Nike KD 16 Performance Review From The Inside Out - Biggest Pros And Cons

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Real foot doctor reviews the Nike KD 16 basketball shoe. How does Kevin Durant's newest signature basketball sneaker hold up?
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:20 Uppers of the Nike KD 16
01:55 Breathability test of the Nike KD 16
02:46 Upper durability test of the Nike KD 16
03:10 Midsole teardown of the Nike KD 16
04:50 Bounce height test of the Nike KD 16
05:14 Outsole tread of the Nike KD 16
06:48 Best surfaces for the Nike KD 16
07:15 Speed of the Nike KD 16
08:01 Outsole durability test of the Nike KD 16
08:46 Fit of the Nike KD 16
09:21 How to make an extra lace eyelet in your shoes
11:20 Performance / best players of the Nike KD 16
Whats underneath the Nike KD 16 basketball shoe? Check them out for yourself with this deep dive on court playtest, review, teardown and durability test. As a foot doctor I look at basketball shoes and basketball shoe technology a bit differently as I focus more on what foot types benefit from these shoes as well as the basketball shoe's functional attributes on the basketball court
Some of the main areas we cover in this basketball shoe shoe playtest, and performance review of the Nike KD 16
- The weight, durability, fit and playability
- What are the features of the insole, midsole, and outsole
- Nike basketball shoe technology explained
Part of the 2023 Basketball shoe review series
DISCLOSURE: I often review or link to products I regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.
Many of my links to products/gear are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites
Disclaimer : This is not medical advice, nor can I give you medical advice. Everything here including videos and comment responses is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any health issue or condition. Nothing here should be construed to form a doctor patient relationship.

[@dadballers]

I don’t understand why they change the shoe so dramatically every year when they had a winning formula at 14 & 15 😢

[@SkyRiseDon]

KD wanted something different & he play on optimal surfaces so it’s for the athletes & consumers just get that

[@SAMK1]

So sad man😢

[@Nah_I.d_Win]

KD i dont understand this, your changing i cant stand it 😂

[@Crnicelad]

12-15 were beast performers on court, these sound like a downgrade 😞

[@uncokee]

Every year.. its been 1 yr since the 15 lol

[@ryanbetache7408]

Thanks Zach always loves your review!

[@YouTubeUser1702]

Foot Doc coming in clutch. Thank you.

[@quinnAC08]

Thanks so much doc for having such great reviews. I had the adidas byw select, and didn’t like them, so I watched all your reviews and decided I’m gonna get the Two Wxy v3. You’re the man!

[@NeilFelixPunzalan]

Finally! Thank you so much Doc Zach ❤

[@rendelbariuan7583]

When this vid dropped i was like shouting yes for so many times ive been waiting for an performance review on these bad boiz for months.

[@FootDoctorZach]

You're the real MVP

[@astroking1181]

Can you do a review on the new way of wade 808 3 and 3 ultra

[@pauluy9777]

​@@astroking1181😊😊

[@rayyoniztoocool9963]

yo can the overseas ep version of these play on gritty concrete

[@ykthunderous2361]

Footdoc coming in with the detailed reviews as always. Can't wait for you to review the Anta Kyries once they are out.

[@bernardomacedo2961]

They been out before they added the Kyrie moniker, they are just a bit difficult to get your hands on it

[@ykthunderous2361]

@@bernardomacedo2961 yeah, I mean when Anta releases Kyrie's own signature shoe.

[@miltontaylor7750]

Damn Doc. Good video. I absolutely fantastic video. I'm a little bummed that they don't continue on from the 15's but thank you for pointing out the differences in the two. Really helps me decide. I feel like anything that stayed along the lines of a Kyrie would be a hit. I don't know if Nike really understood that, I felt like the 15's did that but these... not so sure. But thank you for the video again.

[@SLAPTALK]

4:10 I feel like you understand me PERFECTLY. Full-length ZOOM STROBEL and CUSHLON is what my foot profile basically is. It's like my feet have a mind of their own.....I finally spoil them with step-in comfort, and that's all they seem to like now. 😂 I wonder if someone could develop a DROP-IN FULL-LENGTH ZOOM STROBEL unit that can be used universally with other sneakers. 👟📝🤔

[@somregularguy]

Been waiting on this video since I heard they changed the cushion setup, KD’s have been one of the elite shoe lines hopefully these are another banger of a shoe

[@scottcole4991]

Zach. Love your work. When you punch a new lace eyelet in a shoe, you can also get a tool to tap a metal grommet in as well to make it a legit new eyelet. Try a craft store.

[@jjdp3679]

Great review doc! Aalso great choice of colorway!

