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Nike Infinity Run Flyknit 2 | Analysis and differences with the original model

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The Nike React Infinity Run were the sneakers that shaped what is now known as the Project: Run Fearless. This project within the manufacturer itself has been looking for years to make shoes that reduce the risk of injury. After these Infinity Runs, other models have arrived, such as the Nike Invincible Runand now it is the turn of this second version.

I bought the original model in 2020 to be used as a quiet running shoe, and I declared myself an absolute fan from the very first time I left. As a daily training shoe it offered everything that the Pegasus 37 lacked: a more comfortable midsole with better transition.

This second version of the Nike Infinity Run is very similar to the original model, we simply have a change in the upper. Reading opinions about this first model some users complained about not being able to wear the foot sufficiently secured, probably because the design of the eyelets did not allow the laces to be worn up to the collar. 

Personally it's not something that bothered me, although for the type of route I frequent I don't face too many sharp turns where I can perceive that lack of lateral support.

The new Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 (the names are getting longer and longer) receive a new upper focused precisely on giving the shoe more support, with more eyelets for the laces and a very soft collar, something that was not present in the original model.

Nike has provided me with a pair of shoes of the new model, so I have podido compare them perfectly with the previous model (even combining both in the same training). They have been accompanying me in my workouts for a few weeks now. Practically in all of them, they have only been missing on the days of more intense series in which I have opted for the Nike Tempo NEXT%The new, more reactive and better adapted to higher rhythms.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2


Plus

  • Good cushioning without having an excessively soft feel
  • Reasonable weight even for its large size
  • Versatile for many types of use

Minus

  • The shadow of Invincible Run is very long...
  • A rather pronounced arc that may annoy some users
  • Sole and water do not go well together

Nike Vaporfly 2 video review

If you prefer to see the video review, you can find it in the header, clicking on this link or below. It is not a substitute but the video provides information that is not available in the written analysis and vice versa.

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Recommended use for the Nike Infinity Run Flyknit 2

Buy Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

Like the rest of the "Project Fearless"The Nike Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a running shoe designed for daily training. Perfect for those light recovery rides, or for long weekend runs even at fast paces.

It is not a shoe intended for fast days. It's a reliable shoe, but it's not passionate. It doesn't ask you to push the pace and you don't feel like it's pushing you. It's simply a shoe that accompanies you on your runs without getting in the way of your training.

You can go light with them without any problem, I've run at 4:10 or 4:20 without any complaints, but going below that is asking too much from these shoes that are eminently rolling.

But there is an elephant in the room... and that is the coexistence of the Infinity Run with the Infinity Run. Invincible Run. Two models that are intended for the same type of use, with similar prices and largely share the same type of upper. The Invincible Run have in their favor the "Invincible Run".hype"The ZoomX, but not necessarily superior for all uses.

I do not mean that both can be present in your closet, in fact I think they do not combine well because the use to be given to both is the same. But they can perfectly cohabit in the Nike catalog.

The Invincible Run is a softer and more responsive shoe, but it is also less stable. The Infinity Run has a firmer and more stable ride, but it lacks the thrills you get from the bouncier ZoomX outsole in the Invincible Run.

The choice between the two models will be determined by the type of feel you prefer when running. And not only for that, but also for your choice of running shoes for fast days or competition. If you are going to use a Vaporfly or Alphafly you will probably feel more comfortable with the Invincible Run, as they have a similar feel. If you prefer to race in a more minimalist shoe and feel more ground contact, the React foam of the Infinity Run will be more suited to what you are looking for.

The upper in the Nike Infinity Run FK2

As I said before, the upper of the Nike Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is the only change from the original model. It has been almost completely redesigned to offer a more secure and firmer fit.

Flywire once again makes an appearance and is used to offer greater support in the midfoot area. These are those threads that can be seen in each of the eyelets of the laces. By adjusting the lacing you are also adjusting the fit in that area, making the foot support firmer.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Flywire

That support, in the original model, relied exclusively on the sock effect of a tighter Flyknit.

