Nike Hyperdunk at the 2016 Rio Olympics: Who from the Team USA Basketball is Wearing the Shoes?
Kicks Will Feature Built-in Sock Design and ZoomAir Airbags
The Nike Hyperdunk will make its debut at the Rio Olympics 2016!
The latest Nike shoe, known for its comfortable feel and awesome design, is set to fly at the Summer Games; and who else would better wear the Hyperdunk than Paul George from team USA Basketball?
George, among others from the US team, will sport the Hyperdunk as they play against tough athletes from different delegations. Nike believes that George has all the qualities that the Hyperdunk represents such as speed, elevation and lateral cutting ability, reports say.
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Designer gives a preview days before the Olympics
Leo Chang, Nike designer, gave Nike shoe fans and basketball fans a preview of the Hyperdunk, two days before the games began. He spoke with SB Nation and mentioned about the shoe's design and Hyperdunk's history. He also explained why George was the perfect one to represent Hyperdunk.
Chang said that the first feature that makes the Hyperdunk standout is the sock which replaces the tongue of the shoe. People wanted to know how this design came to be and he answered that this was because they wanted a shoe with a "sock-like feel." A sock effectively wraps itself up on a foot; however, it is impossible to play basketball wearing only socks.
Chang mentioned that the shoe was engineered to contain the foot and reduce the number of layers present when a person wears shoes and socks. There is no tongue so players will be able to move from side to side, without it sliding to the sides as well. Hyperdunk reduces that distraction. The shoe also has a high cuff so it hugs the ankle and provides ample compressive force and support. Finally, underneath the shoe is Nike's ZoomAir airbag that allows instant responsiveness, great cushioning and explosive jumps.
Original Hyperdunk released in 2008
This was actually not the first time the shoe was seen in public. The original Hyperdunk was released in 2008 for the Olympics. Nike treats the shoe as its signature shoe and uses the Olympics as the perfect platform to debut their latest design.
The original Hyperdunk was the first shoe that featured composite upper technology. Before this, the company used leather or synthetic leather. Nike also considers designs made by their competition, which followed after the release of the original Hyperdunk.
Why Paul George?
Chang also mentioned that George was the best fit to represent Hyperdunk because he is a versatile player. He can perform no matter what and does a bit of everything as well. The designer praised George, saying that he is a good offensive player, a great defensive player and can play any positions in the game.
