Our verdict

The nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink distinctively differentiates itself from its previous model. Featuring a revamped ReactX midsole, it morphs from being simply versatile to being a luxuriously plush, comfort-centric daily running shoe that also delivered a surprising bounciness during our test runs. Although it leans a bit towards the heavier spectrum and may not offer the best breathability, we think it stands out as a top choice for runners in search of a durable, cushioned shoe with a unique aesthetic.

Dunk High Ambush Black White Pros

  • All-new ReactX plush midsole
  • Soft and stretchy Flyknit upper
  • nike Scarpa Lunar Command 2
  • Generously cushioned
  • Excellent for easy runs
  • Feels like running on clouds
  • Durable, long-lasting outsole
  • Reduced carbon footprint

Dunk High Ambush Black White Cons

  • Average-at-best breathability
  • On the heavier side
  • Sizes run notably small

Audience verdict

85
Good!
  • Top 19% most popular running shoes

Who should buy

The nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink gets our seal of approval for:

  • Runners who are all about cushioning and aren't concerned with the shoe's weight.
  • Marathoners looking for a comfortable pair for easy or moderate runs.
  • Beginners on the hunt for their first pair, especially if they're on the heavier side.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink

Who should NOT buy

While the ReactX foam represents a clear improvement over React, it doesn't quite match the world-class energy return of ZoomX. If performance and bounce are what you're after, we think that the nike Scarpa Invincible 3 offers a similar concept and design, but with a full ZoomX midsole.

Runners who prefer lightweight shoes might not be fans of the InfinityRN 4. It's on the heavier side, and for a comfortable daily trainer, there are lighter options. We recommend considering the nike Scarpa LeBron 11 GS Summit Lake or the Sapatilhas nike Scarpa React Element 55 para mulher Preto, footwear nike Scarpa explore strada cd7091 003 black white.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink parts

Breathability

Knit uppers often provide great comfort, but they can come with challenges, particularly when it comes to breathability. We discovered that the nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink falls into this category.

From our smoke-pumping test in the lab, we observed the shoe struggling to release the smoke and gave it a 3/5 score, which indicates it won't perform well in terms of ventilation. We'd advise against using them for hot summer runs.

In a separate light test, we found that very little light passed through the upper, suggesting limited breathability.

It's clear that nike Scarpa prioritised comfort with this model. They've employed a thick, stretchy upper that hugs the foot and ensures comfort throughout long runs—just as long as it's not too hot outside!

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink microscope

Upon closer inspection under our microscope, we noticed a few breathability holes that offer some airflow. Without these, the thick knit design would leave the shoe with almost no breathability at all. Thankfully, there's at least a bit of ventilation.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 microscope 2 20556116 720

Test results
InfinityRN 4 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 234 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

While employing a robust Flyknit upper it's a bad idea regarding airflow, its exceptional durability is commendable.

We've found that the InfinityRN 4, with its impressive 4/5 rating, truly shines in our Dremel test when compared to almost any other road running shoe.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Toebox durability
Test results
InfinityRN 4 4
Average 2.4
Compared to 168 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel also displays commendable durability, earning a solid 3/5 after facing the Dremel challenge.

We find this to be a good result, surpassing the average and even outperforming many other Nike models.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Heel padding durability
Test results
InfinityRN 4 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 164 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Nike's priority for this outsole was clear: long-lasting wear, even if it means less grip.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 outsole 20556121 720

The outsole is designed with numerous cutouts, enhancing both its lightness and flexibility.

With the InfinityRN 4, they've incorporated a 90.4 HC outsole—one of the hardest we've ever measured in our lab.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 outsole hardness 20556036 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 90.4 HC
Average 80.5 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 285 running shoes
Number of shoes
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

The tough rubber nike Scarpa uses really shows its strength. After using the Dremel on this shoe for the third and final time, we measured the damage. The indentation was a mere 0.3 mm! 

That's an impressive result. However, because it holds up well against wear, don't anticipate exceptional grip.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Outsole durability
Test results
InfinityRN 4 0.3 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 146 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We're certain that, just like us in our lab, nike Scarpa assessed the abrasion resistance of the outsole.

