React Element 87 vs. Epic React Flyknit: The Best in Lightweight Performance?

When it comes to Nike performance shoes, two models stand out for their lightweight feel, advanced technology, and stylish designs: the React Element 87 and the Epic React Flyknit. Whether you're a casual runner, a gym enthusiast, or simply looking for trendy sneakers that keep you comfortable all day, these two have likely caught your eye. But which one is truly the best in terms of lightweight performance?

Let’s break down both sneakers in detail, comparing everything from Nike comfort to the cutting-edge React technology and Flyknit design. This article will help you make an informed decision based on your preferences for athletic style, cushioning, and long-lasting performance.


Table of Contents

  1. Understanding React Technology: The Heart of Nike's Performance
  2. The Flyknit Advantage: A Revolution in Shoe Design
  3. Key Features of the React Element 87
  4. Epic React Flyknit: Designed for Comfort and Speed
  5. Comparing Comfort: React Element 87 vs. Epic React Flyknit
  6. Durability Showdown: Which One Lasts Longer?
  7. React Element 87: A Fashion Statement or a Running Shoe?
  8. Conclusion
  9. FAQs

Understanding React Technology: The Heart of Nike's Performance

Before we dive into the specifics of each shoe, it's crucial to understand the magic behind both. React technology is at the core of both the React Element 87 and Epic React Flyknit.

Nike’s React foam provides a lightweight, responsive cushioning system that absorbs impact and returns energy, giving you a spring-like feel with every step. Whether you're sprinting on a track or just running errands, React foam is designed to make every stride smoother and more comfortable. It’s the same technology that makes Nike comfort one of the top features in their athletic footwear.

But how does this technology perform in different shoes? Let’s explore the details.



The Flyknit Advantage: A Revolution in Shoe Design

Nike’s Flyknit design is another game-changer. This unique material offers a lightweight, breathable fit that wraps around your foot like a second skin. Flyknit also provides a flexible, sock-like feel, ensuring that the shoe moves naturally with your foot.

The Epic React Flyknit is a perfect example of how Flyknit and React foam work together. This shoe takes the lightweight, breathable benefits of Flyknit and combines them with the energy-returning capabilities of React technology to create a shoe that is not only comfortable but also high-performance.

On the other hand, the React Element 87 uses a more traditional, see-through upper, which, while stylish, doesn’t have the same flexibility or breathability as Flyknit.



Key Features of the React Element 87

The React Element 87 is all about breaking barriers. From its transparent upper to its bold, modern design, this shoe is as stylish as it is functional. Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Minimalist design: The transparent upper gives the Element 87 a futuristic, sleek look.
  • Responsive React foam sole: Like all React shoes, it’s built for comfort and energy return.
  • Stylish details: Unique details, like the chunky sole and high-tech finish, make this shoe stand out in a crowd.

While this shoe is visually striking, it’s important to remember that it's more of a trendy sneaker than a pure performance shoe. It's designed for those who want to make a statement, all while enjoying the comfort of Nike’s React foam.



Epic React Flyknit: Designed for Comfort and Speed

The Epic React Flyknit is more focused on performance than style. Here’s why:

  • Flyknit upper: Offers an ultra-breathable, sock-like fit that’s perfect for long-distance runners.
  • React foam: The full-length React foam provides optimal cushioning and energy return, making it a great choice for athletic style and running performance.
  • Lightweight construction: It’s one of the lightest performance shoes on the market, offering a responsive feel with every stride.

If you’re looking for a shoe that prioritizes performance and comfort during intense activities, the Epic React Flyknit might be your best bet.



Comparing Comfort: React Element 87 vs. Epic React Flyknit

When it comes to comfort, both the React Element 87 and Epic React Flyknit bring something unique to the table, but they serve different needs and preferences. Let’s break down the comfort features of each shoe in more detail.


React Element 87: Fashion Meets Comfort

The React Element 87 shines with its futuristic, minimalist design, but how does it stack up when it comes to actual comfort?

  • React Foam Cushioning: The React Element 87 uses Nike’s signature React foam in the sole, which provides a responsive, cushioned feel with every step. This foam is engineered to absorb impact and return energy, offering a soft yet springy sensation. It’s great for walking around the city or running errands, providing ample cushioning for casual use.
  • Breathability: While it has a more sleek, transparent upper, the React Element 87 doesn’t have the same breathable properties as Flyknit. The mesh-like material of the upper provides some ventilation, but it’s not as airy or flexible as the Flyknit design.
  • Fit and Feel: The Element 87 has a regular fit but feels a bit more rigid than the Epic React Flyknit, especially around the upper. The transparent plastic-like material used in the upper isn’t as flexible as the sock-like feel provided by Flyknit, so while it offers decent comfort, it may not feel as naturally snug or adaptable to foot movements.

Overall, the React Element 87 is comfortable for everyday wear, offering enough cushioning for light activities. However, its design leans more toward fashion and style than providing a snug, performance-driven fit.


Epic React Flyknit: Performance-Driven Comfort

Now, let’s dive into the Epic React Flyknit, which takes comfort to the next level, particularly for those who demand more from their shoes in terms of performance.

