Nike running shoes have been widely known as some of the most innovative running shoe brands in the industry. Along those lines, Nike is often compared with a brand like New Balance because they are also a forward-thinking brand.
Anyway, you’re here to find out which Nike React foam shoe would make the best daily trainer/easy run shoe for you, so let’s get started.
We have broken down two of the most popular Nike React Foam based shoe models; The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit and the React Miler.
The biggest difference is that the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit is a lighter shoe, offering adequate support and cushioning making it perfect for weekend runners. The React Miler offers a more supportive, cushioned shoe, designed for long-distance runners. Both shoes can be expected to last between 350-400 miles.
This article gives information on these two shoes, pros/cons, and compare and contrast between the two - Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit and Nike React Miler.
Nike React Infinity Run Vs. Nike React Miler
Completely new to Nike’s running shoe lineup, The React Infinity Run Flyknit is built to offer comfort and moderate stability for many miles. This shoe is built to offer a more maximalist cushion ride that still provides a propulsive ride.
Nike created this sleek yet plush shoe to help runners of all levels reach their peak fitness without sustaining injuries.
Equipped with Nike’s innovative React Foam, this shoe is built to allow the plush and responsive nature of this foam excel at its finest.
This pairs with the addition of a Rocker Geometry to influence a smooth transition from heel to toe.
To enhance the shoe’s inherent stability, the React Infinity places an Injected TPU Heel Clip to guide the foot into a more neutral positioning through the gait cycle.
Nike takes a minimal approach with the upper by keeping it with a lightweight and simple Flyknit Loft upper, which is stronger and more durable than previous iterations of Flyknit uppers.
This upper does offer some solid durability and lockdown in the forefoot, but it fails to keep a steady lockdown in the heel collar, where there is a lot of slippage.
Continuing with its simplicity, the outsole is equipped with a Strategic rubber placement in the heel and forefoot to offer durability and traction with minimal weight. - 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
PROS
CONS
Built to hold up for long runs and high volume weekly training, the Nike React Miler offers outstanding cushioning, mild stability and a secure lockdown to keep the foot comfortable from all directions.
This is Nike’s most cushioned shoe in its lineup and it, but it still provides some solid energy return with each step.
The React Miler is equipped with even more react foam than the Infinity Run, so the cushioning is even more plush and durable.
This foam is constructed in the shape of Nike’s Geometric Rocker, so it helps your foot roll forward more efficiently than traditional running shoes.
Furthermore, the React Miler has a heel clip paired with a harder plastic block inserted on the medial side of the shoe to offer some correction for those who overpronate.
Constructed for durability, Nike implements a Double Jacquard Mesh upper, which also provides some lightweight breathability and a secure lockdown.
To make sure the foot is secure, there is a strategic midfoot cage to help to lock down the midfoot for a secure fit.
The React Miler also has a wider forefoot so there is more room for those with larger feet. This also accommodates for more toe splay for added stability.
PROS
CONS
Full Evaluation - Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit vs Nike React Miler:
Uppers: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit vs Nike React Miler:
Although these two shoes share a similar ride, the uppers really contrast each other in design and functionality. It does not take a sharp eye to spot these the uppers are different on these two shoes, so lets talk about how they actually work differently.
The first thing you’ll notice on the Infinity Run Flyknit’s upper is its lightweight breathability. This may be Nike’s best iteration of the Flyknit upper yet, but it does come with soe drawbacks.
The lockdown in the heel collar is lacking, there always feels like some slippage going on during the toe off phase and its hard to escape this feeling, even when the laces are at full capacity.
The mid and forefoot lockdown is fine, and there isn’t a ton of issues with lateral stability, but it just feels cumbersome at times.
The React Miler’s upper is built to match the beefy design of the midsole foam. It feels strong, secure and comfortable. From the initial instep to the end of a 12 mile run, the comfort and lockdown holds up through miles and miles.
The midfoot cage really hugs the top of the foot without feeling too tight, and the extra space in the forefoot accommodates for wider feet or swelling.
The main issue with the React Miler’s upper is that it can sometimes rub on the achilles and cause some extra irritation, so make sure to stay on top of that.
Overall, the React Miler gets the nod in terms of the upper’s comfort, lockdown, and durability. However, the Infinity React Flyknit offers greater breathability and lightweight features.
Sole Unit: Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit vs Nike React Miler:
These shoes are built with the same midsole foam material, and they feel fairly similar in terms of cushioning and energy return, but there are some small differences that make the ride of the shoe feel slightly different.
The Infinity run has a more pronounced geometric rocker, which has a more exaggerated roll forward during the toe off, whereas the React Miler really needs you to heel strike to make use of the rocker, so that’s something to consider when deciding between these two shoes.
The React Miler has more foam overall, and it feels great! If you are looking for a masterful mix of cushioning and energy return, then this is a great option.
The Infinity Run Flyknit has a lower to ground feel and takes a more responsive approach to the maximalist shoe lineup. It really comes down to opinion over what kind of ride you are looking for.
Both shoes promise some inherent stability for those who tend to overpronate through their heel-to-toe off, but the React Infinity Run leans closer to a neutral shoe, so if you really need a shoe to assist with this issue, then the React Miler offers slightly more dedicated features to protect you through your gait cycle.
Both the React Infinity Run Flyknit and Miler have excellent midsole foams, so again, it's really down to preference on the ride you are looking for.
The Infinity Run is cushioned, but has some greater energy return and an exaggerated geometric rocker to assist in more forward motion.
The React Miler is stacked with cushioning and a little extra support for those who need it, while still offering adequate energy return.
Nike React Infinity Run Vs. Nike React Miler Conclusion
In the end, both shoes bring some pretty great features to the table for your run, the React Miler includes a beefy midsole that feels like it will last forever and the Infinity run offers a responsive and propulsive ride while still offering more than adequate cushioning.
The React Miler’s upper definitely feels durable and comfortable for those long runs and high mileage weeks. The Infinity Run Flyknit is less secure and has some slippage, but it doesn’t ruin the run by any means...even if it is still annoying!
Both offer some semblance of support, but the React Miler definitely gives some greater focus towards these features, making it a great option for those who like a plush yet supportive shoe.
It does not come down to a “this or that” scenario for these two shoes, as they compliment each other and offer what the other does not. If you want a secure, comfortable, reliable and durable shoe, then go for the React Miler.
If you prefer a responsive, sleek and propulsive ride, then you may opt for the React Infinity Run Flyknit.
-You might be interested in: Nike ZoomX Invincible Flyknit
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API