Written by: XEONIQ [ Instagram | Tumblr ]
Edited by: CUSAQ [ Instagram ]
Contents
1. Introduction
The Nike React Element 55 has been out for a while now, offered as a more affordable alternative to the React Element 87, which used a translucent upper for a more eye-catching, streetwear aesthetic. I purchased these nearly 6 months ago and have worn them intermittently, but with enough frequency to provide a comprehensive review of the shoes. They were purchased from the retailer JD Sports on sale for approximately $USD100.
2. Performance Specifications
Nike and various retailers such as Eastbay and JD Sports offer the following performance specifications and quality claims:
- Lightweight mesh upper with high breathability
- A foam midsole designed for comfort
- A rugged outsole with rubber “pod” treads for traction
- A flexible TPU heel clip for enhanced stability
- Nylon heel tab to support removing the sneaker
- Reflective elements to enhance nighttime visibility
3. Design Features
Having been uninterested in the majority of Nike’s recent designs due to the majority being quite gaudy and not aesthetically versatile, I was drawn to how subtle this Black/Grey colourway was in store. The techo-organic design, which avoids the heavy geometry of sneakers such as the Rick Owens x Adidas Tech Runners, provides an aesthetic homage to films such as Aliens (1986) and the sprawling cable and wire-choked overhead lanes of Tokyo.
As a fan of futurist and technical fashion, I was drawn to this look and the use of mixed materials and texture overlays in the mesh, overlock stitched and glued panels creates a visual busyness that breaks up the monotony that can occur in all black shoes. It should be noted that these sneakers are heavily branded with Nike’s trademark “swoosh” adorning both sides of the outer and “Nike React” text emblazoned on the tongue and TPU heel clip.
I have two issues with “limited” release footwear products, especially from companies like Nike. Firstly, the scarcity and higher prices are artificially imposed to make designs that would not otherwise sell in large numbers appear more exclusive and thus more attractive to certain consumers. Secondly, sneakers in almost all cases are not high fashion. They are comfortable and usually durable footwear options for every day or athletic use. They should be used heavily for many activities meaning they have a relatively short lifespan compared to dress shoes or fashion items. If a consumer finds a pair of sneakers that suits their style or needs perfectly but they only made a very limited number, then replacing them once they wear out will be difficult if not impossible.
Thus it is ideal that your daily workhorse footwear is: versatile in aesthetic, comfortable, performs well for your typical activities, and finally is replaceable.
As a general release, these Nike Element React 55’s presented a good value proposition. Finding visually interesting, mostly black technical sneakers with a sleek silhouette for the kind of tapered pants I usually prefer can be challenging, so for $100, I was easily convinced to try the React Element 55’s out.
4. Issues and Concerns
4.1 Upper Textiles Insulation, Wind Resistance and Aesthetic Concerns
One of the first issues I noticed immediately was that wind blew straight through these sneakers and even the faintest hint of moisture left your foot feeling damp. As my first wears of these sneakers were in Australia’s very mild winter, I figured these would make excellent summer shoes with high breathability, as claimed by marketing. However, when arriving in Guangzhou, China with its 35C afternoon days, I was disappointed to find that the synthetic upper actually retains some measure of heat and before long my feet were sweating profusely. As someone quite used to heat living on the Gold Coast, Australia, I can safely say that there a a good deal of other sneakers out there by Nike, Under Armour and similar that fare better in the heat.
Further, as can be somewhat noticed in the worn outfit photo in Section 5, the upper is so thin that your toes and upper foot bones will protrude through the fabric, being slightly visible. This could be a minor aesthetic annoyance to some that prospective buyers should be aware of. Another issue is the tongue is made from a extremely thin strip of synthetic textile and while putting the sneakers is on it is easy to “bunch up” on either side of the foot and it can further shift to the side while wearing them, looking both unappealing and feeling uncomfortable.
