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Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Flyknit Performance Review

33 comments
  1. $200? Another overly-complicated shoe that has issues. Flyknit backed by glue and fuse is completely superficial and useless. Shoes like the XX9, J Crossover 2, and CL Boost 2015 all applied the use of knit effectively. On the Kobe IX and X it was just there for looks.

    The most basic of questions when building a shoe should be: will this application help or hurt performance? Too often it gets ignored or shoved aside in the name of using flagship tech. and visual appeal.

    To me it seems like the HD 2011 was the peak of the line.

    1. The issues are not overly-complicated. They fit long and the toebox is backed by glue. Everything else is true Flyknit. Regardless of price. These performed very well. Whether its worth $200 is up to you but that doesn’t hurt the way the shoe performs.

    2. Is Flyknt better leather or synthetic material yes. The plastic film backing the Flyknt in the toe-box area prevents ripping. Over time the plastic film molds to the foot shape.

  2. Wouldn’t it be interesting if the regular version doesn’t have fit issues, for $60 less. In any case, this seems like just another elite that doesn’t come close to justifying the price.

  3. thankyou, im interested regardless of price, come on its not bloomingdales, but because when saw it cut in half reminded me the time I tried on the 2011 in store and had to buy them there because of how light it was.. In wondering if this is light like that cause the cut in half looked extremely minimal yet the density of midsole would decide.. also wondering why zoom is never all the way to toe except in couple models maybe LeBron 12 and the Jordan with hole on side.. dunno, if want it to be more stable on pushoffs?? thanks, j

  4. Why didn’t the cushion recieved a HOF badge?You sound trully amazed by this cushion set up.
    The shoe is a pass for me . with 150 I can get the kd 9 with full lenght fat zoom and with 120 the CLB 16 with full lenght boost.
    Nice job Nike. a great shoe for your outlet stores

  5. I can’t totally hate on the glue-backing. If they didn’t need it, I’m inclined to believe Nike wouldn’t have bothered with that step in materials and production. I’ve heard about the JC2 and CL’s stretching, and they lack that kind of reinforcement. Put it on the feet of typically-heavier and more athletic players, which include centers, it probably won’t pan out so nicely after a few wears.

    I guess if anything, we could be critical about trying to implement it more strategically over time so there’s not some stark change in feel from midfoot to toe.

  6. i almost always read the WT reviews first before watching the video. and THIS is the first time i’ve read your review i your voice. 🙂

  7. I would respect you guys so much more if you just flat out said, ‘These are not worth 200 dollars, in fact they probably aren’t even worth 150.’

      1. Yea, money only has as much value as you put into it, buuuuuut this has a 200 dollar price point which is absolutely crazy. Now I understand if one is rich, money is not a big deal and, rich or poor, one can spend their money how they choose.

        My issue is that there are much better options for almost half of this price, and that is not being made more of a big deal (in general, not just from you).

        So yea, love your work and what you guys do, I would just think it would be amazing if you guys called Nike and others out on shit like this when it occurs.

        1. “there are much better options for almost half of this price.” i feel this. my favorite weartesters reviews are those that just call it like it is and not try to occupy any middle ground. when i read this review, this is the energy i get from it: “ehhh—it has some things that are pretty good, some things that are ok, and some other things that are whatever/not so great; it’s not the best, it’s not the worst. oh, and it’s $200. for a middle of the road, lukewarm review. but it’s up to you if it’s worth it.” sounds like it’s absolutely not worth it, no matter who you are. it’s really only ever worth it if there are no better options available at the same or better price. and in this case there are.

  8. These or Rev ’16 in terms of cushion/impact protection/bouncyness?

    Thanks man keep up the great work.

  9. I enjoyed the review and I like the way that the images were places in the text. It isn’t broken in the middle and flows beautifully while displaying really great images to the side of the text. Keep up the excellent work Jarron and WT Team.

  10. Part of the hollowed out core in the forefoot resides in the portion of the outsole that receives the most beating during play. If you wear your traction down, you’ll know where I’m talking about. This can’t be good for traction any way you slice it. The rest can make up for it, but I suspect this does come into play.

  11. I was wondering if you or anyone else at weartesters has tried on the regular hyperdunk or the low because i can’t spend 200 dollars on a shoe

  12. Miss Wien you don’t mention weight. Seems less focused on then fel yrs ago but for many important info. The for great review otherwise!

  13. I’d greatly appreciate it if someone could explain how the hollowed out core underneath the Zoom makes it feel bouncier.

  14. Thanks for another great review.

    I picked up a pair. This review is spot on . Cushioning is bouncy and responsive. Love it. Traction and transition are very good. Support and stability are very good too – just need to be careful not too lace up too tight.

  15. Kyrie 2’s or the hyperlink 2016’s? Which do you prefer. What’s the overall better shoe. This will help a lot thx.

    1. I’d say the hyperdunk 2016. Traction set up is similar, but upgraded materials and way better cushion makes for an overall better shoe. I have two pairs of kyrie 2s and just bought the flyknit hyperdunks.

  16. Anyone have an issue when you go down half a size and there’s a hot spot right on the small toe? Or did I just get a crispy pair and I just gotta break it in?

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