |  Nike Sabrina 2 |  Nike Lebron Witness 8 | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.8 | 8.4(0.4) | 8.1(0.7) | 7.8(1.0) | 8.5(0.3) | 7.7(1.1) | |
| User Rating | 9.2 | 9.0(0.2) | 8.7(0.5) | NA | 9.1(0.1) | 8.6(0.6) | |
| Best Price | $149.99 | $190 | $70.97 $170 | $125 | $100 $130 | $64.97 $110 | |
| Type of Cut | Mid Top | Mid Top | Mid Top | Mid Top | Mid Top | Mid Top | |
| Weight | 370g - 390g | NA | 330g - 350g | NA | NA | NA |
103 likes
from 2 Resellers
$136.00
92 likes
from 3 Resellers
$136.00
42 likes
from 3 Resellers
$151.00
59 likes
from 2 Resellers
$183.00
70 likes
from 2 Resellers
$190.00
43 likes
from 3 Resellers
$216.00
136 likes
from StockX
$222.00
158 likes
from StockX
$223.00
76 likes
from 3 Resellers
$225.00
92 likes
from 2 Resellers
$246.00
105 likes
from 3 Resellers
$262.00
43 likes
from 3 Resellers
$281.00
152 likes
from 3 Resellers
$300.00
93 likes
from 3 Resellers
$309.00
60 likes
from 3 Resellers
$313.00
52 likes
from 3 Resellers
$338.00
126 likes
from 3 Resellers
$378.00
51 likes
from 2 Resellers
$443.00
Nike KD 12 Review
Pros:
Full-length Zoom cushioning
Much more stable than previous KD models
Cons:
Materials could feel more premium
Performance of the Nike KD 12:
The KD12 is a huge step up from the disappointing predecessors.
The full-length Zoom sits directly beneath the feet and provides a ton of response and bounce.
The cushioning is a bit divisive, some reviewers are raving about it, others found it to be a bit too inconsistent on dusty courts.
The look and feel of the materials aren't very premium, but the performance of the flywire upper is top-notch.
The fit should work for most basketball players as it isn't as long and narrow as we are used too from the KD line.
Overall, the KD12 is a great performer with outstanding cushioning and no real weaknesses!
See all 7 reviews
Expert Reviews of the Nike KD 12:
Expert Rating: 8.8 (ranks #49 of 330)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
5
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.2
May 8, 2019
The Nike KD 12 is just an all-around good shoe that should cater to most players needs.
More details
9.2
May 8, 2019
When they’re this nice, you might want to buy ’em twice. I can't stop playing in my KD 12's!
More details
9.0
April 18, 2019
This is the best performer of this year so far! A huge step up from the disappointing previous KD models.
More details
9.0
May 8, 2019
The cushioning alone is worth the $150! But I would have preferred a little more premium materials.
More details
8.6
April 18, 2019
The directly-underfoot Zoom set up makes the KD 12 feel fun and exciting. Other than that, this shoe does everything well from A-Z.
More details
8.4
April 18, 2019
They fixed a lot of things that I didn't like in the predecessor KD11. The cushioning is amazing, materials are solid, fit and support are great! The only downside is the inconsistent traction of the translucent rubber on dusty courts.
More details
8.4
June 11, 2019
This shoe is not a joke! You never felt anything like this full-length Zoom cushioning system and there is finally solid support in a KD shoe.
More details
User Reviews of the Nike KD 12:
User Rating: 9.2 (ranks #41 of 330)
10 - Amazing
9
9 - Great
15
8 - Good
3
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
January 23, 2022
The KD 12 is a very good all around performer! The traction picked up dust pretty fast, but if anything it got the job done well. The cushion with the Full Length Zoom Stroble is absolutely amazing! It provides both a plush and responsive feel which is perfect for all players. I definitely recommend this shoe to all players!
