Nike KD 18 “Rise” Pays Tribute to Durant’s Texas Days

Before he was a league MVP and two-time champion, Kevin Durant was a standout freshman at the University of Texas. The new Nike KD 18 “Rise” nods to that pivotal chapter with a colorway rooted in the Longhorns' signature palette.

The pair features a mix of neutral cream tones and soft suedes, with a bold orange TPU frame mimicking the structure of previous KD 18 releases. Mesh base layers and textile accents add breathability and flexibility, while the KD tongue logo and orange Swoosh branding reinforce the collegiate tie-in. The sole unit maintains the model’s now-standard Cushlon midsole and full-length Zoom Air strobel setup, ensuring high-end performance for on-court use.

Though not an official UT release, the KD 18 “Rise” clearly channels Durant’s early days in Austin. It lands alongside the return of the fan-favorite KD 4 “Texas,” giving longtime Nike Basketball fans a double dose of burnt orange this fall.

The Nike KD 18 “Rise” is set to release in Fall 2025 for $160 via Nike.com and select retailers.

For more hoops-ready footwear, check out LaMelo Ball's PUMA MB.04 catalog.