It’s hard to believe the Hyperdunk line is nine years old this year after Kobe famously debuted them at the 2008 Olympic Games. We are welll past the “ultralight” era of marketing, err, I mean shoe technology and back to a heftier 14-16 ounce shoe that doesn’t sacrifice performance for weight. Of course the main story of the HD17 isn’t the weight or the upper, it’s Nike’s new React cushioning. How does the HD17 and React foam compare to Hyperdunks of the past? Well read on you lazy bum..or just read the pros or cons. Ok Ok I’ll save you the time, this is the best Hyperdunk to date and will somewhere in my top ten rotation now.
Pros: fantastic traction, smooth cushioning, fit, stability, containment
Cons: Although slightly better, React foam isn’t much different from Lunarlon
Best for: any position (see Draymond Green)
Sizing: slightly short length wise but most will fit true to size. Wide footers will want to go up half a size.
Buying Advice: wait to buy. Fair price is $100 or less, bottom is around $70 for FK version
Weight
As stated in my first look, these run about average in terms of weight. Gone are the days of sub 10 ounce shoes and if you can’t handle another few ounces go hit the gym.
Traction
Almost Kobe IX level.. almost. Almost is more than acceptable in this case though. Very minimal wiping if at all so there really isn’t a point in splitting hairs over it. Definitely better than the HD16 traction which wasn’t a push over either. For those people comparing the traction across brands, these are easily better than the Hardens, Crazy Explosives, Curry 3 and on par the Crazylight Boosts. Well done Nike!
Cushioning
React foam..a REACTion to Boost?
React Foam does not feel a lot different than standard Lunarlon but it feels better tuned to basketball. As I said in my first look, React feels liked my Lunarglides or Blackfoam but lower to the ground. It has a little more bounce to it than Lunarlon but if you’re expecting Boost, Bounce, or Micro G feel, you’ll be disappointed. As odd as this might sound, I think React feels like a better a Charged foam; it is soft when moving slowly but seems to firm up when moving quickly. Plus it doesn’t have that overall mushy feel to it like Lunarlon. I’d prefer Zoom but this feels good as well but in a different way.
I should also note that the insole is thin and cheap feeling even though the angle of this picture makes it look thicker than it really is.
Overall I really liked the full length React foam set up even if it isn’t the most fun feeling or bounciest set up. I didn’t suffer any bottoming out and it felt a lot better than previous Hyperdunk targeted (ie forefoot heel) Lunarlon set ups. I’m hoping long term durability is better than Lunarlon since that was one of its main issues.
Fit
A little short length wise but true to size overall. I have about a pinky finger worth of length when I go true to size and a forefinger width half a size up. Wide footers will want to go up half a size.
I had no movement side to side or any heel slip on hard cuts or stops from day one so I was very pleased with the fit of the HD17. It’s amazing how a shoe can look totally different year to year but still perform well and feel familiar.. except the HD2015 of course.
Materials
Maybe I shouldn’t write First Looks anymore because a lot of this feels like I’m repeating myself.
The HD17 features Flyknit with TPU strands similar to what we saw on the Kobe XI Elite. It is backed by nylon so it is a nice balance of strength and flexibility. I had no issues at all with the materials. It is not as stretchy or soft as pure Primeknit but it feels softer than the Kobe XI Elite. They must have gone down to 4 lbs test line for the TPU . (Fishing joke, if you don’t get it that’s ok)
Support and Stability
Although the HD17 is a mid, the ankle collar does nothing in terms of support is is simply there for proprioception and fit purposes.
It is extremely thin and flexible and almost independent of the entire shoe. You can see the mesh cut out in the pics above that adds even more flexibility. The heel counter is standard HD fair and isn’t extremely stiff or flexible. Midfoot support was very good and as the HD17 didn’t contort and bend like the Kobe Instinct.
With the lack of a true support system around the ankle, the HD does a great job with stability thanks to the pods along the lateral side of the shoe. 
Kind of hard to see from the top so here is a reused shot from the bottom.
No tippiness at the heel and stable at the forefoot makes me feel safe during play. Even playing with my bad ankle, I didn’t really worry about tweaking it after I stopped using the Zamst this past week. Full range of motion without fear is the best of both worlds.
Containment
Zero issues at all with containment. Raised midsole from heel to toe really creates a nice foot bucket that prevents any side to side movement on hard cuts I knew one day I’d make a difference in the world …
Conclusion
I’m always looking for a shoe that does everything well and it’s surprisingly hard to come by given the abundance of shoes that come out year over year. Some shoes are technology showcases while others just can’t even get the basics right. The Hyperdunk line has been an excellent team shoe that works well year over year with 2015 being an exception to that rule… check that, 2008 wasn’t that great either but got to start somewhere I guess.