Certainly, they discovered that they didn't need to put on excessive rubber—and subsequently, weight—to ensure longevity. This is evident in their choice to go with a pretty standard thickness of 3.7 mm.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 outsole thickness 20556035 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 3.7 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

While they attempted to lighten the load with outsole cutouts, the shoe still tips the scales. Weighing in at 11.1 oz (316g), it's undeniably on the heavier side.

To put things in perspective, the ASICS Superblast Dunk High Ambush Black White.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Weight
Test results
InfinityRN 4 11.15 oz (316g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Dunk High Ambush Black White | Heel stack

Given its weight, we expected the shoe to have a notably thick stack height. However, we discovered that it's actually quite average.

A couple of years ago, 34.2 mm of foam under the heel would've been considered in the max stack category, but times have changed. As Dylan sang, "The times they are a-changin'."

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Heel stack
Test results
InfinityRN 4 34.2 mm
Average 33.7 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Heel stack
45.7 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured a typical thickness of 24.4 mm.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink forefoot

We found that this provides enough cushioning for any runner. It makes this shoe a reliable choice even for long runs.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Forefoot stack
Test results
InfinityRN 4 24.4 mm
Average 25.0 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
36.9 mm

Drop

nike Scarpa Waffle One Womens Bleached Aqua slight difference is within an acceptable range.

With 9.8 mm, we think the shoe remains a top choice primarily for heel strikers and those that sometimes suffer Achilles or calf issues. That said, midfoot and forefoot strikers can also comfortably wear it, although they might benefit more from a lower-drop daily trainer like the Hoka Clifton 9.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Drop
Test results
InfinityRN 4 9.8 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

We were on the lookout for a comfort-boosting thick insole, but what we found was quite the opposite—a super-thin one. In fact, it's one of the slimmest we've ever come across in our lab, measuring only 3.1 mm!

During our test runs, we were happy with the insole, so it appears nike Scarpa made a great call here.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Insole thickness
Test results
InfinityRN 4 3.1 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 300 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The biggest update from the nike Scarpa React Infinity Run Flyknit 3—apart from its shorter name—is the foam. After six years, nike Scarpa has moved on from the old React and introduced ReactX with this running shoe.

Observe how the foam is shaped to enhance compression toward the heel.

ReactX is a more responsive and softer variant of the original React. Additionally, nike Scarpa says it has a 43% lower carbon footprint, which we always appreciate. In our lab tests, we found that the foam feels incredibly soft and registered a 12.5 HA on our durometer—20% softer than the v3.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Midsole softness
Test results
InfinityRN 4 12.5 HA
Average 21.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 232 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Dunk High Ambush Black White | Difference in midsole softness in cold

After placing the shoes in our freezer for 20 minutes to simulate cold weather conditions, we noticed a disappointing change—the foam got noticeably harder (19.0 HA).

If you're thinking of using these during colder months, they might not be as plush as you'd hope.

There's a staggering 52% difference between the two tests. This happens because ReactX it's still a mix of TPE and EVA. Sadly, this means the foam doesn't hold up well in cold temperatures.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 midsole softness in cold 20556039 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 52%
Average 25.5%
Compared to 231 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

nike Scarpa lebron zoom soldier vii 7 think pink

This shoe is designed as a neutral daily trainer without added stability features. So, given the plush midsole, we didn't anticipate exceptional stability.

Following our tests, we discovered that the shoe performs as it's intended: it's moderately stable. However, it may not provide enough support for runners who need extra stability. For those runners, we'd recommend looking into the ASICS Kayano 30.

Torsional rigidity

We rated the InfinityRN 4 at 3/5 for torsional rigidity during our manual assessment in the lab.

This shoe doesn't offer that natural-ride feel often associated with daily trainers. If you're after a shoe that you can twist without any issue and gives a more natural feel, consider the Premier aperçu de la Billie Eilish x nike Scarpa Air Force 1 High.

