Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Performance Review
Written by schwollo
Executive summary: Nice improvement over last year’s model. No major weakness yet nothing blew me away. Just a good all around shoe. Wait for clearance time as all Hyperdunks hit outlets.
Strive for pretty goodness.. That doesn’t sound quite right does it?
The HD15 was a disappointment with its materials and non existent Zoom. The HD16 looks and sounds like an upgrade but this isn’t the first time we’ve heard newer is better.
Pros: traction, decent cushioning, fit, support and stability, containment
Cons: cheap looking materials,Flywire and medial side not very comfortable, needs some break in time to feel natural, Zoom feel can vary, cut outs in sole are gimmicky
Sizing: true to size. Wide footers might want to go up half a size though
Best for: any position
Weight
About average for any hoop shoe.
Traction
The Hyperdunk line rarely disappoints and the 2016 is no different. Remeniscent of the Kyrie 2, these work very well on clean floors and dusty floors. Traction on dirty floors didn’t blow my mind like the top tier but no complaints either.
Just a solid set up all around. I didn’t have any hiccups on court during play due to the cut outs on the bottom but I’d still rather have full coverage and not have to second guess an outsole design.
Very good overall traction in typical Hyperdunk fashion.
Cushioning
Unlike the HD16 Elite, the regular HD features forefoot and heel Zoom instead of full length Zoom. However, the regular HD still has the cut outs in the sole to help increase the trampoline effect, according to Nike at least.
I can’t tell you if there is a difference between the cut out design and a normal outsole design because Zoom responsiveness and size varies so much from shoe to shoe that there is no way to know. I can see how it would work more effectively in the heel since your force is more concentrated there. The forefoot doesn’t have an exact landing spot like the heel since your forefoot weight is spread out across a larger area.
Regardless of the cut outs work or not I can tell you that the Zoom feels better than the HD 2015 but not as good as the Hyperrev 2016 or Soldier VI for that matter. But at least it feels like Zoom. I know Nike can do better so instead of cutting holes in the sole, just give us the good stuff we all know and love!
Zoom Variation/ Quality Conttol
I bought an 11, 11.5 and got a pair of lows to try on and I noticed all three had varying degrees of firmness when I tried them on. The low protruded the most through the strobel and I could actually see it through the insole. This set up felt the best and the heel felt almost Kobe IV like while the forefoot had a nice bounce to it without break in. The 11.5 mid I bought also felt a little better then the 11. Even after break in time, the 11’s Zoom never caught up to the 11.5. (Still good overall though)
Cushioning starts off firm but softens up after break in. It’s good enough to say I could feel it and it felt good but not great enough to be wowed. For comparison sake, heel Zoom is firmer than the Kobe IV, V, VI. Forefoot Zoom is pretty good but still not as good as the Hyperrev 2016.
Good cushioning overall
Fit
I went true to size as I tried on my normal 11 and half a size up. I preferred the width of the 11.5 but it was too long in the toe for me. My true to size 11 fit perfectly length wise (finger width)and a touch tight to start but stretched out just enough. These do not have that extra length like the Elites (tried on at store). I think narrow and normal width feet will be happy that these fit true to size width and length wise.
The materials on the HD16 are just mesh and fuse and and it’s the softer fuse so you get a nice snug comfy fit.
I did not like the mesh and Flywire only on the medial side. It felt like the Flywire was just sitting on top of my skin since there was no extra layer of fuse thus producing some minor irritation and lace pressure especially where the foot and ankle meet. Flywire only also causes some fraying only after a few runs. I’m sure the whole purpose of this was to make it more minimal and natural feeling but with softer fuse, I don’t think it was necessary.
Coming off the CLB16, heel lockdown on the HD16 felt fantastic. The collar just sucks the heel back like a boot and I had zero heel slip. The entire ankle collar and tongue are well padded to assist with lockdown.
Well done Nike!
Support and stabilty
No frills, nothing fancy with the HD16 in terms of support. The support comes mainly from the fit and the heel counter. However, the higher cut helps with support becssue of this firmer red portion.
Usually Hyperdunks are pretty flimsy up top but this red portion is firm and acts like a prop for the ankle. It bends just enough to not feel rigid but is stiff enough to control the ankle. I really like the support the HD 16 implemented.
I was a little worried about stabilty since Nike implemented a curved sole at the heel but like the Kyrie 2, placement of the curve doesn’t affect stabilty.
These easily passed my heel test.
Well done Nike!!
Containment
Awesome. Big ol’ raised midsole just like the Rose 5. It just hugs the foot and keeps it in place on hard cuts. My foot sits about where the outsole meets the midsole at the forefoot
The only downside to this great big bucket is it takes some break in time to make the shoe feel natural since the foam is stiff and there is a lot of it to break in.
