Two of the most well-known brands in footwear. Today, we are comparing the Adidas Ultra Boost vs. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit. One is the brand’s iconic road runner, with over 20 years of production refining it into one of the most popular road running shoes on the market. The other comes from a long pedigree of road running excellence, featuring updated running technology and providing one of the most breathable shoes available.
But which one is right for you? Picking the right running shoes is an important part of enjoying your training. So let’s take a look at the designs and differences below.
Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike React Infinity Run Flynit
- The Adidas Ultra Boost are heavy. They are a full ounce heavier than the Nike React Flynit and for some reason the Adidas sight lists the women’s model at the same weight as the men’s. Over 2 ounces heavier than the Nike women model.
- The Nike React Flyfit has a 7mm drop compared to 10mm on the Ultra Boost. This 3mm difference in drop is going to make the Adidas Ultra Boost feel faster than the Nike. People tend to run in larger drops for shorter distance runs.
- Nike React Infinity Run features Flyfit material while the Adidas Ultra Boost features Primeknit. Both of these shoes feature a knit style upper build. But when compared head to head I found the Flynit to be the more breathable of the two shoes.
- Both shoes are neutral in stability. This means they will work for the majority of runners.
- Adidas Ultra Boost features a boost capsule midsole. The brand claims that these cores increase energy return in the form of increased rebound while running. I didn’t notice any difference when I tested them.
- The Nike has a wider forefoot providing added stability. This is not a “wide” shoe, just wider in the toe box. You can see this in the photos below. And is better for runners looking to have space for their toes.
- The Adidas Ultra Boost is made with PrimeBlue. Otherwise known as recycled ocean plastic. Adding to the sustainability of these shoes.
Adidas Ultra Boost
MSRP Price: $179
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 11.9oz
Weight Woman’s: 11.9oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset: 10mm
Nike React Infinity Run Flynit
MSRP Price: $160
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Trail Running
Weight Men: 10.7oz
Weight Women: 8.6oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset: 7mm – mens & 8.8mm – womens
Performance Summary
Both of these brands have a long history of producing great running shoes. However, when comparing the Adidas Ultra Boost vs. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit, there are some key differences that could make or break the shoe for you. Let’s take a quick review of each of the shoes.
Adidas Ultra Boost:
The Adidas Ultra Boost has been around for a long time and is a popular choice for runners and people who have jobs that require them to be on their feet all day. In its 21 iterations, there have been many changes over the years. The shoe itself is somewhat heavy on the feet but still provides a fast feel, likely due to its 10mm drop. One of my favorite features of the Ultra Boost is the amount of cushioning it offers; you can feel where the extra weight comes from.
On the downside, the Ultra Boost features an insert in the shoe that has a tendency to slide while running. Additionally, the added padding around the arch and outside may not work well with everyone’s feet, especially for those with wide feet. Overall, I enjoyed my runs in the Ultra Boosts, but the insert and high arch were not the right fit for my feet.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit:
Next up is the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit. The first thing I noticed when putting on the Nikes was the tighter fit and arch support. Both were noticeable for the first couple of runs but broke in nicely over time. They also provide that Nike “fast” feel. With a medium amount of padding, the weight feels just right, and the upper mesh is light and breathable. The toe box of the shoes is wide, allowing for your toes to spread a bit.
Overall, I liked the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit, but I wish they would break in a bit more than they have. For me, the arch is still noticeable. However, after about 50 miles, the shoes began to show signs of wear in the upper construction. This, along with the break-in time, raises concerns for me when considering a running shoe.
Image Comparison
Below is an image comparison of the Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit side by side.
You will notice in the profile shot the added padding in the heal of the Ultra Boost.
Adidas Ultra Boost 21 Profile
Nike React Infinity Run Flynit Profile
The top view of both models. The two shoes have a very similar shape. You will notice the added width in the toe box of the Nike. And if you look closely, the extra padding in the heal of the Addidas.
Adidas Ultra Boost Top
Nike React Infinity Run Flynit Top
Below you can see the difference in the soles of the two shoes.
Adidas Ultraboost 21 Sole
Nike React Infinity Run Flynit Sole
Conclusion – Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike React
Two of the most popular shoe brands in the world. It’s understandable that so many people turn to these options for their running shoes. The Adidas Ultra Boost is a classic that has been around forever, and while not perfect, it lives up to its reputation and gets the job done. The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit embodies everything that people have come to expect from a Nike runner. They are light and feel fast, but they do have quality concerns and may feel tight for people with wider feet, which are issues to consider.
Which road running shoe should you buy?
If I’m deciding between these two shoes, it really comes down to overall build quality and the ability to break in over time. While the Ultra Boost has its faults, as I mentioned above, once they break in, they become great shoes for running and even for day-to-day use. The build quality also feels superior to that of the Nike.