The ReactX InfinityRN is Nike's new long-distance cruiser for slow, relaxed or recovery runs. It has plenty of deep, soft cushioning provided by its ReactX midsole. The InfinityRN has some support elements but is suitable for neutral runners.
The New Balance 1080 is a widely popular neutral trainer that offers the highest level of cushioning in the New Balance range. Which of these two max-cushioned shoes is right for you?
The InfinityRN has a full ReactX-based midsole but the ReactX foam used is of a lower density and much softer than the React used in the Vomero or the Zoom Fly. The ReactX foam provides deep cushioning but its squishy midsole makes it only suitable for long-distance, relaxed runs slower than 5 minutes per kilometre.
The 1080 has a full Fresh Foam X midsole which is medium-soft and versatile. It is suitable and responsive enough for tempo runs but also has lots of bottomless cushioning for marathon distances.
The InfinityRN is marketed has a stability shoe and has stability features such as a large, wide midsole base and raised edges which act as a guide rail to keep the foot centred but the mega-soft midsole of the InfinityRN prevents it from being a true stability shoe.
The 1080 also has a large, wide midsole base. Its medium-soft midsole has no lean bias and makes the 1080 more stable than the InfinityRN. Both shoes have high toe-springs and rocker-shaped midsoles which help the foot transition through the gait cycle.
On the 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 scrapes the ground occasionally.
The 1080 has blown rubber on the forefoot and on the heel with a large patch of exposed midsole on the midfoot which shows wear prematurely. The small oval lugs can be felt through the midsole, especially under the forefoot so transitions can be lumpy unlike the velvety smooth transitions of the InfinityRN.
The InfinityRN has a smooth-feeling Flyknit upper which is a 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 fit. The InfinityRN fits true to size and isn’t available in optional widths.
The 1080 has an engineered mesh upper which is less stretchy than the Flyknit found on the InfinityRN. The tongue of the 1080 is generously padded and has no tongue slide thanks to the tongue being attached on both sides to the midsole of the shoe. The 1080 has a heel which flares away from the achilles and locks your heel securely in place. The 1080 fits a half size too small and is available in narrow, regular, wide and extra-wide versions.
If you’re a runner looking for a super soft ride which excels at long, slow runs, the InfinityRN is the shoe for you. The ReactX midsole has a squishy under-foot feel that’s highly responsive. The InfinityRN has a relaxed upper which is best suited to runs with minimal cornering due to its loose heel.
If you’re a runner looking for a versatile workhorse, the 1080 is the shoe for you. The Fresh Foam X midsole of the 1080 has just the right amount of cushioning for long runs and tempo runs without being too mushy or too firm. The 1080 has a dialed-in upper which is comfortable and secure and comes in 4 different widths.
