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The Nike KD 9 Performance Review Gets an Update

As most of you know, daily viewers that is, the Nike KD 9 Performance Review was published not too long ago, and the pair I wear-tested was a 1/2 smaller than my true size. I was given the opportunity to wear-test the shoe again, but in my true size, thanks to Finish Line so I wanted to give everyone an updated review on the kicks in the event that you were interested in purchasing them for basketball.

Personally, I like the way the smaller size felt once broken-in. I mention in this review that the alignment of the forefoot flex groove was just a tad off and was something I could feel until I was able to get used to it. However, going with either size worked perfectly fine in terms of the shoes fit and lockdown.

If you wanted to compare reviews then you can by heading over to the previous Nike KD 9 Performance Review here. I do not feel the slight difference between the two sizes warranted changing any of the performance scores so everything listed will be the same.

If you were interested in grabbing the Nike KD 9 featured in the video then they’ll be available starting July 2 at FinishLine.com.

Appreciate everyone’s support and stay tuned for the next one!

43 comments
  1. Can anyone tell me what the best running shoe is on the market? I’m flat footed but it doesn’t seem to matter whether I wear lunar glides or frees. Is the Ultraboost worth the price? Any experiences with the free run distance? Thanks

    1. There really is no “best” running shoe. Your best bet is to go to a store and try a few pairs on. Mention to the associate you have flat feet. He or she me recommend insoles and/or shoes with the support you need. For running try brooks or ASICS

      1. I’m not sarcastic bro. At the end the message is “try them on”, which is always true. Even if both pairs worked for you, I wish you said which one you prefer. Keep up the good work, I love your reviews.

        1. Lol. “Personally, I like the way the smaller size felt once broken-in. ..However, going with either size worked perfectly fine in terms of the shoes fit and lockdown. I do not feel the slight difference between the two sizes warranted changing any of the performance scores so everything listed will be the same.”

          So both worked perfectly but he had a preference for the smaller size once broken in, probably due to conform and the fact that he likes a tight fit. Pretty clear mate 🙂

  2. The camera work on the on-court stuff was real nice. Never seen it done quite like that before. As for the shoe, this is the only Nike I’m considering at this point. I need major cushioning to play in, and too much zoom out there is so thin and small they shouldn’t even have bothered putting it in.

    1. I agree. I like that camera work. I’ve seen it like that on Jarron’s youtube vids as well. Great vid as always WT team. This and the Ig posts have solidified that I’ll grab a pair.

  3. This is why I love weartesters so much- they never compromise when it comes to reviews, and they aren’t biased. Keep up the informative reviews dude.

  4. I am always surprised, why the shoe designers / companies don’t give enough attention to cushioning and bring out new models from the same line with worse cushioning than the last ones.

    I have played 40 years league basketball, so my knees really feels the difference in cushions. During the last years only Lebron X and KD 6 elite have been good enough for my knees.

    So, thank you for the reviews, I always read them. And now I am really waiting KD9s to arrive to a store near me so that I can get not just one pair, but enough shoes to let me keep playing for some more years.

    Keep ballin.

    1. Have you tried Boost for cushioning or the D Rose 6s? A lot of people say the cushioning in those are great. Haven’t had a chance to get a pair myself. Not sure if I will at this stage, or if I should just wait for the D Rose 7s.

      1. I’d also love to get a pair of the CL Boost 2016s for work, but I need an All Black shoe and the problem with Boost is – it’s always white.

        Are they ever going to release coloured Boost? Have you heard anything more about coloured Boost, Nightwing?

  5. Hi nightwing we have a good discussions here and debate between crazylightboos 2016 and kd9…how do you stack up this againts to crazylight2016 …it would be better if u can make a comparison on performance on this two they both have really good traction and cushion pretty identical review…30$ difference on price if u would pick one on a dusty court which one u pick? Looking forward for your reply…godbless and godspeed on u…keep it up

    1. Kd9 but if you get the craylights make sure they are the primeknit version not the engineered mesh…a lot of people are having heel slippage in the em version. Anyway, both the kd9 and CL 2016 are a snug but comofortably snug shoe with amazing cushion, I prefer the kds but that’s just personal preference and I can see a lot of people liking the CL 2016 primeknit just as much or better.

  6. I would’ve loved those camera effects MORE if they were done on the CLB’s. but hey, it is what it is, and a great review nonetheless.

  7. Hi Nightwing,

    Do you think these are going to be difficult to get? Nowhere to be found after a couple of days from the release, Jordan Retro-like, or it should be an easy cop sitting on the shelves?
    I am asking about the USA Olympic version.

    Thks!!

  8. Night wing, I am looking for a new pair of sneakers, what is your personal preference, the kd 9 or crazy light?

    1. Kd9 is lower to the ground IMO but if you get the craylights make sure they are the primeknit version not the engineered mesh…a lot of people are having heel slippage in the em version…I have the PK version and don’t have any slippage. Anyway, both the kd9 and CL 2016 are a snug but comofortably snug shoe with amazing cushion, I prefer the kds but that’s just personal preference and I can see a lot of people liking the CL 2016 primeknit just as much or better. The deciding factor is that I feel quicker in the kd9 and being a 5’8″ guard I need my speed lol!

  9. These are a must try on for wide footers, I could not get my foot through the shoe opening, what a bummer…

    1. Same here. Tough to get on, got them on and they were super snug at the top of the foot where that non stretching area is. Played about 20min in them, feet were numb almost. The cushion is and materials are awsome though, I like better than the CL. Just have to see if that area breaks in or go up a size.

  10. its funny how the others react, ask questions and more questions about the shoe, man if you guys watchin and understanding or maybe readin…..everything has been provided, back track on their issue or videos and you will be enlighten…check the other sites if you need to but for me Weartesters Rule this biz. now im not mad at ya’ll just helpin out to save your time and their time.

  11. Would you recommend these to heavy toe draggers? Would the flyknit last..? I had the kobe 9 elite before and noticed slight strands of knit coming off but when I saw the kd9s in person.. these imperfections were more noticeable. In the kd9, the knit had more perforations and strands coming off from the shoe. I’m guessing it’s because there was more glue placed on top of the kobes than in the kd 9s. In comparison to the kobe 9 and 10, would the kd9s be as or more durable and hold up to dives and heavy toe drags? I play basketball and volleyball and I dive a lot. Also, since you have the USA pair.. Does your pair get dirty very easily? and do you see any imperfections with the upper?

    1. Knits like the kd and Kobe 9 elite are usually not as durable as those with fuse uppers. The knit just isn’t built for toe drags. Shoes like the hyperdunk 16 regular and Lebron are going to be a better bet in terms of durability. Pretty much anything that’s not a knit upper should last.

  12. Hey nightwing. Can you make an ID version of these? Im afraid nike would fuck up the flyknit on these like the kobe 11 elite

  13. Hey NW, I recently got a pair of the USA KD 9. As expected, they are already getting dirty. Is there a way to clean these shoes without damaging the materials? Would appreciate a response. Thanks

  14. Anyone worried that the small “link” that flex groove uses to connect the toe area and the main section will break before the shoe runs out of its life?

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