[@jaskeeratsingh3321]

Hi, thanks for the great vid. Can you please review lining yushuai 16 and lining speed premium 9 next?

[@domdomayee]

Excellent work per usual, thanks for what you do doc!

[@awp541]

Doc could you take a look at yushuai 17 It looks like lining answer to the gt jump series ❤

[@doug186]

Doc is on it man. 💯

[@Kashsneakers]

Ive had these for 2 weeks now these are my favorite hoop shoes better then kd 15 and lebron 20 no lockdown and traction issues at all for me appreciate the amazing review doc!!

[@jojotuilaepa8948]

Where do you get them ?

[@m2dc13]

Good to hear. I’m trying to pick between these and Luka but I’m leaning towards these cuz that 23 foam is ugh

[@Frfrfrfr1]

Kd 16 or lebron 20/ lebron nxxt gen

[@renatoruiz8534]

​@@Frfrfrfr1kd16

[@tetsuo25]

Thank you for pointing out the Zion 2 comparison! Thought I was going crazy with the 16 basically just being a half-level jump from the Zion 2 setup. Feels like this years models are almost downshifting, tech-wise, while keeping the same prices.

[@jamesfitzgerald1684]

It's necessary because the cost to produce these shoes have gone up and it's proven that people would be more upset with a price hike than a downgrade. So downgrade the tech and keep the same price. Blame inflation.

[@someones_here]

@@jamesfitzgerald1684 I can buy $30 zoom freak 4s, and *they're* making a profit. Nike is making like a 400% profit.

[@joaocandido3124]

@@jamesfitzgerald1684 I also think they noticed they should keep the top tech in the more expensive shoes

[@LordVlad2321]

Great Review Bro 💪🏿🧠 Cannot wait for the review of 361 BIG3 4.0 PRO those are 🔥💯

[@nbk6zcj]

I had to break these in for a bit. Out the box it was hurting the lateral side of my feet. Went up 1/2 a size as well.

[@Shexter17]

non stop banger after banger shoe videos

[@nicknett8]

Why I love the PG 5s full stroble

[@ghostwolf7673]

Hey Zach, I was wondering if you could do a review of the puma all pro nitro.

[@hendry6188]

you should do the gt cut 1s, I'm very interested in what makes it a very good and popular shoe

[@vh.hoops.]

These shoes are so good man

[@JustKicks786]

Hope these are closer to the KD14 in regards to size and cushion than the 15

[@peubarros]

Can you do a review on asics sky elite ff2? It isn’t a basketball shoe but it is a volleyball and i’m interested in knowing how it translates to bball

[@diploo]

Doc what should i get pg 6 or gt cut 2 i play power forward looking most often in the paint getting rebounds and i need a bouncy shoe

[@stephenlago5776]

Please review the KD 3 retro 🙏

[@Kjeck]

I know its not a basketball shoe but i would love if you could take a Look at the asics sky elite and mizuno waves

[@edooo2007]

those are sooooo fireeeeeeeee

[@Zavex001]

WIll you do a video about giannis immortality 3?

[@nhiennguyen4558]

Can you do the review about the Li-ning Way of Wade 808 III ?

[@17an28]

Just made a nike by me of this shoe but I forgot if it performs well 😂 good thing I don't like the zoom strobel that much 😅

[@goand37]

Man I wish I went true to size, when I went to buy them they had no size 11’s so I tried the 11.5 and they felt tight and snug so I thought I needed to go half size up. After breaking them in they get more loose.

[@billyellis4149]

zach, I would love to see you do a comparison from the KD12-15 for a stable shootout. then compare the winner to something like the GT cut with the strobel shootout. thanks!

[@Aristophocles]

Wow I might try that runner's knot with the KD15! I am having some heel slippage in them after about 9 months of playing. I think the laces are eroding the loops and causing less lockdown. Also I always have to double tie them. But I still like the KD 15 a lot.

[@mjhonsun]

And your KD 15's already have the extra eyelet 👍

[@Aristophocles]

@@mjhonsun oh ok thanks. I'll have to do something about the lockdown then.

[@jtesla445]

Is the Achilles tab soft or hard?

[@swapnenduscreations]

Please review the Asics gel kinsei 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@Natan-yw3xc]

Nobody gonna talk about the 45 cm bounce in forefoot?

[@ryanyana9232]

Please review Anta Z-up 4. 💯

[@aganmamat3446]

Love my Kd 14s ❤. Kd 16s is good?🙁

[@kostasmira2933]

Can you pleaee review the new adidas 4dfwd 3?

