Hyperdunk 2016

Rebound Year for the Line

After 2015's lukewarm reception, the Hyperdunk 2016 was a clear course correction 鈥 what WearTesters' Duke4005 called 'the rebound.' Three versions launched: a regular Hyperfuse-and-mesh build, a Low, and a $200 Flyknit Elite featuring full-length Zoom Air. The cored-out Phylon tooling meant Zoom units could compress more freely, restoring the responsive, springy ride that fans associated with earlier Hyperdunks like the 2011. Schwollo and Live for BBALL specifically praised the Flyknit version as 'true definition of versatility' suitable for any position. The blade traction pattern, similar to the Kyrie 2's, performed consistently indoors. The main caveats: the Flyknit toebox was glue-backed and didn't conform fully, the Flyknit version ran long and narrow, and the $200 Elite price was widely criticized. The 2016 is now remembered as one of the strongest Hyperdunks of the late-decade era.