Nike Infinity Run shoes

Infinity Run running shoes

In 2017, Nike introduced an advanced foam known as React. Balancing lightness, softness, durability and responsiveness, it was used on the innovative Epic React – Nike’s first training shoe with a full-length React midsole – which became the foundation for the highly supportive, injury-attenuating Infinity Run.

Released in 2020, the original Nike Infinity Run features a one-piece Flyknit mesh upper with an integrated tongue for a secure, sock-like fit. Micro-perforations enhance breathability, minimal yet durable lacing contains the midfoot, and the spacious forefoot allows the toes to splay. The heel is supported by a fused overlay, with a pull tab for easy entry and a sturdy, flexible plastic and rubber clip featuring sidewall guardrails to guide and stabilise the foot. React foam fills the stacked midsole, providing a soft, comfortable and well-protected running experience that also produces energy returning bounce. Its gentle rocker smooths out transitions, and its flared geometry increases stability, while the lack of a strobel lining beneath the thin insole offers direct access to the React foam, thus maximising responsiveness. To improve traction and flexibility but reduce weight, the rippling tread patterns of the durable rubber outsole are interspersed with grooved cutouts.

Nike used the same cushy sole on 2021’s Infinity Run 2 but gave it a more traditional upper with a gusseted tongue, Flywire lacing and redesigned heel for better lockdown. Its thicker weave and reinforced upper eyelets improve durability, and increased padding enhances comfort, while the addition of reflective accents on the pull tab increase visibility. When the Infinity Run 3 was released in 2022, it took a similar approach, recycling the sole and updating the upper. A firmer underfoot feel and more efficient transitions come from its new strobel lining and removable insole, but otherwise, support and grip remain the same. The evolved upper has an even thicker Flyknit weave for greater comfort and durability, a longer tongue for better containment, and a streamlined heel clip for less intrusive stability. Its stripped down design no longer features a pull tab, with reduced Flywire cables offering lockdown without restricting the foot, and less bulky eyelets improving comfort.

2023’s Nike Infinity RN 4 completely revamped the series. Its softer, stretchier Flyknit upper has a water-resistant forefoot liner and generous padding for snug comfort, with a gusseted tongue, minimal lacing and internal heel counter providing lockdown, perforations adding breathability and thickly woven ridges delivering durability. On the structured heel, the pull tab returns and the clip has been removed as stability comes from the raised sides and wide base of the midsole. Now made of ReactX foam, it is more lightweight and responsive while also being more environmentally friendly to produce. Underfoot, the hard-wearing outsole incorporates Waffle-style lugs and oval-shaped cutouts alongside a broad forefoot groove for outstanding traction, reduced weight and improved flexibility.

The Nike Infinity Run is a reliable road-running partner designed to comfortably support the wearer through long miles of training and relaxed recovery runs with a low risk of injury and an enjoyable bouncy feeling.