Published: August 8, 2022
SCORE: 9/10
Weight: 8.4 oz. (US size 10 Nike Epic React Flyknit Men's)
Heel Drop: 10mm
Shoe Type: Daily trainer (long-distance running)
Running Surface: Road
Pace: Moderate
Pros
- Snug and comfortable fitting
- ‘Cool’ styling
- Responsive ride and soft underfoot
- Lightweight
- Fast
- Supportive upper and stable footstrike
- All-round running shoes
Cons
- Pretty expensive
- Runners with extra wide feet are likely to find the Epic React Invincible Run 2 arrow or constricting.
Take Away:
Nike Epic React 2 is a comfortable daily trainer built for long-distance running. It is a lightweight, stable, and responsive running shoe for all-around quality training.
Introduction
The Epic React running shoe is less of an entry-level running shoe and somehow an elite racing shoe. It is also not at the level of the Puma Velocity Elite 2 or the Vaporfly 4% Flyknit but has traces of an elite shoe. I had a memorable experience with the first version in 2018.
The Epic React V1 was cushy, lightweight, agile, comfortable and fun to run in. It was also versatile and durable. The second version came in around January 2019, at a time when I had several running shoes in my wardrobe and a couple of them on my wish list. Still, I was looking forward to Nike correcting a few issues I had with the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 and hoping that Nike retains other specs. The most critical issue that sticks out is the lack of grip.
Nike is good at listening to what Runners think and want. Like always, Nike focused on removing things that didn’t work in the previous version. Hence, the Epic React 2 has the same running and casual wear design, improved fitting and performance.
Nike Epic React Flynit 2 Instant Impression
The Epic React 1 was a success, so I expected subtle changes. I got a distinguishable treat when I tried the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2. Still, it took a keen interest to note the difference. While the previous version was lightweight, sleek and well-cushioned, it was tight on top of the foot and midfoot areas.
The heel counter also felt pretty sharp on the achilles, and all these fitting issues affected the entire ride. Therefore, from an outside look, the Nike Epic React 2 looks like the previous version but feels exceptionally comfortable on foot. It has a roomier toe-box and is all-around forgiving. The ride is noticeably smooth and a touch bouncer.
The other things I noticed are the timed heel cup, making the shoe fit well and feel comfortable. While this version fits true to size, Nike added more fabric around the top layer and collar top, allowing it to accommodate even a wide foot. The fitting was snug after lacing up. Still, I advise runners with a much wider fit to go a half size up and those with normal feet to stick to standard sizing.
Overall, I loved the Flyknit bootie that creates a sock-like, snug-fitting yet roomy around the toe box with the right spaces in the midfoot area. It felt exceptionally lightweight and comfortable over long-distance running.
Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 Upper Design and Fitting
The Epic React Fly Knit 2’s upper part is concocted with a single-layer Flyknit material. The upper material has been constructed as a single unit with no separate or moving part.
Nike retained the Flyknit material and made minor adjustments, which was the only necessary thing to do. The previous version had fitting issues. It was pretty tight around the toe box, midfoot and on top of the foot. Hence, Nike’s had only the duty to make this shoe fit better, and the designers didn’t disappoint.
Nike creatively used a fabric with varying stretching intensities across the forefoot, midfoot, collar and toe box. The collar and toe box have greater elasticity than other parts. The outcome is that the upper feels quite flexible and wraps well around the foot to provide a forgiving, snug fitting.
I noticed that the back of the heel area extends upwards, and together with the flexible collar and bootie upper, it creates a sock-like fitting. Hence, the top area fits well because there are enough spaces in the right spots. Besides, Nike added the Flyknit material to make the toe box roomy while maintaining a snug fitting.
The high breathability is another excellent thing about the upper and is attributed to perforations and lack of overlays on both sides. The upper maintains structure despite a paucity of overlays. The Nike logo is not printed but embroidered on a plastic logo.
Another noticeable change in the Flyknit Epic React 2’s upper is the softer heel made of a synthetic layer; thus, Epic React Flyknit 2 has a partial heel counter. Nike intended to eradicate the intense pressure on the heel while maintaining a secure heel lockdown. Nike also cleverly added a plastic clip from the lower heel into the sole unit. The plastic clip connects the upper layer to the midsole unit to create the needed stability.
