Kevin Durant’s Sentimental ‘Aunt Pearl’ Nikes Are Coming Back for the First Time

Nike will soon revisit one of the most popular styles in Kevin Durant’s long-running signature sneaker line with the first-ever return of the “Aunt Pearl” KD 4.

Originally released in 2012 during a peak of Nike Basketball’s popularity, the KD 4 “Aunt Pearl” is a heartwarming tribute to Durant’s late Aunt Pearl, who died in 2000 after battling lung cancer. An inspiring presence in Durant’s life, his late Aunt Pearl’s impact was first commemorated on a sneaker with the KD 4 in ’12.

From there, Nike and Durant would revisit the theme with successive sneakers, and there’s been an “Aunt Pearl” version of every Nike KD shoe since. Proceeds from sales of each “Aunt Pearl” pair benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund non-profit organization, which first partnered with Nike in ’12 on the original KD 4 sneakers. 

Despite competition from other popular styles such as the “Galaxy,” “Nerf” and “Weatherman,” the “Aunt Pearl” KD 4 managed to be one of the most memorable versions of Durant’s fourth signature model.

It features a vibrant “Pinkfire” synthetic upper with a graphic print of pearls filling in the medial and heel panel as well as the tongue, which dons the Kay Yow logo. The KD 4’s signature support strap features a black Nike Swoosh — as does the medial side and the heel’s “KD” logo — but the design is otherwise an all-pink affair. 

“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 said in a 2014 press release for the “Aunt Pearl” Nike KD 6 sneaker. 

The Nike KD 4 “Aunt Pearl” is expected to be released on Oct. 3 for a retail price of $130 from Nike’s SNKRS app and select retailers. The shoe has a SKU of HF9098-600 and a full colorway of “Pinkfire 2/Black/Metallic Silver.”