Test results
InfinityRN 4 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 283 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter offers ample padding and flexibility, making it suitable for those who have Achilles issues. We gave it a rating of 2/5 in our evaluation.

Test results
InfinityRN 4 2
Average 2.8
Compared to 267 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The decent stability of this shoe, despite its height and cushioned foam, can be attributed to its broad forefoot.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink forefoot

Measuring at 118.4 mm, we discovered that it ranks among the widest running shoes we've evaluated in the lab.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
InfinityRN 4 118.4 mm
Average 113.7 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

nike Scarpa React Vision Saffron CI7523-003

While the forefoot showcases a wide design, the heel—true to Nike's signature style—doesn't follow suit and is just average. We've accurately measured it at 91.2 mm.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink nike Scarpa React Vision Saffron CI7523-003
Test results
InfinityRN 4 91.2 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
74.9 mm
nike Scarpa React Vision Saffron CI7523-003
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

At the beginning of our lab review, we discussed the dual purpose of the outsole cutouts: to reduce weight and enhance flexibility. Now, we're diving into the flexibility measurements. During our evaluations, it took just 15.8N of force to flex the shoe to a 90-degree position. 

This indicates that the InfinityRN 4 offers a flexible experience and doubles well as a walking shoe. However, it's essential to understand that this speaks to its longitudinal flexibility, not the torsional aspect.

Test results
InfinityRN 4 15.8N
Average 29.2N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

nike Scarpa Kyrie 5 GS Taco PE

Just like our midsole softness evaluation, we tried the same test after leaving the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes.

The outcome was disappointing. The shoe became much stiffer, and we had to exert 27.2N of force to bend it to the same point.

With a 71.6% increase, we're certain you'd feel the difference if you're in a cold-weather region.

Test results
InfinityRN 4 71.6%
Average 35.9%
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
nike Scarpa Kyrie 5 GS Taco PE
148%

Size and fit

Internal length

Upon our initial try-on of the shoe, it felt really short to us. We immediately took precise measurements and found it to be 259.9 mm.

This is a noticeable 10.1 mm shorter than the 270 mm that nike Scarpa claims on their size charts. Most runners will likely need to go up at least half a size when considering the Infinity RN 4.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 internal length 20556054 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 259.9 mm
Average 269.3 mm
Compared to 167 running shoes
Number of shoes
259.9 mm
Internal length
280.4 mm

Volver a las Nimbus 19 o las Pegasus 34

As a daily trainer designed towards comfort, we anticipated a generously spacious toebox—and we were delightfully satisfied.

Measuring at an impressive 99.9 mm at its widest point, it provides ample space and comfortably accommodates those with wide feet.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Volver a las Nimbus 19 o las Pegasus 34
Test results
InfinityRN 4 99.9 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Volver a las Nimbus 19 o las Pegasus 34
109.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

The excellence continues in the big toe area, where we found an impressive width of 80.0 mm.

This feature is a wonderful find for individuals with Roman or German foot shapes, as their pinky toe often struggles for space in narrower shoes.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 toebox width at the big toe 20556051 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 80.0 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 179 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.4 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

With its £160 price tag, we were curious to see if nike Scarpa had decided to improve their margins by using a non-gusseted tongue in the shoe. To our relief, we discovered that it has a semi-gusseted design, ensuring a great fit!

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Tongue: gusset type
Test results
InfinityRN 4 Both sides (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

We measured the tongue's padding at 5.6 mm, finding it to be optimally cushioned. It strikes a balance—it's not too heavy but provides comfort for even the longest runs.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 tongue padding 20556056 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 5.6 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 302 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

Thankfully, nike Scarpa included a finger-loop heel tab! It's convenient and looks amazing.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Heel tab
Test results
InfinityRN 4 Finger loop

Removable insole

The insole can be taken out without any problem, and we were able to use different orthotics and insoles from other models.

nike Scarpa free run 30 v4 deep royal blue pink Removable insole
Test results
InfinityRN 4 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

It seems nike Scarpa doesn't intend for us to run in these during the nighttime, as there are no reflective elements at all.

nike Scarpa infinity rn 4 reflective elements 20556052 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 No