Running on foam
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. This seems to be the mantra for a beloved running shoe that is only mildly tweaked, writes Amir Zaki
THE world of running is now moved and shaped by the power of the foam on running shoes. Gone are the gels which were popular a decade ago and the segmentation of running shoes based on foot type that was once the hype.
Running shoe technology has moved so fast and so far. Minimalist, sock-like mesh is big, thick uppers are out. One piece-uppers are favoured more than stitched ones. And the more responsive the foam, the better running feels.
I tried the Epic React last year with initial scepticism, and the pair has been my primary running shoe since. With more than 150km logged since I first ran in it, the pair still feels great on the road, with enough cushioning although physically, the outer sole has seen better days.
Ernest Kim, director of advanced footwear for Nike Running, assures in the brand’s website that the foam is longlasting.
“Nike React is more durable than any other foam we’ve tested in Nike running, meaning it will keep up with the needs of even the most dedicated distance runners,”
VIBRANT PAIRS
This month, the Nike React 2 comes with debut colourways, 8-bit and Pixel, drawing inspiration from the vibrant tones of the ’90s tech world, and feature a whiteto-lime gradient midsole, a hyper pinkto-white outsole and a sapphire heel clip.
My first impression is that the shoe feels similar to its predecessor. The pair delivers the same snug fit, the same bounciness and great energy return and ample cushioning.
I pronate a little and used to wear stability shoes, but this pair of neutral shoes
feel just as comfortable and significantly lighter than the often-heavy stability shoe.
I appreciate the roomy toe box. I usually wear 2E width and although Nike doesn’t have different widths for its shoes, this one fit my wide toes just fine.
Running in the Epic React 2 feels familiar. I run light since the shoe provides good energy return which in turn, delays tiredness. This simply means I can run longer and more comfortably.
I feel that the shoe is protective of my feet while running. The traction is amazing — thanks to the perfect balance of cushioning and firmness — on road, puddle and even moss and this helps prevent fall and other running injuries.
MINOR CHANGES
Some differences from its predecessor is that the swoosh is made of higher quality materials which is now stitched on both sides of the shoe (earlier one was simply glued).
The heel counter also sees a minor change, shedding the rigid full-cup counter to a lower counter that provides more flexibility at the back of the heel.
In both instances, these changes do not affect running at all. The running experience feels very much the same.
The right sentiment to describe the Epic React 2 is “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” It’s this familiarity that provides me with a sense of security and satisfaction, that this is the pair of shoes I trust for my long runs.
Some things just shouldn’t change.