Nike’s been pumping out new tech like how Timberland releases its collaboration models, many in a very short time span. Fresh from the development of the Zoom X, the Swoosh has distilled the tech from the Zoom X and came out with the React foam, a sort of best of both worlds middle ground between bounciness and longevity.
You may have noticed that React made midsoles are not smooth. The design was computationally filtered with algorithms to provide maximum flex and strengthen the sole’s stress points during rebound and lift-off for increased response with every step, hence the odd pattern ingrained into it. The React Element ’87 takes this a step further, by pressure mapping people who walk to everywhere they go, and then drilling holes into spots where the feet experience the most fatigue. This technique was then transferred into the React foam for enhanced comfort.
However, this wasn’t really the reason that people were willing to overpay up to 1400 RM for a pair of these. Partly why the clout was apparent was that the shoe debuted on the runway, at UNDERCOVER’s show in collaboration Nike. Coupled that with a design that looks deconstructed and donned with a translucent upper, helped seal the deal for everyone else.
It’s kind of like a budget Off-White Zoomfly SP, without the crippling price tag, but much much more comfortable than its counterpart thanks to the utilisation of the React foam. Bonus: Cork footbeds are present instead of the normal insoles.
In terms of the arms race when it comes to who can innovate better, it seems like Nike is King Of The Hill, given the limit pushing Zoom X, 3D printed FlyPrint and translucent upper whereas Adidas only has the Futurecraft 4D to bank upon. Regardless, it looks like exciting times ahead for both leaders, and the route where Nike is taking with its uppers could kickstart a trend of see through shoes, but that’s another story altogether. What do you think? Is the hype for the React Element 87 justifiable? Or is it just a boat, waiting to sail from the hype dock?
