New Balance Beacon vs Nike Epic React

Scripted_Connection wrote:

Which is better as an all-around shoe and are they durable enough for heavy mileage?

The Beacon is one of the best shoes made in the past 10 months. Long runs, Marathon, all the way down to Tempo pace for most. It is just a fantastic shoe. Lots of lightweight cushion, but it is firm, not squishy. Some people don't like the insole. That can be changed in about 4 seconds.

The React has been a bit more polarizing. I have run in them, but haven't owned a pair. Several of my runners got some and were disappointed in the durability.

I am fairly comfortable in saying that the Beacon is more of a do-everything shoe than the React, tho. The React gets a little out of control at high speeds.

One more that should be on your short list of do-everything shoes is the Reebok Forever Energy.

I own both and run in both regularly.

My hunch is that the Epic React will be more durable in the long run, but both are great value imo. For me, the Beacon is a tad more comfortable- the heel counter on the React is a little stiff and has not really loosened up for me.

I'd have no hesitation in using either shoe for any type of workout.

I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Whichever feels most comfortable on your foot is probably the one to get. Great shoes.

I know most people knock the react for the exposed foam and cajse it scuffs after a couple of runs and Nike created the shoe with a worn down look. Its odd but the epic react is no different than many other shoes with exposed EVA.

I own the flyknit version. Its a good trainer that can handle anything.

The Beacons not a bad shoe just depends if you want an Eva or react foam shoe. Both are similar but very different.

I've ran as slow as 11 minute pace and as fast as 5:30 in the reacts. I'm pleased.

I have both. If you are doing frequent, shorter runs, I would say Beacon. If you are doing longer stuff regularly, Epic React. No problems with durability in either. More miles on my Epic Reacts including a gravel trail marathon last fall. Oakley450 on YT has a good review after 400 miles.

Beacons for me are like a more natural feeling Kinvara - both light and great upper - but the rounded profile of the Beacon sole feels more comfortable (vs Kin 9 at least). But for shorter stuff, I probably use Boston Boost / Adios more.

I replaced my Epic Reacts at 1350 miles. The cushion under the ball of my foot was just too compressed at that point.

However, that still makes them the most durable shoe I've ever run in by a long way. Almost all on pavement, maybe 5% on grass?

Only 1350 miles? That's like 7 weeks, so sad. Mine are still going at 2,000 miles.

NotALiar wrote:

Only 1350 miles? That's like 7 weeks, so sad. Mine are still going at 2,000 miles.

You run 200 miles/week?

Tried'em on and finally got the Beacon. They just have more feel on the ground and of course a better price.

I would say they're actually more similar to the Pegasus Turbo than to the Epic React.

Thank you all for the responses!

HHH Runner wrote:

I replaced my Epic Reacts at 1350 miles. The cushion under the ball of my foot was just too compressed at that point.

However, that still makes them the most durable shoe I've ever run in by a long way. Almost all on pavement, maybe 5% on grass?

1350 miles, may I ask how much you weigh? You must have a very efficient footstrike anyway.

Scripted_Connection wrote:

HHH Runner wrote:

I replaced my Epic Reacts at 1350 miles. The cushion under the ball of my foot was just too compressed at that point.

However, that still makes them the most durable shoe I've ever run in by a long way. Almost all on pavement, maybe 5% on grass?

1350 miles, may I ask how much you weigh? You must have a very efficient footstrike anyway.

Maybe runs on a treadmill or indoor track too?

I know there was some person on here that said their Reacts felt better after 500 miles it reminded them of the lunar racer so it was like getting 2 shoes mileage out of them.

I do know Nike says they will last longer. I've got about 75 on mine. I really like them but they are just a shoe. Which is fine since they are trainers for me.

It's a great shoe I just have trouble going fast in it and the insole is a bit weird.

150 miles on the Beacon and it's pretty worn. Can't see it going that much beyond 300 tbh. Shoes are squeaky (even with swapping insoles), tread very worn. They feel pretty good to run in, but just dunno if I'd buy again due to the wear.

Ran in the beacon on an easy run today. Great shoes. I would even venture to say they're one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, but there's a problem: when I tried to run faster(nothing crazy, just 5:30-6:00 pace to loosen up the muscle at the end of a run), the insole kept sliding around. Any fix to this?

Just before someone says this, except taking the insole out.

Saywhat2 wrote:

Scripted_Connection wrote:

1350 miles, may I ask how much you weigh? You must have a very efficient footstrike anyway.

Maybe runs on a treadmill or indoor track too?

I know there was some person on here that said their Reacts felt better after 500 miles it reminded them of the lunar racer so it was like getting 2 shoes mileage out of them.

I do know Nike says they will last longer. I've got about 75 on mine. I really like them but they are just a shoe. Which is fine since they are trainers for me.

I'm about 5' 10" and 145lbs. Roughly. I don't ever weigh myself.

Maybe 30 miles of that was on treadmill, none indoors. Also used them for 2 weeks on the elliptical when I was injured, although I doubt that does much to the shoe.

But yeah, 95% on the pavements and concrete paths of London. Only easy/long runs really, maybe 2 or 3 tempos.

Glue.

Loved these shoes last year, just got a pair of the 2s for $90 at running warehouse. Most people could get similar mileage out of the shoe. The midsole is insanely resilient and once it does it's initial wear where it starts peeling a bit it barely wears down at all.

I have both and prefer the Beacon.

Quality of ride started to deteriorate at 350 miles and I got a new pair at 500 miles.

The longest run I did was 22 miles and it was fine. Not as comfy as a gushy shoe, but i'd rather have a little soreness than feel like i'm running in giant pancakes.

The best and worst thing about the shoe is that it is rapid. It is actually impossible to do a slow run in this shoe, it eventually just propels you to a better pace.