[@paoloa1061]

Nice jab shot. You looks good playing boxingball

[@autumnatic6507]

Why is rubberdized court #2? I thought it would make the traction better. I’ve always liked the feel of bball shoes and I plan to get these for badminton and some badminton courts are rubberdized

[@FriendsFan4ever]

Do you feel that as the signature player gets older, they prefer sneakers with less bite? I mean decent traction as oppose to ones with crazy bite. Possibly to stop them from biting when their angle or knee buckle?

[@Dodgers007LA]

Your right about that

[@adams.gestwicki5292]

I think anyone who loves zoom strobel will overlook the changes they made in the shoe. Totally a different feel and ride. ***I gotta update my comment. These shoes took a solid two weeks of playing to break in, but once they did, so much better than the KD 15. The ride gets a bit more bouncy and lively. While you get initially more softness in the KD15, the strobel bottoms out and then you're just lower to the ground (I know some players might prefer that). Tons of impact protection, and the uppers start to hug your foot a bit better.

[@jrdatrackstar]

I might need to give them a try again because I just didn't really get much cushioning from the KD16, at least in the forefoot (heel felt great, I love Air Strobel). I definitely did play in them for around 2 weeks and was feeling the Zoom, I think I'm just use to have a combo of foam and Zoom in the forefoot (full length, Turbo, whatever the setup is). I'm coming from the Lebrons so maybe that's why but the forefoot just felt ok. The 15s also did bottom out for me a bit after break in and I DON'T like sitting low to the ground; I prefer the elevated feel because it gives me more pop to my step. Being low to the ground just makes me feel slower.

[@69Disciple]

Would you recommend for volleyball ?

[@itz_t3rm707]

can u do a review for the curry 11

[@NavidKhan84]

I can’t get my feet inside..its of my size but it’s absolutely uncomfortable to get my foot inside…any ideas?

[@Bryredondo]

Waiting on son of chi 3 Doc!❤

[@soledoutreviews]

I loved the air strobel can’t wait to get these in

[@jmhcover869]

is this better than kd14 with cushion?

[@anthonyquinonez159]

At 8:37 did the guy shooting in the background really air ball that bad? 😂

[@edanobcena]

Hello, should I choose kd16 or lebron 21?

[@kirkdetruz4283]

Please do Adidas Drose Son of Chi 3.0

[@1nonly553]

Would this be a good skate shoe?

[@jonbutnoh]

The traction reminds me of the KD13 circles which I love and have bought multiple pairs since they came out. Does anyone know how this shoe feels relative to the KD13? Should I pull the trigger on a KD16 upgrade?

[@Firefitty]

The kd 16s are so good he makes them seem as if they are bad but when you put them on it dosent matter which position you are, you will be comfortable get them bro

[@DucNguyen-nm3vq]

hey Zach, i am considering kobe5, kobe4 and kobe6. for addition , i into shoes that specific in courtfeel, traction, support and since i just have my ankle slipped pretty bad, i need good lockdown as well. which one do you recommend?

[@lessssssgooooo]

Will this shoe work for a center ?

[@AM-mj7wp]

Hi Doctor Zach, I am loving the content and the in-depth shoe reviews. I would like some advice on what kind of basketball shoes I should buy. At the moment, I am split between the KD 16 and Sabrina 1 since I play on indoor rubberized courts. I'm a High School Guard with a regular arch and regular/narrow feet in terms of width. Additionally, I want to get either the Move Game Day or the Move Game Day Pro insoles with the shoe. I'm looking for shock absorption and also some energy return and I hope that the combination of either the KD 16 or Sabrina 1 with the Move Game Day/Game Day Pro insoles would do the trick. Please could you give me some advice on what combo I should go for? Thank you for considering giving me advice. Keep up the amazing content!

[@bigfellashaq7258]

Kd 16 are trash i would go with the sabrina’s

[@Firefitty]

The Kd 16 will face very good shock absorption so it’s better there will be less pressure on your knees which may help avoid knee pain in the the future

[@AbdulKhan-ot5qe]

Anyone else experince forefoot pain because of that zoom unit?

[@SkyRiseDon]

I would get them but I need zoom under my toes KD13 & Jordan 34 spoiled me I hoop in them both still to this day also the Jordan 37 & just bought GT Jump 2 well I paid $10 for them ( got a voucher from my GT Jump zoom bag popping ) thankfully 😅 so hopefully they play well for me

[@jrdatrackstar]

I got a voucher for my Lebron 19 popping as well lol, looking forward to trying the Jump 2 and then KD16s. My main shoes right now are GT Run, Cut 2s, and Jordan 37s…love all 3.

