I last ran a marathon a decade ago to strike it off my bucket list. Since then, I have rarely run more than 5km on my jogs and usually at a leisurely pace.
Given that, the new Nike React Infinity Run could be the ideal shoes for me.
It has Nike’s React foam, said to offer superior cushioning and energy return. In fact, Nike has stuffed 24 per cent more React foam into the shoes’ midsole compared with other Nike shoes, for extra cushioning.
Its geometry and rocker-like bottom are said to offer a fluid transition between foot strike to toe-off and reduce running injuries, while its wide base offers stability on long runs. In short, it suits both casual runners like me and elite runners doing recovery runs.
Without an over-prominent rocker sole design at its front, which some elite running shoes have, the React Infinity Run looks like a pair of trendy sneakers especially the hero white model. But I prefer the almost all-black colour scheme of my review pair.
The shoes’ mesh upper felt really comfortable from the moment I slipped my feet into them, with plenty of toe wiggle room. The sock-like construction makes the shoes feel snug. A slight downer is the lack of a stiffer heel counter for my injury-prone ankles.
But during my runs, whether I was doing heel strikes or fore-foot strikes, I found the shoes’ cushioning to be fantastic with my knees and ankles buffered from much of the impact on every stride. But the thick cushioning also means the shoes are slightly heavier than most running shoes. Good for training though.
In terms of overall performance, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 that I reviewed last December is probably the better package.
But for those who just started running or those looking for better protection during long endurance runs, the Nike React Infinity Run might be the better option.
FOR
– Thick cushioning
– Very comfortable
– Nice design that doubles as trendy sneakers
AGAINST
– Slightly heavy
– Lack of a stiff heel counter
TECH SPECS
PRICE: $239
MATERIAL: Nike’s React foam midsole with Flyknit three-layer mesh upper
HEEL DROP: 9mm
WEIGHT: 291g (Men’s, US 9)
RATING
DESIGN: 4/5
PERFORMANCE: 4/5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
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