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Road Running Shoes • March 7, 2018

Nike Epic React Performance Review

When we review a shoe on Believe in the Run, you can trust that we have run at least 20 miles in the trainer before giving you our opinion. There are three factors that influence when we do the minimum miles on a shoe. First, if the shoes suck we don’t want to run in them. Second, we have a lot of shoes that we need to review. Finally, the shoe might be right for a particular runner, but not ideal for our preferences.

For the Nike Epic React review, I had 24 miles on them in the first two runs, but I like them so much that I picked them to run in over and over the last week and a half. Even with rotating a couple of other shoes in, I was able to get over 60 miles in the Epic React, including an 18-mile run and a 20-mile run. I just love running in this shoe.

Nike Epic React

The Good

Thomas: From the marketing, I was expecting a spongy cloud-like feel to the midsole. While the React midsole is soft, it isn’t sloppy. The React reminds me of the LunarEpic feel, cushioned but lively. Upon landing the shoe gives, but then it can feel almost firm on take off. It is a dynamic feeling through your stride. People want to compare it to BOOST, but it is a better material by far. React is lighter and more flexible. My size 10.5 weighs 8.45 oz. / 239 grams the Epic React fit true to size. While there is a ton of hype around the React midsole, the upper is getting overlooked.

The Flyknit upper on the Epic React is spectacular. When you first put the Epic React on, it might feel a little snug, but the Flyknit is stretchy and begins to give a custom fit. It is sock-like with an integrated tongue. The laces are reinforced by welded overlays, but you don’t have to tighten the laces that much. Just let the Flyknit do the work. The heel counter does its job keeping your foot secure. For the most part, the whole upper disappears.

The weird thing about running in the Epic React was how much effort the runs felt like compared to the paces. At the end of my runs, I was surprised to find that I had been running quicker than I had perceived. Doing easy runs, I would check my watch expecting high 8-minute mile paces and find low 8s and even some 7s. After workouts, my legs also felt fresher after wearing the Nike Epic React.

Erin: We’ve all heard the hype around this shoe, and guys, c’mon. GUYS. It’s that good. Before I dive into the details, though, let’s get a few things out of the way. First, I am not what you’d consider a Nike fangirl. They can do no wrong from a design standpoint, but aside from my trusty Pegasus (and if we’re going wayyyyy back, the GOAT ‘97 Spiridon), I’ve never been impressed by a Nike running shoe. The Lunar Trainer +, in particular, was a disappointment. Anyhow, second point: I bought these shoes with my own cash money, and third, no, I’ve never run in the Adidas Ultraboost or the VF4% so my review will be absent those inevitable comparisons.

A few weeks before the Epic React release, I attended a Nike EKIN University event, where we learned how React foam was developed and were treated to a brief history of Nike running shoes, starting with the master himself, Bill Bowerman. We also had a chance to make our own midsoles. My group won with our design, so if your next Nike racers are made of Styrofoam balls, hot glue, and half of a toilet paper roll, hey. You’re welcome.

On to the details: the Epic React has a 10 mm drop and weighs 6.6 ounces in a women’s 8. The midsole is a single-unit piece of React, which is Nike’s proprietary rubber-based foam. During the development period, the shoe underwent 400 trials over 17,000 miles of running. The foam is sculpted, strategically distributing firmness and cushion based on heat map data. The resulting look and feel are unique. Another unique thing about the React is that, aside from some reinforced rubber at the heel and toe, the midsole is also the outsole. This has led to questions about the durability of the shoe but based on how mine look with about 40 miles on them, you probably don’t need to worry about it.

Speaking of looks, this shoe is HOT. I have the navy colorway and I love it so much. I’m most likely going to order another pair just for wearing around. Anyway.

The Flyknit upper is a one-piece bootie construction, and I think the fit is perfect. I had to loosen the laces quite a bit, but this didn’t cause any issues with stability. Because there’s no tongue (just bootie), I was a little worried that the laces would cause some discomfort digging into the top of my foot, but I didn’t experience that at all. The pink rubberized overlay that wraps around the heel adds extra stability to the heel counter and is a nod to the design of a vintage Nike running shoe, the Air Epic.

