This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Kevin Durant – Nike KD 7
photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images via ESPNRecently, Kevin Durant suffered a Jones fracture in his foot. Over the course of his still young career, KD has been among the top players in the league as well as one of the healthiest. This occurred in the Nike KD 7, which ranked well in our Performance Review and will likely be worn in iD form by many other players in the league and by Durant when he comes back.
Based on our evaluation, it appears that injuries are more often the byproduct of overworking, under stretching, lack of rest or bad luck. Yes, an ill fitting shoe may increase the likelihood of injury on a bad plant, land or roll, but blaming a shoe on an injury doesn’t appear to have a strong case. In general, an athlete is best suited playing in a shoe that caters well to their build and game– a shoe they feel comfortable and confident in.
Sneaker brand doesn’t appear to be a factor in injuries either. Accolades and injuries alike have occurred in footwear made by each and every company. Allen Iverson was an ironman in Reeboks, Penny battled injuries in Nikes, and both players were great in their own rights with the sneaker legacy to match. MJ broke his foot in Air Jordans, but he soared in them even more. The examples are endless.
For the perspective of a former Divsion 1 basketball player and current high school coach, read a similar piece by Tee Jay Void here. Give us your own take on this topic on Twitter and in the comment section.
