Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Floatride Foam• Two-piece upper, knit and heel cage• EVA Rim• Rubber tread outsole• 8 mm drop
Upper
The Reebok Floatride Run upper is also a segment of the shoe that is nothing like other designs we have seen from Reebok and other models on the market. The upper is essentially two pieces- the knit portion and the cage on the heel. The Ultraknit portion is essentially like a sock that holds the foot in place. It is not only lightweight but also breathable. The material still is thick and stretchy. The heel cage or cradle locks the heel in place comfortably. The cage essentially molds to your foot and holds it in place, providing support. The cage also adds a unique design element as well. The only issue reviewers had with the upper was the lacing system, as it only has 3 lacing points. For runners who like a nice snug fit, it becomes a bit more difficult with the limited lacing points. Reviewers felt like they couldn’t get a customized fit or enough security from the lacing system. However, they did feel that the knit upper was very comfortable and snug, and the cage added additional support.
Midsole
The Reebok Floatride Run midsole is where a majority and the time and technology has been implemented on this shoe. Reebok has taken its time to perfect this area to ensure that the runner truly feels like they are floating when running. The foam used is described as using cells that are all similar size. This is done to create support for the underfoot that is consistent and responsive. By doing so, the foam is soft and lightweight, giving that floating feeling. This foam is not what most runners are used to having in their shoes, as it is not a typical EVA foam. In fact, the Floatride foam is 50% lighter than the EVA foam. This cushioning, in turn, helps ensure more efficient performance, as the energy return is great and the weight is lower overall. In addition to the foam, the midsole has a propulsion zone with triangles, and this uses a firmer compound. There is also a rim of EVA that sits on top of the foam that helps stabilize during impact and provide balance. Reviewers were impressed with the soft feeling of the foam, as well as its optimal responsiveness. There is a combination of lightweight foam with the necessary items to still support the foot during running.
Outsole
The Reebok Floatride Run outsole uses tread rubber to boost the shoe’s already high durability. The outsole is designed to allow the shoe to have consistent contact with the ground, creating a smooth transition during toe off. The outsole is described as having a waffle-like or ripple design. This is meant to create added traction when running on the road. Reviews were mixed about the shoe’s traction, however. Some reviewers felt that the traction was great and could be used on trails and in wet conditions, while other reviewers said that the shoe started slipping as soon as it got wet.
Breathability
The Reebok Floatride Run is not only lightweight but also breathable. When looking at the knit material, one might question how breathable the material is. The upper’s material, though thick, is very breathable, and helps keep the foot cool and dry, especially on higher mileage runs. Runners compare it to wearing a sock and describe the upper as lightweight and breathable.
Comfort
The Reebok Floatride Run is built to be a responsive and efficient shoe, but does it all add up to a comfortable shoe? Surprisingly, yes. This is an area that Reebok has obviously put its time into. The shoe uses the most comfortable and lightweight foam on the market right now. Aside from delivering responsive cushioning, the midsole provides a comfortable running experience no matter what the level of runner is utilizing the shoe. The upper is also designed to provide comfort with its knit component. Even the cage is designed for optimal comfort, as runners initially expected the cage to rub or irritate the foot, however, this never became an issue. Reviewers describe the shoe as feeling like they are simply wearing a sock. And on that note, reviewers felt like the shoe was comfortable enough to be worn with or without socks. Reviewers had no issues with comfort related to the Reebok Floatride Run.
Style
This is a sleek and stylish shoe that runners and non-runners will appreciate. Reebok has used a two-piece upper to essentially shape the design of the shoe. Using a knit portion that looks similar to a sock, and the cage that runs from the middle of the shoe to the back, the shoe looks like a modern, stylish option that most runners will appreciate. Since this is a new release, the shoe is only available in one color option, blue with black for men, and grey with a greenish-yellow for women. While the colors sound bold, Reebok uses the colors subtly to ensure that the shoe is not too flashy.
Durability
The Reebok Floatride Run is designed to be very durable. The outsole uses tread rubber to stand up to elements often found while running on roads and other surfaces. The midsole’s EVA strip is also meant to ensure an added element of durability so that the light foam stays strong. Reviewers also had no issues with the new Floatride foam, even with its lightweight and new technology. Purchasers can feel comfortable that they are getting a shoe that will last.
