Nike React Infinity Run 3 Performance Review

The Nike React Infinity Run 3 is a slight update from the Nike React Infinity Run 2 and continues the line’s tradition as a popular, comfortable model with minor issues. It was at least good enough to make our Best for Beginners, Best for Men, Best for Wide Feet, Best for Flat Feet, Best Stability Running Shoes, Best Road Running Shoes, and Best Nike Running Shoes.

Tyler: The original Nike React Infinity Run has been a staple in my rotation since its release in 2020 (I’m currently on my third pair). When the second iteration came out, I was excited to experience the updates, namely the lockdown. But, to my surprise, it didn’t have the same magic as the first and I immediately hurried back to the original version. With incremental updates to the Nike React Infinity Run 3, I was cautiously optimistic about this performance review.

Drew: The Nike React Infinity Run 2 was a sort of a meh update. It fixed some things but created other issues (including an eye-roll-inducing stitching controversy on YouTube). The Nike React Infinity Run 3 appears to be a solid mix of the two originals that perhaps creates the best one yet.

Pros

Lockdown

Tyler: I’m the first to admit the fit of the original left a lot to be desired, especially in the heel lockdown and shallow lacing (I needed one more eyelet!). Version 2 improved on both of those slightly, but this third version really secures the foot with a slightly higher tongue and heel. With some slight padding to boot, the lockdown is perfect with no need to fidget mid-run.

Drew: Though the collar looks similar to the Infinity Run 2, it fits better. The tongue is more substantial while the heel padding isn’t quite as thick. But I’m not sure either of those changes make the difference. There’s a slightly different angle to the heel geometry that helps the heel hug the achilles and heel bone thus making both more secure inside the shoe.

The increased lockdown may also be because the large TPU support clip is a slightly different shape. It’s less blocky and more free-flowing as it swoops around the arch and heel. It seems more anatomical than the heel clip used on the first and second Infinity Run models. This pays dividends with the heel feeling more natural and ultimately more secure.

React Midsole

Tyler: The Nike React Infinity Run 3 carries on the tradition of the past models, providing an excellent dose of React that doesn’t lose its plushness during runs or throughout the life of the shoe. Whether you’re pushing double-digit miles on the weekend or throwing these things on after 6 months of wear and tear, the React feels and performs the exact same. I also think that no matter what type of foot strike you have, this midsole provides an extremely balanced ride.

Drew: The full-length React midsole of the Nike React Infinity Run 3 returns unchanged from the past two models. That’s a good thing. The fat slab of React was the best thing about the original. And because it’s the same one, we know it lasts hundreds of miles without losing that plush React feeling. Nike isn’t tweaking it because so many people love its feel and continue to support the Infinity Run line.

Accommodating Fit

Tyler: The stability rails around the heel, wide toe box, and dialed-in lacing make this such an enjoyable shoe to wear. Whether it’s for a run or to run errands, it accommodates many foot types. As a bonus, the Nike React Infinity Run 3 doesn’t have the exaggerated arch as prominent as it once was (although that never bothered me).

Drew: The upper still accommodates every foot type without issue. I know narrow footers and wide footers alike who love the Infinity Run line. But the Nike React Infinity Run 3 features the best upper of the bunch. The Flyknit is softer and more comfortable than ever before. Nike let Flyknit be Flyknit without molding it. This way it can better mold to your foot over time ensuring a great long term fit.

Cons

Innovation

Tyler: As much as I really enjoy the Nike React Infinity Run 3, a part of me is slightly confused as to why there hasn’t been a larger overhaul to this model. Version 1 and Version 2 were released within a year of each other with this third iteration hitting shelves well over a year after the previous model. Surely, Covid and supply-chain issues have thrown a wrench in a lot of things, but it makes me curious as to how much this model will evolve over time.

Drew: The Nike React Infinity Run 3 is for people who enjoyed the first two and only wanted small improvements to the base shoe they loved. Shoe tech nerds won’t see enough changes to make it worth it.

It’s not a bad thing if your main objective is running miles with a similar ride and feel to what you’re used to. Heck, you even get better lockdown and a more comfortable upper. However, we have to call it out. There’s a sizeable portion of our audience looking for new and different with every shoe purchase.

Lacing

Tyler: Initially appearing in Infinity Run 2, the eyelets on either side of the tongue are super close to each other. With the Flyknit upper and more accommodating fit, this isn’t as much of a problem as I’m making it out to be, but I would love to see a little more separation to ensure a uniform fit across all of the laces.

Drew: The lacing system was a complaint with both previous Infinity Run models and it’s basically the same as the Infinity Run 2 here. It’s suboptimal and makes it tough for narrow-footed runners to find the right fit. It’s not a huge deal, but hopefully, the next version will finally give us a better lacing system.

Nike React Infinity Run 3 Summary

Tyler: The Nike React Infinity Run 3 is what the Infinity Run 2 should have been. It feels like a natural progression from the first Infinity Run with optimizations to areas that fell short on the original. While it may not be preferable for faster days, I think calling it an “easy day shoe” does it a disservice – this thing can handle a lot of what’s thrown at it. If you enjoyed the first version, you’ll love this one. If you’re thinking that you’ll just grab the Infinity Run 2 at a discount, I’d urge you to fork over the extra cash and enjoy the upgraded plush heel and tongue.

Drew: We said it at the beginning of this review, the Nike React Infinity Run 3 is a solid incremental update to the Infinity Run line. It won’t knock your socks off but if you loved running in either of the first two, the Infinity Run 3 is a shoe you’ll want in your closet.

The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 is available in Men’s and Women’s at Running Warehouse as well as both Men’s and Women’s versions at Nike.