Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Review
Nike’s Claims
Initial
Impressions
The Nike React Infinity was one of the shoes that was high on my radar. I was looking for a wider and more durable version of the Nike Epic React 2. When I saw that the React Infinity was going on sale at $120SGD, I immediately snagged it up.
The Infinity is so
close to perfection, but some glaring aspects hinder it from taking the highest
spot on my list in the daily trainer category.
Upper
Technology
3 distinct layers of an all-new version of flyknit. This flyknit is marketed to be stronger and more durable than previous versions.
Thoughts
I was never fond of Nike’s Flyknit upper in any of the
running shoes that they had produced. The Flyknit Racer was sloppy, The Epic
React was too stiff and the Vaporfly/Zoom Fly had poor lockdown.
The Flyknit used in the React Infinity is a slight improvement over the abovementioned pairs but still possesses many of the problems of those shoes. Firstly, the Heel Lockdown was poor. I struggled to find a balance between lacing the laces too tightly and having my heel moving up and down the heel collar. The laces didn’t seem too helpful in the upper. Also, there was no option of an extra lace hole to help lockdown the foot.
 |
| Tongue |
Also, the heel material was pretty rough. Wearing low cut socks caused some abrasion on the back of my heel.
I might have favored half a size up instead. The flyknit was definitely more generous here than in the Epic React 2. However, I still found myself thinking a lot about the fit on my longer runs. I suggest to try out the React Infinity in stores before buying them as the fit can be tricky for some.
How great it would be if Nike came up with a mesh version (using less upper material than the React Miller) of the React Infinity.
Midsole &
Ride
Technology
A plastic heel
clip extends from the heel to the medial section of the mid foot. The clip
claims to aid in stability.
 |
| Medial Clip |
Thoughts
The midsole is really stable for the amount of
softness it has. Nike used a wider and higher volume of React foam compared to
the Epic React 2. I found the ride to be enjoyable at slower paces
(easy/recovery runs).
The heel clip at the heel portion helped to stabilize my
foot over the react foam to allow each landing to be stable and directed over
the midsole akin to a bucket seat. I have read a number of reviews complaining
about the extension of the clip at the arch being intrusive during foot strike.
Personally, I did not feel any intrusive materials at all even when freshly out
of the box.
 |
| Lateral Clip |
I was able to increase my pace during progression runs without much difficulty. The midsole, while soft, was still responsive enough to pick up the pace. However, this shoe is designed for daily runs at slower paces and is not recommended for tempo paces and above.
The added width throughout the midsole of the shoe definitely lifted some strain off my ankles as i felt fresher after my runs compared to shoes which were narrower.
All in all, I found
myself coming back for more because of the excellent midsole feel. The Infinity
React’s midsole definitely is one of the best in the market currently.
Outsole &
Durability
Technology
 |
| Outsole |
Thoughts
The outsole coverage on the Infinity is pretty
impressive. I’m glad that Nike took consumers’ feedback from the questionable
rubber placement on the Epic React.
The outsole is very durable and provides sufficient
grip in both wet and dry conditions at easy paces. The thin layer of rubber
does not dilute the ride quality of the react foam.
After 80km, the outsole still looks really good with
minimal wear. Should the outsole wear off, the react foam in itself is durable
and can hold its own without losing any of its cushioning properties. I see the
Infinity React lasting easily over 800km.
Areas of Improvement
- Mesh
version offering
- Smoother
material around ankle collar and heel counter
- More stretchy flyknit upper at strategic spots
-
Comparisons
Nike Epic
React 2
Improved in almost
every way, from the outsole coverage to the upper width and the midsole feel.
The main advantage that the Epic React 2 has over the Infinity is that it is
roughly 70 grams lighter. I would veer towards the Infinity React as I have a
huge rotation of shoes and would reserve the Infinity for easy runs. However,
if you want to buy only one shoe and have no problems with the narrowness of
the upper, you might want to go with the Epic React due to its versatility.
Saucony Hurricane
22 (review soon)
The rides are
fairly similar, with the Hurricane 22 having a slightly firmer ride than the
infinity. The react foam in the infinity has a more gradual and slower
compression than the pwrrun+ in the Hurricane. I find it easier to pick up the
pace in the Hurricane as a result. The wider base of the Infinity may help
those who need a little stability in their runs. The upper of the Hurricane is
more versatile and would accommodate more types of feet. I struggle with the
fitting of Flyknit uppers (Epic React and Infinity React mainly). Both daily
trainers are excellent options for easy, long and recovery runs.
Hoka Clifton
7
The Clifton 7 is
softer but less responsive in feel compared to the Infinity. The Clifton has a
marshmallow feel that is best suited for recovery runs which makes it less
versatile than the bouncier Infinity. I find the upper of the Clifton softer
and more comfortable. This matchup is highly dependent on your ride preference.
Nike Pegasus
37
The Pegasus 37 uses the same react midsole foam as the infinity but uses a lower stack height. The Pegasus 37 is an example of a do it all shoe that can be used for a variety of paces. The Infinity React is best kept for slower paces. If you are looking for a single shoe to tackle your runs, the Pegasus 37 will be a better choice.
Final Thoughts
The Nike React Infinity is a fantastic daily trainer. With a few tweaks, the shoe could easily be one of the best in the market.
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