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 Midsole foams are advancing so quick they usually develop into outdated in a short time. This is the reason Nike updates the midsoles of fashionable footwear just like the Pegasus and the Vaporfly each 2 years.
The Infinity Run variations 1-3 have 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 favor my trainers to have softer, extra energetic rides. The Infinity Run felt a bit bland.
Model 4 of the Infinity Run will get the foremost overhaul that I wished 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 Steadiness 1080 are additionally priced at $160.
The load of the InfinityRN 4 has elevated to 11.2 oz (319 g). That is a complete ounce (28 g) greater than the earlier model. Every year, the shoe will get heavier and heavier. They’ve additionally modified the title 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 upset 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 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 slim match however remains to be true to measurement. The higher conforms to your toes and I discover it general 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 superb, even with out utilizing a runner’s knot. An inside heel counter supplies 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 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 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 a vital one: the heel clip wanted to be modified as a result of it prolonged underneath the arch and precipitated a poking sensation within the earlier model. Within the InfinityRN 4, they’ve eliminated the clip utterly so it’s rather more snug, 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 might have provide you with 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 trip of the InfinityRN 4 can’t match different max-cushioned trainers by way of cushioning and vitality return and one of the simplest ways to explain the way it feels is flat. It’s the sort of no-frills coach that you just 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 not like the rockered MaxRoad 6 and the GlideRide 3 which enable you to choose up tempo if you might want to.
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 large midsole base with raised edges that information your toes so landings really feel decently secure however I wouldn’t classify it as a stability coach. It appears 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 best 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 stay up for operating within the InfinityRN 4. Though it has been utterly redesigned, it nonetheless lacks pleasure. The brand new midsole doesn’t present sufficient vitality return and it doesn’t have a singular 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, nonetheless it’s disappointing that it has picked up an oz of weight. It appears 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 a lot better max-cushioned choices, just like the Skechers MaxRoad 6 which is barely $130. The MaxRoad 6 has extra cushioning, a softer trip, and rather more vitality return.
In some ways, the InfinityRN 4 appears like Nike’s model of the Ultraboost Mild: a way of life coach which you may as well use for the occasional run. They each have knitted uppers, agency rides and are overpriced.
