The Nike Kd 18 Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Nike KD 18 is a basketball shoe that offers a well-rounded performance for players seeking reliable on-court support. Ideal for athletes who appreciated the previous model, this version maintained strong scores in nearly all lab tests.

However, the analysis revealed an increase in weight by one ounce compared to its predecessor. This change may affect overall agility but does not significantly detract from its overall performance metrics.

Pros

  • Excellent shock absorption
  • Propulsive energy return in the forefoot
  • Superb outsole traction
  • Solid ankle support and lateral stability
  • Secure lockdown and containment
  • Comfortable step-in feel
  • Good breathability for warm temperatures
  • Decent forefoot flexibility
  • Promising durability (okay for outdoor courts)

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Not for wide feet
  • No major updates from KD 17

Key Features

  • Men to Women Sizing: Easily convert your size; for instance, 7 Men equals 8.5 Women.
  • Limited Edition: A special release celebrating Kevin Durant's legacy in basketball.
  • High-Performance Materials: Designed with a combination of mesh material for breathability and rubber sole for traction.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Mesh Material
  • Inner Material: Cotton

Nike Kd 18 Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike KD 18 Nike Sabrina 3 Adidas Harden Vol. 9 Nike Ja 2
Price $155 $135 $160 $120
Signature Kevin Durant Sabrina Ionescu James Harden Ja Morant
Top Low Low Low Low
Ankle support
Weight lab 14.9 oz / 422g 12.4 oz / 352g 14.6 oz / 414g 11.9 oz / 336g
Lightweight
Breathability Breathable Moderate Breathable Breathable
Outsole durability Decent Good Good Decent
Drop lab 4.8 mm 5.5 mm 7.4 mm 3.9 mm
Heel stack lab 26.7 mm 26.1 mm 27.7 mm 26.1 mm
Forefoot 21.9 mm 20.6 mm 20.3 mm 22.2 mm
Size True to size Slightly small True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Balanced Soft Balanced Firm
Stiffness Moderate Flexible Stiff Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Flexible Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Narrow Narrow
Toebox width Medium Medium Narrow Medium
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Narrow Narrow
Midsole width - heel Average Average Average Average
Heel padding durability Good Good Decent Decent
Toebox durability Decent Decent Decent Decent
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Outsole hardness - - Average Average
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average
Heel tab None None Finger loop None
Ranking Top 17% Top 21% Top 16% Top 8%
Popularity Top 17% Top 29% Top 12% Top 16%