Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Smooth Fuse Seamless upper• Stylish design• Rubber hits for traction• EVA Midsole
Upper
The Runner Ultk’s upper is made of a seamless design, called SmoothFuse by Reebok. This material is very flexible, and its seamlessness makes it very durable. This is because seams are often spotted where tears and other damages can occur. A seamless design is much less vulnerable to these kinds of damages. Unfortunately, the upper is not mesh, which has become a great deal more common in today’s running shoes. Despite not being mesh though, the SmoothFuse still is quite flexible and is decently breathable as well. Also, a plus of not being mesh is the aforementioned durability. The upper of the Runner Ultk is also cut a bit lower than most shoes, which gives an interesting feel. The tongue of the shoe instead extends around, which is a bit unique when it comes to design.
Midsole
The midsole within the Reebok Plus Runner Ultk uses an injected EVA, or ethylene vinyl-acetate foam. EVA foam is another popular choice for running shoe midsoles. This is due to some of its useful inherent properties, including being lightweight, springy, responsive, and durable overall. Injected EVA is a bit higher quality than standard EVA, as it allows the foam to fill out certain areas and provide better cushioning and more comfort. Injected EVA can also be softer in some spots for this exact purpose, and is found near the heel of this shoe. The midsole of the Reebok Plus Runner Ultk is a bit lacking, but still provides decent cushioning and responsiveness thanks to the EVA it employs.
Outsole
The Reebok Plus Runner Ultk’s outsole is mainly made up of a carbon rubber blend. Carbon rubber is a popular choice for outsoles, due to the fact that it generally is pretty durable, and also has solid traction. The rubber employed by the Runner Ultk’s outsole does a pretty good job in both of these departments, thanks to the rubber used. Additionally, the shoe features small rubber hits. These function similarly to lugs and also help to add some extra traction.
Breathability
Breathability in the Plus Runner Ultk is pretty good. The main piece affecting breathability is the upper, which is common for running shoes. The upper of the Plus Runner Ultk is made with the previously mentioned SmoothFuse design. This seamless structure is pretty breathable and has breathability slots designed to allow air to flow all throughout the shoe. It does a pretty good job at this but doesn’t do as well as a mesh would.
Comfort
Comfort is pretty good in the Runner Ultk. The shoe’s main factors that affect this are the upper and the midsole. The upper is comfortable thanks to the prior discussed SmoothFuse design. This construction, made without any seams, is pretty solid in the flexibility and breathability departments. This, of course, makes for a more comfortable shoe overall. The midsole contributes to comfort with the EVA foam. The foam helps to cushion the feet underneath while running, and also helps to absorb and redistribute impacts and shocks. This leads to a smoother ride overall, which of course is more comfortable.
Style
The Reebok Plus Runner Ultk is an example of one of these shoes. The low cut, wraparound tongue design is very visually appealing and looks quite trendy. Additionally, the shoe is available in dark and solid colors, as well as bright combinations. The Runner Ultk is definitely viable as an everyday shoe, which is a great plus for sure.
Durability
Durability is fairly strong in the Reebok Plus Runner Ultk. The main pieces that influence this are the upper, midsole, and outsole. Uppers on running trainers have generally trended towards mesh which has good advantages in breathability and flexibility. There is one area where solid constructions still win out, however, and that is in durability, particularly when the upper is seamless. This is exactly the case for the Runner Ultk, with its SmoothFuse upper. This is much less susceptible to tearing than an ordinary mesh, which helps to extend the shoe’s lifespan. The midsole adds to durability through its EVA foam. EVA is a durable material, as it is very good at retaining its original shape and springiness, even over prolonged periods of impact. This gives the shoe the ability to keep cushioning and responding even after many miles have been logged. Finally, the rubber on the outsole is durable, resisting impacts as well. This makes it suitable for heavier mileage, without the risk of wearing through. Overall, the Runner Ultk is durable thanks to these features.
Protection
The primary sources of protection in the Runner Ultk are the midsole and the upper. The midsole protects the feet once again through the EVA foam. This material cushions the foot pretty well, and does a solid job of handling impacts. This protects the feet and legs from unnecessary wear and tear, which can lead to injury down the road. The upper protects the feet from the exterior elements, like dirt, dust, and debris. It additionally protects the feet by holding them securely in place. These are the only features that affect protection in a significant way.
Responsiveness
The primary piece that affects responsiveness in a majority of shoes is the midsole. This is the true for the Reebok Plus Runner Ultk as well. The midsole is made of EVA foam. EVA is pretty good at returning energy and makes the shoe fairly responsive overall. Apart from this, the shoe is noticeably lacking from other features that bolster responsiveness.
Support
In the Plus Runner Ultk, support is mostly generated from the midsole and the upper. The midsole adds support with its EVA foam. The two different foams in the sole do an excellent job of cushioning and redirecting the force from impacts. The upper is especially supportive thanks to the Smooth Fuse design. A solid, seamless construction here makes the top of the shoe support the foot very well from above, making for a more comfortable stride. These are the main pieces which add support to the shoe, and they do a pretty good job.
Terrain
The Plus Runner Ultk is pretty standard when it comes to terrains. The shoes will likely perform best on city terrains, such as sidewalks and roads. They definitely can function well on non-city terrains as well however, including surfaces like trails and grass. Overall, most terrains should not pose a major issue for the Runner Ultk. Only the most extreme of terrains or weather conditions might become problematic.
Price
This shoe has a price tag that is a bit high for the features it offers. If you shop around, you can probably find a decent discount at a variety of retailers.
Drop
The Runner Ultk has a fairly standard drop for the type of trainer it is. Reebok doesn’t tend to have overly minimalist or overly large drops, and this shoe follows suit.
Stability
Once again, the main pieces that are essential to the Runner Ultk’s stability are the midsole and the upper. The midsole adds stability through its EVA cushioning. This cushioning makes the shoe stable by absorbing and reducing shocks from each step. This makes the ride more stable, and more safe and comfortable as a result. The upper helps to stabilize the feet through the security of the upper. The secure and stable upper makes the top of the feet very stable while running, which is helpful in reducing the chance of a twist or sprain.
Flexibility
The Reebok Plus Runner Ultk is pretty good when it comes to flexibility, though it is definitely not exceptional. Mesh uppers are usually prefered for greater flexibility, due to their special woven properties. The upper of the Runner Ultk is not mesh, but it is still pretty good at flexing and adapting to a runner’s twists and turns. This is important to help mitigate strains or twists that can occur from running.
Traction
The main factor that affects traction in the Runner Ultk is the outsole. The outsole of the Runner Ultk is made of a carbon rubber, as previously mentioned. This rubber is pretty good at gripping the ground and providing a comfortable level of traction. The rubber hits also aid in this, making for a very solid grip overall. As mentioned above, traction will be strongest in city terrains, but should still be very functional in off road terrains as well. Rain shouldn’t cause too much of an issue either, though caution should definitely be exercised.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Runner Ultk is a pretty decent shoe. Most of its features are standard, but it doesn’t really do much to separate itself from other popular shoes, apart from its somewhat unique style. If found for the lower end of its price points, this shoe would be a great buy for anyone looking for a standard, no frills shoe. For the higher end of its prices, the shoe is a bit pricey for sure.
