Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• 4-way stretch upper• Power Frame• IMEVA midsole foam• Integrated laces that lock together
Upper
The upper of this shoe is the crowning glory of the Reebok Express Runner. It features Reebok’s patented four-way stretch material. This moves with the foot and doesn’t keep it from its natural gait cycle. Additionally, runners love the intense breathability that this shoe offers. The upper is covered in an open mesh construction that allows for maximum airflow. Since this is a great shoe for athletics as well as everyday wear, runner appreciated that the shoe worked hard to keep their feet cool and dry and free from embarrassing odors. The shoe also features what Reebok called its Power Frame. This is a construction of the upper that locks the foot in place and gives added support. Runners reported that they did not have to worry about unwanted side to side or back and forth movement while wearing this shoe. The lack of movement combined with the superior airflow eliminated the risk of friction and irritation. Runners reported that they were able to stay completely blister free in this shoe. The laces of this shoe are also another unique feature. They featured an integrated locking system that helps keep the foot secure. Runners appreciated that Reebok was thoughtful in their upper construction and design from the larger elements like the structure provided by the Power Frame to the smaller elements like laces that won’t untie and will work to keep the foot securely in place. The ankle collar of the shoe is also lower than the average ankle collar and more cushioned to provide a comfortable fit and added mobility.
Midsole
The Midsole of this shoe features a traditional IMEVA midsole foam. Generally speaking, most midsoles are either constructed using IMEVA (Injection Molded) or CMEVA (Compression Molded) midsole foam. Each have their own unique pros and cons in design and creations, but the main difference that runners will notice is that the IMEVA foam tends to provide the runner with a bouncier, more responsive ride. While the CMEVA midsole foam option provides a firmer landing pad for the runner, the IMEVA provides more cushioning and tends to be softer. Runners appreciated the softness and bounce in the Reebok Express Runner, but they wished that the shoe actually provided more cushioning to make it better for longer distance runs.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is designed to provide more bounce and flexibility as opposed to traction and protection. Overall, the shoe uses a traditional rubber otusole, but the design shape is unique. The underfoot is lined with tiny pockets that absorb shock and return energy to the runner. This design provides the runner with some added bounce and responsiveness. It is also a very flexible outsole that promotes the natural gait cycle of the runner. This outsole material is slightly thinner than a traditional outsole, so for runners who are looking for a more durable running companion, this may not be the shoe for you. It also doesn’t provide added traction. The standard rubber material provides a traditional level of grip for the roads, but it isn’t a shoe that is known for its superior traction.
Breathability
Runners raved about the overall breathability of this shoe. They were happy to report that even in hot weather, the upper provides unbeatable airflow that helped keep the foot cool and dry. The majority of the upper is comprised of an open mesh construction. It is flexible and helps regulate the temperature of the foot.
Comfort
This shoe is great for any everyday wear shoe or for a shoe that can take you on shorter, less intense runs. Because of its lightweight natural and minimal cushioning, this shoe is perfect for a newer runner who is just starting to build their mileage or for an athlete who just needs a reliable cross trainer to light gym work or to wear while performing errands around town. The IMEVA midsole foam tends to be softer than its CMEVA counterpart. The upper and the outsole promote natural movement and runners liked that their feet didn’t feel restricted in any way while wearing these shoes.
Style
The Reebok Express Runner comes in a wide variety of different color options and styles for both men and women. The overall design of the shoe is a sleek, stylish aesthetic that is a classic take on an athletic shoe. Runners felt confident wearing these shoes as part of their athletic ensemble and as part of a leisurely weekend outfit too. The color options range from more subdued and classic like an all-black option to sometimes slightly more adventures like black featuring bright pink. This isn’t a shoe that offers the runner intense vibrant color options, rather it is more about subtle, classic colors and styles for this shoe.
