# Calf-Compressing Basketball Shoes The KD8 Elite Boasts Nike Air Zoom and Flywire Technology By Meghan Young | Published 2016-03-01 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd8-elite References: [news.nike](http://news.nike.com/news/kd8-elite-kevin-durant) As Kevin Durant enters the NBA season's final stretch, he will be rocking a serious shoe to help his game: the KD8 Elite. His eighth signature shoe, the KD8 Elite takes comfort and protection to the next level. In addition to the use of [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd-18) [Air Zoom](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pegasus-premium) and [Flywire](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt-cut-3) technology with Kevlar® aramid fiber, it boasts a calf compression sock that differentiates it from many of the other basketball shoes currently on the market. Designed in collaboration with designer Leo Chang, the KD8 Elite essentially blurs the line between shoe, sock and tight. Chang states, "Transitioning from a low to high is a decision we made with confidence based on our ongoing feedback from Durant to always push the limit on innovative design." It will be available in three colorways. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Calf-compressing Shoes:** Opportunity for other athletic shoe brands to incorporate calf compression technology into their designs. - **Nike Air Zoom Technology:** Potential for other sports apparel companies to explore the use of Nike Air Zoom technology in their products. - **Flywire Technology:** Opportunity for shoe manufacturers to incorporate Flywire technology in their designs for improved support and lockdown. ### Who This Affects Most - **Athletic Shoe:** Athletic shoe manufacturers can explore the use of calf compression technology to differentiate their products. - **Sports Apparel:** Sports apparel brands can incorporate Nike Air Zoom technology in their products to offer enhanced cushioning and comfort. - **Shoe Manufacturing:** Shoe manufacturers can incorporate Flywire technology in their designs to provide better support and stability to the wearer. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stealthy Tonal Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd-18.md) - [New Year-Inspired Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragon-colorway.md) - [Performance-Focused Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt-cut-3.md) - [Vibrant Festive Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd17.md) - [High-Tech Dynamic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-dn8.md) - [Silver-Tinged Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-pearl.md) - [Golden Tinged Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd-4.md) - [Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-cushioning.md) - [Responsive Dual-Chamber Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-dn.md)