Today’s the day that Nike releases its new Epic React Flyknit running shoe. Dubbed one of the softest pair of kicks to ever come out of Beaverton, Oregon, these new shoes will be available starting at 10am in five different colorways.
Nike has gone all out on this new pair of Flyknits, developing a new proprietary foam that it says is softer, springier, lighter and more durable than anything it’s put out in recent memory. Head below for a quick look at what you can expect from Nike’s latest release.
The new Epic React Flyknit running shoes hit Nike’s online store this morning with a retail price tag of $145+. At launch, there are four different colors available including Wolf Grey, White, Black, College Navy and Racer Blue.
Each model is offset by a white sole that houses much of the magic Nike is so actively marketing today.
Created with the LunarEpic Low Flyknit 2 in mind, Nike went even further designing a shoe that it says is 11% softer than its inspiration. While softness is its calling card, the React foam is also “13% bouncier”, although I’m simply taking Nike’s word there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWs_n3YoQKM
Nike took an interesting approach when it came to testing the durability of the new Epic React runners. After logging 500-miles on an individual pair, Nike shipped them in a box to a random tester for feedback. According to the iconic shoe manufacturer, the response was still very positive despite that heavy use beforehand.
We gave our testers React shoes that had been worn for at least 500 miles, and sent
them on a run. When they returned, we asked them how many miles they thought
the shoes had on them. The highest answer was 100. The lowest was “brand-new.”
And the average was around 15 miles. That’s what we call durable.
Three years of research and development along with testing new materials went into the Epic React’s sole. Nike dabbled with some 400 combinations before landing on today’s version that’s ready to ship to runners across the globe.
“You have this incredible new chemistry, amplified with this fluid geometry that we just never had access to before. That’s what makes Nike so unique” – Ernest Kim, Design Innovation director at Nike.
Nike is kicking off pre-orders today at 10am direct on its online storefront. It’s tough tell what the demand will be for this massively hyped shoe, so it’s best to get your order in now if you’re interested. We are seeing some retailers like Hibbett already offer listings that you can keep an eye on if your preferred colorway goes out of stock quickly. Otherwise, direct from Nike is going to be your best bet.
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