I think changing the name and marketing React as a new and improved springy foam, Nike raised expectation so don’t be surprised when people poo poo over the similar Lunarlon feel. But if I rated shoes on advertisement claims to actual truth, almost every shoe would fail. Lunarlon isn’t Nike’s top of the line cushioning so I’m not disappointed by the feel of React since I think it is improved albeit slightly. And if the durability is better with React, then Nike addressed one of its major flaws which is a plus in my book. If I had to pay $200 for the HD17 then I would have some issues for paying for this new and improved foam but at $160 it isn’t off in terms of retail pricing. Don’t forget that Hardens, Crazy Explosives, and Curry 3’s retails $160, $150, $140 respectively.
Speaking of price, as with all Hyperdunks and team shoes, expect big price drops as the weeks and months pass. A fair price for the FK version would be $100 while I expect the bottom be around $70. The mesh version will go for under $60.
So where does the HD17 rank in the Hyperdunk Hierarchy? Well since I’ve never officially written a review for 2008-2014 I’ll just rank them quickly. I loved the 2012 even though traction wasn’t the best and the Lunarlon died so here goes.
- 2012, 2013: liked the fit and containment better on the 2012 but liked traction of 2013 more
- 2016 regular: great everything
- 2011: real Zoom great traction.
- 2014: more of the same of 2012/2013
- 2016 FK: not a perfect fit in the heel but nice Zoom, decent traction
- 2010: I liked the Zoom, not the traction though or plasticky upper
- 2008: nice heel Zoom, meh traction, plasticky upper, too much movement in forefoot.
- 2015: poor Zoom, stiff upper. Nice traction
I can’t remember the 2009 I skipped it.
And with that being said the, HD2017 has taken the top Hyperdunk spot. Better traction than previous Hyperdunks, better cushioning than the 2012-14 version, great fit, good stability and excellent containment… what more do you want? And with that excellent overall performance, the HD17 earned a spot into my top 10. Not really sure where it yet or who gets kicked out but it I’m putting it into play this coming weekend at a tournament without any reservation. And when we win, the HD17 will get a boost up the rankings because nothing can top positive memories and results.
schwollo.com 
What are the best shoes for flat feet?
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Hard to answer that because some people like having extra arch support while
Others don’t. I am the latter and can’t wear orthotics bc they hurt my feet. Some have what they call
Flexible flat feet (like myself) and can really get away with anything.
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That reply on the other one was me. How do you tell what type of flat feet. These were what the people prescribed (http://bit.ly/2hIskJy) but for some reason they didn’t add the strap. Hopefully this gives you an idea of what kind I have.
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Link didn’t work .. I forgot where I read about flexible flat feet . You’ll have to decide for yourself if you like having arch support or not. I’ve had doctors suggest it twice and both times I had to chuck them.
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sorry I know I am being such a pain in the neck but, I have structural flat feet I think I might be good shoes but have some great insoles
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No worries. Well if you need just insoles you can put them in almost any shoe just size up a little
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Just from a try on the Kyrie 3 felt like it fit my feet. Didn’t purchase yet so I can’t confirm but it seemed a lot better than the Kobe models for my feet. If you need more cushion buy up a half or full size and add an after market insole for better comfort.
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Is that a question or a statement ?
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Another great review. Thanks Schwollo! Hope you’re ankle is doing much better.
Shoe sounds great except the cushioning. I was hoping for something closer to Bounce or Micro G. The React sounds okay for shorter runs, but I’m not sure it will work for longer runs. Maybe I’ll try them out when I can get the lows in a good color on discount.
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Thanks S. yea if you’re not excited about a shoe then don’t pick them up right away as I always say. I think the cushioning works fine, just because doesn’t feel as good as others doesn’t mean it isn’t working as well even on longer runs (from my experience at least). Ankle is much better thanks!
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Thanks for this thoroughgoing review! Been looking forward to it, and it didn’t disappoint!
Top Ten ranking, almost upper echelon traction, and comparison of React to Charged reminded me of the Curry 2.5s. I imagine the upper/fit might be one of the biggest contrasts. And maybe the 2.5 slightly more clunky feeling underfoot (assuming that because HD sole setup looks more rounded). Anyway, I’ve logged a couple 2-hour runs in the 2.5s and like them quite a bit (cushioning felt noticeably better—softer—second time around). So, first, thank you for endorsing those bangers (I always thought I favored bouncier cushion, so it’s nice to know I can enjoy firmer setups), and, second, if you think it could be a fruitful exercise/example, please share your thoughts on how the HD17 and Curry 2.5s compare.
