Apparently when Neymar opened the box for a first glimpse of the Hypervenom II he gasped with excitement, eyes bulging and a wild grin spreading across that famous face.
– #360reviews: Nike Hypervenom X
It’s not exactly hard to see why. Nike’s new boots are visually stunning with a vibrant orange print dancing across the sole plate and jagging aggressively along the side of the ‘wolf grey’ upper.
The finished product makes you stop, lean your head back and take your time soaking up that first impression – they leave their mark. But the zig zag design is not just for aesthetics, it’s the essence of the boot, stemming from their concept and mirroring performance.
Hypervenom II – soon to be available in a blue/yellow women’s version – are built for what Nike call ‘deadly agility’. In effect, the ultimate aid for twisting or turning out of a tight situation. So if you’re a player who wants to change direction quickly and cut away from a defender then these are the boots for you.
There is little doubt Nike deliver on their promise. Put simply, there’s not a boot on the market offering a player such profound dynamism. The design team studied how the 360 essentials foot moves in football-specific scenarios and their findings manifest in the ‘flex grooves’ scored into the upper of the boot.
A softer sole base adds to the mix while newly-introduced Flywire and the Dynamic Fit Collar mean you are securely locked in.
There’s no slippage whatsoever – even when changing direction at full pace – and your confidence soars. Despite a firm, snug fit there’s no compromise on comfort.
The minimal laces are external and the seam on the collar is to one side and genuinely imperceptible. We trialled them for over two hours without a single feeling of intrusion or irritation.
The single biggest change from the original Hypervenom is in the construct of the upper, which is now far sturdier. The main benefit is that when you strike the ball you feel a discernible ‘ping’. It’s a crisp and deeply satisfying sensation.
Every shot feels like a cover drive out of the middle of a cricket bat and whether it’s the in-step, outside or face of the boot, you always feel you can strike the ball cleanly.
We rate it: 10 out of 10: They look, feel and perform like an iconic addition to Nike’s catalogue.
Where to Buy: Nike stores in the UAE or Nike.com.
Price: Boot with collar is Dh1,349, without collar is Dh1,049.
