▲R2 Equator

My first encounter with the R2 running shoes was in March of last year when I got my hands on a pair of R2 Equator running shoes. The main attraction was the ultra-thick midsole, and the R2 Equator did not disappoint in terms of comfort—soft, bouncy, and resilient.

Thick-soled shoes have been quite popular in recent years, which is also the trend. This is because thick-soled shoes are more suitable for the general public.They have a wide range of applications.A soft, bouncy, and thick midsole can absorb more landing impact and reduce injuries caused by poor running posture.

▲R2 Infinity R2 Equator

On the other hand, thin-soled shoes require very high muscle strength and are suitable for high-level runners. Ordinary runners may not have enough strength to handle the direct feedback of thin-soled shoes, making them prone to injury.

Increasing the midsole thickness in thick-soled shoes inevitably adds weight. The R2 Equator weighs 266 grams in size 42, which is not light but aligns with its positioning as a long-distance LSD jogging shoe.

To meet the high demands of picky runners, the lighter R2 Infinity was born.

The R2 Infinity is positioned as a professional-grade marathon running shoe, featuring four innovative technologies.

1. One-piece flyknit upper and tongue

2. U-shaped midsole

3. Shock-absorbing midsole grooves

4. Wear-resistant and anti-slip patches

The upper uses a TPU-coated hot-melt upper combined with an adaptive elastic mesh tongue, seamlessly integrated. This TPU-coated hot-melt upper offers the support of traditional sandwich mesh uppers and the lightweight feel of traditional knit uppers.

Regarding the texture, the upper is similar to nylon material with little elasticity but better support, especially in the toe area where the height is increased to provide enough space for toe movement. This design is commendable as it solves the issue of insufficient toe space in traditional knit uppers.

The only elastic part of the entire upper is the tongue, officially called the 'adaptive elastic mesh tongue.' This elastic mesh tongue solves the issue of traditional tongues shifting easily and fits the instep better.

The inner heel is padded to prevent friction.

The foam insole is quite thick.

The fully upgraded BOUNDFOAM lightweight shock-absorbing midsole is thicker, more elastic, and more responsive than the R2 Equator's midsole, while the overall shoe weight is about 30 grams lighter, weighing around 245 grams in size 42.

The arch area feels particularly bouncy, which is highly praised by runners who like a cushioned feel.

The R2 Infinity's U-shaped midsole structure, with a 5.5mm forefoot and 17.5mm heel, provides excellent stability. The feet feel stable in the midsole, like stepping on a beach. The comfort is much better than the Dowei Journey.

Additionally, the large drop between the forefoot and heel makes the shoe roll forward more naturally and effortlessly, improving running efficiency.

In practical tests, the R2 Infinity's forefoot and heel rolling is indeed smooth and effortless. Running a half marathon felt comfortable, much better than the Journey.

When I ran a half marathon in the Journey, the carbon plate in the arch felt useless, restricting running efficiency and creating a dragging sensation!

The midsole features large grooves and fine grooves horizontally. These grooves act as shock absorbers, effectively reducing the impact on the foot upon landing and providing comfortable rebound. Combined with the high-drop boat-shaped geometry, they offer forward propulsion for runners.

The R2 Infinity's wear-resistant outsole uses a honeycomb pattern, providing good grip and anti-slip properties. During morning runs in the park, where the ground is sometimes wet with dew, the R2 Infinity did not slip, instilling confidence. Additionally, the Asian foot shape design, wider in the front and narrower in the back, provides ample toe space without feeling cramped.

I have run about 70 kilometers in these R2 Infinity shoes, and they performed well on roads, tracks, and gravel paths.The high-drop design between the forefoot and heel promotes a midfoot landing posture, improving running efficiency.Additionally, the thick and bouncy BOUNDFOAM midsole converts landing impact into forward propulsion.

These shoes are also very suitable for the general public with insufficient strength, whether for marathon running, daily training, or everyday wear.

However, the appearance of the R2 Infinity could be improved. Additionally, the quality control of the soles is inconsistent; the right sole's forefoot has a bulge, indicating a need for better quality control.