Protection
Reebok has added some features that contribute to the shoe’s protection. As mentioned earlier, the shoe’s midsole has essentially a protective rim that sits on top of the Floatride foam. This protective rim is made from EVA foam and is a bit stronger. In addition, the outsole is designed to protect the foot from abrasive surfaces. Even though the upper is made from a knit material, purchasers can rest assured that the foot is adequately protected with a thick, yet breathable material.
Responsiveness
The Reebok Floatride Run is designed with a focus on responsiveness. The key component of the shoe that contributes to the responsiveness is the new foam, the Floatride technology. This foam is 50% lighter than the typical EVA foam. It is designed to utilize maximum energy return and provides a bouncy feeling during impact. The outsole has a ripple-like design that makes sure that there is a contact with the ground consistently so that runners have smooth transitions during toe off. The shoe also boasts an average 8mm drop.
Support
The Reebok Floatride Run has some added features that provide support to the shoe. The upper utilizes a heel cage that locks the heel in place. This essentially stabilizes the foot during impact and transition. In addition, the knit portion of the upper provides a snug-like fit, similar to a sock. The midsole’s EVA rim under the foam provides some additional support as well. While the shoe has these features, if support is something that is needed, this is not the shoe for you. This is still a neutral shoe and does not have the added support functions overpronators would need.
Terrain
The Reebok Floatride Run is designed to be used when running on roads. The outsole uses a tread rubber to stand up to abrasive elements often found on roads. The outsole has a waffle-like of ripple design that provides good grip when running on roads, and even on some light trails. However, with the knit upper, it would be best to keep these shoes on the road and off the trails, as harder items (like sticks) could pose an issue. The shoe did have some traction issues on wet roads.
Price
The Reebok Floatride Run has an MSRP of $150. This seems to be an average price for new releases of high-performing running shoes. Given the amount of time it took Reebok to research, design, and test this shoe, purchasers should feel confident about spending the slightly higher price to get a high-quality shoe. Given the number of features this shoe is loaded with, the price seems to be very appropriate.
Drop
The Reebok Floatride Run has an 8 mm drop, which is considered slightly lower than average drop for running shoes. The cushion provides good responsiveness, and reviewers felt like it was very bouncy.
Stability
The Reebok Floatride Run is a neutral shoe, so there are not a lot of additional stability features built into the shoe. However, there are some features that contribute stability. The heel cage locks the heel in place comfortably, while keeping the heel stable. The outsole’s EVA rim also helps stabilize the foot during impact and transition. Some reviewers questioned the amount of structure and stability, as the lacing system limits how snug the foot can be. Many reviewers wanted more lacing points. If stability is something that is an important purchasing point, purchasers should look at Motion Control shoes.
Flexibility
The Reebok Floatride Run is a running shoe with some flexibility built into it. The shoe’s upper is built to be flexible with the knit portion that moves with the foot. The lightweight, new foam on the midsole, the Floatride, provides a good amount of flexibility as well. Reviewers felt that the flexibility on the Reebok Floatride Run was optimal for performance running.
Traction
The Reebok Floatride Run outsole is designed with a ripple or waffle-like tread that is meant to provide a good amount of grip when running on the road. There is also a cutout that sits below the forefront of the shoe. Reviewers felt that the shoe has a good amount of traction for running on road surfaces. Some reviewers did mention that when the road is wet, there are some slipping issues.
Bottom Line
The Reebok Floatride Run is a high performing shoe that is designed to take your running to the next level. Designed to be lightweight and responsive, Reebok has focused on using new technology that appeals to runners looking for bounce without additional weight. This shoe is ideal for longer distance races, as well as everyday running. New and experienced runners alike will appreciate this lightweight, comfortable shoe. The biggest change from other models on the market is the Reebok Floatride Run’s midsole that uses foam that is 50% lighter than the EVA that is typically used. It uses a new compound that helps create a more bouncy response during impact and is described as floating while running. The upper is also unique in that it uses a knit portion that is much like a sock and keeps the foot snugly in place, as well as a heel cage that supports the heel. These features help maintain the shoe’s lightweight feel. Purchasers who need more support or stability should look elsewhere though. With an MSRP of $150, runners looking to add a new shoe to their rotation should feel confident about trying this new offering from Reebok.
