Nike HyperKO 2.0s and boxing shoes in general.

Mark6pro

Orange Belt
@Orange
Joined
Feb 24, 2021
Messages
273
Reaction score
187
I am a little surprised I couldn't find anything in here about them, but the Nike HyperKO 2.0s came out around summer 2020. All I've seen is a few youtube vids that I appreciate for showing off the features, but am a little suspect about their objectivity.

Anyone have any experience with them? (Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, given they were released in the middle of Covid, but you never know).

Also, how beneficial do you find boxing shoes for training? Do they actually help, fighting aside? And can you recommend an alternative? I was using indoor court (squash) shoes for a while which worked well, and later found the Precision Boxing guy on youtube also recommended indoor courts as an alternative.

Tried basketball shoes but didn't love them for the purpose. There are also those crossfit-specific shoes which I have never tried, and wrestling shoes are often double marketed as boxing shoes. Anyone have any experience with any of these?


Nike HyperKO 2.0 - Black/Grey/Blue - Warrior Fight Store Inc
 
I feel wearing boots make a bit difference to the lower calf / Achilles. I haven’t used the 2.0 but I had the original and they were nice boots. I am using the Nike machomai 2 at the moment and have to say they are best I have used feel more sturdy that the KO

07484B17-6302-49C7-B11A-962C4C6DDD67.jpeg
 
I don't have experience with the HyperKO2 but according to online reviews (and my local version of EBay), the boots fit very small.

I think if you are purchasing for the first time the HyperKO2 is a bit much of an investment to try something out

I have owned several shoes in the past:

Asics Matflex 5
Nike Takedown
Reebok Buck
Wesing Boxing Boot
Nike Machomai 2
Nike HyperKO

A lot of people always suggest to size up when buying boxing boots. In most cases I disagree, boxing boots should be tight to the toe. Anything extra in the length becomes a hindrance (the Wesings were like this). IMO the Machomais fit the best straight out of the box and are very comfortable, but since wearing them in the HyperKOs have the best performance.
For a first-timer I would recommend the Machomais, especially if you can get them for a discount. I picked mine up for 30% off
 
I don't have experience with the HyperKO2 but according to online reviews (and my local version of EBay), the boots fit very small.

I think if you are purchasing for the first time the HyperKO2 is a bit much of an investment to try something out

I have owned several shoes in the past:

Asics Matflex 5
Nike Takedown
Reebok Buck
Wesing Boxing Boot
Nike Machomai 2
Nike HyperKO

A lot of people always suggest to size up when buying boxing boots. In most cases I disagree, boxing boots should be tight to the toe. Anything extra in the length becomes a hindrance (the Wesings were like this). IMO the Machomais fit the best straight out of the box and are very comfortable, but since wearing them in the HyperKOs have the best performance.
For a first-timer I would recommend the Machomais, especially if you can get them for a discount. I picked mine up for 30% off


More of an old-timer and enthusiast than first-timer, but yeah I think the HyperKO 2.0 is more than I've ever spent on footwear. I don't have good luck with shoes where you have to move a size up. The proportions just start to get weird so it's definitely my size or not at all.

How are the Asics Matflex for boxing? Looks like they would pivot well enough and are light. I don't mind that it's not a perfectly flat sole, but it has sort of a sloped top that I wonder if the same ankle support is there, and if that even makes such a difference.
 
More of an old-timer and enthusiast than first-timer, but yeah I think the HyperKO 2.0 is more than I've ever spent on footwear. I don't have good luck with shoes where you have to move a size up. The proportions just start to get weird so it's definitely my size or not at all.

How are the Asics Matflex for boxing? Looks like they would pivot well enough and are light. I don't mind that it's not a perfectly flat sole, but it has sort of a sloped top that I wonder if the same ankle support is there, and if that even makes such a difference.
Sorry meant to say first-timer to boxing shoes rather than implying you are a beginner.
I enjoyed the Matflex. It has decent arch support and is light on the feet. The sol feels a little thinner than the Nikes for example, but I really enjoyed the calf & ankle conditioning putting in rounds shadowboxing and skipping. The only problem with mine was the large rip near the toes on the right foot where someone stepped on them (Southpaw problems).
However, be careful of their sizing. I would say they are true to size as long as you select them properly. For instance in Nike I am 45 EU which is 29cm, but for ASICs 46 EU is 29cm so be careful what you are ordering is actually what you mean to get. Check the cm size of some shoes that fit then choose the Matflex size accordingly
 
I like the Everlast boxing shoes.
As much as their other products suck, their shoes & apparel are solid.
The soles are a bit thicker than most boxing shoes, so they're great for out-of-ring gym workouts.
You'll even see pros wearing these shoes in high profile fights.
Most people i've seen go for the high tops (though the black color doesn't seem to be available most places at the moment):
elite_black_1__1__47665.1575597919.jpg


I prefer the low/mid tops:
61DqS3SUhnL._AC_UL1500_.jpg


The low/mid tops have better sizing options: every full size vs odd-number full sizes only.
 
