A positive React-ion
Although sceptical at first, Amir Zaki finds his perfect pair of running shoes that help him achieve his personal best in a half marathon
IHAVE run in many pairs of running shoes but I was only happy with one model from a particular brand simply because they are the most comfortable. It is not one of the popular brands among runners but I am a person who goes for comfort, not labels.
For years, the New Balance 1260 has been my trusted ride — stable, wide and sturdy. Nothing else came close.
So naturally, when I tried the Nike Epic React Flyknit, I was sceptical because most of the brand’s running shoes which I have tried have not been as comfortable as my 1260. It’s not about brand loyalty. I just want a pair of comfortable shoes to run in.
My first impression was that this is a beautiful pair of running shoes. The colours — dark blue with white soles and striking pink outer circles at the bottom of the heels — blend so well.
I thought they would look good when worn with a pair of jeans. Finally, someone understands that running shoes do not have to look ugly.
FIRST TRY
I first tried the Epic React, sockless, for a 5km run one weekend morning. My first impression was that although they do not come in different widths, they felt snug on my slightly wide feet. I always have trouble with running shoes because the toe box is narrow.
The Epic React is light, with cushion that feels comfortable during runs. Its website claims that they are bouncy. I can attest to that, plus the shoes are also stable.
Although Nike does not categorise Epic React as a stability shoe, it feels very much like one, except that it doesn’t look as bulky as conventional stability shoes.
I like the comfortable feeling running in it. It feels like wearing a pair of socks, albeit an expensive one. The one-piece upper is designed to fit perfectly just like socks. They have shoe laces so you can adjust the fit accordingly.
For someone who is used to running with conventional upper with shoe tongues, the Epic React is a fresh experience. It changed my perception that the upper needs cushioning, and the one-piece structure of Epic React avoids unnecessary friction with the underside of the shoe tongue that may cause blisters.
Running in Nike React is also comfortable when it comes to landing on the road.
Forefoot strikes are comfortable. The areas that have contact with the road are not too thick, and it feels so right when I land on the front of the feet. The midsole, which is the product of computational design, is “one piece of Nike React foam” with “no carrier, cement or glue”, according to Nike.
So, you can imagine that the shoes are minimalistic — just one piece upper and another midsole. The outsole is also essentially similar with the midsole, “but with a segment of rubber under the forefoot and heel for added traction and to help enhance the shoe’s durability”. When I run, I can feel the outsole and midsole providing support where it is needed the most. The forefoot, made of rubber, provides firmness for forefoot strikes, while the rubber on the heel provides stability while running downhill.
Midfoot strike, which is the type of strike I do the most, is also comfortable. I am not a technical person when it comes to running, but I can feel the difference running in different shoes.
When I compare Nike React with other running shoes, there’s one glaring difference — the middle area of the outsole supports the middle area of my feet. I fell in love with it the very first time I tried it on. There was a bit of a blister at the back of my right heel, but it was negligible.
PUTTING IT TO THE TEST
After a few five and 10km runs, I decided to try the Epic React at the recently concluded Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon. I ran the half marathon. I decided to wear a pair of socks as my hyperhidrosis would drench my feet and may affect my running comfort. All I can say is that I had one of the best running experiences with the Epic React.
The shoes are light, and I felt the whole feet were well-supported. Despite inadequate training, I managed to keep a steady pace throughout the run.
Most importantly, the bounce and absorption the shoes provide helped to delay tiredness of the legs while running. I managed to finish without injuries or cramps. I also felt that the knees and ankles were not as sore as they used to be with other shoes.
I was rather pessimistic when I was asked to review this. I now stand corrected. I ran long enough to understand that runners have different feet structures, and that a favourite pair of shoes for one may not be so to another.
After finishing the HM in my personal best time, I am definitely going to add the Nike Epic React to my other pair of running shoes that I can trust for long-distance runs.