Mrs. O has done an amazing, (so amazing!) review and comparison of the Adidas Ultraboost vs.Nike Epic React, and the Adidas Deerupt Runner. I was really curious about the Adidas Deerupt runner. They caught my eye a few weeks ago when I purchased my Adidas Ultraboosts but they were a bit out there for me and I assumed they would look odd on. I am pleasantly surprised at how they look and definitely want to keep them on my ‘markdown watch list’. Mrs. O has a few other sneaker reviews to check out! Adidas NMD Primeknit, Adidas By Stella McCartney Ultraboost X Parley Shoes
Adidas Ultraboost vs. Nike Epic React
Nike Epic React
I finally got a chance to try on the Nike Epic React. I also want to try on the Under Armour HOVR (but I suspect out of the three it will be number three). I went to Finish Line so I could do a side by side comparison. I purposely went to the store in my Brooks so I wouldn’t be influenced by wearing my UltraBoosts to the mall. I took a picture of the shelf displaying the colorways offered in the Nike Epic React. I was drawn to this color — Rust Pink/Hyper Crimson/Barely Rose/Rust Pink. They also had a beautiful soft pink that was a cross between porcelain and pearl pink — Pearl Pink/Barely Rose/Arctic Pink/Pearl Pink. These were my initial reactions: the heel cup in the insole was too low (I felt that my heel was lower than the ball of my feet), the toe box was narrow (Nikes are narrower than Adidas) and the length was shorter than other Nikes I have. I always wear one size up in sneakers because I like to have room in front of my toes. I wear a 10 in Adidas Ultraboost and all the other Nikes I have are 10s as well. The Epic React felt shorter. The store didn’t have a 10.5 so I tried on the 11. The 11 felt better to me than the 10s. But I think a 10.5 would be the best bet for me. I did not like the way they felt initially but the longer I had them on they felt better. Also, once I put in my custom orthotics, it felt even better and the heel cup didn’t bother me as much. There was less bounce and a little more side-to-side support. The shoe overall had a smaller profile. The tread on the sole did not have the type of sturdier tread you find on the UltraBoost. There was a different type of tread on the heel and forefoot. I think the soles of these shoes will wear out faster than UltraBoosts. So, for long distance runners, you will probably have to switch out pairs more often than UltraBoosts. These did not feel cushy like I was walking on clouds but they are comfortable. It really depends on preference. The Nikes are $30 less than Ultraboosts. These were $150 v. $180. But I tend to think the Nikes will go on sale faster and at a steeper discount. While writing this review, I went on the Nike website and found that this color is sold out in my size and the pink ones had my size. I may have to go back to the store to purchase this color. I was hoping to wait until the went on sale.
Adidas Ultraboost Gray/Carbon/Ash Pearl
Instead of trying on the UltraBoost X, which I have many pairs of, I tried on the plain Ultraboost because the upper was the closest to the Nike Epic React. This Ultraboost is not a “sock” upper. I think all of you know I am partial to Ultraboost for everyday wear. The only thing I cannot wear them for is heavy lifting and balance exercises because they are not stable enough. But I love them for running and from going place to place or waiting around because they are so bouncy, have great cushion, light and the colorways are fantastic! Instantly, when you put them on, you feel comfortable and don’t think you have to “break” them in. I do not have a pair of non-UltraBoost X and I really like the profile of these shoes. I’m partial to this color and they look better in person. I also really like the color Cristina got because it would be so versatile. I stayed my size up (10) from my TTS (9 in dress shoes). Every time I think I should go half a size down, once I try them on, I like my size up better. The toe box is definitely wider than the Nike Epic React. I just noticed a Stella McCartney collaboration with a strap closure. I’m going to have to try those on. It looks like there might be more foot stability (side-to-side) because of the strap criss-crosses from side-to-side.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Nike Epic React and Adidas Ultraboost 3
Comparison
14 comments
I rarely comment on blog posts, but this was so helpful to read. I feel like the Ultra Boosts are the best running shoe in the world for me. But I run 30-40 miles a week and reluctantly do run some runs in other shoes to prevent injuries. I was looking at those new Nikes and wondering how they compared. Thanks for this thorough comparison! It was really appreciated.
