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Nike Epic React Review: Softest Run Ever

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This post sponsored by Nike, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

How do you choose new running shoes?

What about when you want to order the same shoe, but they’ve made “updates”?

I’m not going to lie to you. When it comes to shoes, I AM PICKY. I try and dislike a lot of them, so anytime something comes along that I immediately choose to run in multiple times over my other go to shoes, it’s something that needs to be shared!

But back to picking out a shoe.

Personally, I need to get my foot in the shoe and really feel it! Unfortunately, local stores don’t always carry what I want to test (eh ehem in a size 11).Nike React ReviewBut, I also spend a lot of time looking for other people who have worn the shoe to tell me how it FELT! Was it hard or soft? Did they only like it for short runs? How did it compare to other shoes?

Hopefully, that’s exactly what I can provide you today for the Nike Epic React Flyknit released last year. Nike was kind enough to send me a pair to test drive before their release so I could share a sneak peek with you.

I’ve now logged a number of runs in these shoes and won’t be taking advantage of Nike’s return policy! While Nike.com has a generous return policy that allows you test out shoes and return them if they aren’t the right fit, I’ll likely be throwing down with anyone who tries to take these away.Nike Epic React Review

Specifications

Let’s dive in with some of the top line info that we all need to know about a shoe!

  • Weight: 6.88 ounces (super light!!)
  • Heel drop: 10mm
  • Flyknit upper conforms to your foot, length is true to size
  • Seamless, no shoe tongue sliding around

In truth, I tend to run in shoes that are more like a 6mm heel drop, as they are closer to minimal. So I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this, but I loved it. I believe that’s because it has this great heel shelf which prevents rocking from happening.

Ok those are the basics, now let’s talk about what makes this shoe a massive new innovation for Nike!!!

Nike React Foam

One of the reasons I loved this shoe was it hit that middle ground of feeling extremely soft when landing, while still having structure to support the foot. Turns out this is due to some super cool new technology.

  • 13% more energy return with every foot fall than the Nike Lunarlon foam
  • 11% softer than the Nike LunarEpic
  • 5% lighter than the Nike LunarEpic

Crazy amounts of math and engineering went in to creating this shoe. And while I appreciate all of that, what I mostly appreciate is a shoe that I slip on and say “ahh”. It just feels good whether I’m on mile 1 or 8. And as I keep rebuilding post knee surgery, I’m pretty confident it’s going to feel light and comfy at mile 17, too.

This video on the design is so fun that I really wanted to share it with you too!

You know how I was saying stores don’t always carry what I want to try? That’s another reason, I’m pumped about this Nike partnership. I want you to know about their 30-day trial period because it saved my bacon recently.

After hearing so much about the Nike Zoom Fly in the under 2 hour marathon attempt, I wanted to try these bad boys. They’re a more maximal shoe, which I am totally ok with, but something about the fit just wasn’t right on my foot.

Insert temper tantrum and attempting to run in them multiple times just to be sure. Luckily, Nike allows you to return road-tested gear and I was able to return the shoe without a struggle!Nike Epic React

Even though the Zoom Fly didn’t work for me, the experience of trying them was super helpful because now I can compare the two!!! The Epic React is leaps and bounds softer, though both are roughly the same weight and cushioning. It’s all in the difference of how they were built and personal preference.

**Update: I have now ordered two additional pairs of the Nike React and it’s become my go to shoe for half marathons. In fact, I did something I have never done before and called it out as my favorite shoe of the year!!

That’s right 12 years blogging and 17 years running, I finally loved a shoe enough to say I think it’s pretty great for most runners.

How do you test out new shoes?

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Posted by amanda Categories: Running Shoes

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leah says

    February 14, 2018 at 8:43 am

    That’s super good to know about their return policy!! I have tiny, narrow feet so running stores don’t always have what I need in stock either.

    • amanda says

      February 15, 2018 at 10:35 am

      I have really BIG but narrow feet :) so yes returns are my friend

  2. Selena Jackson says

    February 15, 2018 at 3:37 am

    i am a big fan of nike i regularly use it in walk and it feels really amazing, thanks

  3. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    February 15, 2018 at 12:32 pm

    I need to try these! I find that a lot of the softer shoes have too little heal drop for my taste, so these look like a great option. LOVE the 30 day return period too!

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A NEW PLAN DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING. You might alr A NEW PLAN DOESN’T FIX EVERYTHING. You might already know what’s best for you, but aren’t doing it consistently. That’s the only way we really make changes.
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A PLAN can help, but I often don’t think that’s step one to making lasting change.
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HABITS AND ROUTINES✴️
-Eliminate the need to make decisions.
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TINY HABITS✴️
This is the smallest step you can take towards your goal. Often so small it seems insignificant, but is easy to make it a habit.
🌟
That leads you to another tiny habit, then another and suddenly it’s just your lifestyle.
👆👆👆
When people ask how I easily kept off 35lbs for over 15 years, while enjoying pizza, taking rest days and not obsessing about food.
👇👇👇👇
When people ask how I stay motivated to run year round and rarely race. Tiny habits.
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Day one isn’t eat perfect or run for an hour.
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Day one IS drink a glass of water when I wake up. Put on my running clothes.
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Day 30 is then more like after I drink my glass of water, I do 5 push ups. After I put on my running clothes, I do a 5 minute warm up.
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1️⃣ WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR RUNNING THIS YEAR? M 1️⃣ WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR RUNNING THIS YEAR?
Mine... satisfying.
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1900 miles blows away previous years.
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(swipe to see...because yes I love tracking.) Unfortunately I’m not positive what it was 2001-2007 because I wrote it on calendars.
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