US' Nike InfinityRN 4 runs towards sustainability with ReactX foam

The resulting balance between performance and environmental impact in ReactX foam is a feat of sport performance engineering, Nike said in a press release.

The industry has two traditional methods of making foam, which can be summarised as either injection or compression moulding. The overall process for injection is simpler, and thus carries a lower carbon footprint—but it also tends to have lower energy return, and a lower performance benefit. On the other hand, compression moulding delivers more responsive foams with higher energy return, but also creates more waste and uses more energy to make it.

ReactX foam was researched, developed, and tested over five years to craft a formulation that hits the sweet spot between performance and environmental impact. In putting the material through an injection process, rather than through compression moulding, the new foam delivers a higher energy return without creating a higher carbon footprint.

The new shoe pairs ReactX foam with an all-new Nike Flyknit upper that allows maximum airflow, breathability, flexibility, and containment, with a soft, supportive foam collar. The lightweight fabric uses an average of 60 per cent less waste than traditional footwear-upper manufacturing. The updated upper also features increased volume in the toe, a midfoot support system, and a water-resistant liner.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)