Nike KD 18 EYBL IF2519-001

It has absolutely been a year to forget for the Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant, confirmed to watch post-season festivites from afar despite opening the year with hopes of playing well into May and June. However, The Slim Reaper’s connection to the game remains stronger than ever, a position explicated in plenty of heartfelt interviews professing his love for basketball and his unwavering commitment to the next generation. The two collide with the Nike KD 18 “EYBL,” now revealed with official images and set for a release towards the end of April.

Nike devotees will note the “EYBL” tag there, a Swoosh-sponsored youth circuit that’s spawned eye-catching makeups of basketball shoes for years now; their PE-only status usually placing them in the upper crust of coveted hoops kicks. However, Durant has been willing to bring his do-ups wide on occasion, marking off his KD 7 and KD 12 (among others) for public consumption in past years.

The themed takeover of the KD 18 was initially previewed by the man himself on-court, and the shining arrangement remains in place for the retail edition. The Terra Humara-inspired outer cage delivers reflective silver, while the branding notes and tongue enhance that metallic tone with multicolored, interstellar finishes. A chilly gradient from blue to neon green takes over the mesh base — an EYBL tag and additional text running down the tongue enhance that hi-vis shade, as do co-branded insoles.

Again, the Nike KD 18 “EYBL” releases on April 25th, retailing for $160 upon arrival. Keep watch over this pair via our Sneaker Release Dates page — we’ll keep “Where To Buy” sections embedded there and just ahead with direct shopping links once this pair fully materializes.

Matt Varga is an Editor at SneakerNews. Initially earning a degree in Video Arts and Technology, he got his start in video editing and writing in the music world — primarily on hip-hop and electronic. A long-standing interest in sneakers led him to switching over to footwear. An avid collector, his favorite sneaker of all time comes down to either the Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe” and Air Jordan 5 “Laney,” his first ever pick-ups. When he’s not writing, you can find Matt cooking, traveling, attending concerts and when weather permits, on the handball court.