Basketball Uniforms Beyond a Jersey and Short

Kevin Durant wearing Nike Vapor basketball uniform with AeroSwift technology

Pioneering Nike Vapor basketball uniforms impose a new order on the court by pairing progressive knit jerseys and shorts featuring Nike AeroSwift technology with innovative base layers to minimize game-time distractions and maximize performance.

The system is anchored by basketball-specific base layer options, including arm sleeves, padded compression gear and knee sleeves, which together wick sweat from the skin, providing a feeling of protection and compression, and keeping the players’ arms and legs warm off-court.

Designed to interact with the base layer but not cling, the lightweight, tailored jersey features stretch knit with engineered mesh as determined by extensive sweat-mapping studies.

The short also introduces a FlyVent waistband that addresses the discomfort of traditional basketball waistbands via a new manufacturing process that combines two types of knit mesh into one highly secure, breathable band. This is matched to a hybrid of engineered knit mesh in the back and a hydrophobic four-way stretch woven fabric in the front. Additionally, the front of the shorts features a mobility vent. Placed specifically where basketball players need it most, based on their five key movements, it reveals a flash of tights as athletes move. The result is a 35% more breathable kit than that worn in 2012.

Moving down the body, designers further reduced distraction with the Nike Elite Versatility basketball sock. A 360-degree ankle-support system, dynamic arch compression, anatomical design and footpad cushioning add to the comfort and locked-in feel of the sock, while Dri-FIT fabric wicks away moisture and increases breathability.

Sustainable Innovation

Nike Vapor uniforms with AeroSwift technology have been partially constructed from recycled polyester, which is rendered from plastic bottles to produce fine yarn. Since 2010, more than three billion plastic bottles have been diverted from landfills and converted into recycled polyester for Nike performance products.


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Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Exemplifies Performance Innovation

Eight years after its 2008 debut in Beijing, the Nike Hyperdunk unveils a striking technical and stylistic evolution ahead of summer competition in Rio. Combining an ultra-high Nike Flyknit upper with an enhanced, precisely positioned full-length Zoom Air unit, the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 serves the speed, lateral cutting, elevation and impact of the modern game.
The shoe’s high-cut Flyknit upper was specially crafted to provide an enhanced locked-in feel. Along with extending the collar, Nike designer Leo Chang paired targeted zones — for lockdown support, dynamic stretch and breathability, respectively — with Nike Flywire cables. Integrated into the forefoot, they provide supplemental support where it’s needed for pivots, cuts and jumps.

Working in tandem with the upper to provide natural, intuitive movement that is lightweight, supportive and comfortable, the shoe’s new Zoom Air unit runs the length of the foot. By positioning the Zoom Air unit directly under foot, a hollow core between the unit and the outsole is created, resulting in an unmatched snap-back, trampoline effect. The shoe also features advanced herringbone traction and a supportive heel counter.

The Nike Hyperdunk 2016 is available globally beginning in July in an elite Flyknit version (outlined above) as well as high- and low-top versions with engineered mesh uppers.
To become a Nike+ member and sign up for notifications about the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 go to Nike.com.


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Nike Air Zoom KD9 Reflects Basketball's Progression

Just as its namesake personifies a progressive style of play, the Nike Air Zoom KD9 represents the evolution of basketball footwear. In response to Kevin Durant’s trademark versatility and impressive court coverage (approximately four miles a game and 15 marathons a season), it offers support, comfort and responsiveness via the most advanced construction of Nike Flyknit and Zoom Air technologies to date, adapted to basketball’s specifications.

This aerial view of Durant’s in-game motion shows his versatility and sweeping range expanding the entire basketball court, which equates to approximately 15 marathons in a season.
Designed by Leo Chang, the low-cut shoe features a Flyknit upper engineered down to the pixel for maximum containment. Specifically, it features a pattern with a distinct honeycomb structure precisely knit for the multidimensional movement of basketball and Durant’s lateral quickness. Flyknit technology engineering locks down the forefoot while still allowing the foot to move naturally. Flyknit’s efficient material use also ensures the upper is lightweight, without compromising strength.

A visible, tapered Zoom Air unit runs from heel to toe, marking the evolved Air bag’s debut in basketball. Developed over three years of advanced wear testing, the new Zoom Air unit — filled with fibers that compress upon each step, then spring back for unmatched response —  is 16 millimeters thick at the heel and progressively narrows to 10 millimeters at the forefoot. This architecture is tuned to provide maximum impact protection while amplifying the bouncy feel of the Zoom Air unit.
Moreover, the midsole is minimized to enhance the responsive sensation produced by the Zoom Air unit. It also is articulated with anatomical flex groove strategically placed in the forefoot to maximize natural transitions, whereas heel notches add stability to lateral movements.

The KD9 is available globally for athletes of all ages, from toddler to adult, beginning June 20.
To become a Nike+ member and sign up for notifications about the Nike Air Zoom KD9, go to Nike.com.


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