Continuing with the fit, we now have lace holes all the way to the top of the shoe, allowing us to make a full closure on the collar part. In addition, that collar is now very soft, so it is not necessary to tighten the laces excessively to keep the foot from moving in the shoe.

Now we have a tongue of sorts. It's not a separate tongue but is attached to the rest of the Flyknit, only the upper is separate (and it's padded). But that different shape is what allows the Flywire to fit the midfoot area well.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Tongue

Don't get me wrong. The upper of the first version was not bad, but it is true that in some situations pod could be insufficient. And that depended on the type of use. Running on the flat with hardly any turns and with good terrain there was no problem (and that has been my use), but if we demanded in the turns, or ran on uneven roads was when we found that the foot moved inside the shoe because it was not well supported. The changes Nike has made have solved this.

What remains unchanged is the TPU piece that runs through the shoe from the midfoot to the back of the heel.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Heel clip

This piece is used to give stability and support to the shoe and is crucial in its design, but it is also the source of problems for some users. This piece starts in the arch area of the foot, and depending on your physiognomy (basically, if you have flat feet) it can cause it to dig into you at that point.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Bow

If you already used the first version and it didn't give you any discomfort, it won't in the new version. If this is the first time you are thinking about the Infinity Run as a training shoe, you will simply have to think about your foot shape before deciding to buy.

React midsole

The midsole of the Nike Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is exactly the same as the previous model. It is a clearly maximalist shoe, with lots of React foam to provide cushioning and some energy return and a remarkable width to offer stability.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Midsole

If you've used any shoe with Nike's React foam you know how it performs. It's not a soft-feeling outsole, it's reasonably stiffer than the ZoomX midsole in the Invincible Run. It has some energy return, but at no point does it offer the propulsive feel that you feel with a PEBAX foam.

That's the main difference between the Infinity Run and the Invincible Run, and what allows us to choose the feel we're looking for within the Nike pod training shoes. It's still a softer shoe than an Epic React or Pegasus, for the simple reason that there's more material underfoot, but without reaching the ultra-soft feel of the Invincible Run.

Geometry has form "rocker"or rocker. This means that the heel and toe are noticeably higher than the midfoot area. It has a 9mm drop (24mm in the front, 33mm in the rear).

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Geometry

It works perfectly as a daily training shoe, allowing long runs without fatiguing the feet too much. And if you need to push the pace in a timely manner will not object, because despite having a lot of cushioning does not have that "soft" touch that podemos find in other shoes of this type.

The sole on the Infinity Run Flyknit 2

There is also no change in the outsole of the Nike Infinity Run Flyknit 2. It consists of soft rubber inserts in the React foam itself. There are no cleats.

The geometry is different in the front and rear of the shoe. In the forefoot the rubber covers almost the entire midsole, leaving some grooves without material to help the shoe flex.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Outsole

In the middle and rear these channels are much wider, as less traction is needed. This saves weight in that area where it is not needed.

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 - Outsole

The durability is quite good. My original Infinity Runs have logically had much more use than the new model, but I don't notice much difference in the wear of the sole.

As for traction, I have run on all types of surfaces (asphalt, wood, sidewalk, dirt...) and it is reasonably good. At least while the surface is dry. In the wet it doesn't stand out, but it's not stormy, probably because we're not going to demand very high paces either. 

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I hope this full review has helped you decide if these shoes will fit your wear. All the work I do is without any cost to you, but if you want to support the page and by doing so the work I do, the best way to do that is to buy these shoes through the links that I provide .

And if you don't buy them today, remember to stop by when you're going to! Through these links you will not only get a competitive price and the best customer care, but also I will receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you. That's what allows me to keep offering you reviews like the one on this page.

Buy Nike ZoomX Invincible Run

 

If you have any questions, remember that you have the comments section at the bottom, where I will try to answer all your questions.

Review of the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 review

I really liked the first version of the Nike Infinity Run. Obviously I like this new version even more because it has barely received any changes, and where they have come in has been to provide solutions to existing complaints from users.

