Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Durable and lugged outsole• Flex grooves for extra grip• Cushioned EVA foam midsole• Comfortable built-in bootie• Seamless ripstop upper material• Low-cut design• A drop of 5mm from the heel to the toe.
Upper
This shoe’s upper has a built-in bootie which is a great trail feature. The bootie is extracted from a very soft material which surrounds and hugs the foot when the laces are tightened. Perforations in the center of the bootie provide good airflow into the shoe. The seamless upper is made from a breathable, yet durable ripstop fabric that resists tears and snags. Mesh panels all around the shoe keep the foot cool and dry. The toe box is covered with a more durable material that protects the forefoot from trail hazards and contact with rough surfaces. A pull-loop in the heel helps the foot slide into the shoe as there is no tongue to push up to enlarge the entrance to the shoe. Runners said the shoe had a very comfortable sock-like feel and socks weren’t really needed with this shoe. Because the shoe has no tongue, the laces do not need to be overly tight for a good fit. The bootie is tight to begin with and the laces work more to provide structure to the shoe.
Midsole
An Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam midsole handles the majority of the cushioning and shock-absorbing properties of this shoe. The midsole is low-cut which allows for a quick turnover and a soft feel. Although not as light as some trail shoes, the bulky midsole gives the shoe a heavy look which is not the case at all. EVA foam is very light, but durable and has good energy return. Most of the cushioning is in the heel and midfoot area which offers a softer landing while still allowing some ground feel in the forefoot. Many runners complimented the shoe for its cushioned ride and comfort.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is made of a very durable, abrasion-resistant rubber material. The lugs form a dual pattern around the perimeter of the sole with typical square lugs located in the heel and forefoot area. This unique design gives the shoe good traction on tight turns. The lugs sit fairly low but have good grip and can hold onto varied hard and soft surfaces. Grooves throughout the sole give the shoe added traction and good flexibility. These shoes also do well in mud and slippery conditions. The design of the lugs sheds mud well which keeps the shoe from getting heavy. There is no rock guard to protect the underfoot from sharp stones and roots so runners should avoid highly technical trails.
Breathability
The upper material of this shoe is fairly breathable. Mesh panels on the sides and top of the foot increase the airflow into the shoe. Perforations in the top of the bootie also maintain the foot cool and dry. A thin sockliner has anti-microbial properties to help with odor and resist moisture. Most runners said the shoes felt cool and comfortable on hot runs. The upper material also helps block wind on cold, windy days.
Comfort
The All Terrain Freedom has a fairly thick midsole which provides most of the comfort underfoot. The EVA foam is very resilient which offers a pillowy ride. The upper is thin and flexible and moves well with the foot for an uninhibited run. Flex grooves in the sole perimeter tread allow the shoe to bend easily with every step. A removable sockliner adds a touch of extra cushioning or it can be replaced with a more supportive insole. A few runners complained of the heel feeling loose. Eight eyelets in the upper allow the lacing system to be adjusted in different ways, but some runners were unable to get a tight fit in the heel. This may be due to the upper bootie which might not work for runners with narrow feet. Some runners felt the shoe ran large. Like all shoes, what is comfortable for one runner may not feel so good for the next one.;This shoe can also be worn as an everyday activity shoe. The plush midsole and rugged outsole will stand up to hundreds of miles. These are also good shoes for people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Production workers claim the cushioning helps reduce fatigue in their feet and legs.
Style
This shoe has an attractive look and comes in four color choices for men: orange, blue, gray, and black. Ladies have a choice of light blue, pale orange, black, or stonewash blue. Contrasting highlights and laces add some style to the shoes. The Reebok logo on the side is the only real advertising on the shoe. Although designed for the trails, the shoes are stylish and comfortable enough to be worn for any casual occasion. The lugs are not overly deep and the trail features are subtle which makes the shoe pass for an everyday, rugged sneaker.
Durability
This shoe was designed to take on tough terrain and is formed from a very durable material. The outsole rubber lug configuration can stand up to many harsh miles. The rubber has abrasion-resistant properties which means it won’t break down as the miles add up. Flex grooves in the outer tread allow the shoe to flex as needed which helps with the durability. The upper synthetic ripstop material is made to resist tears that can be caused by sharp objects on the trails. Any small rips that do happen to occur will stay small as the weave of the fabric prevents rips from getting bigger. These shoes can be used on the road, but the abrasive properties of asphalt and concrete will wear down the lugs quicker.
