NIKE debuts epic react flyknit sneakers, its first with an all foam bottom

NIKE have revealed their first shoe to feature an all-foam sole – the epic react flyknit, which hopes to deliver an all in-one-solution to runners demands. calling on innovators, chemists, engineers and designers, the sneaker is supported by newly developed technology known as NIKE react.

all images courtesy of NIKE

but before we dive into the newer elements, some further improved but familiar NIKE parts are worth a note. the upper of the epic react flyknit is simple. taking off from the flyknit racer, the forefoot, toe and arch are sculpted with a one-piece bootie, precision-engineered for support, flexibility and breathability in the spots where runners need it.

the star of the show however is the foam technology itself. to be clear, the main feature of this release is that it’s the first to use a single piece of foam without any encapsulation of casing, which means it is like running on a giant cushion. react foam is significantly softer than EVA-based foams of the past and so it smooths bumps in the road more effectively.

the technology is supposed to propel the runner as they take each step, the foam compressing on the way down and expanding on the way up. according to NIKE, react delivers 13 percent greater energy return than their latest generation of lunarlon foam. the NIKE epic react flyknit will be available from february 22 with the price still yet to be confirmed.