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Back in January, I went into my local run shop intending to buy The North Face Vectiv Enduris 3 since I had so enjoyed the Enduris 2. Right next to the Enduris, the Infinite 2 caught my eye. I noticed its distinct rocker shape that reminded me of the Vectiv Pro I had tried on a few months prior. After asking to try on both the Enduris 3 and Infinite 2 in a side-by-side comparison, I had to go with the Infinite 2.
Its cushioning was far more comfortable and I enjoyed the springy toe off and smooth midfoot rocker when I took them for a spin. The Enduris 3 felt flat and firm in comparison.
Since I purchased the Infinite 2s, I’ve put over 230 miles into them, including a long run during early spring in The Grand Canyon that included 5873 ft of descending and climbing. They show some minor signs of outsole wear, but I’m thoroughly impressed by how well these shoes have held up to the trail miles. I’ve also never had a hotspot, blister, or issue with my feet while wearing them for long runs. They were comfortable right out of the shoebox.
Infinite 2 Specs:
Instead of going into the features like the upper, midsole, outsole, etc. I'll focus on a few primary aspects of trail performance with this shoe: uphill/downhill ride, lateral stability, lockdown, and traction.
Uphill and Downhill Ride
After using this shoe on aggressive, steep grades ( 20%+) I can conclusively say that I enjoy its uphill performance and downhill shock absorption. There is a Pebax insert in the forefoot makes for a firm, springy toe-off and great ground-feel for agility. The rocker geometry pushes you onto your toes on uphills, but the generous heel-to-toe drop helps to give your calves some respite. The plush midfoot and heel make for a softer landing on steep downhills, reducing impact in the legs. Although I wouldn't choose the Infinite 2 for any race less than 2 hours since it's rather heavy, it certainly makes for a comfy ride no matter the route's vert density. With well over 230 miles on these shoes, the foam still has plenty of life and bounce.
Lateral Stability
Perhaps my only qualm with this shoe's trail performance is the lateral stability. This might be partially attributable to the Currex insoles I use, but I also have a feeling it's also the combination of the Infinite 2's plush cushioning and relatively narrow structure that contribute to the shoe's top-heavy feeling. I've read other reviews on the shoe pointing to a narrow toe-box, but as a runner with a narrow foot, I haven't felt it to be restrictive, yet there's something to be said for wider bases on trail running shoes. Take Speedland for example, the GS:PGH is one of the highest stack trail shoes out there, but its base is so incredibly wide that they make your ankles feel invincible.
Lockdown
I'm a big fan of the laces the Infinite 2 comes with because of the tiny loops on the lace edges. These shoes stay tight if that's how you tie them. Interestingly, the Infinite 2 seems to also handle wet conditions without loosening dramatically. Early in the year, I was running in snow regularly and the Infinite 2 would become soaked, and remain so for hours, but never loosened to the point of me having to stop and re-tie.
Traction
The 5mm lugs are aggressive no doubt, but they don't actually inhibit this shoe's versatility. When I first picked up the Infinite 2 on the shelf at the run store, I thought it would be a shoe I only used in muddy or wet conditions. However, the shoe has pleasantly surprised me with its ability to perform well on dry, soft ground or sandy/dusty rock. The lugs are soft enough to bend and meld to the terrain at hand. Out of necessity, I've run a few pavement miles in these and it wasn't a terrible experience like I assumed it would be given my prior experience with early versions of the Saucony Peregrine.
The Infinite 2 is a reasonably priced everyday trainer ($170) with great durability and comfort. I would recommend them for any trail runners who want a shoe that can perform on all types of terrain and under even the sloppiest trail conditions. For anyone racing on trails for longer than 3-4 hours, this could be a great option!
I wouldn't recommend the Infinite 2 to a runner who only runs in wide trail shoes or low-drop shoes. The Infinite 2 is probably not the best shoe for a short and spicy trail race since there are lighter options on the market.
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