Nike Epic React Flyknit 1 Review

Truly Epic or Overhyped?

Background

The Nike Epic React Flyknit. Even before it came out, there were tons of hype surrounding the shoe. People questioned if this was Nike’s response to the extremely popular Adidas Ultraboost. Nike went with a robust marketing campaign, including heavy advertising of pictures of the shoe on pillows, sponges and springs. Marketed as ‘incredibly bouncy’, providing ‘crazy comfort’, and a ‘lightweight and soft yet responsive ride, mile after mile’, one can only wonder if the Epic React truly delivers or is built around empty promises and false advertising.

Specs

Weight: 239grams (8.4oz)

Heel to toe offset (drop): 10mm

Forefoot stack: 18mm

Rearfoot stack: 28mm

Price: $229 SGD

Upper

Technology:

Single piece Flyknit construction that provides support, flexibility and breathability in a sock-like fit.

Thoughts:

The upper was very very snug when I first put the shoe on. In fact, the shoe was annoyingly difficult to wear. I understand that Flyknit tends to fit more snugly than conventional mesh uppers, but this was abit too much for my liking. The constrictive feeling, especially in the forefoot region, eventually went away after wearing the shoe for a few casual strolls and runs. Once the upper stretched out, it felt sock-like, except if the sock was thick and stiff. Don’t get me wrong, the Flyknit is comfortable, just not to the extent of the other Flyknit uppers used in the past.

The lacing wasn’t great. Sure, the elastic upper holds the foot in place well. There wasn’t any slippage within the shoe and my foot was held down well. However, the laces did not do much to wrap the Flyknit more securely around the foot. I just wished that Nike used the concept used in either the Zoom Fly or Vaporfly that really allowed the laces to pull the upper around your foot like a burrito.

The elastic tongue is part of the one-piece construction. Lacing pressure can become a concern due to the lack of padding. As long as your shoe laces aren’t tied too tightly, this should not pose a problem.

Ankle Collar/Heel Counter

The heel counter is decently supportive and form fitting, with a synthetic suede heel lining to prevent slippage and blisters. I found no heel slippage at any speeds. A word of caution not to wear the shoe sockless; the ankle collar isn’t exactly the smoothest and may irritate your skin at your Achilles.

Also, a heel shelf stabilises the back of your foot to help keep your heel from rocking as your foot 

lands. This effectively centres my foot over the midsole to provide a more stable and directed feel.

Fit

True to Size. Do take note of the narrow forefoot fit.

Midsole Technology and Ride Quality

Technology:

After over 400 different combinations of chemistry and processing and 17,000 miles of testing with some of their elite and everyday runners, Nike has come up with the React foam midsole in the Epic React.

Every company of late has their own special foam: Flytefoam from Asics, Everun from Saucony, Boost from Adidas, FuelCell from New Balance and DNA AMP from Brooks just to name a few. This React foam, however, differs from the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) types that many of the above-mentioned companies are using. Instead, Nike utilizes a synthetic rubber blend that claims to provide softness, responsiveness and long-lasting durability in a lightweight package.

Compared to Nike’s other proprietary cushioning, Lunarlon, the React foam claims to have 13% more energy return but yet provides a softer feel underfoot. As a direct comparison to the Nike LunarEpic Flyknit 2, the Nike Epic React Flyknit is ‘5% lighter, 11% softer and provides 10% more energy return’.

Thoughts:

The React foam lives up to its claims to some extent, providing a decent amount of cushioning and responsiveness for its mere 239grams. The foam is not as spongey as Nike has advertised but feels better than conventional EVA foam. The Flexibility is fair, bounce is subtle, and the softness is on the moderate side. Compared to Everun, Boost and other Polyurethane (PU) midsole blends, React foam has less of a bounce but weighs much less.

I tested the Epic React through variety of paces, from long runs to speedwork on the track. The foam was stable and responsive, especially so when I pushed the pace. The midsole delivered quick bounce back and did not bottom out. I would, however, caution bringing this shoe to the track for speedwork as transitions aren’t the quickest. I found that the shoe felt best at steady paces of about 4:45-5:15min/km.

