Phoenix Suns’ star forward, Kevin Durant, is known for using his fame for a noble cause. Apart from being a basketball legend, for many Durant is also a symbol of hope in the never-ending battle against cancer. The journey began in 2000, a year when Durant lost his Aunt Pearl, who had died of lung cancer.
Durant, in partnership with Nike, launched an annual tribute in the form of the ‘Aunt Pearl’ sneakers. The very first of these was released in 2012, it was an eye-catching Nike Zoom KD 4 in all-pink. This shoe lineup represents the significant influence Aunt Pearl had on Durant’s life. Today, this tradition has given fans twelve unique sneaker styles, each of which repeats the previous year’s message of hope and resilience.
Kevin Durant releasing annual ‘Aunt Pearl’ Nike KD 3 sneakershttps://t.co/SV7p7sUGIW
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 14, 2023
This year’s tribute has a nostalgic touch. While every new signature model of Durant’s has witnessed its ‘Aunt Pearl’ version, 2023’s design revisits the Nike Zoom KD 3, a shoe Durant wore before the start of the ‘Aunt Pearl’ series.
Nike Zoom KD 3 ‘Aunt Pearl’ details
The official Nike description perfectly captures her essence: “Aunt Pearl is always in KD’s heart, wherever he goes, no matter what heights hoops takes him to. She is a part KD’s inspiration, a beacon of light who pushed him to be the best he could be. Her everlasting love and legacy will live on forever, through her nephew and the Durant family. This special all-pink design honors Aunt Pearl, who passed away from lung cancer in 2000, but inspires us all to continue to fight to find a cure. Created in partnership with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.”
This year’s sneaker has a stunning color combination which includes Medium Soft Pink, White and Lotus Pink. Nike’s revolutionary flywire technology is also there. A bold white Nike swoosh details the sides, while the laces and lining are in Lotus Pink. Other notable design elements include the Kay Yow Cancer Fund logo on one tongue and a combined Kevin Durant/Aunt Pearl logo on the heel.
Closer Look at the Nike KD 3 “Aunt Pearl” https://t.co/cnvAsu0ULn pic.twitter.com/azctX5RDqb
— HNTRISM magazine (@hntrism) October 7, 2023
For those who are looking to purchase this historic shoe, the Nike Zoom KD 3 ‘Aunt Pearl’ is set to be available on October 27, 2023, at 10:00 p.m. ET, exclusively on Nike.com. The release will also be featured on the Nike SNKRS app. It comes with an affordable price of $130 and it will be available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
As the Nike KD 3 makes its nostalgic return, it’s a sign of Durant’s earlier days in Oklahoma City. The question now comes – will you be making room for this special edition in your sneaker collection?