When the Swoosh introduced Nike React foam in June of 2017, designers knew they had something special on their hands – or feet, rather – but even they hadn’t envisioned just how versatile it would prove to be. You can find it in a variety of footwear, from sporty to chill.
Heavy on lightweight tech
Marvel at the combination of attributes you’ll feel in Nike React foam: responsiveness, durability, softness, light weight … they all contribute to impact dispersion and energy return.
Designers developed a specific combination of familiar polymers – thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) – for this balance of comfort and durability.
Testing, attention please
Nike engineers set out to see just how close they came to their goal of injury reduction. The British Columbia Sports Medicine Research Foundation had male and female runners follow a 12-week training program that culminated with a half-marathon. Researchers’ results showed that the Nike React Infinity Run helped reduce running injuries by 52% compared to the Nike Air Zoom Structure 22.
Kicking up dust, or kicking back
The best React shoe for running is the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2. The Flyknit upper flexes naturally with your foot while letting it breathe, all riding atop the React midsole. Testers reported the shoe being a good running partner for mid to longer distances.
Nike React is available on Footlocker.com in a variety of other silhouettes, too, all in sizes for men, women, and kids. The different versions of the Air Max 270 combine the React midsole with Max Air heel cushioning. The 270 in the name refers to being able to see the Air cushioning from three sides (just 90 degrees away from completely encircling).
Shop the Nike Air Max 270 React Engineered, the React Element 87, the Nike React Presto, and the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit.
