I was excited to try the Nike React Infinity Run 2. It has a lot of cushion and is known for being smooth. The original Infinity Run was decent. I didn’t find it “the best ever,” so I was excited to see what kind of updates Nike made. The Nike React Infinity Run 2 falls under a category of running shoes I like to call: social media shoes. They are extremely popular on social media due to the amount of marketing a brand puts into them. They are typically more expensive and while decent, they are not the best ever.
Nike React Infinity Run 2 Quick Facts:
Weight: 9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 9 mm
Cost: $160
Nike React Infinity Run 2 Introduction:
The Nike React Infinity Run 2 is designed as a maximum cushioned trainer for easy runs. It’s on the more expensive side of daily trainers (even from Nike), so it makes me wonder…is it worth it? The biggest complaint from the original Infinity Run was the fit and the amount of heel slippage there was. The heel was less than ideal, and it made many wonder (including myself): how did Nike release a shoe with such an inadequate upper? They made big changes in the React Infinity Run 2 by keeping the midsole but updating the upper.
This means the ride remains the same. It actually feels like almost all Nike shoes this year only get an upper update.
Nike React Infinity Run 2 Fit:
Similar to the original, the Nike React Infinity Run 2 looks good. Should you buy a shoe on looks alone? Of course not, but is it nice when a shoe looks good? Yes.
Back to the actual shoe review…
There is no way to get around this (in a good way) but the upper fits and feels much different than the original version. First, Nike got rid of the Flyknit loft and replaced it with the traditional Flyknit. The traditional Flyknit is softer and thicker. Despite having thicker mesh, the Flyknit breathes well. I’ve used it for hot desert runs with no issues. I’ve also used the shoe a lot indoors, and it breathes well without getting heavy or overheating. This new mesh makes the Nike React Infinity Run 2 feel much better right off the bat.
Second, there are also now Flywire Cables that help with a midfoot lockdown. While these are the same Flywire cables as the Pegasus 37, they are laid down for a better fit. You don’t feel like your foot is free-floating around in the upper as the original Infinity Run.
Finally, the new collar is padded and doesn’t come up as high as the original version. This means it’s less likely (and maybe not possible at all) to cause chafing or blisters like the original version. Nike also removed the bootie construction, and the tongue is now padded.
I strongly believe that running shoe uppers should disappear off your feet and the React Infinity Run 2 finally does that. I didn’t experience any rubbing, and it fit and felt good.
In running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide. The Nike React Infinity Run 2 fits much more true to size, and I found the size 10.5 to fit well.
Nike overhauled the Nike React Infinity Run 2 and it worked out well. The fit and upper is much better than the first version.
Nike React Infinity Run 2 Ride:
The React Infinity Run 2 uses the same midsole and outsole as the original version. This means the ride should feel identical. If you are new to the Nike React Infinity Run 2, it’s much softer than most Nike trainers. Try anything with a carbon plate or the Nike Pegasus if you want a firmer ride.
The Infinity Run 2 ride is designed as a maximum cushioned trainer to compete with high cushioned trainers like the New Balance 1080, Saucony Triumph, or Brooks Glycerin. Many people wanted a high cushion and softer shoe (especially from Nike), so this is Nike’s answer. While the Vomero has the same amount of cushion, it’s much firmer.
The Nike React Infinity Run 2 uses React Foam but its application is more unique with a softer feeling to it. It isn’t too mushy like the Hoka Clifton, and you’re able to pick up the pace moderately well.
Something to keep in mind: The Nike React Infinity Run was originally marketed to replace the Structure. It’s nowhere near as stable (and thank goodness that marketing plan was nixed). The Nike React Infinity Run 2 is a neutral shoe.
Traction and Durability: The React Infinity Run has neither a lot of traction nor durability. When you flip the shoe over, you can see all of the exposed rubber, which means it lacks long term durability and traction. The outsole does have flexible rubber underneath, so it keeps it from wearing out in, say, 100 miles.
Sometimes, if you take a corner too sharp, you might feel some sliding. It’s not a shoe I would take in inclement weather, but on a perfect weather day or the treadmill, the React Infinity Run 2 shines.
I’ve now run about 100 miles in the Infinity Run 2, and I don’t know if it will last another 100. It’s also something to keep in mind with the price.
I’ve used the Infinity Run 2 for almost all easy runs. While it can pick up the pace, I think it’s best used for easy runs. I would even go further to say it’s best used for easy runs on the treadmill. There is plenty of cushion, but the lack of traction and turning corners make it one of my favorite treadmill shoes. It’s slightly too soft for me to want to run fast in.
Nike React Infinity Run 2 Conclusion:
Nike fixed the most important issue with the upper. Yay. But do I think the Nike React Infinity Run 2 is “still worth it”? It’s an expensive shoe. If you run many “perfect weather days” or days on easy runs on the treadmill, I can see it being worth it. Other than that, I think there are cheaper and better shoes (even from Nike).
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, adidas Ultraboost 22
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Nike React Infinity Run 2?
What is your favorite easy run shoe?