Nike Prime Hype DF 2016 REVIEW: Great Hoop Shoe on a Budget!

Damn. So many budget models from Nike. Another one that looks really promising on paper and has a small price. This time, here’s a Nike Prime Hype DF 2016 review.

I’ll talk about the shoe’s tech specs, fit, performance, materials and decide it it’s worth the price. Let’s start the Nike Prime Hype DF 2016 review!

SPEC SHEET

TYPE: HIGH TOP

TECH: DUAL FUSION, FLYWIRE

FIT: TRUE TO SIZE

COLORWAYS: 8+

MY RATING: 8.5/10

THE TECH

DUAL FUSION

This is the shoe’s cushion setup and it’s simple – a dual density Phylon midsole. A soft midsole and a firm midsole together which makes for a pretty good ride actually.

FLYWIRE

We got the regular cable system connected to the laces for proper lockdown. The shoe really needs this because of its soft upper and lack of certain support components.

FIT

The shoe was one of the most comfortable ones out of Nike’s recent budget model arsenal. The super soft and light upper, a stable and soft cushion setup and just overall a great experience to play in.

No dead space, no containment or slippage issues, they fit properly true to size and wide footers would also like them because of their unrestrictive nature.

PERFORMANCE

CUSHION

I was pleasantly surprised by this cushion. I didn’t think Phylon could feel as solid as this – but it did. I guess I never tried this Dual Fusion type of setup. Of course, this isn’t BOOST, BOUNCE or unlocked ZOOM. But for a $90 shoe, this is as good as it can get.

It simply feels balanced. I wasn’t too low nor too high of the ground. There is decent impact protection. The ride itself isn’t on a BOOST softness level but you can definitely feel some spring action while doing aggressive moves.

TRACTION

They gripped the floor really well. The pattern is flat and looks like herringbone but it’s not quite that. Overall, plenty of stopping power, grip, no matter the movement. Again, experienced better tractions, there is still some slippage here and there and you’ll have to wipe pretty often.

There are flaws but this is solid traction for this cheap of a shoe. AND the rubber looks durable, so once again I won’t mind playing in these outdoors.

SUPPORT

This is where the shoe didn’t really do much. The upper isn’t supportive at all, there is no midfoot shank, no outriggers and no heel counter. That high ankle collar is completely loose and flimsy and serves no purpose.

Still, there is Flywire cables and the fit itself is good so you won’t feel terrible in them while playing. Containment and lockdown were fine but for a more explosive/athletic player, I wouldn’t suggest these.

UPPER

The upper is just really really soft and light mesh. It’s super breathable, no restrictions, comfortable and you won’t need any break-in time at all.

But like I said, this type of material doesn’t give you support and the overall build of the upper definitely looks pretty weak. Don’t expect super durability from this one.

FINAL VERDICT

BEST FOR ANY LIGHT-MEDIUM WEIGHT PLAYER

The Nike Prime Hype DF 2016 impressed me. Simple as that. You’re getting solid performance and close to zero problems at $90.

Comfortable, great cushion setup for pretty much any player, traction that’s great but sensitive, minimal support and a super light, comfy upper.