Nike Hyperdunk 2015 Performance Review
Written by schwollo
Totally tubular performance ?Almost but not quite.
Pros: Fit, traction, excellent containment, support and stability
Cons: Very low profile Zoom not very responsive, painful break in time around outer ankle
I just put this comparison up between the low and mids in case you were wondering about the lows.
HD15 Mid vs Low
Nike really is trying to win an ugly contest with the Lebron Soldier IX and these.
If you want to see how the Hd15 faired in the ugly performance contest:
I also reviewed the Super.Fly 4 after I reviewed HD15 and I can say that the Sf4 is as good or better than the HD15 in every way. No brainier really.
Sometimes I feel like Nike pushes the aesthetics of shoes to just do it (pun intended). Look how lows took off after the launch of the Kobe IV. Rather than follow the trend, Nike sets it and starting with the ultra high Kobe IX Elite , the Swoosh is making shoes ankle collars higher or more tubular than ever. The Hyperdunk 2015 didn’t have to be this high or not have a coffee cup as heel counter.
Before I get into the review, the ankle collar isn’t as high as it looks, it just has more meat in the rear so it is more tubular looking like the Kobe X Elite.
Even the heel counter is as high as the HD 2013
Onto the review
Traction
Good ol plain vanilla herringbone, thank you Nike.
Tried and true it is still one of the best traction patterns. Nike used a nice pliable rubber that really grips the floor. Reminds me a lot of the 2011 traction pattern. I was worried about the smooth portion on the lateral forefoot bc it is made out of foam but I didn’t have any issues with it although I do question long term durability bc it is a separate piece from the actual sole and looks like it could be pulled away from frequent use. This goes for the entire “midsole bucket”.
I thought these stuck to the floor better than the Soldier IX and similarly to the Clutchfit Drive. Great squeak and stop traction.
Cushioning
Zoom Air ? Yes please… Can I have more actually ?
Zoom hasn’t been in the HD since 2011 so I really had high hopes for this set up. However, I was disappointed that the set up felt less Zoom like than the 2011 version. I didn’t feel much bounce at all initially but after a few runs I could feel a little. A little in the heel and an ok amount in the forefoot. The overall set up is very firm and doesn’t provide much of the bounce we all love. It actually feels a lot like the Rose 4 targeted Adiprene set up. The Soldier IX and KD 8 cushioning set ups feel light years better.
The HD15 insole (top) compared the the Curry Low insole (bottom)
One theory I have is that there isn’t any midsole foam cushioning. All that “midsole bucket” I mentioned earlier is glued onto the sole and the orange portion is rubber so the only additional cushioning to absorb impact is the rubber on the sole and the little foam surrounding the Zoom.
You can see the rectangular Zoom unit in the heel. I couldn’t take a pic of the rectangular Zoom in the forefoot but I could feel it with my hands.
This is where the foot sits without the insole. Take into account the rubber thickness and there isn’t much foam. When I say I miss the feel of Lunarlon, that’s not a good thing. It does play low to the ground though.
Fit
I went true to size with my normal 11 and these fit me perfectly All the way around. If you have narrow feet you may want to size down. No deadspace in the toe box. The materials are stiff to start especially the ankle collar. Total lockdown in the heel although up to the lower calf which is a weird sensation. Unlike the Kobe X Elite, It doesn’t feel very natural when moving forward because of the stiff materials but it does loosen up after a few games but not to the point that is is an afterthought . If you like that natural unrestricted motion, I’d look elsewhere because you’ll know that collar is there. Also worth noting is what a pain in the ass they are to get on. Point toes down, pull ankle collar taught, push foot in as start to point toes up, slide foot into footbed..
The HD15 material is Hyperfuse and it looks like it would be pliable like the Kobe 8 engineered mesh but it isn’t near as soft and flexible although it doesn’t pop or flex weirdly either. This fuse iteration is as thin as I’ve ever seen but doesn’t feel any better than mesh /fuse combo uppers in the past. I enjoyed the 2012 and 2013 upper far more ( 2013 was my fav upper). If the Aj XX9 upper is a warm comfy sweater, the HD15 upper is a freshly starched dress shirt. If Nike hadn’t given us better uppers in the past, I probably wouldn’t have any problems with the upper bc it works fine.
Above: Kobe 8 and HD15
Below: you can see the plasticky insides of the fuse.
See how thin it is ? 
Half the tongue is stitched into the upper for a more sock like fit.
Heel lockdown is excellent when the laces stay tight. Having the super high heel collar in the back allowed my calves to flex leverage itself when running and loosen up the laces. With a regular ankle collar my calves can’t do that since it isn’t as high up. It doesn’t loosen up as much after the collar breaks in though just something to note.
The inside of the collar is beautiful, looks beastly and performs its duties wonderfully. It is the only portion of the shoe aside from the tongue that has any plushness or cushioning inside the shoe.
Flywire provides lace loops and color
According to marketing literature it says molded channels to allow Flywire to move but they are glued in tight. Just an observation .
