Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• A superior draining system sets this shoe apart from the crowd in the OCR shoe market.• An impressive and well-thought outsole unit design allows for the ultimate in grip and traction on the challenges that make up these obstacle courses.• The upper of the shoe, while thin and comfortable, is prone to tears reducing durability and protection.• The heel of the upper rises too high for many impeding the ability to effectively test out this shoe.
Upper
The upper is comprised of a thin synthetic fabric with a special duragrip technology covering the toebox. It incorporates a FitFrame system to seamlessly weld the upper together. But the biggest talking point about this shoe is its highly regarded built-in drainage system. With the upper’s fabric that does not seem to hold water and the ports on the side of the shoe, the All-Terrain Super’s drainage is top rated. While there were some concerns over tearing and durability of the upper’s fabric, it was generally thought they are mainly comfortable. While some said they’d have liked additional padding, there was little in the way of cushioning allowing for the shoe to remain lightweight and not retain water. The tongue seems to be no-frills but effective. The laces were called out a few times for coming undone and some suggested an initial replacement to avoid this mid-race.
Midsole
Complete with a midfoot rock guard, the sole of the All Terrain Super is built to cover whatever the OCR directors throw in your path – from rocks to water to gravel to mud. With less cushioning, this shoe seems to have a decent ground feel that allows for a responsive experience creating confidence for the toughest challenges.
Outsole
OCRs (Obstacle Course Race) require an agility and sturdiness, and athletes train hard to bring these qualities to the starting line. The shoes they wear also need to be able to go the distance and match that agility and sturdiness. To that end, the sole of the Reebok All Terrain Super is reported to be among the best out there. Well placed lugs, with the larger ones on the outside edge of the sole and the strategically placed smaller ones running the length of it, help obstacle course racers navigate their paths. A special grippy arch patch, dubbed the rope guard, helps create traction for rope climbs. Having partnered with Spartan Races prior to the inception of this shoe, it seems Reebok has tried to cover all the bases.
Breathability
Most reviewers indicated they were pleased with how this shoe kept their feet cool and dry even in wet and muddy conditions. This shoe has a more water resilient synthetic upper and ports on the sides to facilitate proper draining, thereby creating a lighter, airier experience.
Comfort
This is the sticking point for this shoe. While some are quite pleased with the overall comfort of this shoe, even claiming no break-in period is needed, just as many were also just as dissatisfied with the comfort of the heel of the All Terrain Super’s upper, claiming it is unwearable. The main point of contention in the heel is the rubbing of the back on the ankle. To combat this, most resorted to higher ankle socks and even moleskin protection, however, many were still feeling the pain of blisters. In addition to this, the lower cut of the heel around the ankle created too much movement for it and left it unsupported and this caused a few wearers to rule this shoe out of their running wardrobe. OCR enthusiasts expect a lot out of a shoe as the terrain covered is often tricky and multifaceted. And while this first installment of the All Terrain Super did not please everyone with its heel, its ability to drain water and keep the foot cool and dry in wet and warm conditions is an absolute plus that had many ranking it very high in that regard. Overall, comfort is a matter of preference and the right shoe can make all the difference. Hopefully, future generations of this shoe will come back having made this shoe one for the OCR masses.
Style
The reviews on the style of this shoe are mostly favorable. Many love the fun and bright colors complete with coordinating laces that Reebok introduced. Some say the All Terrain Super feel like they are a step above the rest in substance and style. The men’s shoes are available in 2 color combinations while the women have four to choose from. There were special editions released that showcased flag patterns and camouflage as well.
Durability
While there were multiple concerns over tears in the upper during intended use, overall, this shoe garnered positive feedback for its impressive ability to withstand the grueling conditions and surfaces encountered in obstacle course racing. Mud, water, rocks, roots – this shoe handles them all… and with relative ease, according to most reviewers. Many wearers report the Reebok All Terrain Super as their go-to for all their challenging races, claiming it holds up well despite the additional wear and tear. The drainage system is a clear winner. Keeping the shoe dry provides an additional advantage that many in this niche do not.
Protection
The completely synthetic upper was prone to tears when used among rocks and various other conditions conducive to an OCR. With large tears, debris was allowed in and, needless to say, created an environment for damage to the foot. Underfoot protection is another story though. Well placed nubs and lugs provided a stellar barrier preventing pain or injury to the foot. Superior drainage through ports on the sides was appreciated as a way of keeping the feet free from water and effectively drying out quickly.
Responsiveness
The lightweight nature of this shoe really helps runners step it up. Keeping the feet agile with a lightweight shock absorbing midsole amid adverse conditions is a key element of this shoe’s responsiveness.
Support
The upper of the All Terrain Super is made from synthetic fabric and edged in duragrip for a good fit. The sole unit’s rock guard meshed into the midsole provides support midfoot as well. Some had concerns over the support at the ankle because of the low cut ankle but overall, many are more pleased than not. The greatest con about this shoe is that the upper, for some users, tore easily, which would lessen the support it provides. Tears in the upper mean the fit of the shoe would be compromised.
Terrain
Partnering with Spartan OCR, Reebok knew the ground it needed to cover when creating the All Terrain Super. And that its did… cover all terrain…with confidence. From muddy trenches to rocky inclines and steep descents, the majority of wearers feel that this shoe does what it set out to do. With the larger lugs on the edges, this shoe can grip and hang on to various obstacles and the smaller lugs down the center of the shoe create the ability to find your footing on most other surfaces. In addition, a rope clinching grip pad in the arch goes the extra mile to make this shoe OCR worthy.
Price
While this shoe seems to fit right in among others in this dedicated market, it is still quite expensive. Some balk at the cost as it is not as comfortable as they had hoped, though many agree its ability to tackle OCRs like a champ is more than commendable. It is a standout among its competitors, and the concern for the heel of the upper will get you lined up and revved to go.
Drop
This shoe has a low drop of 5 mm. This allows for precise ground feel and a greater connection to the obstacles in OCR races.
Stability
This shoe does not offer any particular stability features toward handling pronation issues. It is a neutral shoe. And despite less support on the heel because of a lower cut ankle, this shoe with its seamlessly welding FitFrame technology in the upper still provides the necessary support required to go the distance on a challenging course that has varied surfaces. Well-placed lugs and a rock guard wedged in the sole unit provide just the right dose of stability midfoot for a more secure ride.
Flexibility
With an upper and sole unit touted as flexible and nimble, most are pleased with the All Terrain Super as it allows them the freedom to quickly and effectively traverse obstacles.
Traction
Greeted with overarching positive reviews, the All Terrain Super provides the traction required to unleash your inner beast on the challenges of the OCR. It is lauded for its exceptional grip in almost all conditions, including the cargo net and even a grippier arch area for rope climbing obstacles, only noted with the exception of a smooth wet surface as the spikes gave less ground contact and caused some slippage.
Bottom Line
If it weren’t for the risk of pain in the ankle, this would be an absolute must try. Most are pleased with its superior handling on the challenging courses in the world of Obstacle Course Racing, tackling everything from muddy inclines to wading through mud pits with confidence. The drainage of the shoe leaves many to feel pleased and raring to go as it alleviates excess weight in the shoe. BUT… what good are all these features if you cannot wear the shoe because it creates blisters or causes injury to your ankle? While some were disconcerted with that comfort factor, just as many would rate this shoe top marks. Hopefully, later incarnations of this shoe will address the issue of a heel that cuts into the skin or that lacks support so that OCR enthusiasts can have a clear-cut forerunner to grind it out in grueling conditions and walk away only scathed, not by the shoes, but only by the course.