Also, would you please elaborate a little on your suggestion that wide footers go up half a size? I generally like a snug fit and almost always go TTS. Did 1/2 up on 2.5s actually, and those feel great; tried to get away with TTS in NXTs, and they killed my slightly bigger left foot (had tried 1/2 up, but the fit felt clumsy, little too long, I think, and flexed funny at forefoot). Guess what I’m getting at is: these look (and sound, from your Materials description) a little more forgiving than the NXT (sorry, never tried on the Kobe XI) in terms of upper stretch/forefoot accommodation, so I’m wondering if I could get away with TTS. Does the raised midsole factor into your recommendation for wides to go 1/2 up? (Kudos for influencing the entire industry, by the way. Much appreciated! Haha!)
Thanks again for doing what you do.
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Would love to know your thoughts on these questions when you get a minute. (Sorry it was yet another wordy post.)
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I didn’t see anything other than this comment ? What was it about?
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Was afraid of that. (It had said something about the server being busy when I’d originally posted it, but then I went to try again, and it said it was going to be a double post. Oddly, it shows up on both my computer and my phone.) Anyway, here’s what I had written:
Thanks for this thoroughgoing review! Been looking forward to it, and it didn’t disappoint!
Your Top Ten ranking, almost upper echelon traction, and comparison of React to Charged reminded me of the Curry 2.5s. I imagine the upper/fit might be one of the biggest contrasts. And maybe the 2.5 slightly more clunky feeling underfoot (I’m assuming that because HD sole setup looks more rounded). Anyway, I’ve logged a couple 2-hour runs in the 2.5s and like them quite a bit (cushioning felt noticeably better—softer—second time around). So, first, thank you for endorsing those bangers (I always thought I favored bouncier cushion, so it’s nice to get the push to try out and discover I can enjoy firmer setups), and, second, if you think it could be a fruitful exercise/example, please share your thoughts on how the HD17 compares to the Curry 2.5s.
Also, would you please elaborate a little on your suggestion that wide footers go up half a size? I generally like a snug fit and almost always go TTS. Did 1/2 up on 2.5s actually, and those feel great; tried to get away with TTS in NXTs, and they killed my slightly bigger left foot (had tried 1/2 up, but the fit felt clumsy, little too long, I think, and flexed awkwardly at forefoot). Guess what I’m getting at is: these look (and sound, from your Materials description) a little more forgiving than the NXT (sorry, never tried on the Kobe XI) in terms of upper stretch/forefoot accommodation, so I’m wondering if I could get away with TTS. Does the raised midsole factor into your recommendation for wides to go 1/2 up? (Kudos for influencing the entire industry, by the way. Much appreciated! Haha!)
Thanks again for doing what you do.
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Damn sorry you had to retype that!
HD17 things it does better than the 2.5: more ankle flexibility, softer more comfy cushioning (if you consider that better) softer materials but containment is still great. Traction pretty similar as well.
Regard to width, it really comes down to preference since the shoe runs a little short you might want to go up half a size regardless of width. Wide footers won’t have issues of sliding around inside the shoe like a regular or narrow footer would ifnthey went up half a size. Hope that helps!
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Was able to copy and paste, so no problem at all. And yes, your response is very helpful—thank you! Sounds like the HD17 has some nice advantages over the 2.5—is there anything that stands out to you that the 2.5 does better? Does the softer cushioning on the HD make it feel like it plays a little slower or less quick/responsive than the 2.5? Thanks!
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I think the fit is better overall with the 2.5 and a little more stable underfoot. Traction about the same which is a great thing. Of course the 2.5 wins on price I’ve seen it for 50 at the outlets. The cushioning isn’t mushy it is just right imo. No lag at all. I’ve had three friends buy the HD17 and all of them love it.
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Cooooool. Thanks! $50 is the nice price—gotta check out the outlets! Excited to try out the HDs once they get marked down too. Thanks again.
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OK, as I said in the Harden thread, the Vol 2s are my current go-tos. Hardly anybody showed up for last night’s run, though—we only had enough for two-on-two—so I decided to give my HD17 lows a spin, figured I’d break ’em in some and get a sense for how they played. My takeaway is that it’s a solid, no-frills type of performer. After a game or two, I started to feel some discomfort in the midfoot on both feet but I played through it and it went away after a few minutes.
I had tried on the mesh ones at the outlet and decided to go TTS. Pretty content with that choice. Did feel a little pressure at the outside of the widest part of my left foot (which I think is a little bigger than my right). But I suspect that’ll go away with break-in, and it wasn’t all that bad to begin with.
Other than the two aforementioned (and hopefully temporary) issues, I kinda forgot about the shoes, which is a good thing. Part of it might be that I was just focused on playing, but if, on my first run in a pair, I’m not distracted with how they feel or play, then they must be pretty damn good. Felt pretty natural. Slight popping of the toebox mesh initially, but I think that already worked itself out.
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Nice! I think the HD plays great even if the cushioning isn’t Zoom or Boost. I’m waiting to grab some lows when the 2018 comes out. Gotta hate it when nobody shows to play!
