Basketball shoes are weird. One year everyone wants low-tops that feel like soccer cleats, and the next, everyone is hunting for that extra bit of "collar" around the ankle. If you’ve been looking for kd high top shoes, you’ve probably noticed that Kevin Durant’s line doesn’t always play by the rules.
While Kobe famously pushed the low-top revolution, KD has spent the last decade and a half bouncing between heights. Sometimes he wants total freedom. Other times, like with the KD 5 or the more recent KD 14, he wants that locked-in, high-cut sensation that makes you feel like you can jump through the roof without your foot sliding off the footbed.
Honestly, the "high top" label in the KD line is a bit of a moving target.
The Identity Crisis of the KD High Top
If you ask a hardcore sneakerhead which KD is a "true" high top, they’ll probably point straight to the KD 5. Released back in 2012, that shoe was a skyscraper compared to the KD 4. It had a massive tongue and a collar that actually hugged the ankle bone. It was a response to KD’s evolving game—he was becoming a more physical scorer, and he needed a base that felt stable.
But here is the thing: Nike and KD often prefer what they call a "mid" that feels like a high.
Take the KD 13 and KD 14. On paper, they might be listed as mids, but once you lace them up? They sit high. They’ve got that secure, "wrapped in a blanket" feel that people who specifically search for high-tops are actually looking for.
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Kevin Durant himself is a unique athlete. He’s 6'11" (or 7 feet, depending on who you ask) with the handles of a guard. His shoes have to handle the torque of a crossover while supporting the weight of a near-seven-footer. That’s why his "high" models often feature a mix of lightweight materials like Flyknit and heavy-duty tech like the Zoom Air Strobel.
What Makes a "High" KD Different?
It isn't just about the height of the leather. It’s about the "containment."
When you’re looking for kd high top shoes, what you’re usually seeking is a fix for that "wobbly" feeling you get in low-tops. KD’s higher-cut models, especially the KD 14 with its iconic midfoot strap, are designed specifically to kill that wiggle.
- Impact Protection: Most of the higher-cut KDs are packed with cushioning. We’re talking full-length Zoom Air. The KD 13 even double-stacked the Zoom in the forefoot.
- The Strap Factor: Many of the taller silhouettes brought back the strap (think KD 2, 4, 7, and 14). It’s a polarizing feature, but it keeps your foot from sliding forward on hard stops.
- Ankle Mobility: Interestingly, even the high-tops in this line are designed with a "notched" heel. This means you get the height on the sides for support, but the back is cut lower so you can still point your toes and sprint without the shoe digging into your Achilles.
There’s a common myth that high-tops prevent all ankle sprains. Science actually says... sort of? Research, like the stuff published by RunRepeat and various sports medicine journals, suggests that while high collars don't physically stop a roll, they improve "proprioception." That's just a fancy way of saying your brain is more aware of where your ankle is because it can feel the shoe touching it.
KD seems to value that "connected" feeling.
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Choosing the Right Pair for Your Game
Not every KD shoe is built for every court. If you’re playing on a dusty local gym floor, you need a different beast than someone hooping on the blacktop.
The KD 14 is widely considered the "GOAT" of the recent high-top-adjacent models. It’s got a thick, multi-layered mesh upper that feels incredibly sturdy. The traction is top-tier, and it has that "broken-in" feel right out of the box.
On the flip side, the KD 15 and 16 moved back toward a lower, more "accessible" height. They’re great shoes, but if you’ve got weak ankles or just like the psychological safety of a high-cut, you might find them a bit "naked" around the collar.
For the big guys—the centers and power forwards who want to play like KD—the older KD 5 or the KD 12 "Aunt Pearl" editions are the way to go. The 12s introduced the "Zoom Strobel," where the air unit is stitched directly to the upper. It changed the game. No more stiff foam between your foot and the cushion.
The Real Talk on Sizing
Here is a warning: KD shoes are notoriously narrow.
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If you have wide feet, buying your standard size in a KD high-top is a recipe for numb toes. Most players—myself included—usually have to go up at least half a size. Because these shoes are designed to be "locked-in," the midfoot can feel like a vice grip if you aren't careful.
If you're hunting for a pair today, keep an eye on the "Trey 5" sub-line too. They are the "budget" version of KD's signature shoes. They often maintain a higher collar than the main line, but they use cheaper foam (like Renew instead of Zoom Air). They’re decent for casual play, but if you’re playing high-intensity ball, stick to the main signature models.
Is the "High Top" Dying?
Sorta. But not really.
The industry is moving toward "mid-cuts" that offer the best of both worlds. But Kevin Durant's legacy is built on versatility. Whether it's the 90s-inspired look of the new KD 17 or the beefy, strap-heavy builds of the past, the kd high top shoes category remains the gold standard for players who need that extra security.
You don't need to be a seven-foot scoring machine to appreciate a shoe that actually holds your foot in place.
If you’re ready to pick up a pair, start by looking for the KD 14 on resale sites like GOAT or StockX—it’s the best "high" experience you’ll find from the modern era. If you want the latest tech, the KD 17 is the current king, though it sits a bit lower. Just remember to size up, lace them tight, and don't be afraid of the strap. It's there for a reason.
Next Step: Check your local Nike outlet or reputable online resellers for the KD 14 "Aunt Pearl" or the "Ky-D" crossover colorway. These models offer the peak balance of high-collar support and elite Zoom Air cushioning that hasn't quite been matched by the newer, lower-profile releases.