Nike Hyperset 2
Nike Hyperset 2 English Review
Nike Hyperset 2 Spanish Review
The Nike Hyperset 2 just might be one of Nike’s best basketball shoes right now, but it’s technically a volleyball shoe.
Price: $135
Release Date: 2024
First off, yes, volleyball shoes can be used to play basketball (and vice versa). Shoes meant for court sports like volleyball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, handball, etc., are all designed to meet similar performance demands. Basketball is the most popular court sport, so, it’s common to see basketball shoes used for all of the other court sports, but, although it is less common to see, you can, of course, use other court shoes for basketball.
The Nike HyperSet 2 is Nike’s premier volleyball shoe. Though featured heavily in the Paris Olympics in a traffic cone orange with black cheetah spots (such a great colorway), this is still an underrated sneaker. Nike is not known for volleyball shoes (despite making a few solid options – more to come soon), but maybe the brand should be. This shoe is an excellent all-rounder that will be a good choice for just about anyone.
Nike Hyperset 2 Performance Review
Pros:
Cushion
The Nike HyperSet 2 features Nike React foam in addition to Zoom Air in the forefoot. React is Nike’s “responsive” foam option, as opposed to the much softer ZoomX foam. I was impressed with how nice the React felt for impact protection along the whole foot. Even after a long day of playing, my feet and joints felt fine.
React always feels pretty bouncy, and the Zoom Air unit enhances that. Zoom Air is, in my opinion, Nike’s biggest competitive tech advantage for any sneaker meant for a jumping sport. The HyperSet 2 feels quick and springy, making great use of a fairly simple cushioning setup.
Traction
Nike can be hit or miss when it comes to traction, especially on the plastic courts that are so common for volleyball. For example, the GT Jump 2 is a fun shoe, but it just doesn’t want to grip on a plastic court. Luckily, Nike didn’t miss with the HyperSet 2. A combination of the wavy outsole pattern and a great rubber compound give these excellent grip on wood or plastic court surfaces.
Lockdown
Lockdown is often overlooked; but if your foot doesn’t stay in place, none of the other features on the shoe matter. In the HyperSet 2, Nike put some thought into it. Using Flywire and a large lateral strap that you tie the laces through, your foot is comfortably locked into place. Side-to-side movements are easy in the front or back row, and pushing forward feels just as safe and secure as abrupt landings. As with the cushion, the HyperSet 2 again makes a fairly simple setup function perfectly.
I’ll use this section to state that the Hyperset 2 does fit True-To-Size, I would recommend buying whatever size you normally buy from Nike. The shoe is not particularly wide, so I would consider a half-size up if you have a wide foot. The lockdown features mentioned above are spread along the length of the shoe, which is great for not creating potential pain spots if you do have a slightly wider foot. Sometimes when lockdown is focused in just the heel or just the forefoot, it can cause pressure points. This isn’t the case with the Hyperset 2.
Cons
Traction (dust)
To some extent, this can’t be helped, but an outsole pattern and (more importantly) rubber compound can help control dust pickup. I did notice that on dustier courts, I felt the need to wipe the HyperSet 2 more than with some other shoes on those same courts. I did have excellent traction after a quick wipe, though, and the court probably shouldn’t be that dusty anyway. I’m also a habitual shoe wiper, so take this with a grain of salt.
Glued-down insole (minor)
I fully recognize that this won’t apply to most people, but this has become a real pet peeve of mine. The factory insoles in almost any volleyball or basketball sneaker are awful. They’re cheap and are usually a source of cost-savings. After testing any shoe with its “factory settings” for a while, I often switch out the insoles to a nicer, third-party option (I like Move insoles).
The HyperSet 2, like many shoes nowadays, comes with cheap, glued-down insoles. I know you can remove these with a hair dryer and some hot air; but I hate doing it, and I’m not good at it. Just let us remove the insoles.
Summary
Minor complaints aside, the HyperSet 2 is an excellent volleyball shoe from a company that sometimes pretends like it doesn’t know about the sport. A great all-rounder shoe that is good at everything, even if it isn’t the absolute best in any one area (except maybe lockdown).
I highly recommend it, and it’s encouraging for the future to see Nike make such a great volleyball shoe using its industry-leading Zoom Air tech. If you’re looking for a volleyball shoe that will work for just about everyone, you can’t go wrong here. Definitely go for the Safari or Reverse Safari colorway – it is objectively better and will improve your performance on court.
Nike Hyperset 2 Traction
One of the standout features of the Nike Hyperset 2 is its traction. The shoe is equipped with a solid rubber outsole, etched with a wavy pattern that mimics traditional herringbone patterns often seen in basketball footwear. However, instead of the usual linear design, the pattern runs laterally, offering excellent grip for quick, multidirectional movements.