So how does the React foam feel and perform? Well, underfoot, the foam feels…firm…and soft? Responsive…and cushioned? It’s hard to explain. My first two runs in this shoe were not great, as I was recovering from a race and running at a much slower pace, and I have to say that I wasn’t blown away at first. However, now that my legs have recovered, I can fully appreciate how great this shoe is. I’ve had several really, really great runs in them and I swear I’m running faster with less perceived effort. Specifically, it feels like my feet are spending less time on the ground. The energy return is actually noticeable to me unlike, say, the Brooks Levitate. I can’t wait to test these out in a race scenario, which I plan to do this weekend.

Nike Epic React

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The Bad

Thomas: During the long runs when my form would fade, I could feel the 10mm drop. I land midfoot so when I get tired I can feel a bit of braking in my stride with higher drop shoes. Some people have complained that the outsole shows wear quickly. Some of that is an optical illusion, and some of it is cosmetically true. I say cosmetic because the bare outsole will get scuffed, but it doesn’t impact the performance or lifespan of the shoe.

Erin: I have 2 minor gripes. One, these are kinda hard to get on. It isn’t that big of a deal, and the more I wear them, the easier they are to pull on, but still. Something to mention. That yellow pull tab on the back? You’ll need to use it. Two, and this is a problem I’ve had with certain Nike shoes in the past, the last is aggressively curved and is very narrow at the midfoot, which was noticeable to me at first. I didn’t experience any rubbing at all, but it felt a little…twinge-y in the arch. I only experienced this during my first two runs and haven’t had any issues since. But if you have a high-volume foot and/or flat feet, just be aware that you may have fit issues.

Nike Epic React

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The Nike Epic React Conclusion

Thomas: The Epic React is my favorite shoe that I have worn in awhile, and I have worn some excellent shoes recently like the Skechers GOrun Ride 7 and the Saucony Kinvara 9. Between the way the Nike Epic React looks, feels, and performs it just dominates in every category. I enjoy this shoe so much that when I read comments about the Epic React that are less than glowing, I find myself feeling defensive. Irrational I know, but I feel that little something extra for these trainers.

Erin: I plan on wearing this shoe to death. According to Nike, that’ll be about 600 miles, so I’m hopeful that their durability promise delivers. This is a shoe that makes you want to run faster and longer, and you’ll look good doing it. Get some already!

“The energy return on these is ridiculous. I hit Thomas ecstatic after I took them out for the first time last Thursday. My legs still weren’t all the way back to normal from Club Challenge and I had just run 9 on Wednesday. What was supposed to be an easy run turned into a progression and my last mile was sub 6. Legs felt fresh. For a shoe that light to have a pop like that is special.” – Gavin Wayfarer Tabb, Faster Bastard

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Comments

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  1. Keith says:

    If budget is a concern, should I go with Epic React, Ride 7, or Kinvara 9? It seems like all three of these shoes are leading the lightweight, cushioned but bouncy category. I know you normally don’t do “comparison reviews,” but looking at these three side by side, taking into account price, ride, and durability would be really helpful.

    Thanks for the amazing and consistent reviews.

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      You have great taste in shoes! All three are stellar. Ride 7 is just a great feeling shoe, reminds me of the Hoka Clifton, The Kinvara 9 is so light in the turnover, both shoes feel firmer than the Epic React underfoot. Looks, Nike has them all beat. In this case, I think Skechers Ride 7 looks better than Kinvara. Can’t believe I would ever say that, but Skechers is coming along. For performance, I would choose in this order Nike, Saucony, then Ride. It is so close you can’t make a bad choice here. -T

    2. Thomas Neuberger says:

      If I was going on a budget only, Skechers would be the first pick. I think the Nike will be the most durable, but you can almost buy two pairs of Ride for the $150.

      1. Keith Winder says:

        Thank you for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.

  2. Marcus says:

    I don’t think the outsole will be an issue either. It has an outsole similar to the Kinvara and other shoes. Those shoes deliver results for people year after year, so I would expect the Epic React to do the same.

