We finally grabbed a pair of the Nike React Infinity Run 3 this week and gave it a try in our quest to come up with a review of them. The React foam was introduced by Nike in 2017 as a groundbreaking technology in which they combined Thermoplastic elastomers and EVA foam. The result was a versatile midsole cushioning that is lightweight, responsive and soft. In the subsequent years Nike used it on all types of shoes, from running and basketball to training and golf shoes. The Nike Epic React Flyknit was one of the most prominent running shoes using this technology, followed by the React Phantom and the Nike React Infinity in 2020. The React Infinity Run series was very successful and in 2022 reached its 3rd edition. The shoe is recognized as a neutral recovery runner and while many avid runners may not place it on top of their preferences, casual runners surely appreciate its comfort, style and versatility.
How They Fit
The pair we got is one in black, blue and gold, one that we were able to get on sale for a hefty discount. The $160 retail price tag on this shoe is surely a turn off for many and surely I am one of them. At a first look the shoes look very similar to its previous version with some small tweaks on the upper construction. They fit true to size and the toe box feels pretty roomy. However, they get a bit narrow in front and if you do not like your fingers pushing against the front of the shoe you could go a half size bigger, especially if you have wider feet. If not sure what size to go for you can check out this Nike shoes size chart here.
They are lightweight with size 12 weighing x oz but they are a bit heavier than the 2nd version of this shoe and then most of the performance running shoes out there. This is likely due to the higher stacked React midsole and thicker upper mesh.
These need a bit of break in, something that I did not expect from this type of shoe. They felt a bit firmer than I expected at first but the more I wore them the softer they got. This was likely due to the arch support setup in the midfoot and the back heel clip.
Upper
The upper of the Nike React Infinity Run 3 is very similar to the 2nd iteration of this shoe in terms of looks. However Nike updated the Flyknit mesh material to a thicker material which is still very accommodating, flexible and fits like a sock all without sacrificing stability. If you have bunions or slightly wider feet these will mold nicely on you. Many have complained about how parts of the tongue were easy to rip off with the previous version so Nike surely fixed that with a more durable material. This comes with a caveat unfortunately as the shoes are less breathable than before and this material even adds some weight to the shoe. One of the things I noticed while doing my Nike React Infinity 3 review is that after some time of running outdoors in the heat, there is some moisture accumulating in the shoe.
The lacing system has suffered some minor changes from the 2nd version, with some changed eyelets layout and the positioning of the Flywires. All in all the shoe does a great job in terms of stability and feet lockdown . The heel clip and heel counter may need some time to get used to, depending on several factors. They do not feature much cushioning in the heel area so you will not get much cushioning around the upper back, something that many runners prefer.
Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Nike React Infinity Run 3 is basically the same with the 2nd version of this shoe. This clearly shows that it was very successful and Nike did not want to fix something that is not broken. The shoe strikes a great balance of cushion and stability by using a high density , high stacked React midsole which provides smooth landings, excellent heel to toe transition and energy return. It must be noted that these were built for slow paced runs as with high tempo runs the responsiveness of the shoe is less noticeable, something that we’ve experienced while doing our review . This balance the shoe offers makes it an excellent choice for the gym where you can even use them even for weight lifting. The shoes feature an arch support setup in the midfoot that is quite noticeable once you put them on. This adds some great support not only for neutral runners but also for overpronators.
The sole unit is also very durable as it will show very little signs of wear even after many miles of running. This is due to the way the React sole is built and also because of the enhanced rubber parts in the outsole which also add some decent traction.
Bottom Line
To conclude our Nike React Infinity Run 3 review, this is a top of the line running shoe that is very stylish and versatile. The comfort, stability and arch support are the same of the best you can get on the market today. The $160 price is a turn off , however for many and for a good reason. That is especially true for experienced runners who are less concerned with the stylish Nike looks and more about the performance aspects of this shoe that lack behind other more cheaper options on the market today.
However, casual runners will love this shoe for its comfort and versatility. You can wear these as an all around running shoe for running errands, going to the gym or just hanging out with your friends. Some colorways are on sale now so at around $100 – $120 this shoe offers a great value. If you’re looking for more of a plushy daily sneaker at this price you can look into the HOKA ONE ONE Clifton L, it is an excellent alternative.
