Nike KD 18
Released 2/2025, Low Top, Kevin Durant,
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8.1
EXPERT RATING
3 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.
Category Performance Ratings:
Weight & Sizing:
Weight:
NA
Sizing:
small
large
Width:
narrow
wide
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
![]() Nike KD 18 | ![]() ANTA KAI 1 Speed | ![]() Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 | ![]() New Balance TWO WXY V3 | ![]() Nike Kobe Protro 8 | ![]() Nike LeBron NXXT Gen | Add shoe | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Expert Rating | 8.1 | 8.9(0.8) | 8.5(0.4) | 8.7(0.6) | 8.4(0.3) | 8.7(0.6) | |
User Rating | NA | NA | 9.2 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 9.0 | |
Best Price | $159.99 | $125 | $94.99 $120 | $119.99 | $180 $190 | $170 | |
Type of Cut | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | |
Weight | NA | NA | NA | 350g - 360g | NA | 350g - 360g |
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 3 reviews
Expert Reviews of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Rating: 8.1 (ranks #252 of 346)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
3
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
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
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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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 #213 of 346)
User Traction Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
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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9.0
March 12, 2025
The traction performance feels amazing. It's much improved on dust.
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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: 7.7 (ranks #279 of 346)
User Cushion Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
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
March 12, 2025
The cushioning feels the same as the KD 17. The setup feels soft and comfortable.
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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: 8.3 (ranks #117 of 346)
User Materials Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
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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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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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: 8.3 (ranks #198 of 346)
User Support Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
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
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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8.0
February 28, 2025
The upper makes lockdown much better.
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Fit of the Nike KD 18:
Expert Fit Rating: 7.7 (ranks #300 of 346)
User Fit Rating: NA
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
0
8 - Good
2
7 - Average
1
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
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
March 12, 2025
This shoe fits me 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: 25.0 (ranks #194 of 346)
User Outdoor Rating: NA
Good (100%)
0
Fair (50%)
1
Bad (0%)
1
no
March 12, 2025
The rubber is too soft and the grooves are too thin for outdoor play.
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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
0
regular
1
slightly wide
0
very wide
0
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
0
true to size
3
slightly long
0
very long
0
true to size
March 24, 2025
Going true to size is your best bet.
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true to size
March 12, 2025
I went 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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