For indoor courts, the traction performs exceptionally well. The softer rubber bites the court well, and the multidirectional coverage is on point. However, due to the thin and flexible nature of the traction lines, outdoor use might not be the best option. Durability could become a concern on rough surfaces, but for indoor play, the shoe excels in providing ample grip for both volleyball and basketball.
Nike Hyperset 2 Cushion
The cushioning in the Hyperset 2 mirrors that of some models from Nike’s Hyperdunk line, and the shoe sort of looks like a modernized Hyperdunk. This is one of the aspects of the shoe that’s clearly better than many of Nike’s basketball shoes. The midsole is made from Phylon (some colorways feature React), Nike’s version of EVA foam, which is lightweight and provides adequate responsiveness.
Embedded within the Phylon are Zoom Air units in both the heel and forefoot, offering a soft and responsive feel underfoot.
Compared to similarly priced shoes like the Book 1 for example, the Hyperset 2 delivers excellent cushioning by comparison, making it a standout choice for athletes looking for a nice blend of impact protection and reactiveness. The inclusion of Zoom Air in both the heel and forefoot ensures a well-balanced and versatile setup.
One detail to note is that the insole, unlike many Nike basketball models, isn’t half bad. It provides decent arch support and boosts step in comfort. Although it doesn’t have advanced features like some higher-end models, it is more than adequate for the typical user and complements the midsole setup effectively.
Nike Hyperset 2 Materials
Materials are the one aspect of the Hyperset 2 which are comfortably average. The upper is built with synthetics and textiles rather than premium leather or nubuck. The forefoot is wrapped in a Flywire style material that offers flexibility and breathability. There are portions of fuse placed in different areas of the shoe where it needs better containment and durability. Synthetic leather covers the heel area, providing structure and stability.
Although the materials are not as premium as those found in other shoes, they are still functional and cater well to the shoe’s performance. The upper materials are lightweight, breathable, and durable and provide more than enough containment for basketball. The Hyperset 2 also features a TPU lockdown panel around the midfoot, reminiscent of the lockdown wings found in the Air Jordan 4, which helps keep the foot secure during quick lateral movements.
Overall, while the materials are not top-of-the-line, they contribute to a lightweight, breathable, and supportive package.
Nike Hyperset 2 Support
Support is a critical factor in court shoes, especially for sports like basketball and volleyball that involve lateral movements, jumps, and quick direction changes. If we compare the Hyperset 2 to certain other basketball specific Nike shoes, they are substantially better in this regard. The shoe is not only equipped with a lateral TPU lockdown, it also features a substantial heel counter and a TPU shank plate.
If you look at shoes like the Jordan 39, the Nike GT Cut Academy, the Nike GT Cut Cross or the Nike Zoom Freak 6, all of which lack any type of torsional support, you can see why the Hyperset is such a “hidden gem”. Additionally, the synthetic leather heel counter provides structured support, helping to lock the heel in place and prevent slippage. Combined with the Phylon midsole and Zoom Air cushioning, the shoe offers excellent lateral stability.
While the Hyperset 2 doesn’t feature a high-top design like some traditional basketball shoes, the combination of well-placed TPU elements and synthetic overlays ensures that wearers feel secure.
Nike Hyperset 2 Fit
The Nike Hyperset 2 fits true to size, making it a reliable choice for most athletes. The upper material offers a snug but comfortable fit, molding to the foot over time without creating hotspots or excessive pressure points. The inclusion of multiple lace sets also allows users to customize the fit and aesthetic of the shoe. This added versatility is a small but appreciated touch.
Nike Hyperset 2 Overall
In conclusion, the Nike Hyperset 2 is an incredibly versatile indoor court shoe that excels in multiple areas. It combines excellent traction, a fluid and versatile cushioning setup, alongside great lockdown and support. The materials could be of higher quality, and the outsole durability isn’t good enough to make these a great outdoor basketball option but, especially considering the retail price, this is a very solid hoop shoe.
In fact, it could be one of Nike’s better basketball shoes which is odd considering that it’s a volleyball shoe. The design of the Hyperset 2 proves that Nike is capable of creating a performance court shoe with things like forefoot and heel Zoom Air, a torsional plate, and sport specific lockdown, all of which are characteristics that are missing from many of Nike’s current basketball shoes. Whether you’re playing volleyball, basketball, or even pickleball, this shoe is well worth considering, especially as it becomes discounted over time.
Hi, very nice review as allways. Do you know how hypersets 2s compare to LeBrons XXI. XXIs are considered as good shoes for Volleyball as well. Of course XXIs are much more expensive as they are flag shoes, but i am wondering if technology and performance is also much better in LeBrons vs Hypersets2?
p.s. There is so little shoes reviews from volleyball POV in the internet. all top reviewers focus on shoes from basketball PoV:( i hope it start to change:)… I allways wondering how mizuno or asics compare to nike or adidas.