Nike Infinity RN4 Introduction
Once I reviewed the Infinity Run 3, I stated that it was in dire want of a facelift as a result of it had the very same midsole as the primary 2 variations. Irrespective of how good the experience is, 3 years of the identical factor will get boring. Midsole foams are advancing so quick they usually grow to be outdated in a short time. That is why Nike updates the midsoles of common sneakers just like the Pegasus and the Vaporfly each 2 years.
The Infinity Run variations 1-3 had been impartial trainers however they felt like stability trainers as a result of poking arch sensation. After testing, I used them for informal sneakers for work, not for operating. I favor my trainers to have softer, extra full of life rides. The Infinity Run felt a bit bland.
Model 4 of the Infinity Run will get the most important overhaul that I needed final 12 months. It options Nike’s model new ReactX midsole foam which has by no means featured in a shoe earlier than. The outsole and higher have additionally been redesigned.
The InfinityRN 4 isn’t categorized by Nike as a max-cushioned coach nevertheless it’s priced like one. At $160, it competes with most max-cushioned trainers. The Nimbus, Glycerin, Triumph and New Steadiness 1080 are additionally priced at $160.
The load of the InfinityRN 4 has elevated to 11.2 oz (319 g). That is a whole ounce (28 g) greater than the earlier model. Annually, the shoe will get heavier and heavier. They’ve additionally modified the identify this 12 months to the InfinityRN, which was beforehand Infinity Run.
Nike Infinity RN4 First Impressions
My first run was a 17 kilometre restoration run. It felt just like the restoration tempo was completely suited to the InfinityRN 4. The experience felt barely softer than the earlier variations nevertheless it nonetheless felt a bit too agency for a max-cushioned coach.
I used to be dissatisfied with ReactX as a result of it felt actually just like common React foam: dense, with out a lot vitality return. General, it was extra comfy than the Infinity Run 3.
The higher of the InfinityRN 4 jogged my memory of the Nike Free RN Flyknit 3.0 whereas the midsole jogged my memory of the Underneath Armour Velociti Wind.
Nike Infinity RN4 Higher
The higher of the InfinityRN 4 has a snugger match than final 12 months’s model with a softer Flyknit that’s extra stretchy. It has a slender match however continues to be true to measurement. The higher conforms to your toes and I discover it general extra comfy nevertheless it feels extra like a life-style sneaker.
The padded tongue is semi gusseted and it doesn’t transfer round in any respect throughout runs. Foot lockdown is superb, even with out utilizing a runner’s knot. An inner heel counter offers heel construction and help whereas the collar could be very well-padded so consolation across the ankles is great.
My least favorite factor concerning the higher is that it runs heat. It soaks up plenty of sweat as properly so it’s extra suited to chill climates. It has a brand new water repellent liner within the toe field however I didn’t get an opportunity to check it in moist circumstances.
The heel pull tab makes a return within the InfinityRN 4 which was lacking within the Infinity Run 3 however there are nonetheless no reflective parts.
Nike Infinity RN4 Sole Unit
An important replace to the InfinityRN 4 was a vital one: the heel clip wanted to be modified as a result of it prolonged underneath the arch and triggered a poking sensation within the earlier model. Within the InfinityRN 4, they’ve eliminated the clip fully so it’s far more comfy, particularly for runners with flat toes.
I hoped for one thing like ZoomX, however ReactX isn’t a enjoyable foam. It doesn’t compress a lot when loaded so it feels dense and rubbery. It doesn’t really feel energetic like ZoomX, Fuelcell, Hyper Burst Professional or Pwrrun+ and I do know that Nike may have give you one thing a lot better contemplating how a lot R&D they’ve at their disposal. This was a missed alternative in my view.
The experience of the InfinityRN 4 can’t match different max-cushioned trainers when it comes to cushioning and vitality return and one of the simplest ways to explain the way it feels is flat. It’s the type of no-frills coach that you simply simply placed on so you may get your each day mileage in. I did a 27 km long term in it and it felt actually sluggish with an outdated experience.
I solely use it for simple and restoration runs. This shoe doesn’t prefer to go quick. It’s heavy and it has a really versatile forefoot in contrast to the rockered MaxRoad 6 and the GlideRide 3 which provide help to to select up tempo if you must.
The InfinityRN 4 is extra suited to heel strikers than forefoot or midfoot strikers and the shoe encourages you to heel strike as a result of excessive quantity of cushioning within the rearfoot with a lot much less within the forefoot.
The phrases “supportive” and “stability” are talked about very often on the InifinityRN 4’s product web page on the Nike web site. It has a reasonably huge midsole base with raised edges that information your toes so landings really feel decently steady however I wouldn’t classify it as a stability coach. It looks like a impartial coach.
Your complete outsole now has thick, waffle rubber protection so the midsole foam doesn’t get scuffed anymore. That is the place nearly all of the ounce of additional weight comes from.
There’s little or no outsole put on exhibiting on my pair and I feel the InfinityRN 4’s outsole can rival the Pegasus 40 when it comes to sturdiness. Traction is healthier than the earlier variations as a result of the lugs are raised and the outsole is now not fully flat.
Nike Infinity RN4 Conclusions
After the first run, I didn’t sit up for operating within the InfinityRN 4. Regardless that it has been fully redesigned, it nonetheless lacks pleasure. The brand new midsole doesn’t present sufficient vitality return and it doesn’t have a singular experience. ReactX doesn’t really feel like a new-age midsole foam and it must be a lot softer.
InfinityRN 4 is the most effective model thus far within the collection as a result of it has essentially the most comfy higher and is arch pleasant, nevertheless it’s disappointing that it has picked up an oz of weight. It looks like a heavy shoe throughout runs as a result of there isn’t a distinguished rocker to make transitions extra environment friendly.
The InfinityRN 4 is a median operating shoe with no main flaws however at $160, I can’t advocate it when there are a lot better max-cushioned choices, just like the Skechers MaxRoad 6 which is barely $130. The MaxRoad 6 has extra cushioning, a softer experience, and far more vitality return.
In some ways, the InfinityRN 4 looks like Nike’s model of the Ultraboost Mild: a life-style coach which you may also use for the occasional run. They each have knitted uppers, agency rides and are overpriced.
