Review: Nike Epic React Flyknit 2

The number 1 rule of running is NEVER run in a new pair of shoes for the first time in a race!! That is exactly what I did with the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, not only in a race but as a pacer of the sub 1h30min bus!

Now this is certainly not something I would recommend doing but I found myself is a unique situation and thought that it would be a great opportunity to put these shoes through a proper challenge! I was pacing the Hackney Half (13.1 miles) in London and 2 days before the race we were told that Nike was the new sponsor and that they would be providing kit to all the pacers. We received a pair of shorts, a shirt and a pair of Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 shoes which only arrived on the morning of the race. Many of the pacers declined to run in them, especially the ones pacing the quicker times. I was pacing the 1h30min time which was the quickest pacing group in the race along with one other pacer (who was not keen to run in the shoes). I thought to myself, ‘Nike make all these claims regarding technology, design and comfort’ so let’s put them to the test.

I can remember standing in the starting pen hoping that I hadn’t made a bad decision as I was not the only one who would be let down. Everyone around me was relying on me to get them over the line in time.

Anyone who’s run in a large event will know that the start can be very busy and there is a lot going on so it’s no surprise that I only remembered that I was wearing a new pair of shoes about 3 miles in, which I think says a lot in itself! The more the race went on the more I loved these shoes.

Aesthetics:

My initial thought was that they seemed a bit bulky for a running shoe as I prefer a lightweight racer but the React foam midsole makes them surprisingly lighter than expected (239 gms/8.4 oz) while proving great cushioning on lading coupled with a responsive launch. There are many colours so you should find a combination that suites you.

Fit:

I did have the luxury of trying on a variety of sizes and did opt for ½ a size bigger even with a narrow neutral foot. I’d have bought the incorrect size had I just bough online. The Flyknit upper makes these a very comfortable pair of shoes but one thing some of the pacers complained about was that the extra ½ size up did cause a gather under the laces which some found slightly uncomfortable.

Wear:

Translucent rubber under the heel and forefoot give some durability but the exposed React foam (just over half the sole) does begin showing signs of wear quite quickly.

For:

• These shoes look great and feel great (provided you get the sizing right)

• Lightweight and responsive

• The react foam midsole makes these great for both long-distance and tempo runs

• Perforated Flyknit upper gives great breathability

• Feels great from the very first run

Against

• Slightly expensive but if you’re not too concerned about the colour then you can find some great discounts

• Tight, especially in the toe area, when worn in your normal size

• Shows signs of wearing quite quickly

Conclusion

This is not a pair of shoes I would have originally gone out and bought, mainly because at first glance they look bulky but what a pair of shoes! I was so impressed at how well they performance on the very first run. I crossed the line in a time of 1:29:35 and it felt like I had been wearing these shoes for months already. Absolutely no discomfort whatsoever and I have gone to use these as my primary pair of shoes for all tempo and long-distance runs. Well done Nike, these shoes certainly exceeded my expectations.

#NikeEpicReactFlyknit2 #Review #ShoeReview #NikeRunningShoe

Disclaimer

** I am not a professional athlete, just an everyday runner and everything I’ve written is just my opinion. I was given these shoes (not to review though) but I did not receive any form of compensation for writing this article.