Patrick Johnson 
His game may not show it, but Vince Carter had a profound impact on Kevin Durant‘s basketball career. Growing up in the early 2000s, who didn’t watch Vinsanity’s acrobatics and note that he was one of the most entertaining players to ever lace up a signature Nike Basketball model? KD’s been on record saying that he idolized Vince, and now Nike is telling the story with an unofficial callout to Carter thanks to a purple and red outsole on the Nike KD 8 “Vinary” that cleverly nods at Mr. Air Canada’s time flying through the Air Canada Centre. That green accent on the Flyweave upper? That’s for Larry Bird, an influence that’s more readily apparent in Durant’s game given his affinity for subtle trash-talking (Larry Legend was one of the game’s most underrated players at getting under opponent’s skin) as well as that beautiful jumper and ability to catch fire from distance. What results is a mismatched KD 8 that has one of the more original back stories yet. Check out more photos below and pick up your pair this Thursday, October 1st for $180.
Source: Footlocker
Nike KD 8 “Vinary”
Color: Black/White-Green Shock-Hyper Orange
Style Code: 749375-013
Release Date: October 1st, 2015
Price: $180
