Tag: sports

Nike React Infinity Run Shoe Review
Gear Review, Running

Nike React Infinity Run Shoe Review

Hollie

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!

Nike React Infinity Run Shoe Review

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.

Nike React Infinity Run Shoe Review

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 Shoe Review

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 Shoe Review

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 Shoe Review

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?

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19154 5k
Running, Training, Training Sub 1:25

19154 3 Mile Race: 19:14/6:24 per mile

Hollie

19154 3 Mile Race: 19:14/6:24 per mile

Last weekend I ran the 19154 5k. The course was short. I’m all for making progress, but it would seem fishy if the last time I ran a 5k was 20:33 and now I ran a 19:14. Not impossible, but I would have to make huge fitness gains. The 19154 5k is a challenging course with a few hills towards the end, plus a lot of turns. 19154 is the area code and the race is designed to show your highest allegiance to your area code.

Or for other locals like me, who just wanted to run a 5k. Even after looking, running, and typing this post, I’ve had to look up 19154 to make sure I got the right area code.  Which…I didn’t at first.

Anyway, to the 19154 5k. The race itself ended up being exactly 3 miles. So even though it wasn’t a true 5k, I was able to get a good gauge of my fitness.

My husband and I arrived to the 19154 5k around 8:15. The race started at 9:15. We signed up, got the last two t-shirts, then did a 3-mile warm-up. It was difficult to find spots to warm up since the race was on a busier highway.

19154 5k

The 19154 5k started at 9:15, and it went off on time. In the beginning, there were a lot of people who took it out fast. I thought, “wow, I know I’m not in my best shape, but there are so many people ahead of me.” I repeated to myself: “run your own race, run your own race.”

The first mile went around a few turns.  I crossed a race course clock at 6:07 and my GPS watch went off about 15 seconds later with 6:22. Another race director who was at the race, told me the course was typically short so I hoped it would be at least 3 miles.

The next mile went up and down several steep hills. I never felt like I got a rhythm.  During the second mile, I passed 2 females who were running side by side. I didn’t know what place I was in and assumed somewhere between 2-5.  I crossed the second mile in 6:19 and was proud.

The final mile was hilly. I told myself, just a few more minutes. For every downhill, there was an uphill. It didn’t feel like I was pushing myself the “hardest ever” and could continue at the pace for another mile. The hills and the turns beat me up, but my body felt fatigued, but I also felt strong. We can around the final turn and my watch beeped 3 (with a 6:30 last mile).

I crossed the finish of the 19154 5k in 19:14, which averaged into 6:24 per mile.

19154 5k

19154 5k Thoughts:

I’m pleased with my effort at the 19154 5k.  Even though it wasn’t a full 5k, I was able to get a good gauge of fitness. If I had raced another .1, I know I would have snuck just under 20 minutes, which is nearly 40 seconds faster than last time I ran a 5k.

19154 5k

I’m looking forward to making more progress and being around 19:14 again in a 5k, and then faster.

Questions for you:

Have you ever run a short race?

What is your favorite distance to run?

 

Safety Skin Review
Gear Review, Running

Safety Skin Review

Hollie

During the winter, more often than not, I start my run in the dark. By the time I’m done, it’s usually light or getting light. Staying safe while out is an important concept to me (as it should be to everyone). A couple of years ago, I discovered Safety Skin, which has been great for the weather lately. Continue reading “Safety Skin Review” →

Hair of the Dog 10k Bethany Beach
Running, Training, Training Sub 1:25

January 2020 Training Log

Hollie

January went well for me. I’m finally starting to feel better with running. I’ve started to increase my mileage and I finally like it’s paying off. Most of my races are in March and April so I have most of February to continue building fitness. Continue reading “January 2020 Training Log” →

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review
Gear Review, Running

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Hollie

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

I don’t typically review shoes in the stability category?

Why? Because I don’t usually run in them.  Lately, I’ve found I’ve needed a shoe that is more stable for longer, easy, runs. My body feels better with it. I didn’t want anything to be stable and the Hoka One One Arahi 4 felt comfortable.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

The Hoka Arahi 4 is one of two support trainers from Hoka. The other (Hoka Gaviota) has max stability and cushion.  The Hoka Arahi 4 is lighter and more responsive. The closest neutral trainer to the Hoka Arahi 4 is the Hoka Clifton 6.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Quick Facts:

Weight: 8 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Fit:

One thing that drew me to the Hoka One One Arahi 4 over other more stable shoes was the width. While the Hoka Arahi 4 is not the widest Hoka shoe, it’s wider than most brands.

Most of Hoka’s shoes use an engineered, seamless mesh.  Compared to previous versions, the Hoka Arahi 4 uses a softer material which makes the upper lighter, more durable, and more breathable.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Since there are no seams, the Arahi 4 doesn’t irritate your foot if you have a wider forefoot, have bunions, or just like a wide shoe. That being said, the upper of the Hoka Arahi 4 also doesn’t provide much structure.

Since many Hoka models are wide and seamless, some people feel as though their foot just free-floating around in a Hoka shoe. That’s not a bad thing, and you never want a running shoe to be too tight. A tighter shoe isn’t providing support. That being said, you don’t want to feel comfortable.

Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 size 10 to be perfect.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Ride:

If you’ve run in the Hoka One One Arahi before, this year’s model is similar. The sole hasn’t changed.  If you are new to Hoka, Hoka uses early stage Meta-Rocker. The early-stage Meta-Rocker “rocks” you forward and provides a smooth transition from heel to toe.

Unlike the neutral shoes I typically use, the Hoka One One Arahi 4 uses “J-Frame” Technology to provide stability.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

What is “J-Frame”? 

J-Frame isn’t a traditional medial post like many stable trainers. It’s the second reason I was drawn to the Hoka Arahi 4.

The support is a denser foam that starts in the midsole and runs down the medial (inner) side of your foot.  It then goes to wrap around your heel (like a J). It’s easy to distinguish in the Hoka Arahi 4 because it’s slightly darker foam in the shoe. Many brands are going towards more natural ways to support your foot rather than a giant piece of stability built into the shoe.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Finally, the outsole of the Hoka Arahi 4 uses high abrasion rubber. The Hoka One One Arahi 4 has traction when needed, but it doesn’t have the most traction of any shoe. It’s okay for inclement conditions.

I’ve run a few different types of runs in the Hoka Arahi 4 from long runs to easy, recovery runs, and a shorter speed workout. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 fits best for me on an easy run day that my body is tired.

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Shoe Review

Hoka One One Arahi 4 Conclusion:

The Hoka Arahi 4 is a great trainer for anyone who needs some stability. It’s light, yet responsive. The cushioning is positive for anyone looking for something with a little more.

I appreciate the use of the “J-Frame” and the natural stability versus a giant arch piece. I’ll continue using the Hoka Arahi 4 as my easy run shoe.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka One One Arahi 4, Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

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 run in Hoka before?

Have you tried the Hoka One One Arahi 4?