  • Flyknit Upper: The Flyknit design in the upper is one of the standout features for comfort. The lightweight, breathable material feels like a second skin, hugging your foot and providing a snug, sock-like fit. This sock-like feel is a game changer, especially during longer runs or intense workouts. The Flyknit upper adapts to the shape of your foot, offering a flexible, almost custom-fit experience that allows for natural foot movement.
  • React Foam Cushioning: Like the React Element 87, the Epic React Flyknit also incorporates React foam in the sole. However, in the Flyknit version, the foam is engineered for maximum responsiveness and energy return, making it feel more dynamic. The foam helps reduce fatigue, especially on longer runs, by providing consistent comfort without sacrificing support. Whether you're sprinting or jogging, the cushioning reacts to your movements, offering a balance of softness and bounce.
  • Breathability and Flexibility: The Flyknit material in the upper offers a high level of breathability, ensuring your feet stay cool and dry even during long periods of physical activity. This is a key advantage over the React Element 87, especially for those who need a shoe that breathes well and keeps the feet fresh during a run or workout. Additionally, the upper is incredibly flexible, giving you more freedom of movement without any restrictions.
  • Overall Comfort: The Epic React Flyknit is designed with performance in mind, offering exceptional comfort for active users. The snug, sock-like fit, combined with responsive cushioning, ensures that your feet feel supported and comfortable, no matter how demanding the activity. Whether you're running long distances or tackling intense workouts, the comfort level in the Epic React Flyknit is hard to beat.


Which One Is Right for You?

When comparing comfort between the React Element 87 and the Epic React Flyknit, it all comes down to your priorities:

If you're looking for lightweight sneakers for casual, all-day wear and prefer a stylish, trendy sneaker with decent comfort, the React Element 87 is a solid choice. Its cushioning and design make it perfect for walking, light jogging, or just adding a fashionable twist to your everyday outfits.

If you're more focused on running shoes that provide ultimate comfort and performance, the Epic React Flyknit is the clear winner. The Flyknit upper and responsive React foam come together to provide a fit and feel that supports athletic activities, making it perfect for longer runs, workouts, or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.



Durability Showdown: Which One Lasts Longer?

Both shoes are built with high-quality materials, but which one is more durable?

React Element 87: Its stylish design and materials are durable enough for everyday use. However, the exposed foam and transparent upper may show wear faster if you're using them for heavy athletic activities.

Epic React Flyknit: With its Flyknit upper and React foam, the Epic React Flyknit is designed for long-lasting performance. The Flyknit material is known for its durability, while the React foam maintains its cushioning even after prolonged use.

If longevity is your primary concern, the Epic React Flyknit will likely outlast the React Element 87, especially if you’re using them for sports or frequent runs.



React Element 87: A Fashion Statement or a Running Shoe?

While the React Element 87 can certainly be used for running or light physical activity, it’s more of a fashion-forward sneaker than a performance shoe. Its minimalist, modern design has made it a hit among sneakerheads and those looking for a trendy addition to their wardrobe.

However, if you’re serious about running or intense workouts, you might want to look at a more performance-oriented shoe like the Epic React Flyknit.


Epic React Flyknit: Built for Performance, Styled for Life

The Epic React Flyknit is built for athletes, but it doesn’t compromise on style. The combination of Flyknit and React technology ensures that this shoe performs under pressure, while its sleek design keeps you looking stylish.

Whether you’re hitting the track or running errands, the Epic React Flyknit transitions seamlessly from running shoes to trendy sneakers.


Which Pair is Best for Running?

If your goal is to find the best running shoe, then the Epic React Flyknit is the obvious winner. Its Flyknit upper provides superior flexibility and breathability, while the full-length React foam offers the responsiveness needed for long-distance runs.

On the other hand, the React Element 87 is great for short, casual jogs but isn’t designed for performance running.



Conclusion

So, which is the better choice for you? Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want a stylish, trendy sneaker that doubles as a casual performance shoe, the React Element 87 is your go-to. It’s a great option for those who value fashion and comfort in one package.

If you’re after a shoe designed specifically for athletic performance—whether it’s running, working out, or just staying active—the Epic React Flyknit is hands-down the winner. Its Flyknit design and React foam make it the perfect companion for any serious athlete.

Either way, Nike has you covered with these lightweight performance shoes that don’t compromise on style or comfort.



FAQs

-  What is the difference between the React Element 87 and the Epic React Flyknit?

The React Element 87 is more of a stylish sneaker with a transparent upper and a modern, trendy look. It uses React foam for comfort but isn't specifically designed for high-performance activities. In contrast, the Epic React Flyknit is designed for athletes, focusing on comfort, breathability, and durability, making it ideal for running and other physical activities.

-  Which one is better for running: the React Element 87 or the Epic React Flyknit?

If you’re looking for a shoe primarily for running or athletic activities, the Epic React Flyknit is the better choice. Its Flyknit upper offers a sock-like fit for breathability, while the React foam provides excellent cushioning and energy return. The React Element 87 is more suitable for casual wear and style, rather than performance.

-  Are the React Element 87 and Epic React Flyknit durable?

Both shoes are made with high-quality materials, but the Epic React Flyknit is designed for durability under more intense use. The Flyknit upper is both flexible and strong, while the React foam lasts longer during physical activity. The React Element 87, although durable for everyday wear, may show signs of wear quicker when used for more strenuous activities.

-  Can I wear the React Element 87 for workouts?

While you can wear the React Element 87 for light workouts or gym sessions, it’s not specifically designed for athletic performance. The Epic React Flyknit would be a better choice if you're looking for a shoe that provides more support, comfort, and performance during more intense physical activities.

-  Are the Epic React Flyknit shoes worth the price?

Yes, the Epic React Flyknit shoes are definitely worth the investment if you prioritize comfort, durability, and performance. The combination of Flyknit and React foam makes them perfect for long runs and intense workouts, while the stylish design ensures they look great too.