More details
9.0
October 25, 2022
I just upgraded from these to the KD15s, I have played in the 15s for months and the 12 is a better shoe in my opinion. They feel much more bouncier and the cushion seems more present during wears. Your feet feel locked down much more than in the 15s. The more I wore this shoe the better it got.
More details
9.8
December 14, 2022
KD 12 is one of the best KDs ever made, the traction is great, especially the cushion and support, these two will add more points to this KD. So I think its fair to give it a 9.8, lost 0.2 on durability.
More details
8.5
September 2, 2022
More of a narrow shoe, go up half a size if you have a wider foot. Traction is there, but is susceptible to dust. Cushion is great, can't ask for a better setup.
More details
9.4
November 26, 2022
Other than the fact that it does pick up some dust, it’s a very overall shoe with no significant weaknesses other than maybe the durability
More details
Traction of the Nike KD 12:
Expert Traction Rating: 9.0 (ranks #105 of 330)
User Traction Rating: 9.0 (ranks #121 of 330)
10 - Amazing
9
9 - Great
17
8 - Good
8
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
May 8, 2019
The rubber compound used has been nothing short of consistent!
More details
9.0
May 8, 2019
The traction on the KD 12 was super solid. I did have to wipe a bit when dust was present.
More details
10.0
April 18, 2019
The multidirectional lines remind me of fingerprints. This is probably the best performing traction so far this year for me!
More details
9.0
May 8, 2019
I'm a big fan of the traction pattern and the soft rubber.
More details
9.0
April 18, 2019
The microgrooves do a good job and it's really easy to brush off dirt and dust. Not the best traction, but far better than average.
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
On a clean court, the traction is super nice. On a dusty court, I slipped out a few times.
More details
9.0
June 11, 2019
The "razorblade" traction pattern was an absolute joy to play in.
More details
Cushion of the Nike KD 12:
Expert Cushion Rating: 9.9 (ranks #4 of 330)
User Cushion Rating: 9.4 (ranks #46 of 330)
10 - Amazing
22
9 - Great
9
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
10.0
May 8, 2019
This is not only Zoom Air done right, but it’s probably my favorite iteration of the cushion and only solidified my stance on Zoom Air being my favorite cushion of all time.
More details
10.0
May 8, 2019
The only thing between you and the Air unit is an insole - it's amazing!
More details
10.0
April 18, 2019
The KD 12 takes full-length Zoom to the next level!
More details
10.0
May 8, 2019
Your feet have never been so close to Zoom Air! This is one of the best cushioning setups I ever played in. They are super bouncy - I was able to dunk with a partially torn hamstring in these!
More details
10.0
April 18, 2019
The cushioning feels like full-length Zoom should feel. Well, well, well, done Nike!
More details
9.0
April 18, 2019
Your feet sit directly on the segmented Zoom unit which feels great. Court feel is medium, impact protection is great, and you get a lot of bounce.
More details
10.0
June 11, 2019
This is the best Zoom cushioning I have ever felt under my foot!
More details
Materials of the Nike KD 12:
Expert Materials Rating: 8.1 (ranks #177 of 330)
User Materials Rating: 8.7 (ranks #110 of 330)
10 - Amazing
5
9 - Great
14
8 - Good
13
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
1
5 - Poor
0
9.0
May 8, 2019
Textiles, screen mesh, and Fuse. Nothing to write home about, but gets the job done!
More details
9.0
May 8, 2019
The mesh upper with some fuse overlays feels nice and padded.
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
The materials don't feel the most premium but they get the job done!
More details
8.0
May 8, 2019
The materials don't look premium, but they do perform well.
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
The quad-axial Flywire is a nice blend of strength and flexibility. If you want your material to look and feel expensive then you might be a bit disappointed.
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
The materials are nothing special but get the job done.
More details
7.0
June 11, 2019
I got really used to the Flyknit of previous KD models - I am a bit disappointed by the textile Mesh used in this version of the KD.
