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Combining the best features of the Hyperfuse and Hyperdunk, Nike has created the newest iteration in the Hyper-series of performance basketball shoes. The look of the Hyperenforcer borrows heavily from its predecessors, which isn’t at all a bad thing. I always felt that the Hyperfuse looked too patchy with its generous cut-out perforations, while the Hyperdunk looked too ordinary.
Combining the best features of the Hyperfuse and Hyperdunk, Nike has created the newest iteration in the Hyper-series of performance basketball shoes. The look of the Hyperenforcer borrows heavily from its predecessors, which isn’t at all a bad thing. I always felt that the Hyperfuse looked too patchy with its generous cut-out perforations, while the Hyperdunk looked too ordinary.
The love child of the 2 silhouettes is understated yet more interesting. Its tongue resembles a more padded Hyperfuse and the body is a better ventilated Hyperdunk. Numerous polygons are cut into the Flywire surface to provide flexible ventilation holes for extended play. The external heel counter from the Hyperdunk is replaced by a symbolic one coated in 3M. The Swoosh and laces are also lined with 3M which gives the shoe a bit more pop, especially these being the PE colorway for the West All-Stars. The midsole is every bit Hyperdunk, but the Zoom Air in the forefoot is less pronounced while the Lightweight Phylon feels more substantial. The ankle guard is cut higher and more layered than both to provide maximum protection. Overall, I’d rank the Hyperenforcer the most protective and cushioned of the 3.
The sole on these Hyperenforcers are a no-nonsense, hardcore herringbone design more akin to the Hyperfuse, which is a wise departure from the fancy visible Zoom in the Hyperdunks. A new addition to the sole which I have yet to see in any other shoe is a brush-like contraption which allegedly provides better grip when you land or pivot on your heel. I don’t get up high enough to worry about traction when I land, and I have never ever performed a heel-pivot in my life so I cannot attest to its effectiveness.
Overall, the shoe feels very solid in my hands with its almost-seamless construction. It’s not the lightest shoe on the market, but with the reinforced ankle collar and toe box, I have no complaints. Even the Flywire+Hyperfuse surface feels stronger than before. The imprint in the insole is not unwarranted.
Court performance-wise, the Hyperenforcer are an absolute monster! I played in these on 3 separate occasions and each time I fall deeper in love with them.
Before you play in them, I recommend lacing them up all the way to the top because unless you tie them down, the collars are so well reinforced that they are too rigid to stay close to your ankles. The fit is snug like the Hyperdunks, but not as scratchy because of the additional layers and softer Hyperfuse. I asked for better ventilated Flywire in my ISO 2 review, and lo and behold, I got them. The diamond cuts in the Flywire kept my feet cool the whole time without sacrificing protection or feeling too soft. Bravo Nike, bravo!
Dreamy is the best word to describe the well-endowed cushioning. Even after extended play, each step still felt springy like they were my first. This became especially handy when the 3-point shootout contest I participated in went to triple overtime. I really needed to get my legs under me for that final round and the Hyperenforcer did not disappoint.
Zoom Air in the forefoot does the job well, but I am more impressed by the Lightweight Phylon in the rest of the midsole. It reminded me of the Jordan 2010’s. Yes, that’s how good it felt. Just because it’s not called something Air or Air something doesn’t mean it’s not as good. Perhaps Nike should give Lightweight Phylon a better name like… AIRLON! Or not.
Grip was another highlight of the Hyperenforcer. Dusty courts required multiple hand-swipes on the sole, but once the dust comes off, prepare for some squeaky traction.
For some reason, the laces tend to loosen after extended play. It’s not a huge bother. A few re-ties here and there will easily put the issue to rest. I wonder if it’s because of the rigid ankle collars that stretch out the laces at the top, or the seamless construction which may tend to give way altogether instead of at specific stitch points.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Hyperenforcer to anyone who enjoyed the Hyperfuse or Hyperdunk. Bigger players will benefit most out of the awesome cushioning, while lighter guards may find the sole a bit too thick. If shoe weight is not a big concern for you and you like to bang down-low (and drain the occasional 3’s), these shoes will leap over the competition.
