Nike Hyperdunk 2017 REVIEW: Testing the REGULAR Version

The 2017 Hyperdunk lineup is the same as last year – we have a regular Mid, a Low and a Flyknit Mid version. Surprisingly, the Flyknit one was available first and I pretty much loved every ounce of it. Now, let’s see how the regular upper mid top will hold up. Here’s a Nike Hyperdunk 2017 review to find out the differences between the three versions.

Before you jump in this review, I highly suggest you check out my review of the Flyknit model. This way, you’ll get a detailed opinion and be able to compare the two versions better.

I’ll talk about the shoe’s tech specs, the fit, performance, the upper, compare it to the Flyknit and decide it it’s worth the price. Let’s start the Hyperdunk 2017 review!

SPEC SHEET

TYPE: MID TOP

TECH: REACT & PHYLON

FIT: TRUE TO SIZE

COLORWAYS: 3+

MY RATING: 9.5/10

THE TECH

REACT & PHYLON

Obviously, we have the same cushion setup as on the Flyknit model – a React ‘core’ within a foam carrier. The result is a super responsive and low to the ground cushion with minimal bounce and great impact protection for how thin it is.

FIT

MORE OR LESS THE SAME

Since the whole upper is different, the fit should be the biggest difference, but it’s barely different. The upper itself is a little more right, a little less stretchy, it has a bit more structure. The only clear difference is the first try on. You will have to break in this upper when Flyknit is pretty much perfect immediately.

Other than that, they play the same. A SUPERB fit that’s soft, breathable, light on the feet, very mobile, yet secure and confident at the same time. It’s awesome. And it’s even more awesome that there’s no downgrade to be felt from the Flyknit, at a cheaper price.

Just like the Flyknit model, stick with your regular size and you’ll have no problems.

PERFORMANCE

CUSHION

I don’t have to tell you much about the cushion if you saw the Flyknit review. Don’t expect a bouncy, soft experience like BOOST or old school MicroG. React is a very, and I mean very, responsive cushion that provides you all the speed in the world. It’s low to the ground, so all the properties for maximum speed and mobility are there.

However, what I really like about React so far is how they feel versus how they play. You still feel a very minimal amount of bounce and impact protection is REALLY good, which is rare for such a responsive setup.

TRACTION

Traction is superb. Not too sensitive to dust, they grip the floor really well. Outdoors, it will grip nicely but it doesn’t look very durable. Still, I played with them and the Flyknits outdoors for a couple of days and they’re fine so far.

SUPPORT

I guess this is the area where it’s A BIT different. The main differences are that there’s no FLYWIRE on this one and this one actually has a massive external heel counter, where as the Flyknit one only has an internal one.

So all in all, I felt that my heel was a bit tighter and locked in better but again, only so slightly. I didn’t feel any compromises with the absence of Flywire cables, overall containment and lockdown were great. The upper is a bit less stretchy but that didn’t really make it clearly more supportive. It was similar, if not the same.

Ankle support is exactly the same – there is none. The collar is super loose and stretchy, I’m not sure why they did this since you can technically call this a low top. But I’m sure that the low top version will feel a bit different anyway.

UPPER

JACQUARD, I GUESS?

The upper is, of course, the biggest difference. On paper. I don’t really know what it really is but some places say it’s jacquard, while Nikey just calls it textile. By the looks of it, it’s designed as a tight knit and it feels very similar to some kind of hard mesh.

The name doesn’t matter ’cause it feels great. I have zero complaints, even comparing to the Flyknit model. Sure, the Flyknit is more breathable, a bit lighter and provides slightly more freedom but this one is still awesome.

This version of jacquard is definitely more durable than Flyknit and I guess you can say it provides more support but I barely felt a difference. Still though, if the outsole would be more durable, this upper would be perfect for outdoor play.

I think this is awesome for $20 cheaper than the Flyknit option. You get what you pay for and then some.

OVERALL

BEST FOR ANY PLAYER WHO DOESN’T NEED BOUNCY CUSHION

That’s pretty much the conclusion right there. If you don’t need super soft and bouncy BOOST-like cushion, then you’ll love these. No matter the size, the weight or the playstyle.