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Nike KD 19 "Butter Candy"

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Nike KD 19 "Butter Candy" Launching 08/19 Colorway: BLACK/STADIUM GREEN Style: Men's Basketball Shoes

Release Date: August 19, 2026

Aug 6, 2026

The Nike KD 19 "Black" drops August 19. The KD 19, the latest addition to Nike's KD basketball shoe lineup, launched earlier this year. The shoes are built around an advanced cushioning system, lightweight engineering and a sleek silhouette. Initial colorways were bold and bright, like the KD 19 "Purple Stuff," gleaming red "Candy Apple" and shiny "Orange Crush." 

The "Black" colorway shifts attention back to on-court performance and provides a more everyday versatility.

Elite Cushioning and Performance Tech in the KD 19

When the KD 19 debuted in 2026, those expecting a gentle evolution from the previous KD 19 were disappointed. The KD 19 is a very different shoe from the KD 18. The primary difference is cushioning. The KD 19 features a thoroughly remodeled multilayer cushioning system. This includes a full-length Zoom Strobel, a 3D-molded sock liner and a Cushlon 3.0 midsole. Add a midfoot shank for stability, a molded TPU upper and a lockdown traction pattern — and you have a high-performance shoe that offers more cushion, comfort, bounce and bite than the KD 18.

The trade-off is that the KD 19 is heavier than the KD 18, but it's still a lightweight shoe built to support on-court agility and lateral movement. 

An engineered mesh incorporated into the upper adds breathability and helps to minimize weight. And the traction pattern is intentionally designed for multidimensional movements on hardwood surfaces.

The overall profile of the shoe intentionally evokes a dagger, a nod to KD's "Slim Reaper" nickname. The design also benefits from subtle details, like the use of the numbers 7 and 35 (the jersey numbers KD has favored during his pro career) in the outsole traction pattern. Small Swoosh logos on the forefoot and heel mark the KD 19 as a Nike product. The KD logo is on the tongue.

This is an elite performance sneaker for versatile scorers who value stability, comfort and energy return in their basketball shoes.

Sizing Guide and Release Details for the KD 19 Black

The "Black" KD 19 release date is August 19. The all-black aesthetic is a modest departure from KD 19 colorways to date which have focused on bright, bold colors. A sleek black KD 19 speaks more to the shoe's on-court versatility and off-court style potential.

The KD 19 should fit true to size for most players; however, Nike's official guidance is that the shoe runs small. Consider moving up half a size if you have wide feet or favor a less snug fit.

Get Your Pair on August 19

Cop your KD 19 "Black" on August 19 via the Hibbett mobile app or online. Or stop by your nearest Hibbett store to try before you buy. 

For all the latest sneaker release news, information and exclusive events, lock on to the Hibbett launch calendar.

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