Nike Hyperdunk Shoe Review
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- The Good
- Excellent traction gives this shoe some serious stopping power.
- Dual Zoom pockets give you a little more spring in both the front and heel of the shoe.
- Flywire construction improves fit and lockdown for a quick and comfortable fit.
- The Bad
- Soft rubber sole is not ideal for use on outdoor courts.
- It runs a little big, so you might have to size down.
The Nike Hyperdunk 2016 is a rework and update of all the things you love in the Hyperdunk line. Where the 2015 failed to deliver, the 2016 has taken classic features like a mesh and fuse upper and Flywire construction to create a durable, versatile and comfortable shoe.
- Price
- $140
At a $140 price point, the Hyperdunk 2016 is no discount shoe, but it also doesn’t carry a premium price tag. It’s a middle-of-the-range price for a shoe that offers an all-around solid performance and fit.
- Fit
- It scores well in traction using a blade design.
- Excellent cushion comes from dual Zoom pockets.
- Its almost-bootie design offers added ankle support
- A wide base gives the shoe good ratings for stability.
Adjustability is a big part of what makes the fit on the Hyperdunk 2016 a top selling point. With Flywire lacing and plenty of loops to offer customization, you can get the right fit without too much trouble.
- Materials Used
- Rubber outsole and a Zoom pocket in the forefoot and heel make up the bottom of the shoe.
- The upper is a combination of textile mesh, fuse and screen mesh.
- The unique cutout styling on the medial side of the shoe shows off some of the technology used to get that great fit.
There’s nothing new and exciting on the materials list for the Hyperdunk 2016, but all of the materials used have more than passed the test of time. This shoe puts together some of the best-quality materials used in older versions, creating a basketball shoe that works in almost any situation.
- Quality Grade
- B+
While there’s not a lot new about the Hyperdunk 2016, everything is used thoughtfully and well. The design offers some of the best-loved features from older editions, along with revamped fit and styling. The $140 price point might be a little high for what is basically a redesign with no new technology, but it is reasonable for a shoe that scores 9 out of 10 in most categories.
Nike Hyperdunk Shoe: User Reviews
Nike Hyperdunk Shoe: Comments
How Does the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Work?
A tight fit, great traction, springy cushioning and durability come together to create a basketball shoe that gives you mobility and control on the court. Getting a good fit from the Hyperdunk 2016 starts and ends with the lacing. The Flywire system gives you the ability to customize fit, while the extra-long ankle collar cushions and locks in the heel. The shoe may look a little like a boot, but the ankle collar is a completely separate piece, so all it does is add comfort and stability without limiting your range of motion.
What Makes the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Stand Out?
After a very disappointing 2015 edition, any improvement would have helped the 2016 version of the Hyperdunk. Thankfully, this shoe has a lot of improvements. Nike really went back to the basics instead of trying something new and out of the box. This return to solid support, exceptional fit, serious stopping power and a decent amount of spring puts the Hyperdunk back in the running as one of the top options for basketball enthusiasts.
Common Reviews of the Nike Hyperdunk 2016
Most of the reviews on the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 are highly positive. The sheer number of improvements over the 2015 release make it a much better option and a return to the quality that this turnkey product is known for. Consumers routinely give it 4.5 stars on retail sites, and professional reviewers note the improved traction, fit, stability and durability as solid reasons to consider a Hyperdunk 2016 purchase. The Hyperdunk 2016 may not be competitive with absolutely elite shoes on the market, but it is definitely highly competitive in its price point.
Is the Nike Hyperdunk 2016 for Me?
If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that delivers near-instant stops, exceptional mobility provided by the open medial side and breathability from the almost entirely mesh upper, then the Hyperdunk 2016 is definitely one to try on. It combines tried-and-tested technologies to deliver a shoe that has a great overall performance.
If you spend a lot of time playing on outdoor courts, the Hyperdunk 2016 may not be what you’re looking for. The soft rubber sole offers great traction on indoor courts, but may wear down more rapidly on the rougher outdoor surface. Plus, while the dual Zoom pockets make for added spring on the indoor flooring, they are at risk when playing outdoors. The last thing you want is a punctured air pocket in your new basketball shoes. For indoor play, though, this is a great option that delivers in virtually every category.
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