Thursday , November 7 2024

Up Close – Nike Free Hypervenom 2

Nike Free Hypervenom II

A few weeks back, I took a chance and picked up a fresh pair of the combined soccer/running inspired Nike Free Hypervenom 2 FS that were listed at a ridiculously good price. In the past, I’ve been hesitant about the Hypervenom shoe series in the past – mostly related to fit – and never considered the fact that they might actually be a decent everyday shoe option. What I now know is that was a complete misjudgment on my behalf! This pair comes in Flat Silver/Obsidian, and was originally released this past September.

So, what have they going on that makes them so special?

You open the box for the first time, and the visual appearance is quite dramatic, in a positive way. The graphic style safari print pattern that sits across the Nike Skin upper just looks right. Added to that, Flywire that runs through the asymmetrical lacing system gives them a more futuristic appearance. Of course, this also comes together to offer performance benefits including a more custom fit and lightweight feel.

Nike Free Hypervenom II Unboxing

Nike Free Hypervenom II Side Profile

Then there is the inner sleeve design, something that has caused some issues when trying to slip them on. It is designed to fit extremely tight, so that the shoe hugs your foot securely in place through wear. In order to get my foot in, I had to loosen the laces right to the end and really work my foot in using both tongue and heel pull tabs. At the beginning it took some work and was not an easy process! This continued to be an issue until someone on instagram, njmason, offered me some valuable advice: “Key to getting these on is to loosen the laces at the top and just tuck the ends into the sides without tying them.”

Nike FC Free Hypervenom 2

Nike FC Free Hypervenom 2 Inner Layer

I’ve since started tucking the laces in and it has been a real success. In my case, I’ve been wearing them as an everyday shoe (they have a fashionable look with jeans.) But, for some they will be a running shoe. If that is the case, you are going to need to loosen and tie them each time you wear. It is probably what you do with your current running shoes anyway, plus it shouldn’t be a big deal if you value the overall performance on offer.

Nike Free Hypervenom 2 Flywire

Nike Free Hypervenom 2 Up Close

Nike Free Hypervenom 2 Flywire and Lacing

It is the sole that makes these a true running shoe options. Nike use their highly reviewed Free 3.0 outsole that gives you natural feeling flexibility and support through running motion. As per the images, there are separate pods that allow for the material to crease in different areas and directions to really adjust to the surface you are running on!

Nike Free Hypervenom 2 Sole

Nike Free Hypervenom 2 Flexed Sole

As a soccer style shoe, they definitely can be used on the random occasion you need to jump into a quick short sided game and don’t have other shoes with you, especially when it comes to playing on court. But they are not intended to be an exclusive soccer shoe. Don’t purchase them intending to use them full time playing indoor – it is not their purpose.

Listed for $129.99, there are several pairs available at soccer.com

Nike Free Options

About Bryan Byrne

The mastermind behind the revolution that is SoccerCleats101. Bryan started this website back in 2008 and has been testing boots on a daily basis ever since. Check out our About Page for more details on Bryan and the website.

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