Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Lower cut around collar for added flexibility• Midfoot cage adds extra support• Padded tongue and collar• Carbon rubber outsole• Hexagon nodes along underfoot for added traction• Memory tech midsole• Honey comb-shaped breathable mesh on the upper• Removable insole• Heel tab for easy on and off fit
Upper
Runners can expect to see the greatest changes to this shoe from the second version in the upper. The upper is lightened up in the third version, and in fact, it is the lightest version available in the Hexaffect line. What is clear from the design of the upper is that Reebok put a lot of effort into ensuring that runners had a breathable ride in this shoe. The entire toe box, as well as the collar of the shoe, are lined with a ventilated mesh with larger air holes.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is designed with Reebok’s memory technology midsole foam. This midsole provides the runner with added cushioning and a plush feel. Runners liked this shoe for longer runs and races as well as part of their days running and training regimen because it provided them added protection and comfort. It does a great job of absorbing the harmful shock of each footfall and returning that energy to the runner. This made the shoe a great choice for those long, grueling training runs before a marathon or half marathon.
Outsole
Reebok opted for a Carbon Rubber to line the outsole. Carbon rubber is more durable and denser than a traditional blown rubber. This provides a solid landing pad for runners that reduces their risk of injury. The unique hexagon shape that can be found throughout this shoe is highlighted in the underfoot design of this shoe. By flipping the Hexaffect Run 3.0 over, runners can see the unique node is a hexagon pattern. This is designed to not only provide the runner with added durability but also to give the runner more stability and feel safer on their feet. In addition to that, the nodes are designed to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury to the runner.
Breathability
Runners will certainly have a hard time finding a shoe that provides a more breathable ride. The entire toe box of the shoe is covered with a breathable mesh that has continuous, larger air holes for ventilation. These same design elements can be found along the heel of the shoe too, and in a unique twist, even the collar and the tongue of the shoe have a breathable material. This shoe also is covered in a unique midfoot cage. Often overlays, although good for support, can be too heavy and reduce breathability to the foot. This is not the case in the design of the Reebok Hexaffect. This midfoot cage is also extremely breathable and overall, runners commented that the upper design keeps their foot cool and comfortable.
Comfort
Runner after runner commented on the overall comfort of this shoe. They loved this shoe for their mid to long distance runs and races because it provides the right amount of cushioning and energy return to keep the runner feeling secure and comfortable mile after mile. The Memory-Tech midsole foam conforms to the shape of the runner’s foot, and this helps to provide arch support for runners. Additionally, the shoe comes with a removable insert. Runners appreciated this customizable element and were able to replace it with an orthopedic insert for added stability or cushioning depending on their needs. The midfoot cage of the upper wraps the foot in support and helps keep the foot in place which reduces the risk of blisters and irritation.
Style
Reebok is a leading sponsor of the CrossFit games, and these athletes are not only known for being incredibly fit, but also very stylish. Reebok has now become synonymous with stylish shoes, and the Hexaffect Run 3.0 is no different. This shoe has a sleek and stylish design that looks great with workout clothes as well as a casual accessory to your everyday outfits. In addition to this, the shoe comes in a plethora of fun and funky color combinations like the electric peach with atomic red and energy orange, night beacon with exotic teal and iacon pink, and motor red.
Durability
Runners were very pleased with how well this shoe stood up to extensive use. Especially in the underfoot, runners noticed that this shoe doesn’t break down easily and lasts longer than similar shoes in this price range. The hexagon shape of the underfoot is designed to add durability to the shoe and protect the entire shoe from wear and tear. The outsole is made from a carbon rubber which tends to be denser and more long-lasting than blown rubber.
Protection
In terms of protection, runners can expect to get that primarily through the underfoot design of this shoe. This shoe uses a unique nodes design that is prevalent in the hexagon pattern. This protects the runner by adding a higher level of traction to their run and by also protecting the entire shoe from premature wear and tear. In addition to this protective element, the upper of the shoe is designed with smaller details to ensure that runners are protected from irritation and discomfort. Both the collar and the tongue of the shoe are padded to reduce potential discomfort from rubbing.
Responsiveness
Runners found that the responsiveness on these shoes was adequate, but nothing remarkable. The nodes in the hexagon pattern found underfoot were more focused on providing stability and durability than responsiveness. Since the outsole is slightly thicker than the average outsole, this could have lead to a slightly less responsive fit and feel.
Support
This shoe received high marks and positive reviews for the level of support it offers. The upper of the shoe provides a midfoot cage that wraps the foot in a breathable casing. It snuggly supports the foot without sacrificing breathability and ventilation. This support helps keep the foot in place and reduces the risk of unwanted side to side movement that can lead to blisters and hot spots. In addition to this, the Memory-Tech midsole foam is designed to mold to the shape of the foot and provide more arch support for the runner.
Terrain
This shoe is suggested for road running. The weight and the cushioning make this a perfect option for long and mid-distance road running and racing. The outsole also provides added traction that makes this a good choice for slippery conditions. Runners commented that the nodes along the bottom also act as low-level lugs which makes this a good choice for jobs on grooming trails.
Price
The price of this shoe is almost too good to be true. It comes in far under the average running shoe on the market today. In addition to this, it offers a very high level of durability which adds to the overall value of the shoe. Since runners loved the various colors and styles offered in this shoe, they commented that the price is low enough to justify buying more than one pair.
Drop
This shoe features an 8-millimeter heel drop. An average running shoe has a heel drop of ten millimeters or higher. While this drop is not much lower, it is lower enough that it will take runners a little bit of getting used to. It is not suggested for runners to move directly from a traditional drop shoe to a minimalist or zero drop shoe. Instead, it is suggested that they move down slowly, and a shoe like the Hexaffect Run 3.0 is a good transition shoe for runners looking to slowly move to a zero drop.
Stability
This shoe is a neutral running shoe which means it’s for the runner who doesn’t have specific over or under pronation issues. This shoe is a good choice for the runner who isn’t looking for a shoe that will help improve their gait cycle but will offer enough support to keep the foot in place and keep the runner safe in that regard. The Memory-Tech midsole rises to conform to the shape of the foot, and this provides additional arch support for runners.
Flexibility
Runners found this shoe to be very flexible, even considering the higher level of cushioning and the thicker outsole. The majority of the flexibility of this shoe can be found in the upper’s design. Specifically around the collar, which is cut lower to promote a freer movement for the runner. The upper is made from a breathable mesh that is covered in lightweight overlays. While these overlays are designed to support the runner, they aren’t restrictive and allow the runner to move freely.
Traction
The unique design of the outsole of this shoe does a great job of adding extra traction. Although this shoe isn’t specifically designed for the trails, the hexagon shaped nodes that line the underfoot act similarly to a lug system that helps the runner attached to the ground below them. This shoe is a good choice for groomed trails but doesn’t have enough traction to carry a runner safely on more aggressive trails.
Bottom Line
Rebook’s Hexaffect Run 3.0 is a high-quality shoe that is designed to carry runners comfortably through their mid to long distance runs and races. The shoe has a unique and stylish look that runners were attracted to and came in a wide variety of colors. This shoe features a variety of technologies that put the focus on comfort and reduce the risk from harmful irritants like blisters and frictions and hot spots. The Memory-Tech midsole foam is designed to absorb the shock of each footfall and keep the runner safe from injury. It also conforms to the shape of the foot, providing added arch support. Finally, Rebook included a removable insole in this shoe. This shoe is designed as a neutral running shoe, but if runners feel like they need more arch support or more stability, they can replace the removable insole with an orthopedic midsole. The price of this shoe is more than affordable and is great for the runner on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
