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Shoe review: Nike React Infinity Run

A bit of background

I’ve been running for about 10 years but only recently started running in Nikes. I like light racing shoes with a bit of stability. It’s a bit hard for my wide feet to fit into most Nikes, but my recent experiences have changed my perception. 

I had a terrible fall and injured my knee in March. This pair of shoes has been a great help in getting me back on my feet. I was swimming for weeks as I couldn’t bear any impact on the bruised knee.  I believe the shoes were provided just the right level of support and cushioning as I slowly rebuilt strength around the knee and increased mileage.

From left: ZoomX Vaporfly Next% (Pink, Green), React Infinity Run, Epic React Flyknit II

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%

Ever since I discovered the Vaporflys, I have been a big fan of them. I raced in them in Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore and finished in 3:33, my fastest ever marathon in Singapore. I had noticed in my weekly “marathon-effort” training runs, there is a difference of about 20 sec/km with and without the Vaporflys. No, it is not psychological. Weekly marathon-effort based runs are probably a better gauge for fitness as they are not impacted by race conditions.

Nike React Infinity Run: first impression

I am grateful to have the opportunity to try out the new Nike React Infinity Run. I was curious about these as they were designed to reduce common overuse injuries. 

These shoes provide a soft and smooth ride straight out of the box. I noticed the stability from the wider footprint straight away. The pink plastic bar that runs from the heel to forefoot also does a great job at supporting my arches. I found running in them quite reassuring – the softness makes long running very comfortable while the stability guides my feet and prevents side to side wobbling.

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% vs React Infinity Run

I thought it will be nice to compare it to my race favourite.

Fit-Feel-Ride

The Next% feels restrictive for my toes. They are a bit uncomfortable at the start of each run and start to ease up only after a few km. The React Infinity, however, has a wider fit and feels right from the start. It uses a stretchy mesh upper that wraps the forefoot like a sock without the tightness of a racing shoe. 

Similar to the Vaporfly, the React Infinity has an exaggerated heel to toe “rocker”, which creates a natural forward propulsion. It encourages a slight forward lean which I have come to enjoy from the Vaporflys. I also really like the softness that both shoes deliver.  

As a training shoe, it delivers everything that I’ve dreamt of. It has great cushioning while providing a stable and secure ride which makes it perfect for base running and moderate effort runs. It does feel heavier and more clunky than the Vaporfly, but that’s an expected trade-off as it is meant to be a training shoe.

Pros:

  • Soft and bouncy making it very comfortable
  • Fluid transition from heel to toe through the “rocker symmetry”
  • Fits wide feet while feeling snug
  • Very stable through the wider platform

Cons:

  • Doesn’t inspire any speed

Conclusion

This is going to be my workhorse – the shoe for easy runs, recovery runs and long run – excellent for fun running with friends, when the pandemic ends. It’s a great complement to the Vaporflys which are reserved for tempos and racing.

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About Soo Eng

Soo is married to the road of marathon but flirts occasionally with trail races. One day, she will stop chasing PBs and run those beautiful soft trails she sees on Instagram.
Tagged under: Running Department, Shoe review
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