NOT Worth Buying? Nike EPIC REACT FLYKNIT 2 vs Epic React REVIEW

Fits true to size for a snug fit. If you prefer a slightly bigger fit we recommend ordering a half size up



Social Media for Heskicks

Products links I post may be affiliated. What does that mean? I get a commission on some of the sales through my links so I can help fund the channel!

INSTANT GO WITH EVERY STEP.

The Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 takes a step up from its predecessor with smooth, lightweight performance and a bold look. An updated Flyknit upper conforms to your foot with a minimal, supportive design. Underfoot, durable Nike React technology defies the odds by being both soft and responsive, for comfort that lasts as long as you can run.

Elevated Responsiveness

Nike React foam has a lightweight, durable design that is also ultra-soft and incredibly springy. With every step, the foam responds to your foot by snapping back. The more energy you put into your step, the more you get in return.

Lightweight and Secure

A lightweight Flyknit upper gives you plenty of stretch and airflow while you run. It conforms to your foot for support with every step.

A Stable Run

The all-new molding at the heel was informed by runner feedback. It helps keep your foot stable, for an even more secure feel during your workout.

Brighter and Bolder

Inspired by the 90s tech world, the design features brighter colors that pay homage to the hand-held gaming devices and desktop computers of that era.

More Benefits

Inner sleeve provides easy entry.
Contoured collar sits right below your ankle for a comfortable fit.
Outsole pattern has clear rubber on the forefoot and heel for durable traction just where you need it.

Product Details

Last: MR-20-KT
Offset: 9mm (27mm heel, 18mm forefoot)
Weight: 239 grams (Men’s size 10)
Shown: Aviator Grey/Black/Blue Fury/Aviator Grey
Style: BQ8928-005

[pijesz]

Epic React 2 is a great shoe. It made the first version so affordable.

[mxwright]

Got both versions, can't really feel any difference between them but slightly prefer ER1 lookswise.

[tommaso]

another word for "exactly the same" is identical. Just thought it might prove useful in the future ;)

[thomasn]

I run in these so I can tell that the Epic React 2 hugs your foot better, especially at the heel section. Now mind you, the first Epic React fits just fine and won't cause any slippage but the Epic React 2 just fit better overall. Owning the Epic React 1, the Rise React, the Odyssey React and the Epic React 2 so you can say that I love the react foam and I say it is still as comfortable on the second iteration. Nothing else is changed but like other people say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Go with second one if you like a more secure fit and have some extra money to spend, otherwise get the first one or the Odyssey React if you want a cheaper version (the Odyssey React 1 can go as low as $50 right now).
Me personally, I think I will get a few more pairs of the Epic React 2 once I see more colorways that I like.

[inkdah]

One of the differences, the 2nd gen doesn’t have the 3m strip at the back of the shoe. Based on my experience as I have both versions, the 2s are slightly comfortable compared to the 1s. The flyknit on the toe box is slightly stretchy than the 1s. Somehow the 2s are slightly loose which is more comfortable. But all in all they’re really similar.

[cn]

What kind of monster wears shoes without socks?!?

[vgbombay]

Jamison MICHAEL? As in Michael jordan? You dont know how to say that..

[starriderstudios]

I have a heel bruise and picked up a pair of these because they made the pain go away almost completely, I can walk normal now. Tested 4 shoes at Salt Lake running company, paid premium but I needed these, so ok. Wasn't aware of them before, sold now

[samuelrogers]

Much prefer the second version from a design point of view and will defininatly upgrade from my original epic reacts just as they look much better to me

[hiratiomasterson]

It's Jamison Michael for the running shoe reviews Hes mentions - he's my absolute favourite on the technical side and real world feel of performance shoes, and he has now started to get guests to offer their takes also. And for the casual reviews, I wait for Hes Kicks to give me the rundown on what the latest is...and that includes pretty brutal takedowns when needed, as in this case. Amazing to think that even Nike can make a so called improvement to a brilliant sneaker and mess it up a bit - it's not a total disaster, but definitely some questionable tradeoffs.

[SmoakTrades]

I just purchased the new epic react and plan to return soon. I think the price point is too high and for the price of the new shoe I might as well purchase Nike Air Max. Thanks for the review because it helped justify my reason for returning the sneaker.

[av]

I waited with my react 1 and just bought the react 2 for $45 on finish line

[devinsmith]

Surprisingly the minor things they changed made the shoe 100 times better looking than before, the ogs weren’t even ugly to begin with

[minhnguyen-rpes]

I own both of them and the epic react 2 feels slightly more comfortable to the original
But the original in my opinion looks better even though for some people they might look the same.

If you don't have problem to spend 150$ go! and get them.
But the original epic react for me are more worth it and cheaper and they look dope on feet.

[hiratiomasterson]

I retired my Epic 2s from running after 400 km....and they have been doing flawless duty as daily casuals since for an easy 500 km more, with possibly close to that more casual life remaining. The React looks pretty beat up underneath...but the feel on feet is still incredibly close to new. And the Flyknit upper is still near flawless: maybe a few threads loose, but a quick snip and it looks perfect - amazing as these have been through quite a few twigs and assorted debris of nature. Just throw them in the washing machine and they look a week or two old. My only caution is just how risky these shoes are in the wet: avoid at all costs walking on wet tiles, glass/perspex or metal covers. There is a very dangerous lack of traction, especially if they have a bit of grime on them. But in the dry...absolutely remarkable. React foam is by a fair margin the most long lived I have ever experienced in the real world...and the crazy part is, it does this even whilst looking so beat up after a fairly short period of time.

[mosthated]

I would definitely go a half size up, the first model rubs on my back of the foot maybe it's the hard thick plastic and maybe that's the reason why they cut it down on the second model, other than that they're good feeling and looking shoes.

[carloscrod_]

Epic react flyknit 2 or ultra boost V1? I’m still rocking my original black UBs till this day. And have a ds back up pair. I just want to know if the flyknits 2 are more comfortable than the UBs

[emmahayes]

honestly the stitched stripe on the 2's just doesnt really work for me... I love the new heel counter though but it makes it look even more like the ultraboost. lol I think I will just stick with my original pair but keep it up nike

[jakegutierrez]

I prefer the looks of the Epic React 2 but I could really feel the stitched swoosh. Bothered me so much that I'm returning it. I'll check back again next year.

[sharkdrummer]

I agree with the second edition having minor details rather save money with the original Epic Reacts. Speaking of the original I saved a lot today since I bought myself original Epic Reacts at a Nike Clearance Store near me. Priced at $89.99 but with F&F 30% off code it dropped down to the $63.