Laced Up | Nike HyperVenom Review
If there's one thing the Nike HyperVenom hasn't been short of, it's publicity. We're sure some of you have already returned to pre-season training to see one of your team mates rocking 'Neymar's new boots. But now that we're finally able to pick up a pair in stores, we thought it'd be the ideal time to slip on a pair ourselves.
Despite groundsmen struggling to rescue oven baked pitches from the plus thirty degree temperatures this summer, we managed to get time on a pitch close to our SB offices to film our latest 'Laced Up' feature, before also using them in our pre-season training sessions to really get to grips with the boots and how they perform.
Expectations were always going to be high. From the get-go, we knew the HyperVenom was going to impress us - this is a boot that's been over two years in the making. But have Nike made one of their best boots to date? Do they live up to the hype and should you really consider a pair for this season? They're the questions we wanted answering.
We've had a long time to consider the look of the HyperVenom. Though not a colourway we'd jump straight in to, the Black/Citrus launch boot is already one the most instantly recognisable boots in the game. But with new colourways including the Lime/White/Black and Charcoal/Crimson/Black, they're becoming increasingly hard to resist. Still, it's hard to say we're 100% sold on the look of the boot. Maybe it's that damn skull...
Before slipping on the Nike HyperVenom, we were most interested to see how they delivered in comfort and fit. The boots have been designed using a new "Anatomical X1.1" last to accommodate wide feet - something we were very pleased about. The boots provided a perfect close-fitted feel with noticeable width across the forefoot. For those of us with wider wedges, the HyperVenom improves from where the T90 left off. Worry over.
The generous width combines spectacularly with the boots key technologies to create a super-snug and comfortable fit that trumps all other Nike boots. The highly responsive NikeSkin upper wraps the entire shoe, giving a sock-like fit that's noticeably supportive in sharp, cutting movements. The internal agility cage, that uses a support band across the medial lateral quarters, reinforces the stability and confidence the boots give you. 
The heel design was one of the most pleasing elements of the boot. Nike actively altered the construction of the heel to prevent blisters, giving it a softer and more responsive design. A new off-set seam which runs down the left side of the heel is unique to the HyperVenom and allows for a looser, more natural fit. There were no blisters to report throughout any stages of our testing.
The performance of the NikeSkin technology took some getting used to - this is the first time Nike have used the material on a football boot and it's different to anything we've experienced before. No boot is going to make you dribble like Neymar, but the HyperVenom will go some way to helping you to keep the ball under close control. 
The high friction NikeSkin provides greater levels of grip on the ball - something which took us by surprise. We initially found the ball getting stuck under our feet before getting used to the feel and touch. The NikeSkin alone makes the HyperVenom different to any other boot on the market. It gives you a completely different and closer relationship with the ball when compared to a synthetic or leather boot. Combine NikeSkin with ACC technology and Nike might have just made the perfect wet weather boot.
Nike have equipped the Hypervenom with a lightweight, supportive responsive nylon chassis to cope with the most agile players on the most difficult surfaces. On a rock hard surface, the split-toe plate comes into its own. If you're going to be darting in between tight spaces, you don't want to lose your footing. The split-toe construction should keep you on your feet as you push off in different directions. At all times we felt in control during the high speed exercises and movements. 
Editor's notes- Nike have developed new technologies to create one of the most unique boots in the game. The NikeSkin material delivers an entirely new touch and feel on the ball that's something to be experienced, while the "Anatomical X1.1" last opens the door to a wide variety of players - pun intended!
The HyperVenom represents a fresh direction for Nike with a boot perfectly equipped for the creative, attacking player. It will be interesting to see how Nike evolve the silo and what new elements they bring to the boot over time. For now though, you and I both know this release will have a lot of us reaching for our wallets.
