Kevin Durant, a great forward for the Phoenix Suns, has never been one to hold back from leveraging his massive public profile to speak out in favour of cancer research and treatment. Kevin Durant’s aunt Pearl died of lung cancer in the year 2000. To show his dedication to keeping his promise, Durant dons a special pair of Nike “Aunt Pearl” trainers each year. This year’s model is the Nike Zoom KD 3. Check out our Sneakers news for all the newest leaks and upcoming releases.

In2012, Kevin Durant teamed up with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund to release a limited edition pink Nike Zoom KD 4 in remembrance of his aunt Pearl, who passed away in 2011. Durant and Nike have carried on the trend every year since then, releasing a total of twelve unique sneaker styles. This year’s release will pay tribute to a sneaker that Durant wore before the tradition began, but every new Kevin Durant trademark model eventually gets a pink makeover.

The colour scheme for this beautiful all-pink silhouette will be White, Lotus Pink, and Medium Soft Pink. The top will have Nike’s signature flywire technology, while the sides will feature a massive white Nike swoosh. Lotus Pink is used for the lining and laces, and the insignia of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund is displayed on one of the tongues. The shoes include a white outsole and midsole with a stitched emblem of Kevin Durant and Aunt Pearl on the back of the heel. Nike.com has this to say about the shoes:

His Aunt Pearl will remain a spiritual companion to KD regardless of the heights to which his basketball career ascends. She shone a light on KD’s path and pushed him to be the best version of himself. Her nephew and the rest of the Durant family will forever be her loved ones’ representatives. Although Aunt Pearl passed away in 2000 from lung cancer, her memory and the beauty of this all-pink design will always be with us. Jointly produced with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.