The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit is built to offer comfort and moderate stability for miles and miles. This shoe notes a shift in Nike’s shoe focus, as the company switches towards a more maximalist shoe mentality.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Review
The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit is currently all the rage in the running world, as it makes the bold claim of reducing the chance of injury for any runner.
That’s right! Nike created this sleek yet beefy shoe with the intention of helping runners of all levels reach their next peak in fitness without sustaining too many setbacks.
SPECS
- Stack Height: 33 mm (Heel), 24 mm (Forefoot)
- OFFSET: 9mm drop from heel to toe
- Weight: 7.8 oz / 204g (US M9) and 6.8 oz / 197g (US W8)
- FIT: True to size, go ½ size small for some.
- Category: Moderate Stability
From its wide midsole in the forefoot to the efficient rocker implementation, the React Infinity Run hopes to carry you through daily training load of all kinds, but does it deliver on its promises? Let’s get into the rundown and find out!
UPPER - Materials and Lockdown
The React Infinity Run takes a turn with a revamped Flyknit material that is stronger and more durable than previous iterations. With Nike’s new Flyknit Loft upper material, the React Infinity Run offers better lockdown and sturdiness compared to its predecessors.
The Flyknit Loft delivers on a secure lockdown for the top of the foot and toe box areas but lacks some lateral stability when taking tight turns or running on uneven surfaces.
So although the upper is an improvement to previous Flyknit iterations, it still has some progress to make.
The React Infinity Run also lacks proper lockdown in the heel area, as there is an abundance of slippage coming through with almost every run.
This has not led to any blisters or hotspots, but it serves as a distraction from focusing on the task at hand, which is running worry-free!
However, these are issues that can be solved with some thicker socks and a greater focus on footing while out on your run!
POSITIVE: Comfortable and durable Flyknit material
DRAWBACK: Heel slippage and lack of lateral stability
MIDSOLE - Plush, Yet Responsive
The Nike React Foam is the headliner of this shoe, it offers a soft and springy cushioning compound built to deliver a high level of shock absorption without sacrificing energy return.
Nike hit the nail on the head with the react foam in this shoe, as it provides ample cushion that is complimented with a bouncy push off from the ground.
Continuing with the hot streak, the implementation of Nike’s Rocker Geometry offers a smooth transition throughout your stride. This was noticeable from the first step in this shoe.
The smooth transition from heel to toe-off does make a difference in your running economy. Biomechanically, this may be a difference-maker when it comes to preventing possible inefficiencies that could lead to injury.
Nike rounds out the midsole with an Injected TPU Heel Clip to help create a more inherently stable platform as you run.
This is the attempt Nike makes to add a “stability” shoe component to the React Infinity Run, it has its ups and downs, as it will be a good fit for a runner who only mildly overpronates, but if you are a true overpronator there are some far better options out there for you across a multitude of shoe brands like Asics, Brooks, Hoka, and Saucony to name a few.
POSITIVE: A delightful blend of soft cushion paired with ample energy return.
DRAWBACK: Does not deliver on the stability that was promised.
OUTSOLE - Comprehensive and Durable
The React Infinity Run features a Strategic Rubber Placement in the heel and forefoot offers added durability and traction with minimal weight.
This adds to the shoe’s durability, as Nike’s idea of “strategic placement” means the entire dang outsole, It may add a little extra weight, but not too much to worry about.
That about does it for the outsole specs, Nike keeps it simple and to the point with this part and it functions exactly as designed.
Our friend Noble, digs even deeper in his comprehensive review video.
DURABILITY PREDICTION - 500 to 600 miles (800-965km)
Taking into account the density of the midsole foam and the comprehensive placement of the outsole, the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit is made to go the distance with minimal wear and tear issues.
For most runners, even the Flyknit loft upper will last without too many rips or tears.
This is backed by a study Nike did on the durability of the React Infinity Run Flyknit, which shoes gave some testers an Infinity Run that had already been worn for 500 miles and they still felt good.
While considering this shoe, durability will be a none issue, as it seems to be able to last for miles and miles...and miles.
BEST USES - Easy Recovery Runs, Daily Miles and Long Runs
While the React Infinity Run Flyknit could take you through some faster work if needed, it is definitely built to excel as a reliable, cushioned and durable daily trainer. That is what most runners will find it useful for.
As we covered a little bit before, the React foam combined with the Rocker Geometry and comprehensive outsole rubber is ideal for logging the easy and daily miles.
It also seems ideal for those looking for a shoe that can take them through a long run without getting too beat up.
PRICE -
The price point always feels a little high for a daily trainer shoe and does not feel quite worth it for this shoe, regardless of its durability and comfort.
With so many daily trainers out there ranging from $100-$140, it feels hard to justify this purchase at MSRP.
However, if you found this shoe for anything around $130 or lower, then it becomes far easier to justify this purchase and feel excited about it without any buyer remorse.
- A LIGHTWEIGHT FIT An all-new version of Flyknit technology is stronger and more durable than previous iterations. It features 3 distinct layers to help keep your foot secure, while providing a lightweight and flexible feel when you move.
- A STABLE FEEL Higher foam stack heights provide a softer feel. A wider shape provides a more stable ride, helping release energy with every step.
- A SMOOTH RIDE The shape of the Nike React foam midsole is all about zonal performance, providing support for the 3 phases of a runner's stride—flexibility at toe-off, a smooth ride at mid-stance and cushioning at contact
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Review Wrap Up - A Durable Option for Easy Runs and Daily Miles
The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit delivers on its promise for durability and comfort for miles and miles. Its mild stability and sleek style make it a shoe that checks a lot of boxes compared to other shoe brands and models.
With its stacked midsole foam and biomechanically friendly design, it allows for some enjoyable daily training and long runs that can bring you a long way without too much fatigue or pain.
Should you get the Nike React Infinity Run?
The stability feature will be good for any runner that has a neutral or only a mild pronation gait cycle, so probably look for a sturdier option if you need something with more than just “inherent stability”.
Anyways, if you are looking for a comfortable, durable, and stylish daily training shoe that’s deliberately designed to reduce the chance of injury with inherent stability, then you might consider picking the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit!
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API