Gear Roundup
Nike’s flagship running-shoe launch for 2018
The Nike React, plus Runderwear and headgear for cold running days
WHAT’S THE DEAL?
Nike claims this shoe is a game-changing innovation. It’s all about the midsole cushioning, which Nike calls React. Midsole materials used by shoe brands usually have two things in common: they are made from a form of foam compound (EVA, PE, PU) and they are non-proprietary materials licenced to companies. React is a rubber-based compound that has been developed by Nike; the company says it will make for greater consistency in the manufacturing process.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Bret Schoolmeester, Nike senior director of global running footwear, says: ‘React is revolutionary in that foam can be light or resilient; but usually it can’t be both and also be durable. Normally, materials are soft because they absorb energy. On the flip side, hard materials give the most energy return. That’s why foam can usually only provide cushioning or energy return. And why they can normally be light or durable. React is lightweight, resilient, soft, durable, cushioned and responsive all at once.’
THE CLAIMS
Nike says React: is 30 per cent lighter than Adidas Ultra Boost foam and the PU that Brooks uses in many of its shoes; it lasts 20 per cent longer than comparable midsole compounds, so runners can expect to get 600 instead of 500 miles out of their shoes before replacing; and it gives 13 per cent more energy return than the current Nike Lunar foam (ie, how quickly the foam returns to shape after compression and helps push your foot off the floor)
RW VERDICT
The shoe offers a very impressive balance of deep cushioning and low weight. The upper is barely there – basically, it’s just Flyknit with bonded eyelet strips and a reinforced heel counter – and offers slipper-like comfort, though some may find it a little unstructured around the arch. On the run, the cushioning eats up the worst a pavement can throw at it, but retains decent responsiveness and energy return. This is set to be a new benchmark shoe for long runs up to marathon distance.