Support and Stability
I didn’t like the accordion on the back of the HD 13 and I don’t really like the looks of these either. Not only is it an eyesore but it is an ankle sore as well Whenever I would cut hard to the left or right I could feel it dig into my ankle on the lateral side in the direction I was moving. Very annoying and irritating, literally. Didn’t go away for me as I could always feel it but the pain lessened or I just got used to it. I had a similar issue with the Crazy Quick 2 .
**quick note I’ve been working the plastic that dug into my ankle by working it with my hands and pain almost gone completely.
The orange portion is an extension of the sole and is made of the same rubber. And then there is an small hidden internal counter too (this was the actual culprit) .
Rubber pushing on plastic = no flexibility. My malleoli (ankle bone) sits right on top of it. No wonder it dug into my ankle.
The heel counter is made of foam as well as the rest of the midsole.
As stated earlier the “midsole bucket” is glued on to the shoe. 
I will say that the HD15 sits low to the ground and feels lower than the HD12 and 13. Very stable and supportive thanks to the big heel counter, high ankle collar, stiff upper and firm Zoom Air. These passed my heel test easily as they were not tippy at all.
Containment
The best aspect of the Hd15 is the containment. Nike raised the midsole around the entire shoe to keep the foot contained . Very similar idea as the Rose 5. Also they added another layer of glue/fuse to high pressure areas to keep the foot in on hard cuts.
Above: foot sits about 2-3 mm below the top of the midsole. The giant orange part is all rubber which helps keep the foot contained but also makes the shoe pretty stiff especially to start.
Above: triangular reinforcement for hard cuts
Conclusion
The HD 2014 was so bland and more of the same that Nike really changed it up this year. Fit, containment, support and stability, and traction are great on the 2015 while the cushioning set up is lackluster and the upper material leaves a bit to be desired. If there was more of a mix of mesh and Fuse the upper would have great like the 2013 upper I would have liked these more. And if the Zoom felt like Zoom.. And if my ankle didn’t get dug into .. And.. You get the point. I’m just used to the step in comfort and soft blend of materials of the last few Hyperdunks I guess. The HD15 isn’t bad at all it just could have been better. For the $140 price point go get the Lebron Solider IX or Supet.Fly 4 if you want a more minimal and lower feel. Both shoes actually feel good to wear from the get go and excellent cushioning for a similar price point.
schwollo.com 
Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judging from the reviews it would seem that you prefer the soldier 9 over these?
LikeLike
Yes I stated that in the conclusion
LikeLike
Noticed it after commenting sorry bout that.
LikeLike
Hi. I think people hate on the Hyperdunks too much. Personally I switched out the insole to have more cushion, but other than that I felt it was great. Due to me being flat footed, I need the ankle support, and the shoe being hard also helps due to the fact my flat feet usually stretch shoes out. My question is, why do I seem to like it more than Lebron IX’s and Kobe 10’s? I know Kobe 10’s are supposed to be the best, but they just seem too unsupportive. Is it the flat feet or do the Hyperdunks really have the best support?
LikeLike
Everyone has their own preference .
The hyperdunk isn’t bad overall but that cushioning is really firm . It does everything else well. The Kobe x has a softer cushioning set up and is a low so maybe you just like that firmer Cushioning and higher cut ? Lebron ix is also pretty firm but traction is only ok. You may want to try the soldier ix. I have a write up on here about the hd vs soldier ix . Thanks for reading !
LikeLike
Hey, I have a good one for you. What would be the best out of these shoes: HD 2011, Rose 5, HD 2013? And Why?
LikeLike
And also add the Jordan superfly 3 to that list
LikeLike
Good list !
Rose 5, superfly, HD 11, HD 13
All have excellent traction
Rose 5 has my favorite heel cushioning , superfly fav forefoot
HD 11 had nice Zoom
HD 13 I liked a lot but had containment issues for me in forefoot.
Rose 5 just does everything well for me .olus it’s super inexpensive lol
LikeLike
I had a feeling you might pick those lol! Would you put the Jordan Superfly 3 Over the XX9?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes . Just fit me and my game better . Woven uppers are nice but I need more stability and support
LikeLike
So the HD2015 low has full length zoom according to ebay…is there a performance review on those in store any time soon? love your reviews by the way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I missed out on that release last week but if it is indeed full length I’ll try and get them!
Thanks for reading !
LikeLike
Also meant to say eastbay, not ebay. Will be looking out for it, thanks again
LikeLike
Just got a pair to look at . They are not full length zoom
LikeLike
Hey
Sry my english is not good, but i have a question.
Which shoes are better than the HD15 and why?
LikeLike
Hello! It depends what you want in a shoe. The Hd15 is ok but better stuff out there for the price . Lebron IX better for less money
LikeLike
Ok
I play on both forward Position and somtimes point guard.
Can you recommend me a goid shoe for me for less money?
LikeLike
What are your favorite shoes to play in? Gives me an idea of what you like.
LikeLike
In the moment i play with the nike overplay 8 but i like high shoes like the HD15.
