Shoe Review: K-Swiss Hypercourt Pinnacle

• Price: $180
• Weight: 13.9 oz. (men’s 9)
• Size Run: 8-12, 13 (men)
• Outsole Warranty: None

What’s New

The Pinnacle is the latest addition to the Hypercourt family. It’s currently a men’s-only model designed to be the ultimate competition shoe. It features a carbon fiber plate in the midsole to provide added energy return into every step. The X-Cinch Strap integrated into the lacing system helps create a secure fit. Durawrap X molded PU is applied to high-wear areas around the toe cap to increase upper durability. The Shock Spring inner foam unit under the forefoot offers cushioning and bounce to the ball, and a thermal plastic shank on the lateral side supports the mid-foot during aggressive side-to-side movement.

What Works

When it comes to the Hypercourt, K-Swiss doesn’t shy away from superlatives. Already calling one of its members the Supreme, now comes the Pinnacle.

If a shoe is intended for use on the pro tour by endorsers such as Andrey Rublev, it had better be the peak of performance. But that’s essentially what the Pinnacle delivers.

A bootie construction gives the shoe a snug, glove-like fit. The level of padding is a little on the thin side, but not to the point that cinching the laces causes any discomfort. Befitting the style, it takes a little bit of extra effort to get the shoe on the foot versus a traditional tongue, but it’s not a torture test. A pull on the small loop on the heel helps create a little extra space if needed.

K-Swiss shoes typically have a generous cut, but the width of the Pinnacle is more middle-of-the-road and should accommodate most feet. Cinch strap eyelets in the forefoot help dial in the level of squeeze needed for just enough room to splay the toes, yet compact enough to feel supportive and secure. The heel collar has a fair amount of padding to help keep the back of the foot in place and there’s also the option to use a runner’s knot so slippage is hardly a thought.

The upper is composed of a tough and supportive resilient mesh. The weave isn’t airtight so there is some give as well as good breathability. Sliders will appreciate the added material around the toe box to enhance durability. The heel is encapsulated by a firm plastic shell that’s integrated with the last two eyelets, buttressing the back of the foot.

In motion, the Pinnacle feels sturdy, reactive and very comfortable. Its signature feature is the carbon plate buried in the midsole that runs from the rearfoot up to the forefoot (you can see it through the cutout in the outsole). It stores energy on landings and gives you that little extra pushing power when you jet out of the corners. The midfoot is also reinforced by a lateral support chassis which delivers extra backbone and structure.

Shoes with carbon plates can feel a little firm and unyielding. However it’s not an issue here because the piece surrounded by two different types of foam cushioning: Surgelite in the rearfoot and Shock Spring foam in the forefoot. The combination adds up to first-rate cushioning and shock absorption that soaks up any harsh landings.

The outsole has a modified herringbone design. The thick tread with Dragguard in high wear areas is built to withstand hard court abrasion. Yet, the channels are just wide enough to still be serviceable on clay. So it’s capable of handling all-court duties as well.

What Needs Work

With all of its design elements and intent to be worn by serious competitors, the Pinnacle brings some girth to the court. It can feel a little bottom-heavy at times, but it’s really more beefy than cumbersome and nothing unusual for this category.

Similarly, the Pinnacle is a big-ticket item. But worthwhile additions like carbon fiber plates aren’t cheap. It would be a more glaring demerit if the shoe didn’t compare favorably with other high-performance shoes at its price point.

The toughness of the upper and thickness of the cushioning may require a short break-in before the foot settles in, and players with higher arches may want for a little additional support in that part of the shoe. However, these are minor grievances.

When the biggest gripe is probably a wish for different color options—I'm not crazy about the all-orange or white/pink cosmetics—that’s a pretty good problem to have.

Bottom Line

With its innovative design and all-around rock-solid performance, the Hypercourt Pinnacle takes K-Swiss shoes to new heights.