The React InfinityRN is Nike's long-distance cruiser for slow, relaxed or recovery runs. It has plenty of deep, soft cushioning provided by its ReactX midsole. The Infinity Run has a price of $160.
The React Miler 2 is Nike's supportive daily trainer designed to log many miles. It has a durable and dependable outsole-midsole combination and a comfortable upper. The React Miler 2 has a weight of 10.7 oz and a price tag of $130. Which of these highly cushioned React shoes is for you?
The InfinityRN has a ReactX midsole and the softest midsole of all the Nike React trainers. It is best suited to long, straight distances at slow paces of over 5 minutes per kilometre. Its full-ReactX midsole provides bottomless, soft cushioning which doesn’t break down over time.
The Miler also has a full React midsole but is more dense than the React of the InfinityRN. The Miler’s firmer midsole makes it more versatile. It’s far from being a racing shoe but it can handle tempo runs due to its secure upper and bouncy midsole. It shines on long runs over 20km when you need a comfortable, padded ride.
There are some stability features on the IInfinityRN such as wide forefoot and rearfoot bases but its spongy midsole prevents it from having no lean bias and being a true stability trainer. It functions more as a neutral trainer and doesn’t have an arch sensation.
Nike calls the Miler “trusted stability for miles” due to its wide forefoot and rearfoot. Its midsole is not overly soft and results in a balanced ride with no lean bias. The Miler is more stable than the InfinityRN.
On its outsole, the InfinityRN has rubber on the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot and wide grooves in between to help save weight and to make the shoe more flexible. On the midfoot, the sides are exposed and the foam scuffs the ground occasionally but doesn’t affect the ride.
The Miler has four separate rubber lugs on its outsole: 1 large lug covering most of the forefoot and 3 thin strips covering the lateral side and the heel. Most of its midfoot is not covered by rubber and there is a large cavity under the heel to provide a springy sensation upon heel loading.
The InfinityRN has a smooth-feeling Flyknit upper which is soft, knitted material. It has a snug fit with a just-right toe box. There are last row double-eyelets to do heel-lock lacing for a more secure lockdown. The InfinityRN fits true to size and isn’t available in optional widths.
The Miler has a busy, thick, double jacquard mesh upper and toe overlays which add extra durability. The breathability of the mesh is good but all the overlay reinforcements mean that the Miler’s upper is warmer than the InfinityRN’s upper. The Miler has a generously padded heel counter and an external heel counter which holds the foot in place and prevents heel slippage. The tongue of the Miler is thin and racing-inspired, similar to the one on the Pegasus 37. The Miler also fits true to size and isn’t available in optional widths yet.
If you’re a runner looking for a max-cushioned trainer for long distances at relaxed paces, the InfinityRN is the shoe for you. The InfinityRN has a breathable Flyknit upper and a ReactX midsole which provides soft, bottomless cushioning.
If you’re looking for a more versatile, more stable trainer, the Miler is the shoe for you. The Miler is great for long runs and can also handle the occasional tempo outing. It has an upper which is less breathable than the InfinityRN’s upper but is much more secure and comfortably locks down the foot. The Miler is lighter and $30 cheaper than the InfinityRN.
Get the InfinityRN only if you crave a soft ride. If you don’t, the Miler is more stable, has a more comfortable upper and is better value for money.