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Yeah, I agree. Just gotta stay on top of your mechanics to absorb impact and not over-rely on the cushioning setup, otherwise you might be in for some jarring footfalls. Hope you like the lows when you scoop ’em—based off my one half court session, they’re sound performers without any noteworthy flaws.
And yeah, it’s disappointing when nobody shows up. I was all geared up for some full court competition. Seems like the intensity is usually directly proportional to the number of people who are there. It was kinda nice to have the extra space, extra touches, and lower pressure to work on a few moves against actual defenders, though. But all that space (and absence of help defenders) makes it a fairly unrealistic simulation, unfortunately.
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I’m sure I will like them when I do haha
Yea two on two can get boring but if you treat it like a chance to work on stuff it ain’t too bad
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Yep, yep!
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Put in a full 2-hr. run in ’em yesterday. Was gonna wear the Harden V2s but thought numbers were gonna be a little light, like maybe only get 4-on-4, so I assumed it would be a little less intense so why not give the HD17s some full-court action plus a little more break-in time? Ended up having 5s and pretty chippy, competitive games. Happily, the HDs were up to the task and easily handled everything I threw at ’em. More good news: the three issues I mentioned a few days ago (midfoot discomfort, tightness at widest part of left foot, and material popping over toes) never manifested. And the cushioning felt slightly softer, but still very responsive/quick. I stand by my previous assessment that the shoe in general feels very natural, works at one with the foot.
In the evening after playing, I did feel a good deal of fatigue in my legs and feet. Honestly not sure if it was more than what I normally feel after playing in other shoes (Harden V2, CLB16, or AJXXXI lows). I’ll try to keep in mind to compare that. But regardless, thanks for endorsing these great performers (especially when other reviewers kinda wrote ’em off)!
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Haha glad I could help! The HD17 is just solid all around no issues at all for me. In my experience foot soreness could be from the shoes or just how it conforms to your arches. At least you got in some good games !
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I know when I got these, I luckily had an extra pair of sofsole airr insoles lying around. Plunked those in, have to say that I had no issues with joint pain or aches. Just started playing basketball again after a layoff of a few years. Might have to grab a couple more pair to cover me for the foreseeable future. Lol. Traction is beastly.
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Fellow flat footer here too.
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Really appreciate honest reviewers like yourself and all the work that you do.
So after reading your review, nightwing’s and couple others, I am sitting on the fence about whether to get these…
2/3 of the reviews said the cushion felt stiff and dead… but you seemed to find it decent.
I mean if it’s similar to black foam with a lower ride… I wouldn’t call it “stiff and dead” and I think I would actually quite enjoy it… I guess to each of their tastes..
Since I have played in the Hyperdunk 2013 with the Lunarlon… how would you compare the cushion between 2017s and 2013s?
Thank you so much!
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Thank i appreciate it! 2013 vs 2017. I really like the 2017 better because it is full length Lunarlon so it just feels the same heel to toe. I think it feels thicker overall but still low to the ground like a typical Hyperdunk . I hope that helps!
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Thank you sir for your lightning quick reply.
In that case, I will definitely cop when they hit discount because I liked the 2013s (I’m a quick guard).
Have you seen the LA / Chicago colorway of the 17 lows? They are sick!
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I have not actually . Yep wait for price drops for sure to save some $ and maybe get an extra pair
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Have you tried those with better insoles? How’s the cushioning regarding impact protection – how did your ankles,knees, back feel ? I love the looks of the whole HD line and most reviews that i read said the cushion was stiff (well, except yours, and we usually share taste for bball snickers).
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No issues with knee back ankles for me. I haven’t watched or read any reviews but I’m guessing they are smaller players who may not be able to compress it as much. If cushioning is what you’re solely after then look at other shoes but these worked great for me.
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How much do you mean by smaller ? I am 5’9 180-ish heavy footed. My friend which is 195 says his Rose 7s compresses more with me than with him, whatever that means hehe
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Hahah I meant lighter weight than your or me.
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Great Review as always. Which traction do you like better the Drose 7 or this? Thx
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D Rose 7 beats everything
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Thanks, D Rose 7 it is then.
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If I were to get these and wanted to switch out insoles, what insoles would you recommend for basketball?
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Depends what you want your insole to do? Do you want it to support flat feet or do you want softer cushioning? Lots of options out there.
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Thanks for the quick response. Looking for an insole that provides better cushioning without hindering response.
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Man wish I could help with that. The only research I did on insoles were for stability and help with flat feet. I know sof sole makes a cushioned insole that’s pretty good but I forget the name.
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No worries. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your site way more than the company affiliated sites that are becoming less unbiased by the week.
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Thanks Victor that made my day!
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You don’t remember the 2009 because there wasn’t any. They released the Hyperize as the 2009 but then threw them out and continued with the Hyperdunk name instead (the 2010). So technically the Hyperdunks line is 10 year old but there are only 9 Hyperdunk shoes.