Durability
There are a few elements to this shoe that make it slightly more durable than a traditional road running shoe, but overall, runners were not blown away by the overall durability this shoe offered. The outsole is made using a tradition rubber material that is thinner in key areas. The midsole and upper are where the durability of the shoe can be seen. The upper features the Power Frame design that keeps the foot in place and reduces the wear and tear of everyday use. The midsole is an IMEVA midsole foam that keeps it foam longer than other midsole foams.
Protection
This shoe is designed for an everyday wearing shoe or to perform light runs or cross training at the gym. For this reason, Reebok didn’t think it necessary to up the cost of the shoe to provide cutting-edge protective elements. Runners reported that the shoe fit well and they were happy with the product, but that they didn’t purchase this shoe for its protective elements.
Responsiveness
The IMEVA midsole foam tends to be more cushioned and responsive than other traditional foam materials. Runner liked that this shoe did a great job of keeping the runner connected to the road below them. This allowed them to easily change direction or speed without worrying about potential injuries.
Support
This shoe features a few different design elements that are designed to support the runner and keep the foot firmly in place. The key element here is the Power Frame. The Power Frame is a synthetic overlay system that wraps the foot along the midfoot and helps anchor it to keep it from unwanted and dangerous movement during running and activities. Another supported feature is the 4-way stretch material of the upper. This provides a glove-like fit for the foot and helps support the runner as she moves through her natural gait cycle. Finally, the lowered heel collar is cushioned to support the ankle at it moves around and protects it from chafing and friction.
Terrain
This shoe is suggested for road running, gym activities, and everyday wear. The outsole of this shoe is slightly thinner than some and is not designed with high durability or traction elements so it is not designed for intense off road adventures. Since the shoe is lighter weight and provides good responsiveness, runners did like this shoe for track workouts and cross training at the gym.
Price
This price cannot be beat. The Reebok Express Runner is almost half as expensive as the average running shoe on the market today. That is one of the reasons it is suggested for newer runners. As runners first start out, they may feel intimidated by the higher priced running shoes and apparel, but with the Reebok Express Runner, they can get a good beginning shoe for a price that won’t break the bank.
Drop
This shoe features a more traditional heel drop. This is not a shoe for the runner looking to experiment with a natural running or zero drop shoe, but it is also not for the runner who needs added heel cushioning and a plush ride. This shoe is right in the middle of the two extremes.
Stability
This is not a shoe that is designed for the runner with specific pronation needs. This is a shoe for the neutral, beginning runner. It supports a natural gait cycle and is designed to promote freer movement. Its purpose is not to improve a runner’s stride who is suffering from over or under pronation.
Flexibility
What this shoe lacks in traction it makes up for in flexibility. Runners liked that both the upper and outsole of this shoe promoted a natural gait cycle and reported that their feel felt very free to move around but also felt protected due to the subtle support elements found in the shoe. The underfoot is designed without lugs or aggressive grip and features a pocketed design. The purpose of this design is to provide the runner with more bounce and flexibility. The outsole is also thinner and more lightweight so runners didn’t feel weighted down with added cushioning or stability features.
Traction
The underfoot design of the shoe is more focused on bounce and responsiveness than it is on traction. This shoe features no lugs or any underfoot system that is designed to catch onto the ground and hold tight. For this reason, this is not a shoe that is suggested for off-road adventures or trail racing. While there are lots of great trail shoes out there that offer superior traction, this is not one of those shoes.
Bottom Line
The Reebok Express Runner is a perfect shoe for the runner who is just starting out or the casual runner who is looking for a shoe that can be used as a casual wear shoe as much as it can be used as a gym companion or to accompany you on easy runs. This shoe is not designed to be used as a stability shoe, instead its key features are breathability and flexibility. The outsole lacks traction but the design promotes responsiveness and flexibility. The upper is made from an extremely breathable mesh and runner loved how their feet stayed cool, dry, and odor free. Plus the shoe is more than half as expensive as other running shoes on the market today.
