Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Upper
The uppers of the Reebok Workout Plus are constructed from soft full grain leather upper for comfort and support. In addition, this revamped model features the iconic H-strap for added midfoot stability and vents in the toe box for added breathability. The low-cut design also helps promote mobility and freedom of motion during lateral moves making this shoe an excellent choice for sprinters, dancers, basketballers, and runners alike. Plus, their newly designed (and thinner) tongue feature the classic Reebok logo. The only downside to these incredibly clean uppers is the fact that they appear to be constructed with enforced stitching. That means this shoe will likely wear faster than other designs since the lacing system places stress on both the stitches and glue that hold this shoe together. If you’re looking for a highly stable shoe that can stand up to your most grueling long-distance runs, you may want to pass over this iconic fashion and track shoe.
Midsole
The midsoles of the Reebok Workout Plus are made of EVA, or ethylene vinyl acetate. EVA is a closed cell foam made up of a combination of two different plastics – a copolymer. Incidentally, because of its high quality and ability to provide extreme cushioning, EVA is used in nearly every name-brand, durable modern trainer. While this has rapidly become a commonplace material ever since the 1974 debut of Bill Bowerman’s Waffle Trainer, EVA foam is still touted for its state of the art design in shock absorption.
Outsole
The Reebok Workout Plus features a high abrasion rubber outsole suitable for both rubber and concrete tracks as well as city streets. The outsole extends higher around forefoot for additional protection. In addition, the outsole recedes along the arch for greater flexibility in the midfoot during takeoffs and landings. The tread itself features a button-like pattern of dots on the heel and midfoot for increased traction on surfaces that might have been exposed to sand, gravel, dirt, or loose concrete (perfect for your local roads !). The tread also showcases a chevron design on the midfoot for excellent traction on turf. The grooved forefoot design also assists in protection against rocks and other debris from interfering with your strike. Lastly, this shoe features deep, vertical grooves at the forefoot, welt, and heel that help prevent mud and other debris from decreasing your momentum and reducing your traction.
Breathability
Because the Workout Plus shoe is constructed primarily of leather, these shoes aren’t as breathable as some of Reeboks’ other editions. In order to offset this and provide additional air circulation to the toes, ventilation holes have been strategically placed on the toe box. These vents, in addition to a bootie-like fit, help prevent blisters from forming. Still, since these shoes are lined with textile they aren’t at all suitable for wearing without socks. Be sure to buy synthetic socks that wick moisture away from the skin while sporting these beautiful throwbacks.
Comfort
One of the biggest draws to the newly relaunched Workout Plus line is their outstanding level of comfort. With their EVA foam midsoles and padded foam sockliner, many consider this their mainstay daily wear shoe for their active lives. In fact, most buyers report that this shoe is one of the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn, prompting many to buy several different colorways to use in rotation for daily wear. Overall, I’d say the comfort provided by this shoe is highly reliant on a number of factors including your choice of socks, the intensity of your workout, and your individual gait pattern.
Style
The Reebok Workout Plus has a great number of style points that make it appealing as both a fashion sneaker for sneakerheads and as a track runner’s staple. First, there are several colorways of the shoe to choose from including White / Carbon / Classic Red / Reebok Royal / Gum, Black / Charcoal, White / Royal, and Black / Carbon / Classic Red / Reebok Royal / Gum. Although this doesn’t seem like much variation in color, the look of each of these shoes is simple and stylish at the same time. These shoes also feature Reebok’s classic H-strap around the midfoot.
Durability
Many wearers report these shoes lasting for several years when worn for daily wear. However, if you choose to run in these shoes, I recommend being particularly mindful of that gorgeous looking H-strap and detail stitching. Both of these will certainly experience a lot of stress during your runs since they’re located along the instep area. Check the eyelets of the H-strap for early signs of cracking or breakage and give your shoes a weekly once-over to check the condition of the toe box. As I’m sure you’re aware, a detached toe cap can easily prove a tripping hazard on even the most entry-level run. In addition, the outsole of these shoes appears to be designed for those with a neutral gait. If you have plantar fasciitis, over-pronation, or extreme supination, you may want to look for a shoe that contains several different grades of rubber and has a more rigid support structure in place. Otherwise, you might end up blowing out these beauties at the welt or creating uneven wear patterns that could negatively affect your gait.