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Ah yes the banned Hyperize that makes sense. I skipped those altogether thanks Dennis !
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I tried on the FK version amd I really liked how these hugged my feet. I’m def gonna get them once they get discounted.
Keep up the good work!
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Agreed the raised midsole really does a nice job cradling your foot.
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one of my fav shoes have gotta be the 2011 hyperdunks, im constantly on the lookout for cheap elite ones on ebay lol!
not just the best HD so far, but one of the best balling shoes ever.
that said, i love the looks of these and i’d likely get a pair eventually.
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Yep I really liked the 2011 as well just a great all around shoe (elites were sexy too) !
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Hi Schwollo, you wrote a very through interview that provided excellent insight of the shoe. I just have a question. I need a new pair of ball shoes. I’m a 6 foot, 174 lbs forward, and I need my shoes to have above average ankle support, No heel or forefoot slippage, be constructed of a premium material, have a nice cushion (not too mushy like the Nike Zoom All Out, not too stiff like a Lebron 12, but just a little more stiff than an Air Jordan 31). Oh yeah, and have traction that won’t have me slip out like an Air Jordan 31. Thanks!
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Hyperdunk 2017 would work. Crazy explosive 2017 PK is a good option as well although ankle support isn’t either of their strengths (both very stable though) Rose 7 Curry 2 2.5. There aren’t as many great options as you’d think for an all around good shoe. Hope that helps !
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Thanks! That helps. I’m probably going with the hyperdunk on crazy explosive.
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Btw traction is better on HD, cushioning is better on the crazy explosive.
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I ended up getting the Rose 7, and put an ortholite insole from a running model in. great shoe, and has loads of support especially at the heel. Cushion isn’t as nice as CE, but support is just on another level. The padding was also spectacular imo. Price was also nice at $88 at Footlocker. Can’t beat that. 🙂
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Good choice!
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Hi again friend, I remember you saying the CE had the least amount of boost and they indeed hurt my feet. So for a 6’5 190lb. guy will the HD cushion suffice? -Blessings
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My problem was the forefoot only . The hd does not have that same thinness but it is firmer overall. No issues with being too firm though . I think it’s a really nice blend.
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Perfect! that whats these shoes sound like to me 😉 And yeah the forefoot cushioning on the CE phucked my chit up! and I think it did the same for Leangelo Ball because his stride looked limpy(nohomo) when he wore them in High School. Lol
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Haha
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Thanks for the review! Kind of a random comparison, but do you like these better or Kobe X?
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I like the Hyperdunk better mostly due to better traction.
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wow nice, and the kobe x already had some very good traction, looking forward to the HDs then
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I just wanna say, I’ve had the 2008 HD lows, 2014 HD lows, and 2016 HD lows, and I was skeptical if I would like these more than last year’s. I ended up getting the royal blue flyknit pair, and I’m so glad I did. Even though last year’s cushioning was more soft, these just feel so much more nimble on feet while still having enough impact protection. Now I get why you would put these as your favourite HDs to date. Just wanted to say thank you for the work you put into your reviews!
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Thanks ! Not really work just relaying my observations !
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The impact protection on these have been great. I am a big fan of the cushion setup that is geared more towards response. The shoe feels low to the ground and not bulky at all. Schwollo – have you tried the premium low? I actually like the fit much better and support seems improved over the flyknit since the materials are less flexible. This is a new favorite shoe for sure. I did not like the feeling on foot or fit of the regular lows trying various sizes.
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I have not yet I didn’t even know there was a premium low lol
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Bro how did you do at that tournament and how did the shoe perform. I have the 2016 HD and those are one of the best/underrated performing shoes of all time in my opinion. And we seem to be on the same wavelength as far as shoes go, so I’m very curious about the 2017s.
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Haha we won it. I really like the 2017 just a nice blend of everything just like the 2016. Already had two teammates get a pair as well lol.
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Did you play in either of the national Filipino tourneys last weekend ? Some of my houston and atx guys did
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Hi schwollo, how does the traction of the hyper dunk 2017 compare to the kyire 3?
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Hyperdunk easily better. Kyrie 3 traction is only good on the pods in the forefoot
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I’m definitely gonna wait on these for sure. I hope you are able to Nike ID these or the lows. That’d be a plus. But every Nike stan wishes there would be zoom in the HD line. Looking forward to test these out when they hit outlets (hopefully)
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Yep Zoom is still preferred but in the world of foam I don’t mind React . They will hit outlets don’t worry
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Will these cushion felt like the PG1?
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No much better feeling than the pg1.
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Hey Schwollo, being the shoepert(shoe expert) that you are. Is it posible to make a cushion where React is the core and place a zoom bag inside it?
I’m thinking of a super low profile cushion with great impact protection and bounce! I bet Nike has thought of this and is waiting for the right time to release it. :-0
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Oops forgot to reply
They did something similar with the Lebron xi (lunarlon plus Zoom). Very comfy
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Yup, I have a pair but it’s overkill with the cushion and the bouce back from it actually hurts my knees.
