A Closer Look at the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse

If you have enjoyed basketball for a long time, then the names Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal have become embedded in your head as the iconic players of all time. Maybe they even encouraged you to think of how you can use your talents to make some money considering that the two have become millionaires thanks to the time spent dribbling the ball on the court. Since playing basketball is a profession like any other, you must have the right tools of the trade, and in this instance, your sneakers will impact your game. Many shoes have been made not just to help players improve their game, but for fashionistas to make a fashion statement. The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse is one such shoe that has been in existence for a while now, and here is what you need to know about it.

Introduction of the Hyperfuse

The Hyperfuse goes back to 2010 when the basketball courts in Beijing portrayed such an eyesore due to the worn out basketball shoes, and it was then that it was decided that something should be done to address the situation. Leo Chang, the lead designer, therefore started from the basics in ensuring that the shoe they came up with had three distinct features: lightweight, breathability, and durability. Technology became necessary in creating the new shoe, and unlike those shoes that you have to cut and sew in the seams, the Nike Hyperfuse used heat and pressure to create a material that rendered the three features. The technology is what is referred to as Hyperfuse, although the name soon became synonymous with the shoe. Hyperfuse technology produces a material comprising three layers; the base layer is for stability and helps to contain the foot, the middle layer is made of a mesh hence is breathable, and for durability, the third layer is the skin for protection as Nike describes.

Breathability

Imagine playing basketball during summer and as sweat is running down your face and armpits and wetting your jersey, your feet like they are in an oven about to explode. That must have been the experience most players endured before the Hyperfuse shoes were created, and now they appreciate the breathability that the mesh material offers. However, this was not always the case even with the Hyperfuse since Wear Testers inform in that the 2012 model was not offering much breathability despite the Hyperfuse technology being fused into it. Matter of fact is spending time in the basketball court had your feet squishing wet at the end of the day, but newer models have continued to address the issue, and you can now wear the shoes without the fear of improper ventilation.

Durability

No matter how rich you are, wasting money is never your agenda and buying a product that will not last long enough to make you feel like you have fully utilized it would be a waste of your hard-earned cash. Thankfully, the Hyperfuse sneakers were created with the sole purpose of ensuring that the courts were no longer disgraced with worn-out shoes. The skin fused into the materials ensures that the shoes are stiff enough to last without compromising on the movement of the wearer while on the court.

Lightweight

Speed on the basketball court will determine if the rivals will beat you or if you end up winning the championships and one thing that plays a huge role into your game is the type of shoes you wear. Heavy sneakers will have you feeling like you cannot lift your feet, but with the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse being lightweight, you will be defying gravity much to the advantage of your score. They are light enough to make you forget you have shoes on enabling you to move with ease and lay out the best moves on the court.

Forefoot cushioning

Basketball players fly into the air, and a pair of shoes that do not provide cushioning upon landing will result in sore feet by the end of the game. The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse has lots of cushioning, especially in the forefoot. However, if you do not prefer the dense cushioning, you can opt for an insole.

Fit

The Hyperfuse fit true to size so no need to worry about ordering a pair that is either a size smaller or bigger. However, the width all depends on how narrow or wide your feet are; those with wide feet will find the sneakers ideal while those with a narrow fit might find the shoes a bit too roomy for their taste especially in the forefoot area.

Traction

Sports shoes are like tires; without proper traction, your car is bound to lose grip making acceleration in slippery conditions almost impossible. Likewise, basketball courts are low–friction areas and, the Hyperfuse sneakers have a herringbone pattern in the outsole to help players gain traction control, while the grooves facilitate a grip on both indoors and outdoors. Further, with the pattern, dust does not get clogged up since the groove is not tightly spaced.

Downsides

As much as the sneakers have been praised for introducing the Hyperfuse technology, they still could use some improvements; after all, nothing is perfect, and there is always room to become better.

Heel cushioning

Consequently, although the cushioning has been termed as ideal in the foot area, the heel has been ignored as Nice Kicks highlights explain that the extra cushioning in the toe area was to encourage players to play on their toes.

Lockdown

If you have ever watched a child trying to put on shoes with the laces tied up, then you probably will understand the frustration you will get with the Hyperfuse when you try to put them on or off. Since they fit true to size, lacing them up does not have to be too tight, and you do not get concerned about the possibility of your feet slipping within the sneakers. However, once laced up, the time you will spend trying to get them off your feet can be annoying for the impatient.