Fans of Kevin Durant's seventh shoe collaboration with Nike would be very excited to know that the global sports brand is coming out with another colorway for their enjoyment. Nike announced that the KD 7 would once again have an "Aunt Pearl" design in memory of the NBA Star's late aunt.
According to Nike's official website, the Oklahoma City Thunder forward promised to keep the memory of his favorite aunt alive no matter what. Durant's Aunt Pearl lost her battle with lung cancer in 2001 and since then, the hoops player has dedicated a lot of tributes to her including the Nike colorway dedicated solely to her memory.
The "Aunt Pearl" design for Durant's seventh signature shoe with Nike was inspired by an angel tattoo the player had inked on his back as a tribute to his aunt's grace and humility. Tattoo artist Randy Harris created the tattoo, which was finished on the 10th year death anniversary of Aunt Pearl.
Leo Chang, one of Nike's designers, took this idea and came up with a unique shoe that would perfectly encapsulate the memory of Aunt Pearl for Durant.
The shoe features an all white base and gold accents, noted Bleacher Report. White is the official color of lung cancer awareness, and Chang thought it fitting to incorporate that color to this tribute.
The shoe has an all-white base made with Hyperposite, which is available for all KD 7 shoes, said Sneaker Bar Detroit. A Nike Swoosh logo and KD logo on the shoe is accented in gold, which add character to the very clean-looking aesthetic of the whole sneaker.
Meanwhile, the Flywire cables and insole of the shoe are decked in Pink Pow.
While the shoe itself already seeks to grab attention with its platinum white finish, a major difference to the KD 7 "Aunt Pearl" is the unique midfoot strap made in the appearance of an angel wing. The strap is sculpted to give off a three-dimensional look, which is a first for the global sports brand.
The strap contains a message on the inner side, which hopes to bring a message of encouragement and honor to those who are battling the disease.
The KD 7 "Aunt Pearl" also made a nod on the efforts of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund by adding its pink logo at the back heel of the shoe. Kay Yow is the ex-coach of the women's basketball team of North Carolina State University, who began an organization to help fund those seeking a cure for the disease.
The shoe will hit the market on Feb. 19, and is priced at $170 a pair.
Because it is part of the brand's limited edition line, only one pair would be sold per customer.
Those who will be unable to buy from Nike.com could still purchase the item via in-store raffle option in select NIKETOWN stores in the United States.