The react cushion feels firmer than lunarlon so maybe it will be a better combination for me. Although the firmness I feel may be coming from the Phylon carrier and react is just a soft as lunarlon idk.
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Hey Schwollo, great job on these reviews! Just wondering, what did you think were the cons of the hyperdunk 2011? I’m thinking of getting a pair from ebay
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Not really many. Rides a little higher than other hds. Traction is great just not as good as the hd17. Upper is plasticky but also not a big deal . Pretty cheap on eBay too
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Thanks for the reply man! Just a couple more question: how is the containment on that shoe, and how do they fit?
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Containment was good fit true to size or half a size down depending on how tight you like them. I stayed true to size for wide feet but there is some wiggle room to go down in size
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Hey Schwollo, I may have spoken too soon about the HD’s being the best shoe 😦
I didn’t notice how high off the ground I was when I 1st tried them on in the mall with all those phat asses walking past me in the store I got sidetracked. Is there an alternative that has just as much impact protection but lower to the ground?
I’m thinking of bounce(the new Mad Bounces) or Jetlon cushioning(but the BB shoe has to have good traction) I’ll even consider the new ANTA brand indorsed by Klay Thompson. Boost isn’t responsive enough but a great recovery shoe for me.
Thanks again and hopefully this is it this time brother 😉
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I don’t feel it’s that high off the ground but to each their own! Check out the Explosive Bounce it sits pretty low and feels great underfoot. Kobe ad mid felt good at the store just didn’t around to buying them yet
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I’m gonna try the explosive bounce’s today based off your review!
I’ve given up on react cushioning, they feel great but I know my knees will eventually give out because the cushioning is caged and like drop-in lunorlon it doesn’t have room to compress enough for me.
The only concern with the explosive bounce’s is: 1.) will it have as much of a bucket effect like sitting in the shoe compared to the dame 4’s, if not then I’m afraid the lack of an outrigger will support my cuts? 2.) Does the cheap knit material strecth too much like the AJ28’S/JC2’s? Thnx!
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Sorry am out of town but no I find it very stable bc of how low it rides. Mesh works ok haven’t had any issue with stretch due to the raised midsole
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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
And holla at me the next time ur in L.A to get balled up Schwollo! 😀
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lol for sure!
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Hey Schwollo,
I meant to say I was “Ordering” the explosive bounce. They don’t have them in any local stores right now. I don’t want you to think I’m wasting ur time if I was trying them on the same day anyway lol!
Enjoy ur day bro if I dont hear from u!
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Hi,
Just curious… how is the durability of the hyperdunk 2017, so far? Too early to tell?
On par with Bounce or Boost in terms of durability?
I’m pretty happy with the Explosive Bounce, so far… I just wish it were a low top!
What is your favorite low top of the year?
Please keep us posted. Your reviews and observations are some of the most helpful I’ve found. Thanks!
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Do you mean the cushioning ? So far it’s kept its feel but I’ve been playing in other shoes so not really a fair assessment. Favorite low is the ajxxxi low and then Kobe nxt. Thanks for the kind words glad they helped !
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Hey Schwollo! How does the cushioning on the HD 2011s compare to the cushioning in the HD 2017s?
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Two different set ups. If you like real Zoom feel then get the 2011 or 2016 hd. Hd 2017 react works well for me but it isn’t Zoom. I think it feels like a bball tuned lunarlon so not mushy feeling . It isn’t as springy as real Zoom though
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Just wondering, what makes the hd 2012, hd 2013 and hd 2016 better than hd 2011?
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The fit is a better and they all sit lower to the ground. Really liked the fit of the 2012 for my feet and although I rarely wear them I can’t get rid of them.
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Hey Schwollo! quick question: On an indoor court surface, would a shoe with XDR rubber have less bite than a shoe with regular rubber? Keep up the great reviews btw!
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Depends on the shoe really. I have an xdr Kobe iv I got from my cousin in tw and can’t tell the difference in terms of traction. However some other shoes I have noticed it doesn’t stick as well. Sorry couldn’t be more definitive!
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Thanks for answering my question!
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Nice review. Also nice hyperdunk ranking (coincidentally I only have the 2 best on the list, 2012 and 2013 lol). And btw, there was no hyperdunk in 2009. Nike released the hyperfuse and the hyperize that year though(i had the hyperize and wore it for almost 4 straight years lol, it was so worn down by the 4th year)
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Yea I know someone reminded me. I remember the commercials lol
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which hyperdunk has the bounciest cushion, and which hyperdunk had the softest/most plush cushion?
