Nike is Bringing Back the KD III In 2023

Updated: Jan 27, 2023

The first retro run for KD's signature line

The year is 2011 ... the Nike Zoom KD III is in the middle of its run and the showcase of the NBA's brightest talent is descending upon "The City of Angels". Kevin Durant has supplanted himself as a top talent in the association - as a marksman shooter, creator of space and an unguardable pull-up jumper.

Now with his third Nike signature model, the young Durant takes center stage in Los Angeles. The last of the traditional East versus West (blue versus red) color scheme, Durant's Zoom KD III shined across the multicolored hardwood flooring of Staples Center with a blurred design on the underlay and a full leather overlay and full red semi-translucent outsole.

In the decade that followed, many wondered when or even if Durant's signature line would receive a full retro treatment. The 'White/Photo Blue' KD IV returned as part of the "Think 16" playoff collection in 2018, it was the first time any Durant model had received any sort of a retro treatment. And when asked about the possibility of a retro, KD said in a piece on his Boardroom platform in 2021 (celebrating the decade anniversary of the KD IV), the challenge when it came to a retro was:

"Being able to look the same way it did 10 years ago but play like we play now, that's the challenge." – Kevin Durant

He later concluded that thought with the proclamation, "retros are on the way." The declaration displayed KD's desire for a Protro-like retro; that coined by Kobe Bryant who sought an upgraded modern version of his signatures when Nike began to retro his line. Now armed with hope for fans, Durant recently on a trip to Portland warmed up in an all-black KD III – which in Nike lure is the motif used for sample product. Durant would then talk about pulling out the silhouette on an episode of The Etcs. with co-host Eddie Gonzalez. All of which has led us to official images surfacing of the 'All-Star' KD III in retro form.

Are you excited for the return – what other KD signatures and colorways would you like to see return?

Update: The Nike Zoom KD III 'All-Star' is officially returning on Friday, February 10th and will be available via SNKRS.