  3. Steve says:

    Love your reviews.
    How does the Nike epic react compare with the new Sketchers Go run 7’s and Levitate for comfort and response. I run in the Saucony Freedoms iso and the Saucony Truimph iso 3 and wondering how it compares with them also. I like to add another shoe into the mix. I like a comfortable shoe that is not to firm on the landings as sometimes I find the freedoms a little to firm and would love a touch more cushion. I love the saucony triumph iso 3 cushion but it would be nice to be a touch lighter. I did buy recently an ultarboost uncaged and love its comfort but it lacks a little in the support department and a touch soft for faster runs. Thanks in advance.
    Cheers
    Steve

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      Ride 7? different style of shoe. The Ride is more similar to a Clifton. / Didn’t like the Levitate, heavy and weight all rested in the midsole. / Suacony Freedoms also heavy on the bottom and unstable in the heel / Triumph feels clunky comparatively

      1. Thierry Ung says:

        Hi
        When you say that Ride 7 are “similar to Clifton”, what do you mean by that?
        I ran before with Hoka, especially Clifton 2 and 3. I no longer tolerate the rigidity of the sole and the rocker. I feel that it is the shoe that imposes my way of running. I had a calf injury during a recovery race with Clifton 3. I do not use them anymore.
        Since I run with Skechers GoRun 5, I love the flexibility and the bouncy of the sole.
        I tried the Epic React in a store and I found them absolutely comfortable and very flexible. That’s why I hesitate between Epic and Ride 7.

        1. Thomas Neuberger says:

          I love the Epic.

          1. Michael says:

            I do not run, but, I do walk 6 to 10 miles a day.
            What’s your feeling about the Epic as a walking shoe?

            Thank you.

          2. Thomas Neuberger says:

            Absolutely. I think it would be great for walking.

  4. Steve says:

    Sorry one more question, How does it compare with the new Nike Vomero 13?. Is it as cushioned and as comfortable. Is the React a more responsive shoe??
    Thanks.
    Steve

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      Lighter and more flexible than the Vomero 13. I would say more responsive.

      1. Steve says:

        Thanks, How did Erin go in the race scenario with the Nike Epic react. It would great to hear her thoughts how it goes in that context, thanks. Cheers Steve

        1. Erin Surette says:

          Hi Steve! I did race a 5K in the Reacts and while I didn’t break 20 min, I did run a 20 second PR with zero speed work. The Reacts felt great, although not quite responsive enough for a short race at hard effort. My legs felt great afterwards though. These would definitely be a good choice for 10 miles or half/full marathon. That said, I’m racing another 5K tomorrow and will wear these again because I don’t want to wear anything else!

  5. Sven says:

    Sounds like a really nice shoe! but except for being all round, for someone who already have a decent lineup of shoes, where does it fit in? Would you use it for marathon, shorter races, treshold, intervals? I for example use the Ride 7 for long and light runs, the Vaporfly 4% and Streak 6 for racing, and in between I have the Zoom Fly and Salming Distance.

    Are they any rumors of more shoes using the React material?

    Thanks for good reviews!
    Sven

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      I have been using them as a high mileage trainer. I have a 50k in 2 weeks, so I haven’t been doing speedwork in them. Erin is running a 5k in the Epic React Sunday and will report back on how they are to race in. There are lots more shoes coming with the React foam including a Lunar Racer replacement. -T

  6. Mike Vanderlan says:

    Why, oh why, are these 10mm drop??? Seems 4-6 would’ve been perfect.

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      It’s not that bad. 🙂

  7. Pablo says:

    Hi guys, before I splash the money on these. Have you try them on the road only? I normally like to mix a bit of road and off road (on the canals so it’s soil paths) during my runs and I’m afraid if they’ll be ok for that mix.
    Thanks

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      There isn’t a ton of grip in wet conditions, I am not sure how they will handle soil paths. If the paths are packed soil they should be fine.

  8. Jonathan Hill says:

    These seem to be rather hard to come by in my size (11.5). What would you say is the next best option, particularly in terms of energy return?

