When we first got our hands on the Nike hyperdunk in 2008,it was a giant step as it introduced us to lunar foam and flywire.Both technologies have naturally evolved however after the Nike hyperize,lunar foam was abandoned and zoom air was used in the forefoot.The hyperdunk 2010 featured a zoom air met unit that covered the ball of the foot under the big toe.While an improvement for responsiveness on pivots,it left a bit to be desired for overall forefoot cushioning.The hyperdunk 2011 uses a full forefoot zoom air unit as well as different sized air units for different levels of cushioning.The other change has been the uses of flywire.Originally woven into synthetic panels then changed to skinwire that was molded into the upper.Both had some breathability issues and skinwire was a little unforgiving for those with wider feet.The hyperdunk 2011 now uses a combination of skinwire as well as panels of flywire woven into a more breathable synthetic upper.With these improvements let's see if the Nike hyperdunk 2011 takes off or gets grounded.
A staple of the hyperdunk series is the light weight and that characteristic continues with the hyperdunk 2011.The materials used in the 2011 feel lighter compared to the full synthetic upper used in the 2010.The breathability of the 2011 is excellent taking lessons learned from the hyperfuse without sacrificing the overall structure of the shoe.One issue I had with the 2011 was that the upper is relatively flimsy.The flywire does a pretty good job of keeping my foot from exceeding the limits of the upper but it makes for a bit of a looser fit rather than locking my foot in place and experiencing some movement in the shoe.Inside the shoe are two padded lobes that fill the gaps from the natural space created by the ankle bone.With hardly any interior padding,these padded lobes help keep the heel in place when the shoe is tightened.
Cushioning in the 2011 is full forefoot and heel zoom air units.The heel unit is a 12mm bag that provides maximum cushioning.The forefoot features a 4mm bag that provides a low profile forefoot feel.The simple addition of the full forefoot zoom air would have been enough to make the cushioning great,but the addition of the larger zoom unit in the heel pushes the 2011 over the top for cushioning.
The hyperdunk 2011 features full herringbone traction for excellent grip.the rubber used in the outsole is a soft compound enhancing the shoe's traction.no problems with traction on any surfaces the shoe was reviewed on.A carbon fiber midfoot shank provides excellent midfoot support as well as a wedge of denser foam to keep the shoe from caving in at the midfoot on hard cuts.A forefoot outrigger also adds lateral stability.Ankle support is marginal with the upper being a thin synthetic material with fly wire
woven in.The heel counter and support is better than the 2010 but the way the molded heel is shaped left some room for the heel to move a little. I would have preferred my heel to be completely locked down.
Overall the hyperdunk 2011 steps up from the previous year and then goes even further.The combination of traction,cushioning and light weight with just enough support make for a great shoe.The different zoom air units make for a great responsive ride and the improved breathability were major pluses.The fit wasn't as snug as I would have liked even with a widish foot I still had some movement in the shoe.
Comfort and Fit-3.25/5
Cushioning-4.5/5
Ankle Support-2.75/5
Traction-4.25/5
Overall-4.5/5
If you're looking for light weight,responsive,well cushioned,great traction and breathable shoe,the Hyperdunk 2011 is tough to beat.Ankle support is a bit marginal and the fit isn't as snug in certain spots but the pluses certainly outweigh the negatives and in an overwhelming fashion.Definitely a part of the rotation on non review days.
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