Protection
The cushioned midsole keeps the foot above any sharp objects on the trail. The lugged outsole also protects the runner from slipping and sliding on loose terrain. The material of the upper protects the foot from snagging trail hazards and more durable material across the toe box protects the forefoot from contact with rough surfaces. Like some shoes in the Reebok All Terrain lineup (Super and Thrill), the Freedom does not have a rock plate in the sole. Runners thinking of tackling highly technical trails may want to upgrade to a more trail-enhanced model.
Responsiveness
The All Terrain Freedom is a fairly responsive shoe. The flexible outsole, soft cushioning of the midsole, and thin upper all react to the runner’s movements to create an unhindered and fluid ride. The EVA foam midsole is not just flexible but also absorbs the shock of impact. This protects the feet, ankles, and knees from jarring pain, and gives the runner the confidence to take on uneven terrain. At fast speeds, the shoe has a bit of a rockered feel which provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition. For everyday activities, the thick midsole provides good energy return for less fatigue throughout the legs.
Support
It is a normal shoe with great arch support. Runners with very flat or very high arches may need to swap out the sockliner for a customized orthotic. The cushioning of the padded sole is soft, yet firm and provides the most assistance to the runner. The tight, sock-like fit also adds support to the upper portion of the foot allowing the shoe to move with the runner. On the trails, runners felt very sure-footed and said the shoe had adequate support for negotiating uneven terrain, quick turns, and sudden starts and stops.
Terrain
With the phrase ‘All Terrain’ in the name, the Freedom can take on most terrain but is designed more for moderate terrain. The lugged outsole does function great on hard and soft surfaces. On loose and uneven soil, the shoe offers good traction but lacks protective features needed for very tough conditions. These shoes can be used on the road, but the lugs will start to wear after extended road friction. Unlike some shoes in the Reebok All Terrain lineup, the Freedom does not have water drainage holes. Runs through water will result in wet feet. Reebok makes some great obstacle course running shoes (the All Terrain Super), but the Freedom is not designed to take on that kind of abuse.
Price
The All Terrain Freedom retails for $100, but a search of online stores will come up with it for less than that. Because some runners claim the shoe runs big, look for online companies that offer free returns. $100 is still a good price for a high-quality trail or everyday shoe.
Drop
With a heel-to-toe drop of 5mm, the Freedom is a good shoe for both heel and forefoot strikers. Many runners claim low drop shoes help them run faster and give them better ground feel. A low drop also helps with stability. Runners used to a higher drop shoe (10mm or more) may want to slowly transition to this shoe.
Stability
The All Terrain Freedom is a neutral shoe that is fairly stable. A wide midfoot platform allows for firm landings and strong push-offs. A low heel drop also helps with ankle stability as the foot moves through the running cycle. The built-in bootie of the upper holds the foot tight which adds stability to the run. Wearers said they had no stability issues making their way up and down steep trails.
Flexibility
The placement of the lugs and grooves in the outsole let the shoe bend and flex as needed without impeding the runner’s stride. The upper also moves with the runner’s foot for a smooth run. The material of the bootie that hugs the ankle is very soft and stretchy and flexes with the foot as well. Trail runners who prefer a stiffer ride may not appreciate the flexibility of this shoe.
Traction
The shoe has excellent traction on most surfaces. The outsole design and aggressive lugs make it good for mild to moderate trail conditions. The square lugs shed mud well which helps keep the shoe light. The shoe is light enough to be a good road running shoe on dirt roads and hard packed trails. As an everyday shoe, wearers can expect good traction indoors as well as out, even on wet and slippery surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Reebok All Terrain Freedom is an aggressive, yet comfortable shoe designed for a day on the trails. It is made from durable materials that can take a beating, yet stylish enough to pass for an everyday shoe. With a fairly low price tag for a quality trail shoe, the Freedom is a good choice for the beginner trail runner looking to get their feet wet, or not, in the sport of off-road running. Features such as a durable upper and built-in bootie make the shoe ready to take on tough miles. Runners and walkers looking for a cushioned, durable, and versatile shoe should check out the Freedom for all it has to offer.
