And it’s what Nike wants to do better than ever with its newest basketball shoe, the 2017 Hyperdunk. Released earlier this month, Nike’s flagship basketball shoe, geared toward hardcore ballers, promises to “react” to your every move.
It’s the first pair of kicks equipped with Nike’s strategically named React foam, the first new hoops foam from Nike in several years. And while the revamped Hyperdunk isn’t a complete slam dunk, it is an easy shoe to recommend, as long as you’re a hardcore baller.
The style won’t be for everyone, but anyone looking to elevate their hoops game will appreciate this shoe. The Flyknit construction leads to a tight fit, gripping your foot like a glove, a feeling that extends just above the ankle, providing ample support on the court.
You feel secure when changing direction, but the fit is never uncomfortable or constraining; Nike includes cushioning around the ankle. Combined with the soft Flyknit material, this means you don’t need to worry about cuts around the back of your Achilles. The sneaker maintains a tight fit all around, too, without the more cumbersome profile of .
The React foam, meanwhile, delivers on much of its Nike hype, especially once you start jumping. When you first put on the new Hyperdunks, they definitely feel soft and extra-cushiony.
They’re well-balanced between heel and forefoot, although they may be a little softer than you want on the forefoot (a little extra stability here would not have hurt). But you can feel the impact of all that extra cushioning when you elevate.
Fast-Feet Fat Fryer:
Athletic players will feel a good sense of springiness in the heel when going up for layups, and despite all that extra softness up front, there’s a solid level of rigidity and support when you land. It takes a special brand of foam to transition from springy to rigid so quickly, and that’s exactly what React is, thanks to 2,000-plus hours of testing from Nike.
What Nike also does impressively is deliver its unique blend of rigid and springy in a shoe that’s also durable. I’ve trained in a variety of ways in the Hyperdunk over the last few weeks, and, unlike some other sneakers, whose soles start to go after less than a month, the Hyperdunk still feels like new. Last year’s Hyperdunk frame also lost its elasticity far too quickly, but the 2017 version still feels taut and secure.
It all adds up to a quality basketball shoe, and my current hoops kick of choice. The look won’t be for everyone, and this shoe isn’t worth it for the casual hoops player. But if you take your game seriously, especially if you’re a leaper, this is a kick that’s worth picking up.
$160, Buy It Here
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