4.2 Lace Quality
While not a major issue since they can be easily replaced, the laces used on this model are perhaps some of the worst I’ve handled from a modern sneaker. Nike surely has dozens if not hundreds of different suppliers providing laces for their numerous footwear products that would have been a better match for the React Element 55. The feel and look are equivalent to an unbranded “sports” lace one would purchase in a supermarket for under $2.
4.3 Sole Robustness
I’ve never seen a sneaker with a shorter lifespan. Due to the upper being relatively uncomfortable in heat and in the cold these have not been worn heavily over the last six months. Even so, with less than 100km of walking, gym work and the occasional short run, two signs of wear on the soles were evident: heavy foam compression creating unaesthetic wrinkling in the side wall; and the rapid deterioration of the rubber “pod” treads on the bottom of the sole. For those who want a sneaker to look relatively in the same shape you purchased them in for a good while, these sneakers should be avoided. Perhaps I am spoiled by my Nike NSW SFB 6″s and Nike ACG Mowabbs (not the flimsy CDG version), but both of these sneakers are over 3 years old with countless kilometers of wear on them; and yet still are in decent shape with wearable tread left. If you want to contribute less to landfill waste then a longer-lasting alternative may be a better idea.
After a quick glance on YouTube, it appears that this is an issue affecting all Nike React soles, both the Element 87 (as reviewed HERE) and the 55’s.
4.4 Sole Stability Issues
While these sneakers were not claimed to be a dedicated running shoe, it needs to be repeated that the soles are not stable enough for most athletic activities. They are ideal for walking and general commuting, but even as an relatively experienced long distance runner with good balance I found these sneakers to be unacceptable in terms of stability. After several stumbles, I anticipate someone heavier easily rolling their ankles in these shoes. The React Element 55’s are thus more in line with the venerable Nike Roshe slip on. A highly cushioned trainer from Nike that does provide enough stability for safe, stable cement running is the Nike Lunar Epic, an older and more expensive design but my three year old pair are still holding up well.
5. Use Case and Styling
The Nike Element React 55’s hold a place in my wardrobe next to my Nike ACG Mowabbs, where I want a low or mid-top trainer to go with more athletic or technical athletic outfits. These are only worn on clear days or evenings where I am sure it will not rain and never when I need to go for a dedicated run or for hiking where increased traction is important. With their sleek silhouette, they are ideal with tapered, cropped pants, joggers, or shorts. In colder weather thick socks are important for insulation.
A typical technical athletic outfit I’d wear in the fall/winter is shown below. In the spring and summer, a similar outfit with a tee or tank top, the same pants and a waterproof bag can be a simple and comfortable technical sports outfit.
Outfit summary:
- Arc’teryx Granville 10L
- Nike Tech Pack Crew Neck (1st release in bonded polyester) with sleeves partially removed
- Nike Pro Combat Hyper Warm Compression Top
- ROSEN-X Yama Pant cropped and customised with nylon cord adjustment
- Uniqlo HEATTECH Long Johns
6. Summary
6.1 Pros
- Excellent availability, these can be found around the world from Nike or sportswear retailers (easy to replace when needed)
- Low RRP and almost always on sale
- Black/dark colourway is versatile and easy to style and there is also a NikeiD customisable option available
- Techno-organic, futuristic design and details pair well with a technical clothing wardrobe
- Comfortable and lightweight for non-athletic urban use
6.2 Cons
- The sole will dilapidate quickly with a significantly shorter aesthetic and usable lifespan
- No weather resistance at all, your feet will get wet and wind will go straight through them
- Synthetic fabric causes overheating in the summer and fails to insulate at all in the winter
- Potential to cause injury (especially if you are heavier) due to a unstable and very tall foam sole
- Very poor quality laces in look and feel
6.3 Verdict
If you want a cheap, disposable pair of black trainers with a more athletic aesthetic for casual commuting, these are a good contender. If rarer sneakers are either too expensive or just simply not available to buy, these are an option. Avoid if you want them as a dedicated trainer or a shoe with weather resistance.
Ethical Statement: This product was purchased by myself with my own funds and is in no way endorsed or otherwise sponsored by the manufacturer (Nike) or the retailer (JD Sports).