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Bounciest hd16 flyknit
Softest? They all are pretty similar in feel and none are way firmer or softer except the 15 which sucked as a whole. Hd13 and 14 feel pretty good though and might be slightly softer and plush than the others
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just my 2 cents, I’ve played in every hyperdunk from the 2010 to 2016 and i feel that the 2011s had the softest cushion once it was broken in 🙂
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They had a nice spring to them like Zoom
Should feel!
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Trying to post a long comment, but it’s not working, so I’ll try breaking it up into parts:
Per both your general- and HD17-specific advice, I’ve been patiently biding my time waiting for discounts on these. Wanted to try them and the XXXI lows on to make sure 1/2 up suited me (don’t like when shoes feel too long—feels clumsy). Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to a store until yesterday, so I missed Cyber Monday/week sales, but anyway, your advice is bang-on for wide footers to go half up in both models. Since they were both full price in store, I held off and hope to find some good deals online now that I know what size but I agree with you that they both fit and feel great, at least trying them on. They felt very different, too. I was shocked when I looked back at your reviews to see that they are the same weight, because the 31 lows felt way lighter on foot. Maybe it was because the HD midsole felt more dense/substantial. Funny how my perception of weight was influenced by other factors.
Did you find that the React had to break in to feel soft? You replied to an earlier question I asked that it feels softer than the Curry 2.5 Charged, but it felt pretty damn firm in store, even before I put the 31 on my other foot. Speaking of which, that Zoom felt pretty good, but—and this reminds me of our differing opinion on the Zoom BB—when I put my weight on the ball of my foot and then shifted it out to my lateral forefoot, it felt like I was standing on a mini-Bosu ball, which wasn’t that great of a feeling… seemed to bottom out if I put most of my weight on one spot (like one might when pushing off on a hard cut)… almost reminds me of the forefoot cushioning of the Reebok DMX Lightning (that I used for a little while in high school until the DMX went flat, which didn’t take too long), but not that bad—hahaha! I haven’t played in a shoe with Zoom in a while, though, so maybe it would just take some adjusting. Your endorsement of the 31s and inclusion of them in your Top Ten certainly makes them appealing. As does the bouncier cushioning—my last couple runs have been in the 2.5s, and, in the last few games, one knee has been tightening up and hurting on some strides. Need to stay on my stretching and foam-rolling, I suspect, but some more cushion would probably feel better in those situations, too.
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Getting back to React: your review questions the durability of React, and then in a Nov. 11 response, you said they were holding up well but you hadn’t played in them a whole lot more, so it wasn’t a great indicator. I get the impression you’ve still been busy with other joints, but, do you by any chance have an update on how React is holding up?
I tried on the Flyknit pairs, and they fit and felt great. The cheapskate in me wonders if the mesh versions would be just as good, but the sucker for marketing and performance tech suspects they wouldn’t be quite as 1-to-1. Haha! Mesh is also appealing because they have the lows, but then I didn’t try them on, so who knows? I know Nick above says he likes the premium lows a lot, and that’s interesting, but the all-suede builds make me concerned about abnormally sweaty feet. I don’t suppose you’ve tried on the mesh ones, but, from your experience with other shoes (maybe like the HD16s), do you think there’d be much difference in feel/performance? I’m thinking now that it’s probably better to stick with what I actually tested out and pony up a little extra dough for the Flyknits, especially since they’re quite flexible at the ankle.
Damn. Sorry. Feel like every time I comment, I write too much. Guess your reviews are so thorough, I have to really get into the minutiae of the shoe, and maybe that requires more explaining. And/or I just geek out too much on all this stuff. Anyway, thanks as always for your attention to these questions—really appreciate it!
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I tried on the lows and mids non FK in store and they feel the same underfoot. Not really a diff up top although the mesh feels a little stiffer than the fk. Lows would be a better comparison and I thought of going for those bc I liked the freedom . eBay has some for 69 bucks. Eastbay has the fk for 119 in certain colors. Hope they response helps!
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Oh and mesh vs fk not really a big diff just like you said it’s marketing .
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I don’t mind long questions at all. Better to preface it than just ask a question lol
Standing around yea you can feel that Zoom teeter a little but once you start moving and playing in it that feeling goes away. My buddy who plays similarly to me picked them up as well said the same thing about the zoom but also got used it it quickly. No ankle turns or anything and he’s coming off the Soldier vi like me lol.
React doesn’t soften up at least not for me. I haven’t logged enough hours in them even after 5 or 6 months due to so many shoes in the rotation plus all the ones I review. Won a tourney in them played great in them no issues for me. Shoes played exactly like I expected for me.
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Alright, cool.
Glad to hear about the 31’s Zoom’s teetering feeling being a nonissue during play—trusted that would be the case. But it’s reassuring and encouraging that they are working out well for both you and your buddy because, as I mentioned before, I’d like to have a bouncier option available (right now I play in either the 2.5s or the CLB16s, and have been considering swapping in my second pair of CLBs since I’ve played a lot in the first pair; although, just messing around in the house, I can’t really feel a big difference in the Boost of the newer vs. the older pair… but then again, relative to other Boost models, that midsole is fairly firm).
