Nike launches Zoom Hyperfuse, Zoom Hyperdunk

MANILA, Philippines – Nike, Inc. introduces pinnacle performance footwear in the next generation Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 and Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011, both combining unrivaled technical innovations and advantages.  Designed for the player looking for breathability, durability, stability and lightweight footwear, both shoes are built with intuitive design principals unmatched in the industry.

“Our mission at Nike Basketball is to design footwear that gives players an advantage on the court,” said Leo Chang, Nike Basketball Footwear Design Director.  “When designing the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 and Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011, our goal was to maximize durability, breathability and stability with an aggressive aesthetic that sets a new benchmark for the industry.”

After observing the extreme wear-and-tear on footwear on the blacktop basketball courts of China in 2009, the Nike design team employed the new innovation to create a breathable, stable and resilient basketball shoe called the Nike Hyperfuse.  Hyperfuse construction creates a durable composite material composed of three layers; one for stability, one for breathability and the third for durability. All three layers are fused together using heat and pressure to create a level of precision unattainable via traditional cut-and-sew methods.

Hyperfuse construction made a strong statement in basketball and has been adopted in running, training and sportswear. These styles feature a unibody design resulting in lightweight, breathable footwear that minimizes seams that can wear on an athlete’s foot.  In its second generation, at 12.5 ounces in a men’s size 9, the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 basketball shoe minimizes bulky weight while featuring optimal breathability and comfort.  New mesh zones, a midsole wrap and a reinforced collar uphold Nike Basketball’s design mandate to maximize superior performance innovations.

Introduced the summer of 2008 in Beijing, the Nike Hyperdunk shattered the standards for basketball shoe design.  With the introduction of Flywire technology and the fusion of lightweight composite materials, the Nike Hyperdunk proved that a shoe built for the rigors of competition, could shed considerable weight without compromising strength.  Its modern, minimalist aesthetic turned heads and unique color combinations made a statement as well.

In its third evolution, the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 features next generation Flywire technology seamlessly blended in a mesh composite upper to create a design lighter in weight and more breathable than its predecessor.  A new 3-D shaped, glass reinforced composite midfoot shank gives players torsional rigidity and responsiveness, while Nike Zoom units in both the heel and forefoot provide the low-profile, responsive cushioning that players covet.  Weighing in at 11.5 ounces in a men’s size 9, the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 is lightweight without compromising strength and stability.

Continuing to set a new standard for performance innovation, Nike Basketball continues to redefine apparel in addition to footwear.  Nike Hyper Elite woven short features Dri-FIT stretch-woven fabric made of 100%-recycled polyester to pull sweat away to help keep players dry and comfortable. Laser-cut perforations and a Nike Elite graphic on the side panel provide ventilation, while reducing the overall weight of the short. In the past, thick and heavy materials were used in basketball shorts because they were associated with quality and durability.

Times have changed and Nike Basketball took insights from running and soccer performance apparel to create this ultra-lightweight and durable short with evolved fabrication methods.  The Nike Hyper Elite woven short is the same authentic fit as Nike’s top college and federation team shorts.

The Fall 2011 Nike Basketball Collection became available at key retailers worldwide last July 1.

Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 debuted July 1 in Greater China and July 15 in North America, while the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 debuts August 5 in Greater China and August 12 in North America.

Availability extends to global retailers and online at NikeStore.com.  For more information including photos, videos and tech sheets visit NikeMedia.com.