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      I don’t know about energy return, but the Skechers Ride 7 and the adidas adios Boston 7 are my two runner-ups right now.

  9. Brian Villers says:

    Thomas, big fan, thanks for the reviews…..between the ride 7 and the Epic React which one would accommodate a slightly wider forefoot and has more space for a large instep. I find shoes usually conform to my forefoot width but it’s over the metatarsals and the top of the foot that stays tight…either of these shoes have a little bit of room in this regard or do a good job at conforming to your foot?

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      The Epic React feels snugger off the bat but the upper stretches. I would go with the React, but I have a narrow foot, so it is tough to say what will work for you.

  10. Tas says:

    I have a pair of reacts.. and also a pair of hoka one one machs.. the react is fun for sure ..but i.notice a choppy stride when i fatigue.. and the forefoot isnt as ..poppy? As most people claim.. all in all though the ride is..fun..pleasurable and downright exhilarating at the right hard driving medium fast pace..
    I am.looking for another shoe mostly for easy slow paced to trotting paced runs..and was thinking about the energy boost.. i tried a pair on and enjoyed the cushioned springy foefoot feel.. but as a relatively inexperienced but motivated runner i still cant quite tell how the energy boost will ride exactly ..just by jogging a few steps in the store.. i dont care about the weight i know its heavy2?.is it enjoyable and smooth for long slow runs? Or should i just buy another pair of reacts? I am.looking for two shoes..easy paced long runs and anither for fast paced races..such as the Boston boost 6..i wanna stick with the new foams for midsoles..regular eva is such a boring ride for me and it wears out quickly..what wpuld u recommend? Thanks for ur attention and patience i know my rant is rather long..

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      Have you tried the Skechers Ride 7?

      1. Tas says:

        No havent tried them yet.. i syppose i will have to as theyre getting very good reviews as a soft cushioned nice easy long run shoe.. but damn the boost midsole in the energy boost made me.smile..i dont own a pair of shoes with boost..
        also..durability concerns .. ill put on tons of miles on my long run shoes.. id like the midsole to retain its properties past 400 miles.. i know thats possible with boost..just dont know about flight gen..but ultimately he choice for this shoe will depend on how plush and easy and soft the ride is…

  11. Tas says:

    Maybe i should add that although im new longer distance running i strength train and exercise regularly ..i dont need or want stability shoes ..worst comes to worst ill use inserts when needed..i have tried a pair of stability shoes and they were absolutely horrible ..never again.. i used to run in my early days of exercise i really really enjoyed the kinvara twos.. effortless running at any pace. I just dont want to buy a shoe with eva based foam..i wore those kinvaras out beyond death lol.. is there any shoe tjhat reminds u of that one with a tpu based midsole? Thanks again.. kinvara9 everun topsole doesnt count for me

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      adidas adios BOOST, or the adidas Boston Boost 6 or soon to be released 7.

      1. Tas says:

        Boston boost 6. Or 7.. either..

        The adios boost is too minimal for me.

  12. steve says:

    Are you going to review the Nike Odyssey react? Will you compare it to the epic react? If so how long before the review. Any initial impressions ? Cheers Steve

  13. Hi thanks for a nice reviews , o would like to know if I need to sizing up ? I wear size 5.5 just wonder if size 6 with 0,5 difference with better
    PS: I don’t don’t this shoes yet in sport store in my city so I can’t try them , buying online is the only option.
    Thanks

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      They ran true to size for me, so I would not size up.

  14. Dominic Neumann says:

    Would you consider running a marathon in the Epic React for a runner that is aiming a sub-4 time in a marathon?
    I previously ran in the Asics Dynaflyte 2, but I currently prefer the Epic React due to the softer ride.

    1. Thomas Neuberger says:

      I would definitely use the Epic React for a marathon. The only thing that would stop me would be if it was raining, I feel they would get heavy and lack traction.

      1. Dominic Neumann says:

        Well, let’s hope for good weather in October for the Frankfurt Marathon 😉
        Thank you! Really like your reviews, big fan from Germany!

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