Innovation Update: Nike Hypervenom Phantom 3
“This is a finisher’s boot. Every component of this
boot was built for goals.”– MAX BLAU, VP Nike FOOTBALL FOOTWEAR
CUT. STRIKE. SCORE.
Hypervenom came onto the scene in 2013 as one of Nike’s biggest innovations in a long time and was intensely popular, even as it replaced a long serving silhouette, the T90. The 2nd generation… not so much. The silo shed high profile players, including the face of the shoe, Neymar Jr. Nike ended up scrapping the newer Nikeskin Upper and brought back the original. Needless to say, the boot needed a refresh, and Nike have delivered a stack of technical updates and improvements to the shoe. This is one of Nike’s most radical updates since 2014: full Flyknit upper and brand new outsole and tooling, all wrapped in a vibrant colorway. The Hypervenom 3 also showcases Flyknit in a low-cut soccer shoe for the first time, and includes all the innovations featured here. This approach addresses criticisms that the real innovations only apply to the mid-cut boots, and making the choice specifically about collar height.
DYNAMIC CONTAINMENT
For the first time, the Hypervenom features a full Flyknit upper, replacing the Hypervenom 2’s Flyknit/Nikeskin hybrid. This premium knit synthetic is well known on Nike’s high-end footwear and allows for a one piece construction and a comfortable, soft fit and feel which is adaptive and reacts to the movement of the player.
In another first, the supportive Flywire cables are free floating within channels knit into the upper. This allows the cables to move independently from the upper and truly from to the shape of the foot, providing dynamic support and containment during quick, sharp cutting movements.
The medial malleolus sits slightly lower than the lateral, so the Dynamic Fit Collar has also been altered to better shape to the body’s physiology. The asymmetrical fit makes sure the collar remains in full contact with the leg during sharp cuts.
DEADLY TOUCH
The Flyknit upper has been molded to create a 3D texture, similarly to the Magista Obra II. The pods are hollow, to create a dampening effect when receiving or passing, aiding control and creating a soft ball feel.
In a move reminiscent of T90, the boot Hypervenom replaced, the pods on the strike zone have been individually filled with a rate-dependent reactive Poron® foam. When struck with a low-density impact, the foam softens, creating a dampening effect when receiving or passing. But when striking a ball at high velocity (shooting, for instance), the foam stiffens upon impact, helping to create rebound as the ball leaves the foot, increasing power.
ALL NEW SYSTEM OF TRACTION
Nike set out to improve traction in medial and lateral cuts with Hypervenom 3. Whereas before the Hypervenom plate featured all conical studs, Nike moved to a conical/ chevron pattern to achieve this goal. Pressure data was used to help determine not only the shape, but also the best placement for each stud.
The hexagonal studs on the medial side allow for smooth rotational traction. They also feature a small 2mm notch to encourage more effective penetration into the ground.
The lateral side features all chevron studs, taking a cue from the latest Mercurial release. This shape has sharper angles, providing better surface area for quick, cutting movements, essentially biting into the turf and adding traction.
HYPER-REACTIVE PLATE
In addition to the new stud pattern, Nike also re-tuned the soleplate itself to be more flexible and follow the movement of the foot more naturally. This Hyper-Reactive soleplate is the product of 6 years of research and development. The edges of the soleplate have been softened to make the transition from plate to upper more seamless. The plate features a flexible base with variable density and thickness to provide both flexibility and support. Inspired by Nike Free, flex groves have been added in the forefoot which help keep the studs engaged for longer, reducing slippage.
Internally, the Nike Grip system reduces slippage inside the boot itself. Grip zones in the forefoot and heel along the insole board interlock with groves on the bottom of the insole to keep the insole from moving during fast cuts. Groves are also found on top of the insole which are meant to grip with Nike’s Nike Grip socks further reducing slippage within the boot.
HypervenomX Proximo
SMALL TWEAKS FOR THE SMALL SIDED GAME
In the past for their SoccerX line Nike have taken the upper directly from the top-tier FG shoe and put it on a turf or indoor outsole. For the new HypervenomX Proximo, they’ve made modifications to suit the small sided game even better. The texturing on the upper has been reduced slightly to accommodate for the quicker pace and tightness of the game. The foam pads have also been removed, as finesse, not power is what is required – the player does not benefit from the additional force or distance on a small pitch. Based on player feedback, the outsole is low and thin in the forefoot for better ball feel, and has more cushioning in the heel for comfort on harder surfaces. The midsole is Phylon, and features a Zoom unit (the first on a soccer shoe since the Total 90 Air Zoom in the early 2000’s).
NIKE ZOOM AIR
Main benefits
- Low-profile, responsive cushioning for fast off-the-mark movements
- High energy return
- Heightened ground feel, for increased awareness and control
- Offers the responsiveness needed for fast cuts of the Hypervenom player
How it works
- The unique responsiveness of Zoom Air cushioning comes from the tensile fibers placed inside a pressurized Nike Air unit
- Air pressure puts the fibers in tension
- Upon impact, the fibers release their tension and help distribute the load…
- … and then snap back with excellent efficiency, providing a responsive feel
The new Nike Hypervenom 3 is available now!