[@ronhobbs2888]

What happened to Jump height test

[@samlee458]

ayyyy 🙌🏻

[@marcusloo8790]

these or the gt hustle 2 for outdoors play as a c/pf

[@zigga967]

FDZ - any shoes you circle back to and get a fresh pair after you test n cut em' (always been curious, lol)?

[@FootDoctorZach]

UA SlipSpeed, PG 6, KD 14, Nike GP Turbo- thats been about it for the last few years

[@bean4332]

kinda second guessing now about this shoe. the look kinda fire tho

[@sioboy]

The first time I saw them, I thought they looked like skate shoes. The KD 16 is definitely going out of the traditional KD style-looking shoes.

[@CalBeau5]

Hey, Doctor Zach! Got a pair of KD16s a few weeks ago and they’re the first time I play in lowtops. Been shooting hoops quite regularly again after almost a decade. Do you think wearing some form of ankle support can help with the uneasiness I feel when I pivot my ankles. I don’t think I have ankle issues, it’s more on being used to higher cut shoes from back then. Thanks!

[@lorenfok1097]

These are not low tops Nike considers them Mid tops

[@syjeddryan2838]

Converse 70s high black reviee

[@bball131523]

is zoom strobel dead?

[@infamousghostmoney8345]

Reminds me of the penny 2

[@gus3333]

After trying many KD and Jordan's. My favorite is KD 13 by far.

[@SkyRiseDon]

KD13s are his best shoes & Top 10 best Hoops shoes of all time

[@turtlet1334]

are these good for flat feet ?

[@torototsupreme2346]

Kd14 the best hoop shoe for me by far! Does it come close to kd14?

[@jonmac380]

Same here. Most comfy hoops or ever

[@d15z1sux]

Maybe its because the jordan 37 is full length zoom strobel only so they didnt want other shoes to have the full length zoom strobel thus season

[@Vincemasta100]

Already? You are quicker than the flash Dr Zach!

[@grantpoettcker1406]

At 4:15 I see that's the KD 15, but what is the shoe cross-section that is shown at 4:23? Is that the KD 14 or the Zion 2?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Zion 2

[@trismills1393]

How’s the fitting for wide footers this looks pretty wide , i usual can’t wear kds because their so narrow the Kd 14 made my big toe bleed im more of a wide footer and I wear a 10 in other shoes what size should I get or their not wide foot friendly ?

[@likeso9430]

Docta can you play basketball with boxing boots?🤨

[@ShooksToGo]

Hope you'll do a review on drose's son of Chi 3 doc!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Coming

[@dadballers]

I just bought a new pair of 14s 😂

[@Zavex001]

Where did you even get these?

[@michaelp9061]

Hold on. Where is the full length zoom ?

[@bonfire0141]

Do you think that I can deflate the rear air unit and replace it with something with more rebounding strength?

[@Firefitty]

I’ve played my season in these this year in high school and the zoom in the fore foot gave a good amount of bounce for me

[@damcclung9464]

Yo bro can you do the Kobe 8 Protro please, and thanks

[@joeskicks1293]

I have never been a fan of zoom strobe to much pressure under the foot

[@andrewemmett-yl3qn]

The colorway on this makes it look like he’s heading over the Cavs

[@day8day]

i think the cosmic unity line still has zoom air strobel?

[@Keeboseven]

Nah cosmic unity 3 has a drop in without zoom strobel. According to many reviews, major downgrade

[@danielebisanti6814]

Waiting for Puma All Pro Nitro review 🙏🏼

[@lionelgrisbane-ud87]

He already did it

[@asapkazz8673]

Idk what it means but i counted 16 gears with actual teeth. Not sure if it means anything but i thought it was worth mentioning 😂

[@David-1216]

I know this is t necessarily related to this shoe, but do you think Adidas’ 4d technology would work in a basketball setting?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Not as it currently stands

[@D3L3T3]

I guess im passing on these. Thanks doc

[@N_FORCE_5]

So every time you say these are more forgiving, you mean to say these are trash. Got it 😂

[@DonAballa-um9mx]

PLEASE DO KOBE 6 PROTRO

[@BeginnerHoops]

He already has

[@froilansilao2791]

Any suggestions of a basketball shoes with very good ankle support please.

[@viengallardo525]

Jordan Zion 2

[@FootDoctorZach]

Check out the ultimate basketball shoe buyers guide video

[@froilansilao2791]

@@FootDoctorZach thank you

[@cheFBI0]

Please immortality 3

[@yla1630]

kd16 is bouncy than ja 1?

[@m4nu507]

Damn i own the 14 and 15, was looking forward to this but like doc said reason why you choose kds is because of that zoom strobel. Going to pass on this one.