Perhaps aesthetically they seem bulkier to me due to their much fluffier collar, which gives them a somewhat rougher overall appearance. But I prefer functionality over aesthetics, especially when what we are talking about is a running shoe (and not for daily use).

Probably its biggest problem is that it is going to have to live in the shadow of the Nike Invincible Run. They are two shoes that arrive at the same destination via two different paths, but the React doesn't have the fanfare or "hype"ZoomX. 

I am not saying that ZoomX is superior to React, they simply have differences in their performance, and it is up to your taste to opt for one model or the other.

What is clear is that as a daily training shoe the Nike Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a very complete proposal in every way. The range of users is very wide (for paces and weights), it is perfectly suitable for neutral runners or pronators and above all they are very comfortable (if it doesn't bother you in the arch area). 

However, if you use insoles, keep in mind that the insole of the shoe itself cannot be removed, so if yours are of considerable thickness, you may not have enough room for your foot.

And with that... thanks for reading!

Eduardo Mateos

I've been surrounded by electronic devices of all kinds for more than 25 years. Using them, testing them, taking them apart and dissecting them. Long distance triathlete: I swim, run and cycle for a long time. Maybe too much.

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16 Comments

  1. Hi, Eduardo.
    Congratulations for the analysis. I'm looking for a shoe and I think this one will be good for me because of what you describe.
    I have a supinator tread (not too exaggerated), do you think it will be a problem?

    1. Thank you.
      Normally someone who has supinator tread (which is quite rare) needs a shoe with good cushioning, so with these shoes you will not have any problem.

  2. Hi, Eduardo.
    Thank you very much for your analysis. I loved how well you explained everything.
    I have a question for you, since you have tried both models, is there a difference in sizing between Infinity Run 1 and Infinity Run 2?
    I'm asking because I have size 44 in version 1 and I don't know if the size has changed in version 2.
    Thank you very much for everything.

    1. You can buy the same size without any problem.

      You can take advantage of the sales on the Nike website, and remember that by buying through the links on the website you are helping the site!

  3. Hi, Eduardo:

    Congratulations on the analysis, the truth is that it clarifies quite a few questions about the shoes.

    I currently have the pegasus 37 shoes for my running sessions and I am thinking of acquiring the react infinity run flyknit 2 for when the time comes to renew the pegasus, which I think is close. I have a question about the size. My size in the pegasus 37 is 39, in the pegasus 36 I use 38.5. Which size would you recommend for the react infinity. And a second question, abusing your time, my weight is around 60 kgs. I have done 840 kms. with the pegasus 37, sole and upper are impeccable, when would it be advisable to renew them.

    Greetings and thank you.

  4. Hi, your analysis is great, it helps a lot.
    I have doubts about changing my daily training shoes. I weigh 59-60kg, comfortable pace 4:15"- 4'30" and I've been using for a long time the epic react and I resist the change but I have no choice after it is increasingly difficult to find them. The infinity run seems to me to be along the same lines and 1TP10 could be a good option, what do you think?

    I just don't like shoes that are "too clunky" in terms of size, hence my satisfaction with the epic react from day one. I used to run for many years with adidas Energy boost but little by little they changed until they became a much "bigger" shoe like the solar boost and I stopped using them. Thank you very much.

    1. The Infinity Run are quite bulky, much more than the Epic React. Compared to these they are heavier, with more cushioning and greater width to provide stability. I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for...

      1. Totally agree, I've tried them on and they seem huge, a pity, because I really like the feel of the react. Which one do you think 1TP10 would be a good option to replace my epic react 2? New balance fuelcell TC podría be an option?? Thanks 😉

  5. Hi,How do these shoes size? Because the epic react the sizing was small, I had to go half a size up.
    Greetings and thanks

    1. Personally I use the same size in all Nike models. It is true that the Epic React have a sock-like Flyknit that can be a bit more "overwhelming" than other different uppers. For the Infinity I would tell you to go to your usual size.

      By the way, take a look at the Nike sale post because there are very good prices on Infinity.

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