I may have to check those out too, though I'm wary of any company making shoes that isn't a shoe company.... and of some shoe companies. (Skechers are terrible. Adidas never fits properly, though they make Rockport which on the other hand are the most comfortable dress and casual shoes ever.)
 
I like the Everlast boxing shoes.
As much as their other products suck, their shoes & apparel are solid.
The soles are a bit thicker than most boxing shoes, so they're great for out-of-ring gym workouts.
You'll even see pros wearing these shoes in high profile fights.
Most people i've seen go for the high tops (though the black color doesn't seem to be available most places at the moment):
elite_black_1__1__47665.1575597919.jpg


I prefer the low/mid tops:
61DqS3SUhnL._AC_UL1500_.jpg


The low/mid tops have better sizing options: every full size vs odd-number full sizes only.


Hii do you feel everlast shoes wider than other boxing shoes? Thnx
 
I may have to check those out too, though I'm wary of any company making shoes that isn't a shoe company.... and of some shoe companies. (Skechers are terrible. Adidas never fits properly, though they make Rockport which on the other hand are the most comfortable dress and casual shoes ever.)
Try to pay attention to the next boxing card that comes on.
There are seriously a lot of pros that wear these, even a bunch that aren't endorsed by everlast.
GettyImages-1194017412.jpg
 
Hii do you feel everlast shoes wider than other boxing shoes? Thnx
I have wide feet, so wider is better for me.
I think if these do have a reputation of being too wide, it may be due to the sizing: only odd number sizing for the high tops the last time they were available, full sizes only & no half sizes.
 
I've got a pair of those Everlast, and find them a decent pair of shoes for boxing workouts - they are also excellent for all-round gym work due to that tougher sole. Deontay Wilder is another Pro who wears them.

I've worn Hyper KOs in the past and even though I went half a size up, they were too thin across the foot for me. The strap actually started to hurt after a half hour or so. I don't think I even have all that strangely wide feet!

The newish Adidas Box Hog 3 are a much better option for a "slim" hi-top boot, for me: unbelievably light but feel stable around the ankle and lower calf, look great, and I've never had any issues with the way Adidas fit. They're probably the only brand I never need to alter what size I wear.

Asics Matflex are so light it's like wearing socks - I mean this in a good way. Really flexible and comfortable. Great value too, mostly.

My favourite boots are Reebok Bucks. Mayweather wore them, Canelo often trains in them: they're sturdy and comfortable, offer great support but are not all that heavy. Not sure Reebok make them anymore though.

I've also tried Title boots (not bad) and really want some Venoms and Mizunos, most of all, but they're insanely expensive.
 
I have wide feet, so wider is better for me.
I think if these do have a reputation of being too wide, it may be due to the sizing: only odd number sizing for the high tops the last time they were available, full sizes only & no half sizes.
Great, i also have wide feet too lol. So i am looking shoes like this. Do you have any recommendations for other wider shoes?
I feel hyperko and adidas too narrow for my feet, although some people say to up the size by half or one.
 
I've got a pair of those Everlast, and find them a decent pair of shoes for boxing workouts - they are also excellent for all-round gym work due to that tougher sole. Deontay Wilder is another Pro who wears them.

I've worn Hyper KOs in the past and even though I went half a size up, they were too thin across the foot for me. The strap actually started to hurt after a half hour or so. I don't think I even have all that strangely wide feet!

The newish Adidas Box Hog 3 are a much better option for a "slim" hi-top boot, for me: unbelievably light but feel stable around the ankle and lower calf, look great, and I've never had any issues with the way Adidas fit. They're probably the only brand I never need to alter what size I wear.

Asics Matflex are so light it's like wearing socks - I mean this in a good way. Really flexible and comfortable. Great value too, mostly.

My favourite boots are Reebok Bucks. Mayweather wore them, Canelo often trains in them: they're sturdy and comfortable, offer great support but are not all that heavy. Not sure Reebok make them anymore though.

I've also tried Title boots (not bad) and really want some Venoms and Mizunos, most of all, but they're insanely expensive.