I have no other experiences with other shoes because my foots dont grow and so i play a long time in the overplays.
Now i need new shoes for the next season with a high cut.
LikeLike
So i want high cut shoes with goid traction and they must be confortable.
LikeLike
Do you want a more supportive shoe ? Or one that is flexible . What is your budget
LikeLike
If its get a little bit from both.
My budget is around 140€.
I have a rather wide foot
LikeLike
look at my reviews on the Lebron soldier IX , rose 5 and Clutchfit drive low (same thing as the high ). All
Under 140 euros . I think any of those would work well for you
LikeLike
Also the super fly 3 po
LikeLike
Thanks for the help i think i buy me the d rose 5. now i have another question for you…
Did you know the reales date from the d rose 6?
LikeLike
No idea most likely October though .
LikeLike
Hi!
Is the outsole durable for outdoor use?
LikeLike
I don’t use them for outdoor but the rubber isn’t super soft they should hold up about as well as any other Hyperdunk
LikeLike
I’m worried about the smooth portion on the forefoot because you said it might separate from frequent use.
LikeLike
If you play outdoors with them I’d be surprised if they lasted outdoors since the rough surface will tear up the foam .
LikeLike
Hey, which do you think in your opinion is the best hyperdunk? I thought the 2011 hyperdunks were great apart from the lace pressure(Due to a thin tongue).
LikeLike
2011/12/13 in that order .
LikeLike
Great review! I’ve never seen this site before but I’m gonna have to keep this one as my favorites. Keep up the good work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks ! It’s just a personal blog of mine. I pretty much try everything lol
LikeLike
Whats your thoughts on the Hd15 vs UA highlight II?
LikeLike
I did not play in with the highlight ii. However based on experience w the Curry I and cfd I can say that : traction is better in hd. Cushioning better on highlight ii and interior of shoe is more plush and feels better . Everything else is a tie imo
LikeLike
I did not play in the highlight 2. However playing in the curry 1 and cfd I can say this . Traction is better in the hd, cushioning is better in highlight . Highlight feels better on foot due to plusher materials . Everything else is pretty much the same . I’d wait in buying either bc they will hit sales prices soon
LikeLike
Idk, I brought the premium white and black cw and love them. In fact, the cushion reminds me of the 2011 hd. I felt the zoom in the heel and especially up front although it felt like a met unit which im cool with because i loved my kobe v setup. No problems with the heel or ankle rubbing on my pair. Idk if is because its “premium” or premium just means the colorway. And the ankle support omg. I even tried to tip my ankle and the shoe didnt budge at all. Some may not like it but for my explosive style, i need that since i hate buying shoes that need ankle braces. Lastly, finish line has them for 89.99 plus I had a 20 dollars rewards so i paid 69.99 for them. Outlet prices earlier lol.
LikeLike
Ankle shapes and how you move will determine rubbing and whatnot . Premium is just the colorway I didn’t notice a diff in materials. The Hd15 as a whole isn’t bad it does everything well except cushioning (to me) so great it worked out for you ! Nice price btw!
LikeLike
Btw, love ur work on all shoe reviews. U get straight to the point on ur reviews with no gimmicks or biases. Compared to others u either dead on or very close to how i feel about certain shoes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep I didn’t find a reviewer that really
Matched my needs or feel except Duke so I was like wth I’ll write some lol
LikeLike
Thanks for reading !
LikeLike
for a moment into the nose in front of smell, while warm into the eye. In his opinion,Kobe 11 Shoes is the home town of jade treasure their own, and also his auspicious objects, his day is also inseparable from it.
To let people know that they have this gem, but also to give myself to bring good luck,
the Nike Kobe 10 Elite altogether and spent hundreds of thousands bought a piece of jade gold necklace to hang around the neck. As a result,
not only it and its own inseparable, a glance out others see.
One day, a friend married to his son, also went to the king. During the evening,
everyone happy,Kobe 11 Shoes talking and laughing, Tuibeihuanzhan bustling! At this point,
LikeLike
Which is better HD15 or KOBE X
LikeLike
Kobe X although the HD 15 has better traction
HD 15 cushioning ruins the shoe
LikeLike
Hey Schwollo! I have been reading your reviews for quite a while and really like what you are doing.
The problem is, I can’t seem to find shoe that fits me.
Currently I’m looking at Jordan super fly 3 po and super fly 4, as well as nike hyperdunk 2015, soldier ix and even kobe xii.
I’m 6’5 and 165 pounds. I like to play different positions, from 2 to 4, which means i like to cut, cross, run, post and shoot. You know, all around. Which should would be best for me?
I really like how jordan super fly 3 po looks, but isn’t it heavy? Would it be suitable for 3 position? What do you think?
And what about super fly 4? I have read that it may be narrow and it rides low to the ground, so would my feet get tired?
BIG THANKS !
LikeLike
Your feet don’t get tired because of how low it rides but that really preference . Look at soldier IX if you want more cushioning
LikeLike