Nike Infinity RN4 review

7 expert score
8.5 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Nike with our own money.
Review written on 28th November by Brandon Law Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
166 other reviews

Nike Infinity RN4 Verdict

The Nike ReactX InfinityRN 4 is a trainer which is well-cushioned and stable but lacks the fun factor. Its brand new ReactX midsole doesn’t deliver much energy return and it’s only suited to easy/recovery runs. This 4th version has been completely revamped: it’s slightly softer, more comfortable, and more durable but it picks up an ounce of weight.

The pros

  • Less Intrusive arch
  • Good lockdown
  • More durable
  • Softer ride
  • Stable

The cons

  • ReactX lacks energy return
  • Warm upper
  • Bland ride

Where to buy

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Rating breakdown

Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
5.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Infinity RN4
Weight
11.2 oz (318 g)
MSRP
160.00

Heel
mm.
Toe
mm.
Heel drop
mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Responsive/balanced
Amount of cushioning
Highly cushioned
Stability
Very stable
Flexibility
Flexible

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Nike Infinity RN4 ?

If you enjoy the Infinity Run series, you’ll be happy with this new version because it no longer has a heel clip so there’s no more prominent arch. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Pegasus and Structure series in the Nike lineup, the InfinityRN 4 is an option.

Who should not buy the Nike Infinity RN4 ?

If you’re looking for a modern max-cushioned trainer with an exciting, bouncy ride, the InifnityRN 4 is not for you.

Nike Infinity RN4 Introduction

When I reviewed the Infinity Run 3, I said that it was in dire need of a facelift because it had the exact same midsole as the first 2 versions. No matter how good the ride is, 3 years of the same thing will get boring. Midsole foams are advancing so fast and they become outdated very quickly. This is why Nike updates the midsoles of popular shoes like the Pegasus and the Vaporfly every 2 years.

The Infinity Run versions 1-3 were neutral trainers but they felt like stability trainers due to the poking arch sensation. After testing, I used them for casual sneakers for work, not for running. I prefer my trainers to have softer, more lively rides. The Infinity Run felt a bit bland.

Version 4 of the Infinity Run gets the major overhaul that I wanted last year. It features Nike’s brand new ReactX midsole foam which has never featured in a shoe before. The outsole and upper have also been redesigned.

The InfinityRN 4 isn’t classified by Nike as a max-cushioned trainer but it’s priced like one. At $160, it competes with most max-cushioned trainers. The Nimbus, Glycerin, Triumph and New Balance 1080 are also priced at $160.

The weight of the InfinityRN 4 has increased to 11.2 oz (319 g). This is an entire ounce (28 g) more than the previous version. Each year, the shoe gets heavier and heavier. They’ve also changed the name this year to the InfinityRN, which was previously Infinity Run.

Nike Infinity RN4 First Impressions

Picture of Nike Infinity RN4

My first run was a 17 kilometre recovery run. It felt like the recovery pace was perfectly suited to the InfinityRN 4. The ride felt slightly softer than the previous versions but it still felt a bit too firm for a max-cushioned trainer.

I was disappointed with ReactX because it felt really similar to regular React foam: dense, without much energy return. Overall, it was more comfortable than the Infinity Run 3.

The upper of the InfinityRN 4 reminded me of the Nike Free RN Flyknit 3.0 while the midsole reminded me of the Under Armour Velociti Wind.

Nike Infinity RN4 Upper

Picture of Nike Infinity RN4

The upper of the InfinityRN 4 has a snugger fit than last year’s version with a softer Flyknit that’s more stretchy. It has a narrow fit but is still true to size. The upper conforms to your feet and I find it overall more comfortable but it feels more like a lifestyle sneaker.

The padded tongue is semi gusseted and it doesn’t move around at all during runs. Foot lockdown is very good, even without using a runner’s knot. An internal heel counter provides heel structure and support while the collar is very well-padded so comfort around the ankles is superb.

Picture of Nike Infinity RN4

My least favourite thing about the upper is that it runs warm. It soaks up a lot of sweat as well so it’s more suited to cool climates. It has a new water repellent liner in the toe box but I didn’t get a chance to test it in wet conditions.

The heel pull tab makes a return in the InfinityRN 4 which was missing in the Infinity Run 3 but there are still no reflective elements.

Nike Infinity RN4 Sole Unit

Picture of Nike Infinity RN4


The most important update to the InfinityRN 4 was a crucial one: the heel clip needed to be modified because it extended under the arch and caused a poking sensation in the previous version. In the InfinityRN 4, they’ve removed the clip completely so it’s much more comfortable, especially for runners with flat feet.

