The design and synthesis of highly active hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst with strong stability is highly desirable and challenging. In this work, we followed simple two-step strategy to grow Nickel-Cobalt phosphide nanowires (NiCoP NWs) directly on the Ni foam (NF) by hydrothermal method. Catalytic current density of 10 mA cm(-2) at an over potential of 118 mV has been obtained. Prepared material exhibited long-term stability and nearly 100% Faradaic efficiency in 0.5 M H2SO4 for HER. Ni and Co composite materials with amorphous structure are considered as better catalysts by exhibiting the higher activity. The results in this paper might promote further development of the advanced catalysts for special electrochemical properties and other devices. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.