Well done Nike!
Conclusion
The Hyperdunk line has been a consistently good performer (maybe not 2015) and these fall right in line with what I’d expect out the Hyperdunk. Good to great performance in every category and surprisingly very supportive and stable underfoot. Very mundane and generic looking this year but that doesn’t take away from the performance of the shoe. I think if the cushioning felt a better I’d like these a lot more. I’m tempted to try the Elite but not at retail. At $140 the regular HD isn’t a bargain since Nike and its competitors have plenty of shoes at that price. Pay $10 more for the KD9 or $45 more for the AJ XXX1 or $60 more for the Hyperdunk Elite? Since when did Hyperdunks cost more than Jordans? As a consumer, I want to be blown away and feel I spent my money well. Anyways, I suggest waiting a few months because we all know Hyperdunks will hit the outlets for under $80.
schwollo.com 
Do you prefer the high or low? With is more comfortable overall?
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I went with the mid bc I like mids better. The low was more flexible and less restrictive though.
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But is there lace pressure with the lows? Im kind of a low guy 😂 great review btw
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There is lace pressure at the top eyelet so he the lows bc the foam in the tongue doesn’t extend down enough
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Fuk! Didn’t know you dropped this review yesterday! Awesome review as always. Schwollo, I just wanted to ask you what is UNLOCKED ZOOM?
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Unlocked Zoom is Jordan brands set up with no foam surrounding the zoom unit and it uses plate to sit on top of the zoom so you can feel it more
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Great review as usual. It is disappointing that you did not reviewed the Elite version. My point is, if you wait for retail, it might be too late for us to get them on retail. Another two suggestions:
1)Review the DRose 6 PrimeKnit. They seem to very different from the other model and now are pretty cheap.
2)Preorder the CarzyExplosive.
Keep up the good work. You are my second favorite basketball shoes reviewer, the first is unteachable also because he provides great video 🙂
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Ha I might review the elite because they did feel good but we will see. Sorry I’m not reviewing the d Rose 6 Primeknit , it just doesn’t interest me and the upper is the only difference. (Rose 7 is coming next month anyways). Crazy explosive is also a maybe only bc I have my eyes on the Rose 7.
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As a reader of your post I can only describe you what I would like, of course I cannot decide. However, the crazy explosive are a must because the D Rose 7 review must compare with them to be valuable. This because most of the readers would like to know crazy explosive or drose7? Pros and cons? And if you find on sale the DRose 6 primeknit you should take them my friend 🙂
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Haha ok
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drose 6 primeknite are good shoe, better lock down , other specs are same as regular one, you can go tts.
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I agree about the cushioning. I tried these on and couldnt feel any of the forefoot but i dow think it helps the heel. I could feel it bulge down a little
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IMO Nike should have put these at $120, no more than that. I think with the tech and materials put into it should warrant a $120 or less retail especially since the KD9 is just $10 more. Other than that good review, You’re one of the few people I trust to put out a good non-biased review.
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I agree . Makes no sense with the way they dropped sig shoe prices. Why buy team shoes at all now? Thanks for reading !
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I would still buy team shoes if and only if reviewers (you and nw) said that they perform way better than the sig model :))
Awesome detailed review once again sir!
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Haha thanks!
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Hyperdunk returns to it’s every man shoe status lol. I had a question for the other readers as well as schwollo.
It’s about the CP3.IX vs the AE version. I know the only difference is the upper but I can’t find them in stores to try on and feel the difference and if the containment is good with the engineered mesh upper. If you guys could fill me in I’d really appreciate it.
Keep up the great work Schwollo! I really depend on you and Weartesters.
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I passed on the cp ix entirely so I can’t answer that question for you unfortunately.
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Surprised that you went to lengths to provide us with quality reviews by purchasing three different pairs and comparing the Zoom quality on them. Thank you very much for that! I don’t think any other reviewer would do that, so it shows just how much you care for your readers.
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Ha ha well to be honest I bought three for me because I wanted to find the best fit and I just happened to notice the diff btwn Zoom. Btw The low won’t get reviewed because I wasn’t blown away enough by the mid but it is a solid low top.
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Great to hear you also benefited from buying multiple pairs lol now all we have to wait for is the Rose 7 before we finally get to experience the pinnacle of what is probably a good year in basketball shoes.
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Lol yep can’t wait !
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Hi. I really like the way you include the containment in your review. You are the only one who address this aspect of the shoe while others tend to focus on the comfort and cushioning part. While they are still important, they don’t hold as much as water compared to containment and court feel aspect, at least IMO. In saying that, is there any way you can include the court feel part? Thank you and more power.