More details
Support of the Nike KD 12:
Expert Support Rating: 8.4 (ranks #180 of 330)
User Support Rating: 9.1 (ranks #58 of 330)
10 - Amazing
10
9 - Great
14
8 - Good
9
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
May 8, 2019
Overall, the support for the KD 12 is very good but I would have preferred a slightly wider base.
More details
9.0
May 8, 2019
Support gets an A+ in my book.
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
No side-to-side movements on the footbed, no heel slippage, and no instabilities.
More details
8.0
May 8, 2019
The support features feel pretty standard and do a solid job!
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
No issues at all with support and stability.
More details
9.0
April 18, 2019
The foam comes up on the sides to really cage you in and there is no heel slippage thanks to the internal heel counter.
More details
8.0
June 11, 2019
The quad-axial Flywire provides a ton of lockdown and support. Much better than previous KD's!
More details
Fit of the Nike KD 12:
Expert Fit Rating: 8.4 (ranks #128 of 330)
User Fit Rating: 9.1 (ranks #43 of 330)
10 - Amazing
10
9 - Great
15
8 - Good
5
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
1
5 - Poor
0
9.0
May 8, 2019
I felt snug and secure when playing in the KD 12 at all times.
More details
9.0
May 8, 2019
The fit is rather snug, but it won't cut off your circulation.
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
The simple semi-traditional set up just works.
More details
8.0
April 18, 2019
The fit felt really good.
More details
8.0
June 11, 2019
The Flywire is comfortable and the lacing system works really well.
More details
Durability of the Nike KD 12:
User Durability Rating: 8.2 (ranks #210 of 330)
10 - Amazing
3
9 - Great
7
8 - Good
7
7 - Average
5
6 - Subpar
2
5 - Poor
0
Outdoor of the Nike KD 12:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 20.0 (ranks #231 of 330)
User Outdoor Rating: 43.8 (ranks #222 of 330)
Good (100%)
4
Fair (50%)
8
Bad (0%)
9
no
May 8, 2019
I wouldn't use the KD 12 as my primary outdoor shoe, as I'm seeing some minor chipping and fraying already.
More details
no
May 8, 2019
I wouldn’t recommend it.
More details
fair
May 8, 2019
I have been hooping outdoors in them and they did rip a little bit but held up nicely overall.
More details
fair
April 18, 2019
The rubber is pretty hard and the grooves are deep - outdoor use should be okay.
More details
no
June 11, 2019
The traction pattern is wearing away quickly - don't play them outdoors!
More details
Width of the Nike KD 12:
very narrow
4
slightly narrow
14
regular
15
slightly wide
1
very wide
0
slightly narrow
May 8, 2019
A bit snug at the forefoot.
More details
slightly narrow
May 8, 2019
Slightly snug, but it's a good snug.
More details
regularly wide
April 18, 2019
I have a semi-wide foot and I didn't have any problems.
More details
very narrow
May 8, 2019
This shoe feels narrow. Wide-footers might have to go up a half or full size.
More details
slightly narrow
April 18, 2019
Wide footers will want to go up half a size.
More details
slightly narrow
April 18, 2019
Slightly narrow in the toe area.
More details
slightly narrow
June 11, 2019
Regular to narrow-fitting
More details
Size of the Nike KD 12:
very small
0
slightly small
5
true to size
25
slightly long
3
very long
0
true to size
May 8, 2019
Fits true to size.
More details
true to size
April 18, 2019
The KD 12 runs true to size.
More details
true to size
May 8, 2019
Runs true to size.
More details
true to size
April 18, 2019
Length is true to size.
More details
true to size
April 18, 2019
Runs true to size, unlike previous KD models.
More details
true to size
June 11, 2019
Stay true-to-size.
More details
Share this article:
Sharing is caring:
Sneaker Geek App
Get the "SneakerGeek" app and always stay up-to-date with new shoe releases!