I was hoping for something like ZoomX, but ReactX is not a fun foam. It doesn’t compress much when loaded so it feels dense and rubbery. It doesn’t feel energetic like ZoomX, Fuelcell, Hyper Burst Pro or Pwrrun+ and I know that Nike could have come up with something much better considering how much R&D they have at their disposal. This was a missed opportunity in my opinion.

The ride of the InfinityRN 4 can’t match other max-cushioned trainers in terms of cushioning and energy return and the best way to describe how it feels is flat. It’s the kind of no-frills trainer that you just put on so you can get your daily mileage in. I did a 27 km long run in it and it felt really sluggish with an outdated ride.

I only use it for easy and recovery runs. This shoe does not like to go fast. It’s heavy and it has a very flexible forefoot unlike the rockered MaxRoad 6 and the GlideRide 3 which help you to pick up pace if you need to.

Picture of Nike Infinity RN4

The InfinityRN 4 is more suited to heel strikers than forefoot or midfoot strikers and the shoe encourages you to heel strike due to the high amount of cushioning in the rearfoot with much less in the forefoot.

The words “supportive” and “stability” are mentioned quite often on the InifinityRN 4’s product page on the Nike website. It has a fairly wide midsole base with raised edges that guide your feet so landings feel decently stable but I wouldn’t classify it as a stability trainer. It feels like a neutral trainer.

Picture of Nike Infinity RN4

The entire outsole now has thick, waffle rubber coverage so the midsole foam doesn’t get scuffed anymore. This is where the majority of the ounce of extra weight comes from.

There’s very little outsole wear showing on my pair and I think the InfinityRN 4’s outsole can rival the Pegasus 40 in terms of durability. Traction is better than the previous versions because the lugs are raised and the outsole is no longer completely flat.

Nike Infinity RN4 Conclusions

Picture of Nike Infinity RN4

After the 1st run, I didn’t look forward to running in the InfinityRN 4. Even though it has been completely redesigned, it still lacks excitement. The new midsole doesn’t provide enough energy return and it doesn’t have a unique ride. ReactX doesn’t feel like a new-age midsole foam and it needs to be much softer.

InfinityRN 4 is the best version so far in the series because it has the most comfortable upper and is arch friendly, however it’s disappointing that it has picked up an ounce of weight. It feels like a heavy shoe during runs because there isn’t a prominent rocker to make transitions more efficient.

The InfinityRN 4 is an average running shoe with no major flaws but at $160, I can’t recommend it when there are much better max-cushioned options, like the Skechers MaxRoad 6 which is only $130. The MaxRoad 6 has more cushioning, a softer ride, and much more energy return.

In many ways, the InfinityRN 4 feels like Nike’s version of the Ultraboost Light: a lifestyle trainer which you can also use for the occasional run. They both have knitted uppers, firm rides and are overpriced.

How does the Infinity RN4 compare?

Adidas Ultraboost Light
Nike Infinity RN4
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
Expert score
6
7
8
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$190
US$160
US$160
Brand
Weight
10.3 oz
11.2 oz
10.2 oz
Heel Drop
10 mm
mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Daily training, long distance racing
Cushioning type
balanced
responsive/balanced
balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
flexible
medium
Stability
very stable
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
buy half size bigger

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Nike at Nike  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

$160

Nike Infinity RN4 price comparison

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Reviewed by Brandon

This review was written by Brandon Law on 28th November.
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.

User feedback (3)

  • avatar-comment-1034338
    Tanya
    7 months ago
    7 score

    agree with overall review, that the shoe is okay for putting in the miles, only. The women’s (and maybe men’s) upper is super snug when new, to the point of causing pain in the ball of my (wide) feet. To make matters worse, the shoelaces are very short, so loosening them is difficult. The tongue is thick, abrasive and high. Mine is bloodied from grazing against my ankle. Not my favourite pair of runners.

  • avatar-comment-1030968
    Jay
    11 months ago
    10 score

    Very good

  • avatar-comment-1030952
    Patrick
    11 months ago

    Thank you for the review, Brandon. I was wondering how the ReactX would turn out, but it sounds much like the Infinity 2 and 3. It’s the type of shoe to pick up when it’s on sale to help soak up miles from long runs (13+ miles). I was really hoping Nike would do something different and exciting with the 4th version. As it stands, the Infinity is in a spot where it’s a bit better than the Peg as a daily trainer but not as soft as the Invincible (especially the I and II). I find myself opting for the Triumph, a better option (and lighter) at a better price.

Lowest price:
$160

Where to buy

Best offers today in Hong Kong, all prices in AUD
Sorry - Product not found. Please try RunningWarehouse.Com to check in their assortment.
This page contains affiliate links Read more

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