I read from other reviews that the synthetic rubber foam performed better in warmer temperatures. I wouldn’t be sure about the feel in different temperatures, but the foam was decently soft in a warm Singapore weather of 32 degrees Celsius.

Stability

The wide forefoot and heel prevents the shoe from having any medial/lateral bias. Also, the heel shelf at the back of the shoe helped to keep my foot centred on the midsole. Despite being supportive, do note that this is very much a neutral shoe and those seeking more stability should look elsewhere.

Outsole

Technology:

‘Strategic’ rubber placements in the toe and heel to keep the shoe as light as possible. These rubber sections on the toe and heel supposedly help you grip the ground and push off. React foam covering the rest of the midsole.

Thoughts:

The rubber placements in the toe make absolutely no sense. No one lands on the toe upon impact. It seems like Nike has rectified the situation in the Odyssey React, a cheaper alternative to the Epic React. I wish Nike placed the outsole rubber in the same configuration as the Zoom Fly. That said, the React foam which covers most of the outsole is grippy on asphalt, concrete and track surfaces. The outsole grip performs decently in mildly wet conditions. As for anything off-road, don’t expect any grip whatsoever.

Durability

Nike claims to have purposely gone as minimal as possible with outsole rubber coverage to better enhance the feeling of the React foam underfoot. Some scuffing can be seen on the lateral side of the foam. Besides the visible wear on the sole, no loss of cushioning has been felt after more than 100km of multi-paced running. Nike mentioned that the foam should feel the same even after 300miles.

Types of Workouts

The Nike Epic React Flyknit is a lightweight versatile trainer that is best used for tempo runs up to long runs.

Pros:

·       Versatile

·       Doubles up as a lifestyle sneaker (Looks Great!)

·       Great cushion to weight ratio

·       Lively midsole (Bouncy!)

Cons:

·       Can be difficult to put on at first.

(Upper ‘relaxes’ after a few uses but remains quite snug at the forefoot region)

·       Outsole rubber placement that does not make any sense

Potential Areas for improvement

·       Less constricting forefoot hold

·       More Outsole Rubber at high wear areas

Comparisons

Nike Epic React Flyknit vs Adidas Ultraboost 4.0

The Epic React was marketed to be a direct competitor to the Ultraboost. In terms of the upper, the Flyknit of the Epic React has a more secure hold on my foot while the Primeknit of the Ultraboost is softer and looser. The Epic React is more versatile and performance oriented while the Ultraboost is better suited for lifestyle use. Despite the React Midsole being firmer than Boost, I found it better for long runs as it provided more stability.

Nike Epic React Flyknit vs Skechers GoRun Ride 7

I used to hate Skechers. The GoRun Ride 7 made me change my entire opinion of the brand. The Ride 7 has a softer upper feel and is less constricting at the midfoot compared to the Epic React. Both midsole materials feel very similar with the React midsole being a touch firmer than the Ride 7, making the Epic React better for faster paces. The Epic React is also more stable than the Ride 7. However, I prefer the Ride 7 for easy runs and long runs due to the midsole being more fun to run in at slower paces.

Nike Epic React Flyknit vs Nike Vaporfly 4%

ZoomX vs React foam. I Don’t think that this is a fair comparison. The only reason why I wouldn’t use the Vaporfly for everyday use is its lack of durability and its insane price. The React foam feels stiff and dead in comparison. That said, the Epic React will probably last twice as long as the Vaporfly.

Nike Epic React Flyknit vs Nike Zoom Fly

Epic React for easy and long runs, Zoom Fly for faster paces. Despite the Epic React being lighter by roughly 20grams, the plate in the Zoom Fly facilitates better transitions and speed which allows for a smoother ride in comparison to the Epic React. The React Midsole, however, feels softer and bouncier than the lunarlon midsole in the Zoom Fly. I’m hoping that Nike will eventually release a Zoom Fly 2 which combines the nylon plate with the React Midsole.

Conclusion

The Nike Epic React is a good-looking, lightweight and versatile shoe that shines at steady paces. Not a game changer but a refreshing update over Lunarlon!

[This shoe was sponsored by runrepeat.com for the purposes of a review. All reviews written are unabiased and for the purposes of aiding others in their shoe selection]