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I haven’t bought a React based shoe since the SB Bruin React. Continuing with building my comfy kicks collection back up, I’ve started to explore the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit line. The React Infinity line started in late 2019 and is a continuation/offshoot of the Epic React series.
The basic formula with the line is to combine a flyknit upper with responsive React cushioning. The infinity series is one of Nike’s most tested sneakers, putting it’s effectiveness for runners ahead of many other competing sneakers.
While the React Infinity Run is a great performance sneaker, the second iteration modifies the flyknit to reinforce the strength and breathability of the first version. Not only that, the ankle liner is given slightly more cushioning. The first version has a more sock-shoe type of tongue while the top of the 2 is detached on the 2 upper eyelets. This helps in making it look more like a casual shoe tongue.
I think sneakerheads are probably passing on sneakers like these as they are geared more towards running performance. However, Nike’s own site recommends these for daily walking as well, and some of the design improvements hint at a more lifestyle oriented approach to the details.
Why I Started Getting Pairs
I’ve been slowly building back up my collection of comfy shoes. While retro runners for me are still a go to for comfort, I like to stay on top of newer technologies. After some research I settled on a pair of these from the Nike React Line.
While many site and video reviews suggested the Pegasus 38, I like the way these look more than those. I passed on the ZoomX Invincible Run for the same reason. Though my interest is still there on the ZoomX and I may get a pair down the line.
Previous pairs of Element 87s and similar React-based shoes feel comfy underfoot to me. However, the thin uppers leave something to be desired. The Infinity Run series does not have the same casual appeal, but the uppers are much more comfortable and sensible.
Why The Volt Colorway?
As far as colorways go, I got the Volt and Black colorway on the Infinity Run 2 first. These look like a technical running shoe but also work casually. So either walking or chilling works in my opinion on a shoe that looks like this. I’m not so sure this is a shoe I would wear around from the perspective of a sneaker collector. For a comfy shoe for handling errands or exercise these feel and look better than some other options out there.
On a side note, I got the volt colorway partially because I was able to get it on sale on Champs. It had been marked down and I was able to stack a coupon code to get them way under retail.
As someone that loves sneakers a lot, not all my pickups are necessarily geared towards highly collectable shoes. Some are more comfort oriented, while others are rooted in curiousity on a certain new model. That said, after enough time passes, shoes like these technically do become retro runners. I was curious if these lived up to the hype and I can say in person they do!
Details/Materials
Starting off on the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2, we have Nike React and Infinity Flyknit lettering on a small rubbery plastic tongue tag. The entire upper is flyknit including the tongue. The tongue on the 2 is attached inside but loose up top so it looks like a “tongue” rather than a bootie.
The top 2 eyelets by the ankle form an infinity symbol. The rest of the eyelets utilize flywire. As we move down the shoe we see the unique flyknit pattern for the Infinity Run 2.
Moving to the side we get more flyknit and flywire along with a TPU swoosh. The top of the swoosh had a rubbery plastic accent to give it some depth. Just below the swoosh we have a heel counter type plastic piece with a debossed swoosh and embossed Nike React logo.
On the back we have a flyknit pulltab with some small 3M accents. Below that we have a swoosh debossed into the midsole.
The insole is all one color with contrasting text that reads “Nike React Infinity Flyknit Designed to keep runners running” alongside a white infinity swoosh logo. The outsole is white react foam with a contrasting color and a swoosh towards the heel.
These ship with a set of flat stretchy athletic laces. The box is a regular orange Nike Sportswear box. No extras here, but what we’re paying for is the technology, as with most newer Nike tech releases. The focus is less on presentation and more on the actual shoe.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Quality?
We have flyknit and flywire, with a little TPU. This flyknit uses advanced layering, adding strength and reinforcement around the sneaker.
I can’t judge material quality in the same way I could a suede or leather. Still, the flyknit here is solidly put together; not the softest texture in the world, but still pliable. The reinforced areas around the toebox help ensure the flyknit holds its shape while the flywire helps it conform to the foot and lock it down.
I’d say overall I’m feeling the quality of the upper here. The knit looks cool and feels good on feet. It does its job and doesn’t seem like it will rip or otherwise degrade easily. I’m not necessarily buying a shoe like this for the materials, but I still expect quality for a running shoe that retails at $160. I think we do get that here.
The QC seems about as good as expected. I’m not seeing any anomolies on any pairs with respect to the flyknit stitching, or glue around the midsole. The overall craftsmanship seems really solid on the pair of 2s I got.
How Do They Fit?
True to size works perfectly for the Nike React Infinity Run2.
Comfort
The overall comfort here is very good! The uppers are lightweight and breathable while still feeling supportive. They fit to my feet perfectly on the 2 and don’t cut into my ankles like the Element React 87 and 55 do. I think besides primeknit, it’s hard to find a more comfy upper material than flyknit.
Underfoot we get that big chunky react midsole. You definitely feel the cushioning on the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2. It’s noticeable, it’s squishy, and it’s thick enough to last for a long time. Point blank the comfort is insane on these.
React vs Boost
The big question on a shoe like this is how it compares to Boost, often seen as the most comfortable midsole tech. I’d say these are just as comfy but in a different way. I definitely feel a bit of solid support with React, while Boost has slightly more springiness to it. Both shoes are great, and you can’t go wrong with either tech. In my case, I like to have both so I can choose which type of super premium cushioning I want to have that day.
Overall, I’d say the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit is very comfy. It gives retro runners a run for their money in my opinion for long distance walks which is typically the most work I’ll put a shoe through. It has that Boost like squishiness, but is a bit more solid which gives more support for that longer distance. I think the only thing edging them out is if I want a more lifestyle look when walking, I’d still go with a recrafted 90 or similar. Maybe I want to stop in a store or other public place on the walk, and some retros will look better in that case.
However, if I’m just walking for exercise and errands, these can definitely work for that. Whereas I might take Boost out to chill or on errands given the nature of the cushioning and the more casual appeal some models have, I would side with these for the long haul.
Final Thoughts
Comfy sneakers are important, especially if you like to be out there in the world. While these might not go with most casual looks, the Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a step in the right direction with it’s semi attached tongue and more lifestyle oriented colorways. I got these for the comfort though, and I think it’s important for sneaker collections to include some diversity in this way. Personally I like the volt and black combo I got on the Infinity 2 – it’s a classic look for Nike.
While most sneakerheads might sleep on a pair of tech running shoes that don’t have Boost in the name, I think this line is worth another look. The casual appeal on sneakers like these will only grow as the model moves further into retro territory in the years to come.
The most important thing here is that big React cushioning feel, and it really comes through here. I’m no stranger to flyknit, flywire or react, but this shoe manages to fuse all those elements into something that looks decent and performs really well. While not optimized to blend in as a casual shoe, I still think they look great on feet!
Where To Cop the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit
As of the writing of this article, you can find the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 Volt on eBay
Colorway: Volt / Volt-Black
Style Code: CT2357 700
Year of Release: 2021
MSRP: $160