Nike Infinity RN4 Introduction
Once I reviewed the Infinity Run 3, I mentioned 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 trip is, 3 years of the identical factor will get boring. Midsole foams are advancing so quick they usually change into outdated in a short time. Because of this Nike updates the midsoles of fashionable footwear 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 because of the poking arch sensation. After testing, I used them for informal sneakers for work, not for operating. I choose my trainers to have softer, extra vigorous rides. The Infinity Run felt a bit bland.
Model 4 of the Infinity Run will get the most important overhaul that I needed final yr. 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 labeled by Nike as a max-cushioned coach however it’s priced like one. At $160, it competes with most max-cushioned trainers. The Nimbus, Glycerin, Triumph and New Stability 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. Every year, the shoe will get heavier and heavier. They’ve additionally modified the identify this yr 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 trip felt barely softer than the earlier variations however it nonetheless felt a bit too agency for a max-cushioned coach.
I used to be disenchanted with ReactX as a result of it felt actually much like common React foam: dense, with out a lot power return. General, it was extra snug 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 Below Armour Velociti Wind.
Nike Infinity RN4 Higher
The higher of the InfinityRN 4 has a snugger match than final yr’s model with a softer Flyknit that’s extra stretchy. It has a slender match however continues to be true to dimension. The higher conforms to your ft and I discover it total extra snug however it feels extra like a way of life sneaker.
The padded tongue is semi gusseted and it doesn’t transfer round in any respect throughout runs. Foot lockdown is excellent, even with out utilizing a runner’s knot. An inner heel counter offers heel construction and help whereas the collar may be very well-padded so consolation across the ankles is excellent.
My least favorite factor concerning the higher is that it runs heat. It soaks up quite a lot of sweat as nicely 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 situations.
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
Crucial replace to the InfinityRN 4 was an important one: the heel clip wanted to be modified as a result of it prolonged below the arch and induced a poking sensation within the earlier model. Within the InfinityRN 4, they’ve eliminated the clip utterly so it’s far more snug, particularly for runners with flat ft.
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 significantly better contemplating how a lot R&D they’ve at their disposal. This was a missed alternative in my view.
The trip of the InfinityRN 4 can’t match different max-cushioned trainers by way of cushioning and power 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 day by day mileage in. I did a 27 km long term in it and it felt actually sluggish with an outdated trip.
I solely use it for straightforward and restoration runs. This shoe doesn’t wish 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 show you how to to choose up tempo if it’s essential.
The InfinityRN 4 is extra suited to heel strikers than forefoot or midfoot strikers and the shoe encourages you to heel strike because of the 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 extensive midsole base with raised edges that information your ft so landings really feel decently steady however I wouldn’t classify it as a stability coach. It seems like a impartial coach.
All the outsole now has thick, waffle rubber protection so the midsole foam doesn’t get scuffed anymore. That is the place the vast majority of the ounce of additional weight comes from.
There’s little or no outsole put on displaying on my pair and I believe the InfinityRN 4’s outsole can rival the Pegasus 40 by way of sturdiness. Traction is healthier than the earlier variations as a result of the lugs are raised and the outsole is now not utterly flat.
Nike Infinity RN4 Conclusions
After the first run, I didn’t look ahead to operating within the InfinityRN 4. Though it has been utterly redesigned, it nonetheless lacks pleasure. The brand new midsole doesn’t present sufficient power return and it doesn’t have a novel trip. ReactX doesn’t really feel like a new-age midsole foam and it must be a lot softer.
InfinityRN 4 is one of the best model to this point within the sequence as a result of it has probably the most snug higher and is arch pleasant, nevertheless it’s disappointing that it has picked up an oz of weight. It seems 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 suggest it when there are significantly better max-cushioned choices, just like the Skechers MaxRoad 6 which is barely $130. The MaxRoad 6 has extra cushioning, a softer trip, and far more power return.
In some ways, the InfinityRN 4 seems like Nike’s model of the Ultraboost Gentle: a way of life coach which you can even use for the occasional run. They each have knitted uppers, agency rides and are overpriced.