Nike React is a proprietary foam cushioning technology developed by Nike and introduced in early 2018. React foam is made from a proprietary NO2 (nitrogen-injected) TPE/EVA blend engineered for durability, energy return, and consistent underfoot feel over thousands of miles.
Technology origins
Nike developed React after seven years of R&D, aiming to create a cushioning platform that outperformed competitors' Boost (adidas) and Fresh Foam (New Balance). Lab testing positioned React as 11% more responsive than Lunarlon and 13% more durable than Nike's previous foam generations.
Key React silhouettes
**Performance running:**
- Nike Epic React Flyknit (2018) — the flagship debut silhouette
- Nike React Infinity Run (2020) — designed to reduce injury rates
- Nike Pegasus Turbo series — combined React with ZoomX
- Nike Vaporfly Next% — React base plus ZoomX
**Basketball:**
- Nike Hyperdunk X 2018 — first React basketball silhouette
- Nike Kyrie 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (Kyrie Irving signatures)
- Nike KD 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 — Kevin Durant line
- Nike LeBron 17, 18, 19
**Lifestyle:**
- Nike React Element 55 (2019) — chunky lifestyle retro feel
- Nike React Element 87 (2018) — breathable lifestyle runner
- Nike React Phantom — low-profile retro runner
- Nike React Presto — updated Presto with React sole
Collaborations
Undercover designer Jun Takahashi has collaborated on multiple React Element 87 and Presto React colorways (2018-2020). Kim Jones (Dior) and Matthew Williams (Alyx) have both worked on React-based silhouettes. Nike's ISPA line heavily utilizes React for experimental designs.
Current status
React remains active as Nike's mid-tier cushioning platform, sitting between Air Zoom and ZoomX. Newer silhouettes integrate React with Zoom Air bags or ZoomX foam for hybrid cushioning experiences. Performance running has largely shifted to ZoomX, but React remains the primary foam for basketball and lifestyle models.