Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• The midsole of these shoes uses a patented Dual Injection SubLite foam for added cushioning and support.• Breathable mesh upper gives the shoe a light, protective feel.• NanoBreeze tongue gives the shoe another level of breathability. It made from a material that does not absorb sweat and keeps the foot comfortable.
Upper
The upper of this shoe allows for breathability, snugness and support. The mesh material used in the upper is breathable and helps keep the foot cool and dry even on longer, hotter runs. It also offers leather overlays that are both thin, but durable. This creates a snug fit and feel to support the foot and improve the runners’ stride. Both the mesh and the leather overlays are both thin and durable at the same time. This creates comfortable, protective feel for the runner.
Midsole
The crown jewel of this midsole is the Dual Injection SubLite foam. This foam is able to give a cushioned comfortable ride to the runner while also being very durable. This is not a foam that will break down easily or lose it’s bounce. This is just another way that this shoe gains points for affordability. It lasts longer, which means that runners don’t need to replace them as often. The foam is exactly what the name suggestion: Dual densities. This is a smart design that gives the runner the cushioning and support they need, where they need it. The top layer of the foam supports natural movement of each foot strike. It gives the runner added cushioning and provides a spring in the step. The second layer is thicker and more durable. It absorbs the shock of the foot strike and is more durable.
Outsole
The outsole of the Sublite Due LX has a unique look and feel. The foam of the midsole is exposed to the ground which does an amazing job of absorbing the shock of each foot fall. This greatly reduces the risk of injury to the runner, and is particularly useful to the newer runner. The outsole also utilized a carbon rubber which is exceptionally durable. It adds protection to the runner and keeps the shoe for breaking down, even after high mileage is added to the shoe. The underfoot has a unique look to it. It is designed using flex grooves that promote a natural gait and adds traction to help keep the runner safe even on slippery roads.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is made from an ultra light, breathable mesh. A breathable shoe can really be the difference between a long, comfortable run, and a run shortened by the pain and annoyance of irritation and friction which can lead to blisters and hot spots. Although the upper is lightweight, it still gives the runner a high level of durability because it is covered with leather overlays. These overlays, combined with the breathable mesh give the runner not only the vital breathability they need but also the support and protection that can turn a good run into a great one.
Comfort
Are you like me in that you are all about that comfort? Well if so, you have found a great running companion in the Sublite Duo LX. To begin, the upper is designed with a combination of breathable mesh and durable leather overlays. This allows for maximum air flow, reducing the risk of irritations, hot spots, and odor causing bacteria, while also wrapping the foot in snugness and support. Moving into the actual shoe, the midsole is designed using Reebok’s patented Dual Injection SubLite foam. This foam has two layers, each filling a unique need for the runner. The midsole foam actually extends out into the outsole too. Overall, comfort is one of the main places where this shoe shines.
Style
The Sublite Duo LX is a classically good looking shoe with a slight twist. The color options are classic, but aesthetically attractive. This shoe doesn’t offer the explosively bright options of some others, but that is a good thing for some of us. The outsole of these shoes offers a flexible, grooved underfoot. This give the shoe an almost cleat-like appearance. The upper is constructed from a lightweight mesh with attractive and durable leather overlays.
Durability
Enough cannot be said for the level of durability offered in this shoe. In some shoes, you can find a durable upper, but the outsole or the midsole wears away too quickly. In other shoes, the outsole is made from a durable material, but the upper is too fragile and begins to fray and loses its look to quickly. In this Reebok model, you get the best of both worlds. The upper is covered in durable leather overlays, while the outsole is made from a durable carbon rubber. Even the patented Dual Injection SubLite foam does not wear down easily and maintains its springy, supportive feel mile after long, mile.
Protection
The leather overlays covering the upper protects the runner against the elements. It also protects the upper of the shoe from premature wear and tear. Likewise, the outsole of the shoe is made from an extremely durable carbon rubber. This material doesn’t easily break down. The midsole foam also protects the runner by providing the runners with a cushioned fit that absorbs the shock of each foot fall.
Responsiveness
The heel drop on this shoe comes in right at eight millimeters. This is an ideal distance from the road. You can still feel the road below you, and respond quickly to pace and terrain changes, but it is also far enough that you get that added cushioning and support of the midsole foam. The bottom of the shoe is covered in flex grooves which aids in overall responsiveness.
Support
The leather overlays that wrap the upper of this shoe give the runner added support and protection. This element gives the runner a secure fit that molds to each unique foot. Additionally, the Dual Injection SubLite foam provides added cushioning and support for the runner.
Terrain
This shoe is suggested as a road running shoe. However, it can be noted the that flexible grooves of the underfoot design provided added durability in comparison to other road running shoes. This shoe wouldn’t have a problem tackling groomed trails. In addition to the road and the trail, the Reebok brand has become synonymous with CrossFit. While Reebok does make shoes specifically designed for the unique needs of the CrossFit athlete, this shoe would hold up fine in a Box.
Price
The price on these shoes is unbeatable. For the quality and the durability, you are going to have a hard time finding a better shoe for the price. You can easily find these shoes under one hundred dollars, which is a rarity in the running shoe world.
Drop
The eight millimeter drop is a great heel drop in my opinion. Once you get down to four millimeters, the shoe is considers a natural or minimalist running shoe. A more traditional feeling shoe is going to have a heel drop that hovers around ten or eleven. Eight is a good balance because it provides some distance and cushioning to the runner, but it still retains that responsive feel of a lower drop shoe. The jury is still out on whether or not a natural running shoe is the way the to go, but if you want to make a transition from a higher to a lower drop shoe, this is a good one to purchase.
Stability
The Sublite Duo LX is a shoe that is designed with the neutral runner in mind. The midsole of the shoe does offer a dual foam material which gives the runner a variety of layers, each catering to the unique needs of the athlete, however, this shoe does not come equipped with particular technology designed to directly support over or under pronation or offer extensive arch support. While there are many great shoes on the market today designed with those unique needs in mind, this shoe is more geared toward a neutral runner who isn’t looking for added stability on their runs.
Flexibility
The outsole of this shoe has a unique look and feel to it. The underfoot is covered in flex grooves that promote a natural movement of the foot. These grooves are very flexible, and even though the drop falls right in the middle at 8 millimeters, these shoes feel very flexible and responsive.
Traction
All a runner has to do is flip this shoe upside down to notice that something interesting is happening here. Yes, the Sublite Duo LX is made for the road, but the flex grooves found in the underfoot add an added level of grip that other shoes can’t offer.
Bottom Line
The Reebok Sublite Duo LX is a great shoe for the newer runner who is looking for a solid, dependable shoe without the distractions of unneeded technology. This puts its design intelligence where it matters: it gives the runner a protective, breathable upper, a long lasting, cushioned midsole, and a grippy, durable outsole. The shoe can be taken on the roads, groomed trails, or even inside a CrossFit gym. The colors are classic and good looking, and the price cannot be beaten. Need a no frills running companion? This is your go to shoe!
