Introducing the Nike Hyperchase Basketball Shoe for Playmakers like James Harden
February 10, 2015
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Basketball footwear design requires obsessive attention to footwork. Both the lateral and vertical nature of the game requires shoes engineered for the specific movements of hoops.
With All-Star guard James Harden as the muse, designer Tony Hardman delivers the Nike Hyperchase, built for dynamic performance and inspired by sleek, modern fighter jets. The asymmetrical design, dynamic Flywire and hexagonal traction pattern all work together in this low profile, striking silhouette.
A SHOE FIT FOR JAMES HARDEN’S FOOTWORK
James Harden’s footwork is considered best-in-class, and separates his game from many of basketball’s elite. As the league’s leading scorer at 27 points per game, his quick forefoot shuffling allows him to create space and put defenders on their heels. At times it looks like the All-Star is dancing with his opponents at the top of the key and his Eurosteps hypnotize defenders.
With Harden’s footwork and dynamic movements in mind, Hardman designed the Nike Hyperchase to give the MVP candidate the best solution for the season’s second half. The Hyperchase is built to deliver instant responsiveness and quick movements without slippage. The Swoosh angle on the shoe is intentionally positioned to read accurately when an athlete, like Harden, is on their toes – a position that’s common for quick, dynamic athletes.
Animated artwork created by @PatrickTruby.
“What excites me most about the Nike Hyperchase is it allows me to jab and cut with no distractions,” said Harden. “It gives me the support and traction tailored to my footwork.”
The Nike Hyperchase combines three essential performance elements: natural motion, forefoot lockdown and dynamic traction:
UPPER THAT MOVES INTUITIVELY
The Hyperchase upper is made with two-layers of mesh and strategically placed overlays for flexibility and support. It incorporates fewer layers of material for lightweight comfort.
Flywire technology on the lateral forefoot integrates with the laces for dynamic lockdown; strong cables loosen and tighten with the natural motion of the foot.
Asymmetrical design allows the shoe to move intuitively with the foot with more surface area on the lateral side for better containment and stability when cutting from side to side.
Partial bootie made of mesh enhances breathability and provides a comfortable fit.
Midsole Comfort and Stability
A lightweight drop-in midsole insert provides lightweight cushioning that sits lower internally for superior stability.
The low-profile Phylon midsole wraps up on the heel and lateral forefoot for lockdown fit and lateral stability.
Outsole Versatility
The versatile rubber outsole provides durability on a variety of surfaces.
Hexagonal pattern provides excellent traction for multidirectional movement.
The Nike Hyperchase will be available beginning Feb. 12 at nike.com and select retail locations. The inaugural colorway is customized for Harden as he competes in New York City against the game’s elite on Feb. 15.
Read More: Nike Basketball