Jun 26, 2018 Is React the Sneaker of the Year?
With the Nike React Element looking like a contender for Sneaker of the Year, we’ll look at what React cushioning is.
Jordan Super.Fly 2017
First debuted on the Nike Hyperdunk 2017 and Jordan Super.Fly 2017, it’s a proprietary foam that looks to succeed the very popular Lunar foam with 13% better energy return according to Nike all the while giving the shoe a responsive feel and energy return. Although a soft and plush ride may seem comfortable, you lose the integrity of stabilization and response. The main complaint about Lunar foam since it’s debut is despite the comfort and responsiveness, many complained about how quickly the cushioning bottoms out and Nike hopes to solve that issue with React.
Heatmap data of foot force and pressure
The Nike Sports Research Lab lead the design process, and according to Nike they put in over 2,000 hours of testing in basketball and 17,000 test miles for runners. They tracked how an athlete moved with data mapping on foot to analyze how much cushioning, traction and support needs to go into specific areas on foot.
With how performance running models such as the Nike Zoom Fly and Adidas Ultra Boost have been in the mainstay in the running community as well as the sneakerhead realm, Nike React may be the balance of performance and style. The Nike React Elements drops July 13 in the US and July 26 worldwide.
Source: Nike.com