Jovani Hernandez Continuing a tradition first started back in 2012, Kevin Durant is set to honor his late Aunt Pearl by outfitting the Nike KD 12 in a mashup of his line’s previous seven of the last eight pink, commemorative releases (the KD 8 has been omitted). In true “What The” fashion, the upcoming tribute nods to past iterations honoring Durant’s aunt – who passed away from lung cancer in 2000 – through graphics, patterns, and materials.
If you haven’t followed KDs closely or simply want to take a walk down memory-lane, we’ve gone ahead and broken down each reference found on the “What The Aunt Pearl” KD 12 below. The shoe is scheduled to drop on Nike.com on December 26th.
Nike KD 12 “Aunt Pearl”
Release Date: December 27th, 2019
$150
Style Code: CT2740-900
Make sure to follow @kicksfinder for live tweets during the release date.
Where To Buy
- Nike SNKRS 10am ET
- Eastbay 10am ET
- Finish Line 10am ET
- JD Sports 10am ET
- Dick’s 10am ET
- Foot Locker 10am ET
- Champs 10am ET
The shoe that began it all. The KD 4 differs from the upcoming KD 12 in that it’s a low-top model, but its “Aunt Pearl” edition makes its way onto the newest memento by way of the pearl pattern around the ankle.
Durant’s fifth basketball sneaker with Nike resembles the KD 12 a lot more than the KD 4, and appears on the “What The Aunt Pearl” by way of the stained-glass-patterned insoles, a detail also found on the KD 5‘s side-Swoosh, tongue, and sock-lining.
The KD 6 “Aunt Pearl” brought flowers to the commemorative release, which resemble the pattern on a robe Durant’s late aunt often wore. The vibrant detail decorates the KD 12’s heel in identical form.
Doubling-down on shorter silhouettes, the KD 7 opted for a rather clean color scheme in its tribute to Durant’s late aunt. Although hits of pink found their way onto the visible Zoom Air unit and insole, the most notable detail on the KD 7 “Aunt Pearl” is the wing-like midfoot strap. The KD 12 edition copies the strap, but gives it a pink color.
Perhaps the most understated of the commemorative releases, the KD 9 “Aunt Pearl” was almost entirely black, but pink accents on the side Swoosh, visible Zoom Air Unit, and Flyknit forefoot contrasted the darker color nicely. Durant’s ninth signature sneaker with Beaverton appears on the “What The Aunt Pearl” KD 12 via the knit heel patch showcasing the “KD” logo surrounded by flowers. The patch rocks a pinkish-purple color on the upcoming release.
The KD 10 “Aunt Pearl” lends its use of velvet (originally only appearing on the heel) to the KD 12. The “What The Aunt Pearl” mashup instead uses the soft material on its tongue, collar, and sock-liner sure to make any wearer feel cozy.
Last year’s KD 11 honored Durant’s late aunt with an “in-your-face” pink that covered the shoe’s laces, knit upper, and performance sole. The tribute would’ve been tonal had it not been for the marble-like detailing on the midsole. The same marbling makes its way onto the “What The Aunt Pearl” KD 12’s responsive cushioning.
