Nike React Infinity Run Shoe Review

Nike React Infinity Run Shoe Review

To me, the Nike React Infinity Run is classified as a social media shoe. Since the release of the Nike, React Infinity Run a couple of weeks, I’ve gotten more questions about it. Is it the best ever? Is it great for me? The list is endless. Except for the carbon plated shoes, in the last two weeks, I’ve gotten more questions about Nike React Infinity Run then all of the rest of the shoes in the entire running industry-combined!

So what is a social media shoe?

Social Media shoes are the shoes that are super “hyped” the most before release. Typically it’s either a Nike or adidas shoe, although there have been some from Asics and Brooks that have been marketed extremely hard. Remember the launch of the Brooks Levitate? The same person who helped Starbucks Pumpkin spice Lattes helped the Brooks Levitate. Brooks did a great job and for a debut shoe, it did well.

Just keep in mind, not every shoe works for everyone, so I think these social media shoes do a disservice to the running community. The biggest way to know if the Nike React Infinity Run is good for you is to go to your local running store and get your gait looked at.

Like many things, if Nike says it’s the Nike React Infinity Run is “the best ever,” people will think it and buy it.

The Nike React Infinity Run shoe is like any other running shoe. It’s not the best ever, it’s not the worst ever, and it only works for certain foot types. The Nike React Infinity Run shoe does have a lot of cushioning to it. I am wary of any brand that says: “the shoe is designed to keep you injury-free”.  No shoe will do that, but how you train in a shoe will.

Nike React Infinity Run Quick Facts:

Weight: 9.6 ounces

Heel to Toe Drop: 9 mm

Nike React Infinity Run Fit:

The Nike React Infinity Run features a single layer of Flyknit Upper. It gives the Nike React Infinity Run a streamlined fit and sleek look. Like most Nike shoes featuring the Flyknit material, it’s stretchy at the front with micro-perforations to help the shoe breathe well.  In wet conditions, the Nike React Infinity Run can get soggy and heavy.  Similar to the first edition of the Nike 4%.  While the Nike React Infinity Run Shoe has plenty of traction for the rain, due to the upper material, it’s not my first choice for inclement weather.

Interestingly, the Nike React Infinity Run shoe doesn’t have a traditional tongue. The elastic tongue stretches over the top of the foot and keeps the shoe’s one-piece construction.  If you have a higher instep, the Nike React Infinity Run shoe can accommodate that.

The fit of the Nike React Infinity Run Shoe is narrow through the arch and wider in the forefoot. Nike also has a pull tab instead of a traditional heel counter to make taking the shoe off easy (but seriously always untie your laces).

Finally, something to keep in mind is Nike only included four eyelets. This minimizes the ways you can lace the shoes.

In running shoes, I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and have found the 11 of the Nike React Infinity Run to fit the best.

Nike React Infinity Run Ride:

According to Nike, the Nike React Infinity Run shoe is designed to reduce injury.  As I mentioned, I hesitate when a company says a shoe is great for “injury prevention”. There isn’t going to ever be a shoe that prevents all injuries.

Realistically, the Nike React Infinity Run Shoe is just an updated version of the Nike Epic React. Since they changed so much, they gave it a new name. Nike claims the Nike React Infinity Run Shoe has 24 percent more React foam than Epic React Flyknit 2. More foam=more cushion.

So what is the deal with the Nike React Foam?

The nitty-gritty details are the Nike Running React Foam is a combination of two polymers found in running shoe cushioning:

• (TPE) thermoplastic elastomer
• (EVA) ethylene-vinyl acetate

Together, the two make the Nike React Infinity Run have a soft and springy ride.

The Nike React Infinity Run has a midsole designed in a rocker shape. The rocker geometry is most similar to the curve of the Nike 4% shoe.

What does the rocker do? The rocker in the Nike React Infinity Run encourages a forward lean.  According to Nike, this promotes a natural and forefoot strike.

When running in the Nike React Infinity Run, I felt the curve and found it rolled smoothly from heel to toe. I expected a giant marshmallow under my foot with the amount of React foam, but it felt like a smooth ride and responsive.

I’ve run a few runs in the Nike React Infinity Run, including a short tempo run, easy run, recovery run, and a quick workout. Truthfully I’m not sure where it fits in my rotation. I like how fast I feel in the Nike React Infinity Run, but I like flatter shoes for workouts.

While there is no stability piece to it, the wider base of the Nike React Infinity Run makes the shoe more stable by nature. Unlike the Next %, you don’t feel like you’re going to roll an ankle with one wrong move.

Nike React Infinity Run Conclusion:

I like the Nike React Infinity Run and it’s a good shoe. I struggle with where it fits into my shoe rotation. I caution anyone who thinks a shoe is going to keep them “injury-free or healthy” because there is no shoe that will do that. That being said, there is plenty of cushion which most people can benefit from. It’s neither the best nor the worst shoe out there, but it does get the most social media attention for a trainer.

If you are looking to replace Nike React Infinity Run with something else the Brooks Levitate 3, Brooks Ricochet 2, or Saucony Ride ISO 2 are all good options.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 6, Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike React Infinity Run

Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Nike React Infinity Run Shoe?

What is your current favorite shoe?