Nike and Hyperice dropped a high-tech sneaker-meets-massager — but will it catch on? Boardroom’s Michelai Graham shares a hot take.
What does the future of athletic recovery look like?
If you ask Nike and Hyperice, it’s wearable, wireless, and walks like a sneaker. The two performance giants have officially unveiled the name and release date for their high-tech recovery shoe designed to change the way athletes — and everyday movers — care for their feet.
Meet the Hyperboot.
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The new details come after the product was first teased during the 2024 Summer Olympics, fueling speculation across the sports tech world. Nike and Hyperice’s collaboration is rooted in innovation. Back in 2022, Hyperice Founder Anthony Katz reached out to Tobie Hatfield, Senior Director of Nike Athlete Innovation, with a bold concept: a fully wearable recovery solution for feet that integrates compression and heat. A primary goal of its development, according to Katz, was to create a product that could get an athlete back to peak performance as quickly as possible, harkening back to the company’s roots inspired by the late Kobe Bryant. That single phone call sparked a multi-year partnership — and now, the Hyperboot is here.
The real question is: how essential is foot recovery — and could a product like this redefine the way active people recover?
Here’s my hot take: the Hyperboot is the Apple Vision Pro of fitness recovery.
It’s futuristic, functional, and undeniably cool — but it’s also $899. While I do think the Hyperboot is a worthwhile product, it’s likely to remain a status symbol for a while, not a staple. Just like the Vision Pro, it feels ahead of its time and ahead of most people’s budgets.
Nike and Hyperice have created something that elite athletes and recovery diehards will rave about, but to break into the mainstream, they’ll need a more accessible iteration. A “Hyperboot SE,” if you will. Until then, don’t be surprised if this boot gets side-eyed in airports and locker rooms before becoming a norm.
The Key Specs
And the branding is loud: I counted four Nike logos and two Hyperice ones, particularly busy near the heel. But considering this is a co-branded performance piece, the presence makes sense.
The Hyperboot is a high-top recovery shoe built for more than post-game rest. Each boot features dynamic air compression, delivered through two air bladders that inflate in massage-like patterns, and targeted heating that reaches up to 125°F — all controlled by onboard buttons or the Hyperice app. There are three compression levels and three heat levels, and the battery performance adjusts accordingly. You’ll get 1 to 1.5 hours when using both features together, or up to 8 hours on massage mode alone. A full USB-C charge takes about five to six hours, with the battery seamlessly tucked into the sole beneath a padded foam layer.
At 3.5 pounds per pair, the Hyperboot feels heavy in your hands, but not on your feet. The fit is secure, cushioned, and easy to adjust thanks to a smart velcro closure. There are no pressure points or awkward seams, and the boots stayed comfortable for hours during my first trial. Walking while the massage is active feels odd at first — like stepping mid-massage — but it’s an experience you get used to.
Pre-orders for the Hyperboot open April 17, with an official launch set for May 17 at Nike.com, Hyperice.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and select retailers.
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