Hi Kathleen! Thanks for posting. And you’re welcome. I’m glad these reviews were helpful. I was trying to be as unbiased as I could be. The Nikes are a great shoe as well. I’d be curious to know how you feel about them. When I was at the store, another runner came in to try the Nikes because for some reason, the UltraBoosts didn’t absorb enough shock for wind sprints and stairs. I honestly told him that if he’s not just running, he’d probably be better off with more supportive and stable soles. It’s quite fascinating how different body types are affected.
I think the UltraBoosts are the best ever too!
I tried the ultra boosts and didnt like that i couldnt lock my heel in place because of the sock knit around ankle. I also find adidas a tad wide in toe area so my feet feel like they would slide to the side when running. I do have narrow feet so I tend to like the brooks launch and ON cloudflows for the snug feel in toe box. I also have been trying Nike…which I never considered for running but they fit a bit narrower than adidas and seem to feel comfortable. I dont like super cushiony squishy shoes as i like to feel pavement and dont like the extra weight often associated with a more cushiony shoe. But cushion will save my knees in long term. I find everyone will have their personal preference based on what they like in a shoe. After buying 10 pairs I think I found my preferred shoes. Launch and ON cloudflows.
We must have twin-feet Gymmie 😉 I felt exactly the same about Ultraboosts and I’ve been wearing On’s for a few years now. Have you ever worn Newtons? I did years ago and forget now why I moved away from them…debating trying them again!
I really like Launch too. I have several pairs of Launches. The Ravennas are nice too. But Ghost does not work for me. Interesting, I don’t find the Boosts or Epic Reacts heavier. In fact, I think they feel lighter than my Brooks. Shoes are a very personal item. The PureBoosts might work better for you than the UltraBoosts.
another down vote for ultra boosts for running due to the slippery heel “sock” nature of them (although they are very cute).
i only wear brooks purecadence for running.
Thank you sooo much for your post about the Epic React and Ultra Boost. I have been a long time Lunarglide runner but the newer 8 and 9 versions do not work for me. My Lunarglide 6 and 7 stockpile is almost gone so I have been heavily researching for another shoe to start transitioning into for my runs. The Epic React and Ultra Boost have been at the top of my list. I purchased a pair of Ultra Boost and I really like them so far for my runs. I have not bought a pair of Epic React yet. Traction and shoe responsiveness are important to me so I appreciate your thoughts. You pretty much answered my questions from your review. I still plan to buy a pair of Epic React. I love the new colorway releases this week…All the pinks 🙂 Thanks for your comments about the Deerupt too, their campaign ad speaks to me so I have been thinking about adding those to my weekend brunch attire. 🙂
I’m definitely going to get a pair of Epic Reacts too. The question is what color? And will Nike have my size? LOL. But I do want to try a 10.5 before I commit on a size. I’m really liking the Deerupt too. It just adds a pop to a casual outfit that you see everyone wearing with sneakers. My hubby didn’t like them so much. LOL . . . I told him it’s because I’m the more fashionable one in the family. 🙂 He agreed!
i love that I’m not the only one who loves expensive performance athletic shoes for “weekend brunch attire” LOL 🙂
We wouldn’t have it any other way! That’s why I love this community!!
Thank you for this review. Just to share, I just bought the nike react odyssey as I was looking for a shoe with stability and cushioning because I do HIIT and my physiotherapist said my nike metcons are not supportive enough for plyometrics. I am currently experiencing foot pain and my physio said my feet were mildly flat although its still within normal range. With that said, I find the nike react odyssey’s super comfortable and it feels like I am walking on air because I usually wear training shoes and more support probably made me feel that way. My feet are narrow so I found the toebox fine and it was great after a HIIT cardio session. Perhaps I will try adidas next.
I have semi-flat feet and ankle issues, which is why I wear custom orthotics. Without my orthotics, the Epic React weren’t as comfortable as UltraBoost. When I need more support, my physical therapist recommended Brooks. For my heavy lifting days, I use my Adidas weightlifting shoes which give me great support.. But I’d never wear them for HIIT classes. I think both the Epic React and Ultraboost are good for HIIT. But not so much for balance and stability stuff. I’d say the Epic Reacts are better than UltraBoost in that regard. I don’t really have wide feet but I like a lot of room in my athletic shoes. I’ve always been that way.
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check out the React Odyssey.
I’m a distance runner (6+ Miles a day 5 days a week) and I love the new Nike Epic. I bought 3 pairs because I couldn’t decide on the color. These have great support and stability. I have high arches. My legs and feet feel great after. I used to wear Lunarlon but I hate the new style.