Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Review
What Is It?
The Nike React
Infinity Run Flyknit is Nike's solution to help reduce injuries and provide an
everyday shoe that's designed to provide a stable smooth ride in a relatively
lightweight package.
Taking design cues
from the original Nike Epic React Flyknit, the React Infinity Run adds 24% more
React foam spread across a higher stack height and wider base. The stability of
the shoe is further enhanced with the new stability clip that acts as guide
rails and extend from the heel through the midfoot.
That wider base, in
combination with a new more relaxed "lofted" Flyknit, allows for a
more comfortable toe-box. This iteration of Flyknit is quite breathable and
lighter especially when wet.
The extra foam is
approximately 34mm in the heel and 25mm in the forefoot for a 9mm drop. In my
US Men's size 10, it weighs 10 ounces (283.5 grams).
Why Did I Get It?
I was a very big fan of the original Nike React Flyknit but one of the complaints I had with it was that I never felt like there was enough foam for really long runs.
The React Infinity Run Flyknit takes a lot of things I liked about (and some I didn't like) the original and improves upon them. My feet generally like and are compatible with React foam so I was pleased with more. I also liked that the outsole was vastly beefed up vs. the Epic React which only had small pieces of rubber and lots of exposed foam. The React Infinity has a solid of amount of rubber that I found to have decent traction even in wet conditions.
How Have They Worked Out?
These shoes did everything I wanted them to do which was mainly long easy comfort miles and mostly everyday use. I loved taking them on 16-22 mile long slow distance days because they just worked for me. I did experiment with trying to pick up the tempo with them but never really liked going fast and I felt that I had to work a little harder to make them go.
Long term, the shoe
kept it's feel which was nice to see as it never felt really dead. I did
experience some heel chafing if I wore no-shoe socks without an ankle tab.
The Good
- Miles and miles of comfort.
- Lofted Flyknit is the right evolution of Flyknit. Lighter and more breathable.
- Durable outsole and midsole.
- Gentle rocker for smooth transitions.
- The initial release color way is really pretty.
- They don't feel like they're 10 oz.
The Less Good
- The heel counter is a little high, flimsy, and has no padding on the inside.
- The pull-tab and Epic React-like heel area chafes the back of my foot. This can be solved by wearing socks with an ankle tab but I don't like that I have to.
- It can be a little difficult to lock down the midfoot since there's not much structure in the Flyknit.
- Lacks an extra eyelet for alternative lacing.
Are They Worth It?
At $160, they're on the higher end for training shoes that excel in just one area. However, they were the shoe that I kept reaching for on my recovery and easy days which make up a majority of my training.
I rarely wear the same version of a shoe (mostly because there's a new version out before I can) but this shoe was a rare exception where I bought it a second time because it was such a reliable easy day, long distance shoe.
They're not the peppiest of shoes and they are perfect but they were my overall favorite shoes to run in every day in 2020.