The Nike KD 17 “Aunt Pearl” is expected to release on November 15th at select retailers, with other shops confirming a release on November 22nd. A steadfast theme across all Kevin Durant shoes since the KD4, it was only a matter of time before “Aunt Pearl” graced his latest signature. Check ahead for “Where To Buy” information, with a detailed breakdown of this release included further down.
WHERE TO BUY
Nike KD 17 "Aunt Pearl"
Retailer | Release type | Status |
---|---|---|
Nikestore US | Standard | Check Site |
DICK'S | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
Breakdown Of The KD 17 “Aunt Pearl”
Once again employing an all-pink-everything motif, this KD 17 features a soft Pink Foam on the upper in monochromatic fashion as the base layer blends into the TPU exterior. A darker “Beyond Pink” shade drapes the accent pieces on the Swoosh, midsole, and rubber outsole. Finally, the heel of the KD 17 features a beautiful and classy embroidered pattern of pearls, while the left shoe reads his relative’s initials in the same KD typeface.
The “Aunt Pearl” series is notable for utilizing overarching design details, often referencing past colorways on new pairs. While floral details are a constant motif in this category, the KD 17 “Aunt Pearl” reaches back to the KD 6 for the print on its heel counter. Also notable is that this pair eschews its defining TPU waves for the first time in the model’s run, instead switching them to a more luxe, delicate suede.
History Of The “Aunt Pearl” Series
Kevin Durant first ushered the “Aunt Pearl” theme on the Nike KD 4, with the then-OKC superstar reporting in 2012 that he specifically requested Nike to make the tribute pair. Each shoe is naturally dedicated to KD’s titular great-aunt Pearl, an ardent supporter of Durant’s throughout his adolescence, who tragically passed in 2000 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
That initial launch was synergistic for the Oregon giant; in addition to paying homage to an important figure for one of their premier athletes, it also aligned with their rock-solid relationship with the Kay Yow cancer fund, a notable name for sneakerheads due to an extensive line of PEs and an ultra-coveted colorway of the Nike Kobe 6. Proceeds from the inaugural KD 4 “Aunt Pearl” were passed along to the Kay Yow foundation, and each successive edition has kept up that tradition.
In addition to dotting the yearly edition of Kevin Durant’s shoes, the motif has factored into Nike’s bring-back efforts for his archival wear. A retroactive KD 3 “Aunt Pearl” was introduced in 2023, and the original KD 4 returned to shelves in October 2024.
WHERE TO BUY
Nike KD 17 "Aunt Pearl"
Retailer | Release type | Status |
---|---|---|
Nikestore US | Standard | Check Site |
DICK'S | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |