Nike React Element 55 vs Nike Air Max 270

There’s a difference between sneakerheads and someone who just appreciates wearing comfortable shoes. I fall into the latter category; so, no, I don’t have the glossary that sneakerheads (or even regular runners) have when it comes to the different ranges that brands have or the technology they’ve introduced in their shoes. And then, Nike sent me two of their shoes to review. Two different Nike shoes, one similarity—the popular, crowd-pleasing React foam. If you’ve been considering purchasing a new pair of Nike shoes but couldn’t decide which, I’d say start with either the Nike React Element 55 or the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2. What’s the difference and why? Read on.

Nike React Element 55 — For everyday use, for travels, for walking

Nike React Element 55 is a looker, that’s for sure. Not only does Nike let you customise it through Nike By You, but the range already offers a stunning collection of vibrant colourways that all give a deconstructed vibe. And because its silhouette is sharper from Nike’s running and training shoes—which tend to be slightly on the bulkier side in favour of performance—the Nike React Element 55 is great with most everyday looks.

But beyond those pops of colours is the Nike React technology underfoot. Walking in them is a joy—it’s lightweight, comfortable and above all, cushiony. The React midsole is soft, evident from the minute I slipped into the pair of shoes, and it also doubles as a feature to wick moisture. And it is easy to slip in and out of them, by the way. The outsole, on the other hand, further strengthens the Nike React Element 55 as a pair of shoes made for “lifestyle” aka walking, being on your feet (almost) all-day long, and the like. Thanks to the springy rubber nodules that have been strategically placed at the front and heel of the outsole, it gives that foot-to-ground grip adequately.

	Nike React Element 55	Nike Air Max 270

Product Dimensions	0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches	13.58 x 9.29 x 4.8 inches
Shipping Weight	1.05 pounds	2.03 pounds
Best offer	Check price	Check price

If you’re wondering if you can work out or run in the Nike React Element 55, the answer is yes and no. Technically, it shares the same React foam, which was first available in Nike’s basketball shoes; and which is also used in the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 but the pattern of the foam is different—it’s looser. At the end of the day, these shoes are made for walking. But sporty. Yet stylish.

Nike Air Max 270 React

Real talk, we love the Nike Air Max 270 React like a newborn baby fresh from the stork. Nike Sportswear been killin’ it with a full roster of React based bangers for almost two years with models like the React Element 55, Element 87, ISPA [line], and Presto React; and the AM 270 React carries on that trend with pride. Lets dive into what makes Nike’s latest Air Max iteration so special.

Similarities between the Air Max 270 and the 270 React are subtlety obvious if that’s a thing. The ankle height, tongue, pull tab and use of mini Swooshes appear on both models; but the AM 270 React utilizes a much more complex upper. I’m sure you can see the ’90s vibes across the upper with modern overlays emulating those of the Air Max 92s and 98s of the sneaker world.

Nike Air Max 270 ‘Supersonics’

Obviously, the shoe’s two defining features are the 270 Air Bubble on the heel and the React foam, both of which stand as some of Nike’s most advanced technologies. But there’s a third technological advancement hidden in plain sight – the upper! The Air Max 270 React’s designer, Dylan Raasch, describes it best, “Instead of a no-sew or stitched on panels, the Air Max 270 React is built with a bar tack technique inspired by the Element React 87. This creates the floating eye stay aesthetic.”

Nike came super correct in the colors department with the Air Max 270 React. Straight up, both mens and women’s flagship color ways are dummy fire – it’s always nice when big brands show equal love to the ladies in these situations. The AM 270 React team could’ve easily rehashed the mens colorways, but instead they created an equally fantastic women’s exclusive.

All together, the AM 270 React’s development team made sure all colorways were created thoughtfully. Each colorway translates a specific artistic style or movement in its blocking and hues to create wearable pieces of art. Nike describes their inspiration best (via their press release on the Air Max 270 React), “The lead launch colorway, for example, heralds the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus’s founding by recalling the school’s formal studies of asymmetrical balance. Other colorways highlight explorations of geometric compositions, mid-century-inspired color blocking, San Francisco psychedelia and more.” It really looks like Nike Sportswear is pushing high class colorway development when you take the Presto React into consideration too. Read also: Nike Pegasus Vs Nike React.