Gotcha re. React not softening up. And re. mesh vs. Fk. Yeah, was leaning toward those $119 Fks on Eastbay—kicking myself for whiffing on last week’s sales. And then I was surprised to see a new multicolor/black pair pop up on there (full price, of course). Jury’s still out on whether I really prefer how they look over the other options, but they’re certainly more interesting to look at. But now that you say there’s not much difference between mesh and Fk, and I can get the mesh in low, perhaps for a lot cheaper… well, I have good options! And they have a few pretty nice cws in the lows. I imagine that the stiffness of the mesh would diminish some once broken in, right?
And yeah, as always, your reviews and responses are very helpful. Thank you!
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Hhha I think multicolor trend is played out but then again I don’t collect ultra boosts either so I’m not one on trends haha
If you wait longer hd17 will go down more so if it isn’t a rush don’t rush it.
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Oh, wait—now Eastbay has the multicolored Fks listed at $119 too. Hmm…
Haha!
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I mean, yeah, multicolor is probably played out, and if it ain’t, then it’s well on its way. But multicolor sneakers are more interesting to look at than those with monochromatic uppers, which is an even more played out trend, and almost all the other HD17s have monochromatic uppers (yeah, the Fks are slightly heathered-looking, but their appearance is still pretty boring).
Word—I’m biding my time on ’em for now.
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Ha yea true. The heathering and texture is the appeal of flyknit. Can make a monochrome but it has layers and texture so it looks better. Mesh is just mesh
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I agree. The frustrating thing is that they can do so much more in terms of incorporating designs/patterns into FK. Seem to recall that they started off marketing it talking about that, or at least that they could target some zones for stronger material and some for more flex or whatever, but regardless, some shoes had some unique nuances in pattern that made them pretty interesting—for instance, just the toebox alone of the Kobe IX has a lot of fresh details, to say nothing of the rest of the shoe. But now they don’t seem to be pushing that angle very much, and I suspect a big part of the reason for that recession in design is the enduring popularity of the boring-ass monochrome upper trend. Haha! Lemme step down off my soapbox…
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Haha yep monochrome is blah for me
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how soft is the cushioning when you press down on it?
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I don’t know how to answer that. It’s not bounce or boost soft but it’s soft enough underfoot which is what matters
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And how stable and supportive is these compared to the lows?
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Same. The ankle collar is flimsy
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Do they make these insoles anywhere? They seem to come out really easy to just insert another one.
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Which insoles?
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Sorry…the original insoles in the Hyperdunk 2017s.
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No I don’t think they make them anywhere but you might want to try contacting Nike if you need some.
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Do you play in the originals or take them out and put in your own?
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Originals
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Hey Schwollo,
Does it matter if I get the regular hyperdunks 2017 without the flyknit vs with? I’m seeing a great deal on the hyperdunks without the flyknit and just curious if everything else on the shoe is the same.
Thanks
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Id say the regulars are better for support, snug fit (not as comfortable but keeps your entire foot from moving), and durability. I played in the regulars for a couple weeks…loved them so much I bought 3 more pairs. Only difference is you have to play in them hard once to break them in unlike the flyknit.
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Going to say the same thing lol. The mids have a little more support since the fk ankle is just a sock.
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How’s the hyperdunk 2017 (React) durability so far? Compared to lunarlon? How about compared to Explosive Bounce? Assuming heavy use, maybe 3 days a week (2-3 hours per day), these shoes would hold up 6 months? (I’m hoping it would hold up a year…) Thanks!
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I have too many shoes that rotate in and out that I’m not a good reference. Sorry!
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Good articles man. Have you heard anything about the translucent outsole on this shoe? The traction being the main selling point would make it rough if the traction on a translucent pair was bad
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I have not. I didn’t even know there was a translucent option until I just looked haha
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Nice review as always!
I am interested in getting flyknit version of hyperdunk 2017 but I am kind of worried about sizing. For your pair, did they loosen up as you break them in? If I have width of index finger in them, will they be supportive enough for normal play? Thanks
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Yea finger width is good size wise . They stretch out a little but not much. Depending your your foot width true to size or half size up should work
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I have 3 pair of the FK Hyperdunk 17’s and they all seem to fit different. My Grey pair fits the best and my black pair fits the tightest length wise and I have a navy blue pair that is like in between the other 2 it’s strange but I love them for sure a top shoe for me. Thought maybe I got some defective pairs but after reading your review I see I’m not the only one.
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Hi, can I get your opinion on how these will last outdoors, with regards to traction? Thanks 🙂
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Will wear down quickly bc of thinness of pattern and the rubber. Buy the zoom zero if you want outdoor shoes
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