Sometimes, companies swing and miss. It’s not really a problem, every one does it. Sometimes, an idea is completely out there, off the wall, and so audacious that you just have to go for it. Maybe it works, maybe not. The important thing is, how does the company recover, rebound, bounce back? The Nike Hyperdunk 2016 is just that: the rebound.
The 2015 last year, well, sucked. The 2016 is the opposite of suck – it’s actually pretty good. But let’s not ruin the review so you don’t need to read the next 800 or so words. Let’s get to it…
Traction
Nike goes away from herringbone and gives us its take on blades for the Hyperdunk 2016. Very similar to the Kyrie 2, the HD has more of the pattern for better durability and stopping power. The open windows under the ball of the foot and the heel cause no problems – actually, being in those places made the traction feel even more consistent and true. Outdoors? Probably not for long, and not so much because of the rubber and pattern but the exposed Zoom windows would be a severe liability for damage.
Cushion
Zoom is making a comeback this year, at least on some models, and the Hyperdunk 2016 is one of them. This isn’t the Unlocked Zoom of the XX8 or the Articulated of the KD9, but even embedded in the Phylon midsole the response can be felt. Push-offs were quick, landings were solid, no pain or impact felt back up, and the second jump came quick – no lag time waiting for the shoe to recover and respond. Most foam systems will have a “drag” to them, meaning the foot sinks in and then wiats for the response. Zoom was designed to be quick from the push, and the HD16 hits it direct. That said, the Phylon could be thinned a little so the good Zoom feels even better, but really, no complaints. The windows are the eyes to the sole.
Materials
Probably the only problem with the shoe, and it’s not really a problem as far as working well. Yes, the mesh/fuse upper feels good on foot, and yes, it is durable (so far), but this is 2013 Hyperdunk upper materials, not 2016. However, the 2013 was a model most loved (until the Lunar bottomed out), so maybe mesh/fuse like this is not a bad thing. Fused mesh is found on the lateral side for stability and support on hard cuts with open-cell mesh on the medial side for mobility and breathability. The upper is almost a one piece, with the tongue wrapping from the outside in under the laces, which makes the shoe a treasure to get on foot (what is it this year with tight openings?). The heel has an internal counter and no, it doesn’t run the full height of the heel. Flywire for lacing support in the mid-and-forefoot locks in. Overall, again, nothing ground-breaking, but it works as a package.
Fit
Excellent. Didn’t even have to lace tight to get locked in, forefoot and heel. The tongue wrap system coupled with the Flywire works together to pull the shoe down over the foot, while also tightening the forefoot around the ball of the foot and the toes. Plenty of lace loops to tighten and loosen for a custom fit top to bottom and the tongue is padded enough to keep the lace pressure minimal in most spots – there was a little pressure on the medial forefoot from the Flywire, but nothing deal-breaking. The ankle padding is dense and wraps perfectly around the ankle and heel, stopping any slipping or sliding. Oh, yeah, length is TTS but width is slightly narrow, so most will be okay staying true.
Support
Wide base? Check. Adjustable lacing system? Check. Midfoot shank? Yeah, okay, check. Low ride? Yep, check. All the elements necessary for a good, stable shoe are here. Not a boot by any means, despite the higher ankle collar. Why not? Well, see that area just where the ankle collar starts? That is disconnected from the lower half of the shoe at that point, allowing the collar to lace tight but still move with the joint. All of the security of a high collar but flexibility of the low cut. In addition, the foot sits below the top of the midsole, right in the bucket, so the Phylon construct also helps to jeep the foot from rolling off the shoe on hard cuts or jabs. Solid.
Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Overall
For the second time this year, in a review, THIS is a Nike Basketball shoe. Nothing groundbreaking or new technology-wise, just tried and true tools for a performer. The upper is comfy, cushioning is springy, and traction and fit are ON on. The biggest relief, again, seems to be the return of Zoom. Long known as the standard of response, the past few years have seen a de-volution of the cushioning. No more. Between the Hyperrev 16, the KD9, the Hyperdunk 16, and the Jordan XXXI, it seems as if the designers are back to utilizing Zoom fully.
If you are a do-everything player – rebound, shoot, defend, drive – look no further, the Hyperdunk 2016 will help you do everything you need to. If you bought the 2014 and 2015 hoping for the best, don’t give up. The Hyperdunk 2016 easily gets back on track.
Great job B.
Good performance review by Duke. I think it will be between these and the Rose 7 for the 2nd spot. Number 1 Adidas Crazy Explosive.
From its conception the Hyperdunk has always been an o.k. to solid performer, but it just seems like when they release during Olympic years, they perform fantastically. The 08’s were great, the 12’s are my favorite (got like 5 pairs in the closet, thank God for Marshalls ans Ross) and the 16’s look and sound like beasts. Great Review Duke!
Solid performance review, good to hear that the Hyperdunk is back to being a versatile performer for all positions. Thanks for doing this!
Great review! I dont swe myself buying this unless it hits clearance
I just found them at a local Dick’s Sporting Goods on a sales rack for $53.98
Good review duke. You gonna be trying out the flyknits? Also, not sure if you saw my comment on your SF5 review, but do you think you’ll be able to reupload your CK reviews? Maybe as a throwback review once a week or something – was looking to read your supernatural creator review.
Working on those CK reviews now – that site may be sold to a “friendly” very soon and I would have access. If not, they remain property of CK.
Oh man, hope it works out
so if that window pops (in any shoe, for that matter – Hyperrev2014,Crusader, RunTheOne, Peak DH1), it greatly affects the cushion? thanks!
Not greatly, as the Zoom is actually above that window, but it will allow objects into the sole which could then pop the Zoom. It could affect the “trampoline” effect.
Overall a solid versatile shoe. Weartesters, could you do a performance review on the Adidas Dual Threat Bball Mid 2016? That would be really awesome, thanks!
The Dual Threat is already over a year old so we won’t be doing a review, but I have played in them and can tell you traction is good, fit is not – heel slip and forefoot is wide like the Lillard 1. Cushion is adiprene+ – gets the job done but nothing special.
i think he’s talking about the dual threat bb 2.0 the one with bounce cushion
Awesome review, Brian. Does the HD2016 feel light on foot? I’m an aggressive shooting guard, and I have the low top versions, but was wondering of going with the higher version would give me better overall support without sacrificing weight. Thanks in advance, brotha! – Salute from Jersey Shore
Yeah, with the great fit and Zoom being bouncy, they feel light. The midsole being so good completely changes the shoe from last year’s joke.
Big thanks for taking the time to reply, my brotha. I’ll order them tomorrow then. — Keep up the outstanding work!
The Hyperdunks or the nike zoom clear outs? I’m having a hard time which one to buy that keeps my feet as light and agile as possible.
The Hyperdunks or the nike zoom clear outs? I’m having a hard time which one to buy that keeps me light on my feet and as agile as possible.
What would cause the zoom windows to break if u played outdoors in these
Great review, but it looks as if durability might be an issue with this shoe. In my experience flywire is very fragile. I owned a few pairs of Nikes with flywire, and although I love how it performs they tend to break before anything else starts to wear on the shoe. I am surprised so few people ever mention this problem, is it just me?
By the way you published it … impossible to translate
Do these allow a natural roll on the ankle?
Hey duke i wear a 10.5 with the flyknits should i go with size 11 regular highcut hyperdunks? ur reply would be greatly appreciated.
The flyknit fits a little longer, about a half size. If you wear a 10.5 in them, yeah, an 11 in the regular should work.
how would you considering lacing them up? Thank you four any help
How would you lace these hyperdunk zoom?