“Imagine running on foam, which is on top of another foam, attached to a pillow… And propelled by springs!”

Is React a new running cushioning technology?

When we were introduced to the new Nike Epic React in this way, they certainly caught our attention. And they made us incredibly eager to try them. Although it's not an entirely new technology, as it was incorporated into some models of the basketball line, Nike React technology was the first cross-category cushioning innovation since Lunarlon.

The Nike Epic React will be the first running model to use it to "reactivate" our training and races. Behind React technology are thousands of hours from a team of innovators who sought not only the feeling they achieved of stepping on the moon with Lunarlon foam, but something more. It was more than three years of trials, tests, design work, and efforts to create a foam that was more efficient and durable, lightweight, and soft.

How the Nike React was created

When Nike222222 explains this process to us, they do so with a very simple example. Imagine how a cake is made in the oven. If you bake it too long, it will be hard, and if you bake it too little, the dough will be soft and inconsistent... So it's essential to find the exact temperature and time to achieve that firm consistency with that soft texture.

The second important factor is the ingredients, because if the recipe has errors, the result will be a disaster. In fact, at first Nike thought they could use the same Lunarlon recipe, a high-density Phylon foam structure and a soft but resistant foam core. After trying, they realized that the ingredients of that recipe would not work, so they started from scratch.

Finally, a combination with the exact percentage of TPE and EVA foam, along with the IPF baking and heating system, resulted in REACT cushioning, exclusive to Nike. Its "recipe," an exclusive foam combined with an injection and compression process at the exact temperature, is what provides the precise reactivity, durability, and sensations of softness and lightness.

The test bench

It wasn't enough to just get the perfect recipe; the new technology had to prove its effectiveness and superiority, not only against its competitors but also against the cushioning systems Nike already used in its shoes. So, just like in a high-performance vehicle, they tested the new compound before incorporating it into the shoe.

With a basic test, like the "ball drop test," they began to realize the superiority of REACT foam over the others. The foam not only cushioned the ball's drop, but it "reacted" to it, propelling it much higher than other foams. This meant that instead of dissipating energy, and losing it, as many soft cushions do, it returned it, increasing the energy index. This translates into a more efficient stride that harnesses running energy.

After the cushioning test, it was time to check the durability and wear resistance, first on a machine, confirming that despite its softness, it could remain firm under intensive use. And then it was the turn of the most demanding, professional athletes, who first tested it with professional basketball players, where changes of direction, turns, and supports subject the shoe's cushioning to maximum stress.

First conclusions

The players were greatly surprised, highlighting the shoes' softness and fluidity, and their ability to adapt to different phases of the game, being reactive when demanded and comfortable during calm moments, offering them great stability for pivoting, cutting, and jumping.

When it came time to test REACT technology in running shoes, Nike conducted a blind test, offering product testers models that had covered more than 800 kilometers. After the test, they were asked, based on the sensations and the cushioning's response, how many kilometers they thought the tested models had.

The answers averaged 25 kilometers, with a maximum of 160, although others also said they felt "completely new." The final name of the shoe was decided due to the testers' surprise at the shoe's response even after intensive use over a long period of time. The Nike Epic React was ready to revolutionize the world of running.

The Nike Epic React

Which runners is it for?

Well, pending a thorough test with them on our feet, we can say that the Nike Epic React is a training shoe for runners up to 80 kilos, who run at medium paces, between 4 and 5 minutes per kilometer. Its soft cushioning supports weight well, so we won't have problems training with them, but also, if we are lighter, we can use them to train at brisk paces for slightly longer distances.

What is the Nike Epic React like?

The upper of the shoe, as in its most emblematic models, will be made of a single piece of Flyknit, seamless, with that pleasant feel and sock-like fit. Very lightweight and breathable for intensive use in both training and competition.

The pull tab placed in the heel area connected to that upper suggests the possibility of putting them on very quickly, and we wouldn't be surprised if some triathletes tried them for medium distances. As for the sole, the React will be clearly protected in the impulse and stride areas, with a wavy herringbone design that seeks to provide that grip and durability of the sole for many kilometers.

What's best about the new Nike Epic React?

Its main advantages are the speed of response and energy return, superior to any other Nike cushioning you've tried. Its wear resistance means it reacts the same at mile 1 as at mile 42 of a marathon, helping you stay fresh longer. Its cushioning is very lightweight, even lighter than Lunarlon, which makes fighting gravity easier.

This translates into less fatigue and greater performance. Soon we will do a thorough test with them, but for now, you know what the new REACT technology applied to running in this Nike Epic React is. And it's not because we say so, but... don't you think it's really cool?