What is the story behind Kevin Durant's KD Aunt pearl shoes?

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What is the story behind Kevin Durant’s KD Aunt Pearl shoes?

Posted on:

January 19, 2023

Let us know what is the actual story behind the famed KD Aunt Pearl sneakers.

Kevin Wayne Durant or commonly known as Kevin Durant is one of the greatest basketball players to ever touch the hard court. His fame and game is known all over the world and his fans adore him.

Currently, KD plays for the Brooklyn Nets but he began his NBA journey with the then-Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder).

In the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) as the second overall pick. Since then, 34-year-old Durant has played for Oklahoma City Thunder, and Golden State Warriors and is currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets.

Further, in his long NBA career, Kevin Durant has managed to achieve many accolades which he rightly deserves. He is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, an NBA Most Valuable Player award winner, a twelve-time NBA All-Star, and many more. He is also a member of the prestigious NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

All these achievements made Kevin Durant a famous player and most NBA teams respect him for his sharp basketball skills.

As KD is a popular personality, many brands around the world want to use the opportunity to endorse Durant and make good business.

Further. popular sneakers brand Nike is one of the companies that endorses and sponsors Kevin Durant. So much so, Durant even has his own signature shoe with Nike, named ‘KD.’

The story behind Kevin Durant’s famed ‘Aunt Pearl’ shoes.

It is well known by now that the signature shoe line of Kevin Durant is famously called the ‘KD’ shoes. Nike introduced Durant’s apparel and basketball shoes with his own signature sneaker way back in 2008. Durant’s first signature basketball shoes were called the Zoom KD 1.

Since the Zoom KD 1 release, Nike every year has been releasing a new version of Durant’s signature basketball sneakers. And every version came with unique colorways and some of the colorways had an exceptional story behind them.

In 2012, Durant and Nike first introduced a pink-based colorway of the KD 4 with a pearl-printed collar, tongue, and cross-strap.

In association with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, the shoe was a tribute to KD’s Aunt. The release of an ‘Aunt Pearl’ shoe is now an annual tradition.

The Aunt Pearl shoe honors Durant’s aunt who passed away from lung cancer in 2000. The proceeds from the special edition shoe go to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Pearl was KD’s one of his nearest and dearest family members. Pearl always supported KD and cheered on as Durant went on to become a great basketball player.

However, in 2000, Aunt Pearl passed away from lung cancer. Sadly, KD got to watch his beloved aunt live the final moments of her life. Kevin laid next to Pearl as the paramedics prepared to take her to the coroner. She had succumbed to complications from cancer.

“I made a promise to myself to always honor my Aunt Pearl for the example she set, and the encouragement she gave me to follow my dreams,” Durant told Nike.

Kevin Durant may be a star today but his childhood has been a rough ride. He has endured much and stands with his head high today. In KD’s journey, there have been many inspirations and supporters, and his aunt was a major one among them.

It is quite natural for Durant to honor her aunt by dedicating a shoe in her name.