Nike Hyperdunk

The Next Revolution

In the previous review of the Nike Zoom Kobe III I talked about how nike likes to push boundaries...well Nike claims to have pushed the boundaries just a little bit farther...well actually a little bit more than just a little.With the new Nike Hyperdunk we have one of the lightest nike shoes to date and sporting brand new Flywire and Lunarlite foam technologies incorporated into one lightweight performance shoe.As with the Zoom Kobe 2 and Zoom Kobe 3, where designers took other technologies not traditionally associated with basketball footwear and successfully integrated the technologies into excellent performance shoes,The Nike Hyperdunk will be on full display for the world to see during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.So lets see if the shoe lives up to all the hype and wins the gold or is it another over hyped under performing non qualifier.

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The first thing you notice when you pick up the shoe is how ridiculously light it is.The Flywire technology allows a shoe to significantly reduce a shoe's weight by replacing much of the leather upper and replacing it with a reinforced nylon upper.Originally used in running shoes where the primary motion is a straight line,it was adopted to basketball shoes with designers strategically placing the nylon filaments to completely support the wearers foot without sacrificing weight.a mesh bootie ensures a seamless fit as well as excellent heat and moisture management.While the shoe is cut fairly high,the collar slopes down towards the Achilles to provide maximum support without being constrictive.When lacing the shoe to the top the shoe really wraps the shoe around the foot and heel support is excellent.The Hyperdunk features an internal heel counter as well as an extra TPU support that adds extra heel/Achilles support.

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note the TPU support for the Achilles and heel as well as how the collar slopes for maximum flexibility and support

Cushioning is provided by zoom air in the heel and Lunarlite foam in the forefoot.Lunarlite Foam was initially found on NASA space shuttles as seat cushions.As a super lightweight foam has great impact protection properties but is still super light.The foam was mixed in with a rubber compound which provided some density and more "springiness".Once the Hyperdunk hits the floor you immediately feel the benefits of the Lunarlite foam.While not as responsive and "springy" as zoom air,the impact protection is well..out of this world.It felt like all of the force generated from basketball activity was absorbed by the foam and I was landing on pillows.Being the initial offering for Lunarlite foam,Im sure Nike will tweak the foam in future releases to offer a bit more "bounce" to the foam similar to that found in zoom air.With the phylon midsole,heel zoom air unit and lunarlite foam all work great together and fortunately the reduction of weight didn't sacrifice cushioning.

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note the herringbone pivot point as well as wide forefoot with the addition of the outrigger for stability and carbon fiber shank for midfoot stability

Traction was decent.I think if I had one complaint it was the traction.While not bad,I did experience some slipping.The rubber compound used is soft but I experienced some slippage in the forefoot.A carbon fiber midfoot shank provides lightweight support.A small notch just before the forefoot on the medial side gives added flexibility without sacrificing support.The shoe is cut fairly high and offers decent ankle support.The shoe really locks down the foot and a lateral phylon wing keeps the foot from sliding off of the foot bed.An outrigger on the lateral side gives maximum stability on hard cuts and change of direction.

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note the Flywire nylon filaments in the upper and the notch on the forefoot to add extra flexibility

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Having worn so many shoes over the years it is always exciting to try something new.Sometimes it works out great and other times not so much.While certainly not perfect The Hyperdunk is a great start.While I enjoyed playing in the shoe,I am probably more excited about what Nike does next with the different applications used on the shoe.I will admit when I first picked up the shoe and worked out in it I was a bit disappointed.After playing in it once,I bought a second pair.

Comfort and Fit-4/5
Cushioning-4.5/5
Ankle support-3.5/5
Traction-3.5/5
Overall-4/5

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A great first offering for what I hope is the start of a great line in Nike basketball.It isn't for everyone though.I am hesitant to really recommend this shoe to post players.While I have no doubt the cushioning will stand up to heavier players,from a support aspect and as great as the application of Flywire was,I'm not entirely convinced it can handle some of the larger players out there.As with many lightweight performance shoes,reducing weight usually has a trade off with how much support the shoe offers and those seeking alot of ankle support might be turned off in that aspect of the shoe.While The shoe still provides a decent amount of ankle support,those looking for more might want to look elsewhere.I really liked the Lunarlite foam but I wondered about the foam's durability and unlike NBA players,we don't get a fresh pair every couple of games.Improving the "bounciness" of the Lunarlite foam would probably be my biggest request for the next time Nike decides to add Lunarlite foam onto a shoe.

Welcome to the next revolution everyone.