Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• TriZone midsole• LiteStrike EVA sock liner• SpeedTrac outsole• Low-cut design• Breathable upper• Lower 6mm drop• Lightweight design, coming in at only 6 oz
Upper
The upper of a shoe is anything above the sole and includes the area that covers the top of your foot, toes, sides of your feet, heel, and so on. It is important in any shoe to have something that is going to be comfortable and protect you from injury, including those caused by the shoes themselves. The Harmony Racers are made with uppers that address all of those things. First, Reebok uses their SmoothFuse material for the upper to give the shoe a more snug fit so your foot is not sliding around inside the shoe while you are running. The shoe offers the runner a sock-like fit and seamless feel to help prevent your foot from rubbing against the material and causing blisters or other sores. Finally, the upper is extremely comfortable and made with a thin, soft material and has a superior fit.
Midsole
As these shoes are classified as a running flat, they do have a thinner midsole than other running shoes. The midsole is the layer of the shoe that sits between the outer sole of the shoe and inner sock liner and is made to help runners with shock absorption. The Reebok Harmony Racer uses a 3D LiteStrike layer in their midsole that is both lightweight and responsive, which are two important aspects of a running shoe. The lightweight material is important because, well, it is lighter and can keep the weight down on the shoe making it easier on the runner. The responsiveness is also important because it helps with shock absorption and can assist in propelling the runner with each step.
Outsole
The outsole is important in any shoe. It is the first line of defense the runner has against the ground. It is imperative to have something that will protect the runner’s feet while they are on the run. The Reebok Harmony Racer’s outsole is made for road runners and they were built to protect your feet while on the go. The shoes use a SpeedTrac outsole. The outsole has a thin layer of carbon rubber on the bottom, strategically placed, to give the runner some extra protection and traction. The way the rubber is placed around the bottom of the sole provides ultimate traction while still allowing the shoe to be flexible enough to provide a natural foot movement.
Breathability
The synthetic SmoothFuse upper allows for breathability. Breathability is important in a shoe, especially a running shoe that you will be wearing for long runs. Breathability is important because not only does in allow airflow to your feet, but it also lets your body’s moisture and vapors be released so your feet are not swimming in their own sweat. This allows you to run those long distances without worrying about your feet overheating and keeping them just a little bit more comfortable.
Comfort
Many runners have noted that these shoes are very comfortable, especially for a running flat that would normally sacrifice some comfort to keep the weight down. Even though these are lightweight, Reebok did not give up too much padding for the sake of it. With the use of the 3D Litestrike layer, Reebok is able to keep the weight down without doing away with responsive cushioning. In addition to the midsole, the upper also keeps your feet cozy while training. The Harmony Racer fits the runner snuggly while the thin and seamless material of the upper gives you a sock-like feel.
Style
Many runners have commented on the variety of available colors that they can choose from. Customers of these unisex running shoes can choose from blue, black, white, and guava punch. The Reebok Harmony Runner features a low cut design for a sleek look while also allowing the runner free range of movement of their ankles. The shoe also prominently features their iconic logo on the sidewall of the shoes.
Durability
The Reebok Harmony Racers are a durable shoe, as far as running flats go. The outsole is made with Reebok’s SpeedTrac technology which utilizes a carbon rubber, emphasized on the heel strike, to increase the life of these shoes. The midsole, however, is probably what is going to wear out in these shoes the fastest, as is with most shoes in a similar class. The cushioning in these shoes is thin, due to the nature of the shoe, and can wear out relatively fast. The constant, repetitive, pounding on the pavement or track will take a toll of the midsole of the Harmony Racers. It is, however, something that runners expect and comparatively, these shoes do last longer than other running flats.
Protection
It is important when purchasing shoes that you get the ones that match your specific needs to ensure adequate protection. The Reebok Harmony Racers are running flats that are best worn with running short or long distances in mind. The responsive cushioning, even though it is not much, helps you rebound with each step, and more importantly, gives you added shock absorption. The SmoothFuse upper also helps to keep your feet protected because of its thin, seamless material helping to prevent chafing, especially when out for a long run.
Responsiveness
The 3D LiteStrike layer that makes up the Reebok Harmony Racers helps the responsiveness of the shoe. The midsole is important in running shoes and the cushioning and the materials that make up that midsole is exceedingly paramount when considering how responsive the shoe is going to be for the runner. You want something that is going to absorb the shock of each step to keep you from hurting yourself, but you also need something with a little more give so you get that little spring in your step to help propel yourself forward. These shoes do not offer too much when it comes to cushioning, as it is a racing flat and not a running shoe, but what cushioning they do have is very efficient and gives you a higher energy return and helps boost your speed.
Support
It is important when purchasing shoes to know what you will need in the way of support. These shoes offer some support, but they still may not be supportive enough for you. Reebok uses an asymmetrical midsole design in the forefront of the foot of the Harmony Racer to help offer you additional support while on the run. In addition to the midsole, the low-cut design of the shoe allows for more natural movement of the ankles, helping you to use a more natural gait while running.
Terrain
The Reebok Harmony Racers are racing flats that are best used while running in gyms, on roads, or any other flat, non-abrasive surfaces. It is not recommended to go off the beaten path with these shoes and to stick to roads, tracks, and gyms. With the way the outsole of this shoe is designed, there is only the high carbon rubber on the most important parts on the bottom, so these shoes are not going to protect you too much if you stray. It would not be recommended to try these shoes on dirt or gravel roads, as they will not protect the bottoms of your feet from jagged rocks or other abrasive materials you may step on.
Price
The price of the Reebok Harmony Racer is very reasonable, coming in at only $100 MSRP. As far as running flats go, these run on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to cost. Customers have commented on how much they love these shoes and that they are well worth the price tag.
Drop
The drop of these running flats comes in at 6mm. That is the difference in the distance from the heel to the toe. For running flats, this is on the average side. A lower drop means there is less padding in the forefront of the foot so there is a little less padding up there, but somehow runners do not seem to notice too much of a difference in these Reebok Harmony Racers.
Stability
The Reebok Harmony racers are classified as a neutral running shoe, and not a stable running shoe. That is not to say that these shoes do not offer anything in the way of stability, because they do, just not as much as some runners may need. These shoes are not recommended for runners who overpronate (your foot rolls inward a little while running), however, they are perfect for those runners with a more natural gait. The low cut design of this running shoe allows the runner a more natural movement in their ankles and therefore encourages the runner to use a more natural gait.
Flexibility
The Reebok Harmony Racers allow the runner flexibility with each step they take. It is important to wear something that is going to allow you better, more natural movement of your feet while running, especially if you are running longer distances. Without the flexibility of running shoes, you run the risk of injury in your feet.
Traction
The carbon rubber on the heel strike of the outsole gives these shoes a good grip for excellent traction. Reebok uses an ultra-thin layer of high abrasion rubber placed along the outsole for additional traction. The Reebok Harmony Runners will help you keep your grip and prevent you from slipping and sliding while running, whether you are running a marathon on a dry sunny day, or running a mile track in the rain.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is, if you are looking for a good, budget-friendly, racing shoes then the Reebok Harmony Racer might be just what you are looking for. These shoes are super comfortable, with their snug fitting upper and cushioned midsole. The responsiveness of the midsole mixed with the lightweight design gives runners the added advantage when they are going for speed in a race. These shoes may not be at the top of the line when it comes to other running flats, but they definitely do give them a run for their money.
