Nike React Miler Archives - Fresh Brew Run Club

Here’s a first look at the Nike React Miler 2

Thanks to the IG account @rungearrun, we now have official images of the Nike React Miler 2. The first version of the Miler (which I reviewed here) has become one of my favorite long-run shoes, and the latest version looks to improve on that solid base. The first version worked great as a stability shoe, with it’s wide base and durable React foam.

Updated Upper

The update appears to be on the upper (top part of the shoe), which includes what looks like improved ventilation. My biggest gripe with the original was the complete lack of ventilation, so this appears to be a much-needed update. The midsole appears to be the same as last year. The tongue and lacing system look very similar compared to the original shoe.

Nike typically operates in two-year cycles, first updating the upper, then redesigning the midsole. Currently, the Pegasus 38 is getting a refreshed upper as well, leaving the possibility for a redesigned midsole in the Pegasus 39.

Photos

Check out the first official images of the Nike React Miler 2, via rungearrun below, and give them a follow on Instagram for more:

Nike React Miler 2 via @rungearrun

200 miles later, the Nike React Miler remains a rock-solid everyday trainer.

Nike React Miler review — Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Earlier this year, I reviewed the Nike React Miler after one run. After 35 runs and 202 miles, here’s my thoughts on this shoe.

I used this shoe for my easy runs and recovery runs, to take advantage of the stability and cushion when speed was not the main goal.

Pros of the Nike React Miler

Comfort is the name of the game. This was a great fit for my runs when I needed something to protect my sore feet from the pavement. There’s a lot of material between the road and your feet, and the upper locks in nicely around your foot to provide lots of stability.

This is a also a very durable shoe. Like I mentioned in my initial review, this shoe is built like a tank, with tons of cushion and a very durable upper. After runs on concrete, dirt, asphalt and grass, the upper shows almost no signs of wear.

The outsole held up very nicely as well. Since I used this shoe on my slower runs, my heelstrike was magnified, and I have begun to wear down the heel and forefoot rubber. However, I don’t feel like the shoe is comprimised at this point, and has a lot of life left. I only noticed a few areas where the react foam had creased, which is a big contrast to other Nikes that tend to crease and eventually crumble at those stress points.

Initial signs of wear from my heelstrike

Cons of the Nike React Miler

In order to remain durable, the shoe is pretty heavy. If you’re looking for a trainer to set a PR or run speed workouts, maybe look for something with a little less mass. The materials on the upper are also not super breathable, which can result in some sweaty feet on hot days.

It’s not the lightest shoe in the world.

Verdict

I’m a huge fan of this shoe. It didn’t recive the typical Nike marketing push, but I found the Miler to be a rock-solid shoe for tackling long, easy and recovery runs. It’s a little on the heavier side, which might actually be an advantage if you rotate in a faster shoe for faster runs. Almost like baseball players taking practice swings with a donut weight on their bat before swinging the lighter, weight-free bat in the game.

The durability of the shoe makes it agreat investment. I have no doubt that I will be able to get 400+ miles out of the shoe before I need to retire it. It’s just a solid shoe. And since it’s has been out for a while now, you can find some fantastic deals.

Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable, stable shoe and you’re not concerned as much about speed, I highly recommend the Nike React Miler.

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