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Thanks and will do.
HD court is good since cushioning is on firmer side. they don’t sit super low to the ground just standard HD height.
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Hi Schwollo, have you ever used insoles? Do you have ideas or recommendations? I’m using the Sof Sole Men’s Airr Lightweight Insole and seems good even if I’m afraid they remove some energy return.
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Had a gift card sitting around, so I decided to pick up the elites. The cushioning is bouncy. Like OG zoom bouncy. So nice. I think the zoom in the HD16 Elites is much better than the KD9s. I found the KD9s to be a little mushy and unstable laterally. The HD16s elites are bouncy, responsive, and stable. So much better. You should try them out. They run a 1/2 size.
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Yep I’m most likely going to review them. Elites vs regular are two very different shoes. Thanks !
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nothing special i guess. i personally think the hyperdunk 2013’s are still the best hyperdunks. on to the next though, am looking forward to reviews on the d rose 7, crazy explosive, and upcoming curry 3 lol.
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Yea it is a step up from last year but nothing mind blowing. Just a solid shoe all around. 2011- 2013 were all great . 2014 solid too. I can’t wait for all those to come out lol! AJ xxx1 as well
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theres the black and the white model that just popped up in my sportchek online store, and they look almost exactly like the hyperfuse 2014 lol.
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Personally i think the first Hyperdunk and those from 2012 to 2014 were the best models of this line. Once again, a very informative and in depth review! I have a question for you, what’s your personal Top 3 basketball shoes so far for this year?
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I didn’t like the first Hyperdunk Didn’t like Lunarfoam in particular but after that they improved yearly.
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Top 3 this year?Nothing really blew me away but the Hyperrev 16 made my rotation although I think the Rose 7 will boot it out. Does the Lillard 2 count ? Didn’t make my rotation either due to traction but great shoe overall. Curry 2.5 great shoe as well but I haven’t written anything on it yet and sticking to the 2 anyways. Crazylight boost so close but didn’t work due to heel slip.
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Hay bro long time no comment😂, thanks for the review. I was kinda hesistant because the materials looked off. I might try the lows when sales happen usually around december in this part of the world. Btw you’re still my fav reviewer. Still the same type of reviews that got me hooked on your site. Glad nothing’s changed, still informative and specific though I like how you’ve summarized most of the parts now.
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Good to hear from you ec! Yea I don’t get why shoe companies charge PI so much more than the US. Makes zero sense
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Well tax is one reason. Just google PH’s tax rate and you’ll be shocked
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How do I combat always wearing out the insoles of the Hyperdunks (or any bball shoe for that matter)? The heel and upper inside of my forefoot always start to disintegrate to a point where then craters develop. I have resorted to duck taping over them and buying cheap slip in insoles and duck taping them down so they dont move. Still over time those end up disintegrating and the duck tape destroys the shoe when I try to take them out.
Id like a little more cushion in the heel and more specifically on my forefoot but as long as they just dont wear out Im fine with them as is. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
(I thought about getting Kyrie 2s but upon reading your review I realized the cushioning wouldnt be there for me even though I like the traction and lightness, I too have some of those feet and knee issues you have when the cushioning isnt there) I notice this when I play in my 2010 Hyperdunks vs my 2014 Hyperdunks.
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I think you’re SOL that’s just where you put your weight so you wear it out. Only possible solution I can think of is rotation your insoles . Kyrie 2 cushioning is very minimal but better than the kyrie 1. If you think of other shoes you’re looking at I can help you narrow it down
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I was/am rotating between 3 pairs of 2010 hyperdunks and a pair of 2014 hyperdunks. They just seem to wear out so fast. Didnt know if it was more common for people to replace the insoles or just put in insoles over the ones already in there. The rest of the shoes are fine, so I just think its a shame I have to buy so many more just because of the insoles. I like hyperdunks because they are light, have good traction, and good ankle support. Seem like the best shoe for me from all ive seen. (Im 6’5, 210). If potentially there is some really good insole that just inserts right on top of Kyries or replaces the ones that come with it then I might look into Kyrie 2s.
1) Im always afraid to mess with the insole that come with the shoe for fear of ruining the shoe altogether.
2) Cheap slide in insoles with tape do the job for awhile but ultimately wear out too.
3) Expensive insoles always seem to be too bulky to where either my foot is then riding against shoe too much or the arch isnt comfortable.
Any advice would be great.
Thanks.
