Michael Le The React Element 87, while a beauty in its own right, was arguably more revolutionary for its cushioning. Back in 2018, upon the shoe’s unveil, Nike told of the technology’s painstaking, data-driven design, which would effectively set a new standard for the brand as a whole. And come 2022, we’re seeing the sole dress another innovative silhouette, the React Atlas.
Currently, not much is known about the model save for its aesthetic qualities. Thanks to official images, we can take a more detailed look at the upper, which ostensibly borrows inspiration from the Air Max 720. The Atlas, though far less tall relatively, is marked with similar grooves, allowing for a degree of flex at many notable stress points. Additionally, overlays reinforce the toe, vamp, collar, and lower side, while the Swoosh simply brands in its slightly glossy finish.
The sole, whose many parts are highlighted in muted greens and blues, is easily the star of the show. Entirely revamped, the fixture leans towards the futuristic, evolving React to a point likely informed by data, research, and rigorous testing. This is somewhat evident along the outsole as it seems to focus on select pressure points in a way distinct from the tooling’s original version.
Enjoy a close-up look for yourself below. Though TBD currently, a release date is sure to surface once we finally step foot in 2022.
