Sports Lifestyle

Nike’s G.T. Line: The Hyperdunk’s Replacement

Jan 28, 2025

Do you think Nike ever gets tired of making revolutionary basketball shoes that change the landscape of athletic footwear? Well, if they do, they’re not showing it — because they keep coming out with innovative new ways to make basketball shoes lighter, grippier, springier and more supportive. Case in point: the newly-released Nike G.T. series.

These advanced hoop shoes take all of Nike’s groundbreaking basketball shoe knowledge and combine it into a series of sleek, modern court kicks. Let’s take a look at what the Nike G.T. series is all about.

What are Hyperdunks, and why do people miss them?

Hyperdunks were a high-tech line of Nike basketball shoes that first hit the market in 2008. Around that time, Nike realized the need for an updated basketball shoe to suit the new breed of dynamic players who were dominating courts in that era, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. 

That’s how we got the legendary Hyperdunks, which came equipped with multiple brand-new pieces of Nike tech. High-strength Flywire threads created new levels of support without increasing weight, and Lunarlon midsole foam distributed landing weight evenly across the shoe for a responsive ride. These shoes graced the feet of the 2008 US Olympic basketball team during their legendary gold medal campaign and quickly went on to become a favorite of serious hoops players everywhere.

Hyperdunks eventually made their way to the great kicks closet in the sky, and their performance continues to make them a sought-after resale item today. Fortunately, the Nike G.T. series has now arrived to usher in a new generation of court footwear.

What’s the Nike G.T. line?

What’s the Nike G.T. line?

The Nike G.T. series is Nike’s latest entry into serious, player-focused basketball shoes. Each Nike G.T. model — G.T. Cut, G.T. Jump and G.T. Hustle — is performance-tuned for different positions and play styles. They’re ideal choices for anything from a casual pickup basketball game to a competitive league. So, which one is the right pick for you?

Nike G.T. Cut

Nike G.T. Cut basketball shoes are designed for players like point and shooting guards, who need agility and speed to create fast breaks and quick direction changes. The G.T. Cut features a low-top profile that helps you stop, start, shift gears and create separation and containment. But the tech doesn’t stop there, of course.

The G.T. Cut also features beloved Nike Basketball tech like Flywire cables for lightweight support. What’s more, you’ll find full-length ZoomX foam underfoot for extreme energy return that will propel you through every stride and leap. Players who love Nike Kobes will find a lot to like about the G.T. Cut, with many Nike G.T. Cut reviews mentioning the shoe’s exceptional traction and support. 

If you’re looking to maximize your shoe budget, be sure to check out the Nike G.T. Cut Academy, too. These powerful, do-it-all shoes come in at a lower price point and are designed to work for all five positions on the court, though they’re especially good for point and shooting guards.

Nike G.T. Jump

Nike G.T. Jump

The Nike G.T. Jump is a springy shoe ideal for forwards and centers who need footwear that’s ready to blast off. The triple-dose combo of a Zoom Air heel unit and dual Zoom Strobel forefoot units brings out the high flier in anyone, whether you’re going vertical for a tip-off or snatching away a rebound from a defender.

Of course, what goes up must come down. That’s why the heel is packed with Nike React foam, which cushions the impact, helps protect your knees and allows you to hit the ground running. The G.T. Jump is no slouch on mobility and stability either, with a multidirectional herringbone grip pattern and superior ankle protection for quick, decisive switch-ups and crossovers.

Nike G.T. Hustle

You can probably guess from the name that the G.T. Hustle is Nike’s speediest G.T. model. Its ultra-light construction is perfect for point guards and other players who need to channel their inner Sonic the Hedgehog. 

The G.T. Hustle’s design takes inspiration from running shoes, with a breathable lightweight upper that helps you shed heat as you play. On the outsole, a waffle herringbone pattern gives you iron-clad lockdown and pinpoint agility. The true secret weapon, though, is its full-length Zoom Air unit, which delivers the energy return to fuel explosive speed bursts.

Fallen in love with your next basketball shoe yet? Good, because the full Nike G.T. series is ready to lace up at Hibbett. Come through your local Hibbett store and find your fave, or shop our entire Nike Basketball lineup online.

Shop the Story