The Nike React Element 87 Has Finally Dropped
Price: $160 Buy Now
When we received a pair of the Nike React Element 87—the long-awaited sneaker that just dropped in North America for $160—we couldn’t stop talking about it. Runner’s World staffers laced it up like Cinderella trying on her glass slippers, a fitting analogy given the translucent upper. One question—unsurprisingly—popped up as we tried it on and passed it around: Can you run in it?
A translucent upper and asymmetrical tongue.
Trevor Raab
A Lifestyle Shoe With Running Tech
The style of the shoe is reminiscent of the Nike Internationalist from the 80’s—hence the probable reference to the 87.
Underneath its futuristic aesthetic is the innovative React foam, which Nike introduced earlier this year. The foam is built into both the midsole and outsole of the shoe to deliver energy return and cushioning, which translates to extra bounce and cushioning. Underfoot, the sole is mapped out with geometric grooves and rubber pods; it’s a shoe with many layers for style and functionality.
React Foam outsole and midsole adds cushion for comfort.
Trevor Raab
Put all of these elements together, and what you get is a sneaker that resists fatigue, making it ideal for commuters, running errands and strutting catwalks. The overall construction of the Element 87 is designed for “the everyday athlete.” In short, the shoe is not made for speedwork and likely doesn’t have a future entering any 26.2’s. But that’s not to say you can’t flaunt it in between workouts.
Limited Release
Models worked the Element 87 on the catwalk during Paris Fashion Week back in March, making sneakerheads wait with anticipation for the shoe’s launch later this year (it was released globally in June). But availability is a whole different story. Already sold out on the Nike website, your best bet is snagging a pair on eBay, or GOAT (good luck if you’re a men’s size 14, price tagged at a whopping $1,945).
The shoe comes in monochromatic tones called “Salt Light Bone” and “Anthracite Black.” Blue and orange editions are in the Element 87’s future, but alas, fans will have to wait even longer as these editions won’t be launched until 2019.
Amanda Furrer
Test Editor
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World and was a middle-of-the-pack Emerson College cross country runner; she’s run the Boston Marathon consecutively since 2013.
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