Oh man I disagree with you entirely on the Reeboks. I found them big, clunky and flatfooted. Zero support. They got sent back after a couple of days. On the plus side, they looked awesome. Probably my favourite looking pair of boots
 
Great, i also have wide feet too lol. So i am looking shoes like this. Do you have any recommendations for other wider shoes?
I feel hyperko and adidas too narrow for my feet, although some people say to up the size by half or one.
I have wide feet....
Adidas hog I go up 0.5
Nike hyperko up 1 size
Nike machomai 2 true to size
Reebok true to size

not sure if that helps but I think best to go to a store and try them or order multiple sizes and send one back
 
I have wide feet....
Adidas hog I go up 0.5
Nike hyperko up 1 size
Nike machomai 2 true to size
Reebok true to size

not sure if that helps but I think best to go to a store and try them or order multiple sizes and send one back

Niceee, wide feet group lol.
I have hyperko and reebok and prefer reebok so far.
Is adidas box hog good for wide feet, just saw the shape and the shoes looks really narrow.
But machomai sounds interesting for my next shoes.
Thnx
 
These are the shoes I'm using currently, and they're pretty solid for the price.
Super light, definitely felt a difference when switching from regular sneakers. They also offer plenty of ankle support.
They're not Rival's top-of-the-line (apparently) but I'm quite happy with them.
9ec7635920c242ff88ab15f868dbebff_1800x1800.jpg
 
Thanks for all of the advice. Decided to definitely make the drive to try stuff on. HykperKO 2.0s were good. Definitely more compact but I think they would fit really well after some break-in time. Hard to slip on with the whole sock-like fit going on. Not worth the $100+ premium over the other options in my opinion. Might have been a tossup if the pricing was closer to the rest. Not a slam dunk better performer, even price aside.

Wrestling shoes (Asics Matflex) felt like the ball of the foot was higher than the heel. I can see that being ok to (literally) keep you on your toes, but thought it might feel weird or make some balance issues in the long run, or if I suddenly found myself backpedaling.

Settled on the Machomai 2. They look narrow from the photo but I found they fit pretty normal to other runners or trainers. Didn't have to adjust the sizing from my usual 10.5. Fit well out of the box. Doesn't feel like I'm wearing an ankle brace or anything in terms of support, which is good but I wasn't really sure what to expect. Seems to flex in all the right places.

I'll try to update how they stand up over time and if I think they will make any difference from a training/technical perspective.



shoes.jpg
 
Thanks for all of the advice. Decided to definitely make the drive to try stuff on. HykperKO 2.0s were good. Definitely more compact but I think they would fit really well after some break-in time. Hard to slip on with the whole sock-like fit going on. Not worth the $100+ premium over the other options in my opinion. Might have been a tossup if the pricing was closer to the rest. Not a slam dunk better performer, even price aside.

Wrestling shoes (Asics Matflex) felt like the ball of the foot was higher than the heel. I can see that being ok to (literally) keep you on your toes, but thought it might feel weird or make some balance issues in the long run, or if I suddenly found myself backpedaling.

Settled on the Machomai 2. They look narrow from the photo but I found they fit pretty normal to other runners or trainers. Didn't have to adjust the sizing from my usual 10.5. Fit well out of the box. Doesn't feel like I'm wearing an ankle brace or anything in terms of support, which is good but I wasn't really sure what to expect. Seems to flex in all the right places.

I'll try to update how they stand up over time and if I think they will make any difference from a training/technical perspective.



View attachment 838769
A wise choice these are my personal favourite out of all the ones I have tried
 
Thanks for all of the advice. Decided to definitely make the drive to try stuff on. HykperKO 2.0s were good. Definitely more compact but I think they would fit really well after some break-in time. Hard to slip on with the whole sock-like fit going on. Not worth the $100+ premium over the other options in my opinion. Might have been a tossup if the pricing was closer to the rest. Not a slam dunk better performer, even price aside.

Wrestling shoes (Asics Matflex) felt like the ball of the foot was higher than the heel. I can see that being ok to (literally) keep you on your toes, but thought it might feel weird or make some balance issues in the long run, or if I suddenly found myself backpedaling.

Settled on the Machomai 2. They look narrow from the photo but I found they fit pretty normal to other runners or trainers. Didn't have to adjust the sizing from my usual 10.5. Fit well out of the box. Doesn't feel like I'm wearing an ankle brace or anything in terms of support, which is good but I wasn't really sure what to expect. Seems to flex in all the right places.

I'll try to update how they stand up over time and if I think they will make any difference from a training/technical perspective.



View attachment 838769
Excellent choice. The sole also makes an excellent noise when jumping rope
 
Ik it’s not super important but they look like shit.
 
Back
Top