Finally, Nike split the lacing panel, enabling the midfoot upper to stretch depending on stress. The wide flat laces also reduce pressure on top of the foot during lacing.
I have had a great experience with this upper. The good thing about the upper is that it is now roomy, comfortable with secure snug-fitting.
Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 Sole Design and Performance
The React foam is the soul of the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2. It is springy foam capable of creating a trampoline-like experience because the rebound is apparent. Though the react foam is not as marshmallow as the ZoomX foam, it still offers sufficient cushioning. It is also lightweight and durable.
Unfortunately, in the first version, the React foam becomes firm when it freezes, leading to a loss of grip and bouncy sensation.
The compressing midsole is complemented with a sizable heel stack and overall weight, making it a comfortable shoe for prolonged walking, running and workouts. Hence, the Epic React Flyknit 2 does not feel clunky.
The midsole design is incredible because Nike put full-length React foam from heel to toe and incised the sidewalls to enhance compression and aesthetics. The React foam is known to be durable, which explains why Nike exposed junk of it in the midfoot area. Therefore, the forefoot and heel areas are covered with a durable rubber that matches the patterns of the exposed React foam.
In my opinion, Nike’s intention was to ensure that the midsole rubber is exposed enough to provide the proper responsiveness and cushioning. The added hard rubber in the forefoot and heel areas was placed to provide traction and stability since React foam is known to have longevity. Hence, the rubber mix was perfectly executed by Nike. I have always experienced enough traction underfoot and overall stability, and I love how the React foam manages the grip and transition workload. Even after clocking 154 miles, there are little signs of wear, nothing major.
I have run in the Epic React 2 during the summer, and I am afraid that the traction underfoot cannot handle wet surfaces well.
In my opinion, Nike’s intention was to ensure that the midsole rubber is exposed enough to provide the proper responsiveness and cushioning. The added hard rubber in the forefoot and heel areas was placed to provide traction and stability since React foam is known to have longevity.
Hence, the rubber mix was perfectly executed by Nike. I have always experienced enough traction underfoot and overall stability, and I love how the React foam manages the grip and transition workload. Even after clocking 154 miles, there are little signs of wear, nothing major.
I have run in the Epic React 2 during the summer, and I am afraid that the traction underfoot cannot handle wet surfaces well.
How Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 Performs
I love the overall performance of the Nike Epic React 2. It feels lightweight on foot. The React foam is quite solid yet compliant with every foot strike. The energy return is noticeable because I don’t have to exert much energy. I also love its consistency because the comfort does not diminish over a long distance of running. The flared midsole and the plastic clip on the heel guarantee stability; thus, I always feel confident that I will not slip when negotiating corners.
I now use the Nike Epic React in my rotations, and the non–mushy cushioning allows me to rack up long miles or try varying training sessions. Though it is not a fast shoe, The Nike Epic React can easily offer considerable speed. I recommend the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 and Altra Vanish Carbon running shoes for road races.
However, with the improved fitting and general midsole design, the Nike Epic React has proven to be an excellent shoe for long-distance running, tempo runs and fartlek training. It can handle everything throw
Why You should Buy Nike Epic React Flyknit 2
The Epic React Flyknit 2 comes with improved fitting. It is dense and responsive, weighing 8.4 ounces for US size 10 and about 2 ounces heavier than the previous version. The snug-fitting and dense React foam make it a perfect daily trainer for tempo runs and racking up long miles.
The adjusted upper brings a new experience because it is easy on the foot, even for runners with slightly broad feet. It is also breathable for summer training, and the cushioning, especially in the forefoot areas, keeps the foot fresh.
The design is simple yet appealing. Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 has a simple yet appealing design. Therefore, it can be used as regular casual wear or walking shoes. I recommend getting the right fit, particularly for runners with broader feet. I am confident that normal footed runners are unlikely to experience fitting issues. I got my pair of Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 from Amazon.com because of its easy return policy.
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Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 Reviewed by:
Philip Elllis who is an experienced American athlete. At 32, Ellis has participated in several half marathons across Florida. He loves running shoes the way a car enthusiast is fascinated by the inner workings of a car.
