SoleGRIND
| 👟 Sneaker Release Info | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike |
| Model | Air Jordan 2 |
| Colorway | Black History Month |
| Style Code | BQ6245-400 |
| Release Date | February 1, 2019 |
| Retail Price | $150 |
| Available At | Nike.com |
Nike’s annual Black History Month collection is always one of those releases I look forward to. Not just because the colorways are usually striking, but because Nike actually puts thought into the design inspiration. The 2019 BHM collection was no different, and the KD 11 “BHM” stood out as one of the more interesting takes in the lineup.
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The KD 11 BHM honors the culture of Sierra Leone. That’s a specific choice. Nike could have gone with a generic African-inspired pattern, but they tied this shoe to a real place with real traditions. The 2019 BHM collection as a whole celebrated the rich history and traditions of the African continent through Nike Basketball’s signature lines, and each shoe in the collection represented a different cultural inspiration.
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The colorway is listed as Blue Void/Black-Squadron Blue, but that doesn’t really tell the whole story. The Flyknit upper is a deep navy blue that almost reads as purple in certain lighting. It’s rich and saturated, not flat. The ankle area features a traditional-inspired patterned print that nods to Sierra Leone’s textile heritage. It’s subtle from a distance but detailed up close, which is how good cultural references should be done on a sneaker.
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Nike’s design team described the 2019 BHM aesthetic as Afro-futurism in sport. The collection used national African patterns brought together into modernized prints. For the KD 11, that meant mixing textures and hues across the Flyknit upper. You get navy as the base, but there are lighter tones at the toe box that create a fade effect. The fuchsia stitching on the toe area adds a pop of unexpected color that breaks up the blue dominance.
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The tongue features “EQUALITY” branding, which has been a recurring theme in Nike’s BHM releases. It’s a simple word but a powerful statement, and seeing it on a signature shoe for a player like Kevin Durant gives it weight. Durant has always been vocal about social issues, so the messaging fits the athlete.
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The heel counter has the KD logo in silver, along with a silver “BHM” heel stamp. The patchwork-like pattern covers the heel panels in navy, green, and gold tones. It’s the kind of detail you appreciate more when you’re holding the shoe than when you’re looking at photos online. The textures are real, not just printed on.
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The sole is clean white, which provides a nice contrast to the busy upper. The KD 11 uses full-length Zoom Air combined with React foam, so the performance tech is legit. This isn’t a shoe that’s all looks and no substance. The traction pattern uses a wavy design that works for multidirectional movement. A teal/turquoise stripe runs along the midsole wall, adding another layer of color that ties everything together.
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The KD 11 as a silhouette is interesting. Designed by Leo Chang, it features a Flyknit upper with a sock-like collar inspired by Nike’s Air Sock Racer, one of Durant’s favorite sneakers. The combination of React foam and toe-to-heel Zoom Air was a big deal when the shoe first launched. The BHM colorway takes that performance platform and wraps it in a meaningful design.
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The KD 11 BHM released on February 1st, 2019, as part of the broader Nike BHM collection that included the LeBron 16, Kyrie 5, PG 3, Air Jordan 2, and the Why Not Zer0.2. The retail price was $150. The LeBron 16 kicked off the collection on January 21st, with the rest dropping February 1st.
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Nike’s BHM program goes beyond just shoes. In 2019, they launched the Future Varsity program in Atlanta, providing leadership training to 14 young African Americans creating positive change in their communities. They also continued partnerships with PeacePlayers International and MENTOR. So when you buy a BHM shoe, you’re participating in something bigger than sneakers. That context matters.
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What I like about the KD 11 BHM is that it doesn’t scream “holiday colorway.” Some BHM releases over the years have been loud and busy, throwing every color at the wall. The KD 11 is more refined. The navy base keeps it grounded. The pattern is placed intentionally, not scattered randomly. The fuchsia and teal accents are measured. It’s a shoe you could wear on court without it looking like a costume.
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The Flyknit upper on the KD 11 is genuinely comfortable too. The sock-like construction means there’s no awkward break-in period. You lace them up and they feel like they were custom-fit. Combined with the React and Zoom Air cushioning, the KD 11 is one of the better-performing shoes in Durant’s line, and the BHM colorway gives you all that tech in a package with real meaning behind it.
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The Nike KD 11 “BHM” retailed for $150. Style code BQ6245-400. Colorway: Blue Void/Black-Squadron Blue. Released February 1st, 2019. If you can find a pair on the aftermarket, they’re worth picking up for both the design story and the on-court performance.