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You might try these ortholites since that’s what’s in most shoes now.
http://www.ortholite.com/footwear-consumers/buy-online
Sol soft also makes a pretty thin insole but it is more dense
https://www.amazon.com/Sof-Sole-Lightweight-Performance-Insole/dp/B017TCO0UC
It does suck that you wear the insole out that much. I try not removing or replacing insoles as well for the same reason you do lol
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FYI…I was able to take out 3 of the 4 insoles of the 2010s and then put them back in with the new insoles underneath. The 13s did not come out so I just had to put the new insoles on top instead of underneath. Worked for the first week of play. Still too early to tell if they will last.
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I think you can get the 13 out if you work really slow. Just have to find a loose glued
Spot
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Thanks
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When will footlocker drop the prices on this shoe?
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Give it a month or two
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Thanks. I’m just a smart buyer, that’s all.
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Can i use these shoes outdoors ? Cause i saw in other reviews that it isn’t recommended, even if it wasnt, will the hyperdunk 2016 get damaged when played outdoors ?
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Synthetic upper should be fine outdoors and the rubber on outsole isn’t overly soft so won’t burn down too fast. Should
Be more durable than soldier 10 .
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Been playing in these since a labor day weekend tournament and I must say these are becoming some of my favorite of all time. Like you said, no downside or complaints. Just aneed overall good nike performance model. These are definitely double up worthy just because of the durability and dependability.
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Yep just wait till outlet time around Xmas or next spring for ultra cheap time! Howd you play in the tourney ?
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Not bad. Team was literally assembled just a few weeks beforehand. Just one practice with these guys before the tourney and a lot of them weren’t even there. Met a majority of the team on the day of. Didn’t expect much but we made it to the final 4 and got blown out by a very team oriented, pass first, and more experienced Washington squad. Motivated the heck out of me. I’m 32 playing in a 6 foot and under division and I more than held my own. Looking forward to future tourneys. It’s such a different vibe than league play.
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Oh yea tourneys are fun. What tourney was it ? The Filipino one in Chicago or Toronto ?
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It’s tough to beat a Spurs like team that knows each player esp during a tourney.
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Hi schwollo! Great review as always. I learned a lot of stuffs lol. But seriously, I am torn right now to what I’ll gonna buy. Is it the low or the elite? Well, I need such expertise of yours. Thanks!
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I’d go elite just bc the cushioning is better but go half size down
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Great review! Thoughts on playing with these outdoors – will the traction suffice? Heard it’s soft but deep grooves…
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It will work fine outside. The solid outsole options should last longer than the clear outsoles
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Thanks so much for the review, this is great.
To follow up on the above – could you clarify or give an example of a “solid outsole option?” From what I’ve seen, all options have the clear outsole – maybe I’m misinterpreting, but all options I see have the Nike Zoom visible on the bottom of the shoe.
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Sorry by solid outsole I meant, non translucent (clear) like the pair I reviewed. Hope that helps
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This is irrevelant to your review. But a comment. You should definitely make a review of the hyperdunk that started it all. The hyperdunk 08. As a reader, I’d like to see that happen, since I cannot find an honest one online. The 1st hyperdunk was admired by many
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I bought the USA Olympic pair retro and its pretty good overall. Heel zoom is great but forefoot is garbage. It’s still a pretty good shoe overall despite the plastic Flywire upper . But they run short. Might look for an OG pair
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I still have my manu Ginobli PEs and unfortunately the traction wore off. I kept it for memories because I just liked the shoe so much. Nike tarnished the newer model pretty much and it sucks. There are some OG pairs on eBay for the low. But good luck finding your size. Most of them are like 14 to who knows LMFAO.
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Loo
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Found a pair of the black/white soles at Dick’s for $54 and couldn’t pass it up. THESE have the fit I’ve been looking for since the Soldier 8. Snug without being too tight. No dead space in the toe or on top of the forefoot. Good ankle support and bouncy cushion (CLASSIC ZOOM FEEL!), and lightweight. I tried with the Rose 7, but it just wasn’t for me, mesh or PK.
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Fit is great on the HD def an underrated performer. Glad you found a winner
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Hey Schwollo! Would you ever do a performance review for the nike hyperdunk 2011? I was 14 when those shoes released, and 3 of my teammates on my basketball team had them. I really wanted a pair but my parents couldn’t afford it (Canadian import charges smh). I’ve been trying to get back into basketball as of late, and am thinking of buying them on ebay.
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They are still great I don’t have mine anymore but here’s a quick run down. Great traction cushioning good at everything really. Upper is ok not as soft as today’s but still works well. No downsides really to the hd 11. True to Size like most hd I had my normal size 11.
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When you say hd11 great traction, is that clutchfit level? Curry 2 level? Or in between?
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A little better than Clutchfit not curry 2 level though.. very similar herringbone set up
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