GT Blazers aren’t the only non-dunk SBs I’ve purchased recently The latest addition is this pair of Nike SB Bruin React in Black & White.
These come in the purple Nike SB box and ship with a set of flat white laces. There is nothing to speak of in terms of extras. I got these as beaters anyway so it’s just as well that Nike didn’t go out of their way to make these a special release.
I’ve owned SB Bruins before, but the difference here is the offset swoosh and the drop-in React insole for cushioning.
For some reason these were actually tougher to find in this colorway than I’d have thought. As I mentioned earlier, these are pre-designated beaters for me. They meet the criteria: comfy, easy to pull on/off, mostly black upper, and will go with most things that I want to wear.
How Are The Materials?
There are a number of materials on the sneaker but they are almost all geared towards skating, so the quality is more rugged/durable than it is premium. The eyelets and toebox area are all a rough suede while the tongue, side and rear panels are a ripstop type material. The heeltab is a basic smooth leather while the swoosh leather has a super tumbled finish. This tumble does add an air of luxury to an otherwise fairly plain and ready-to-beat pair of kicks.
How Do The Nike SB Bruin React Fit?
The Bruin React SB fit true to size. They are slightly snug around the toebox but break in quickly. People with wide feet might want to go a half size up.
If they made a stiff leather version of these I’d likely go up half a size to minimize break-in discomfort. The React cushioning does add a ton of comfort to these. I like how it is definitely noticeable, but not overdone. Sometimes the advanced cushioning can almost be “too squishy” for all-day wear but these provide enough comfort without going overboard.
Where To Buy the Nike SB Bruin React Black/White
You can shop new SB Bruins on Nike’s website, or find them on skate shop websites and aftermarket sites. The black and white pair are available on eBay
Nike SB Bruin React Black/White
Colorway: Black / White-Black-Anthracite
Style Code: CJ1661-001
Year of Release: 2020
MSRP: $100