Hyperdunk 2016 REVIEW: Tech, Performance & Materials!

Welcome to my Hyperdunk 2016 review! I’m actually super excited to talk about this shoe since last year’s model was quite a disappointment. The beauty about Hyperdunk shoes is that they’re very versatile and if these end up to be good, they’ll fit pretty much any player.

I’ll talk about the shoe’s tech specs, performance, comfort, materials and decide it it’s worth the price. Let’s start the Hyperdunk 2016 review!

We actually got 3 versions of 2016’s Hyperdunk. This one (Regular), the Low and the Flyknit. So check the other reviews out and see which one suits YOU best!


MAIN SPECS

Shoes: Nike Hyperdunk 2016

Weight: 425 g. / 15 oz

Type: High Top Sneaker

Technologies: ZOOM AIR, FLYWIRE

Fit: True to Size

Available Colors: 4+

My Rating: 8.5/10


THE TECH

ZOOM AIR – The shoe’s cushion setup is ZOOM AIR units in the heel and forefoot. Just like most of the Hyperdunks. I can strongly say it’s miles better than the Hyperdunk 2015.

FLYWIREThat’s a cable system under the shoe’s upper. It’s connected to the laces and in result you get proper lockdown & containment. Works really well here.

PERFORMANCE


FIT/COMFORT

I didn’t really like how the 2015’s model felt, but this is a bit different. It’s definitely not the most comfortable shoe in the world, part of that is the weight and bulky construction. But generally no problems or dealbreakers, so I guess I could say they’re comfortable.

It’s just that big, bulky shoes aren’t my thing, maybe you’re gonna dig these more. I don’t have complaints though.

CUSHION

Cushioning on the shoe would be the gold standard of versatility. It’s not firm or very bouncy. It doesn’t give you that much responsiveness, but it doesn’t compromise court feel that much.

I seriously can’t directly describe the cushion on the shoe. The best word to decribe it would be normal. Like I said, this will fit a guard, a forward, a center, anyone! It’s not amazingly bouncy/responsive, but it’s still good and well-balanced.

TRACTION

Traction was completely fine, regardless of the floor condition. The pattern isn’t too small or dense, not a lot of wiping required. There were no slipping or sliding issues, they gripped the floor very well.

The rubber compound actually looks reasonably solid, so I think this might be a decent outdoor model. Definitely not on a Kobe Mentality level, but it should last longer than your regular indoor shoe.

SUPPORT

So since the shoe is also for bigger players, support was very good. We have FLYWIRE which did its job, a heel counter for heel lockdown, a pretty wide base to work on and a supportive upper.

It’s a high top, my ankle sits inside very comfortably and confidently. Huge amounts of padding and the collar itself is pretty sturdy, so all the checks are there for support. I’d say it’s a bit of an overkill for a light guard, but for anyone bigger than that, the setup is killer.

MATERIALS

The upper is your traditional mesh with Fuse on high-wear areas. No complaints, this is a trusty and proven setup that’s relatively comfortable, breathable, durable and balanced.

It’s also outdoor-friendly, so I would actually suggest trying them out outdoors.

 

FINAL VERDICT

So the Hyperdunk 2016 made some great improvements from last year’s model. It turned out to be a solid versatile option at an affordable price.

They fit normally, very versatile cushioning (though nothing awesome), great traction, awesome all-around support and your regular mesh & Fuse upper.

I would definitely recommend this for a big guard or a forward.

PROS

+ Cushion setup would fit anyone
+ Great, outdoor-friendly traction
+ Awesome support

CONS

 Not super pleasant to play in
 The upper needs some break-in time

Alright, I hope you found the review helpful! I finally review all three versions of this year’s Hyperdunk: Mid, Low and Flyknit. Check them all out and see which one suits you best!