Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Very affordable pricing for an all-around entry-level trainer• Attractive design makes it look like a more expensive shoe• EVA foam midsole provides a comfortable, responsive ride• Attractive, well-designed, and breathable upper• Flexible outsole thanks to flex grooves in the forefoot
Upper
When Reebok did an overhaul on its CushRun line for this edition, they worked out some of the kinks in the construction and design of the upper. Gone is the oversized Reebok logo from the first edition, which added unnecessary weight to the original. In its place is a more traditional design for the midfoot overlay that provides the same support the former’s logo had. The stitched overlay that starts at the heel and wraps around to the midfoot keeps the foot firmly in place after lace-up. Meanwhile, the honeycomb mesh upper provides a great amount of breathability and keeps the foot cool throughout a run. The padded interior of the upper adds to the shoe’s overall comfort, while the tongue is also made of the honeycomb mesh material to provide even more ventilation.
Midsole
Runners looking for a plush but responsive ride will find it in the CushRun 2.0. With a full-length EVA midsole that provides consistent cushioning, this lightweight material provides a great amount of comfort along with a fair amount of responsiveness. For entry-level runners looking for a plush ride that doesn’t detract from the feel of the ride, the CushRun 2.0’s midsole is as straightforward as it gets.
Outsole
With an eye-catching aesthetic and a straightforward design, the CushRun 2.0’s outsole keeps with Reebok’s standards. Covered in carbon rubber for durability, the outsole is also outfitted with Reebok’s Stabilizing Frame technology, which enhances the stability of the shoe while also adding traction for a stable run. Another feature that many reviewers commented upon favorably are the flex grooves in the forefront, which provide much-needed flexibility, while the construction of the outsole also adds further cushioning to the foot.
Breathability
Reebok seems to be focusing on breathability in the CushRun 2.0. The entire upper is constructed from a honeycomb mesh that provides an excellent amount of breathability, to the point that even the tongue is made of the lightweight mesh. While its overlays cover the upper up to the midfoot, the forefoot is made entirely of the breathable mesh, providing a great amount of ventilation for the runner’s foot.
Comfort
One of the CushRun 2.0’s best selling points (to the extent that it’s even referred to in its name) is its comfort level. Although the midsole is comprised of thin EVA, this remarkable technology provides a great amount of padding and cushioning without taking up too much room or adding significantly to the weight. The upper is similarly constructed with comfort in mind, as the interior of the upper is padded to keep the foot both firmly in place while also providing a great amount of comfort. Its outsole is also outfitted with flex grooves in the forefoot to allow for a great amount of flexibility, so the foot never feels overly constrained while also delivering a plush ride.
Style
Reebok has consistently delivered stylish shoes, and for the CushRun 2.0, they deliver once again. With a smartly designed overlay on the upper that gives a sense of depth to the aesthetic of the shoe, this feature also adds a sleekness to the overall look. Meanwhile, its mesh forefoot contrasts nicely with the solid heel-to-midfoot overlay. The outsole has a kinetic design that highlights its traction points with a splash of color that really makes it pop. For fans of color schemes, the shoe is available in a wide variety of colors, with the average pair boasting of a 3-color palette of complimentary shades of the same color. Stylish without the expense, the Reebok Zone CushRun 2.0 look great as a running shoe but could also be worn as an every day sneaker without looking like you’re wearing a running trainer.
Durability
From the synthetic honeycomb mesh and the sturdy overlay that comprises the upper to its carbon rubber outsole, the CushRun 2.0 is a very durable shoe, particularly for its price range. While it may not be made with the same refinement as some other trainers – the overlays are stitched, for example, instead of seamless – this is also the trade-off for it being an extremely affordable shoe.
Protection
The carbon rubber outsole provides both decent traction and good protection against hard running surfaces while the EVA midsole, though thin, will also absorb a fair amount of shock with each footfall. The overlays on the upper are constructed to keep the foot firmly in place while also providing nominal protection. However, this being a running shoe designed for regular running surfaces, it will only provide a small amount of protection in snowy, muddy, or wet conditions. In fact, one complaint that has been leveled against this shoe is its susceptibility to rainy or otherwise damp weather.
Responsiveness
The thin EVA midsole provides a good amount of comfort but also a fair amount of responsiveness, providing the runner with a solid feeling of control over their run. In addition, the flex grooves in the forefoot of the outsole also allow for flexibility for better responsiveness while the low-cut design gives the runner a good amount of control over direction and motion. Although heavier than many running shoes, the CushRun 2.0 still delivers a responsive ride.
Support
With neutral arch support and Reebok’s Stabilizing Frame technology on the outsole, the CushRun 2.0 is a solid trainer for those with neutral pronation. Its EVA midsole will provide a fair amount of support and comfort, while the overlays of the upper will keep the foot firmly in place after lace-up. However, this is not a support shoe for those with under or overpronation.
Terrain
For the entry-level runner looking to build up their stamina around the neighborhood, down the sidewalks of their city, or on the track of their local school, the CushRun 2.0 can handle these solid, typical running surfaces. However, some criticism has been voiced that its traction is not what it should be, particularly on slippery surfaces. But on dry, even paved surfaces the CushRun 2.0’s carbon rubber outsole will hold up and keep the runner moving forward – just don’t treat these like trail running gaiters.
Price
Maybe the most attractive feature of the CushRun 2.0 (well, second-most attractive, after their style) is the price. A budget trainer even by budget trainer standards, the CushRun 2.0 doesn’t take its toll on your wallet or even makes much of a dent. For the all-around good qualities of this trainer – and even some of its weaknesses – it’s hard to find a better shoe at such an agreeable price.
Drop
With all the little tweaks and upgrades in the CushRun 2.0, Reebok kept the drop relatively standard. Featuring an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, it’s just a few millimeters lower than the standard drop but should present no problem for the runner used to the standard.
Stability
While designing the CushRun 2.0, Reebok updated the overall stability of the shoe by introducing its Stabilizing Frame technology to the outsole. This tech not only adds traction but also provides for a more stable run. However, this should not be read as the CushRun 2.0 being a stability shoe. It is designed for runners with a neutral pronation.
Flexibility
Responding to some critiques that the original CushRun was a little too stiff, in the CushRun 2.0 Reebok outfitted the forefoot of the outsole with flex grooves to provide more flexibility and promote a natural stride. Meanwhile, the overlays on the upper are fairly flexible while the honeycomb mesh of the upper is both flexible and breathable.
Traction
Reebok has outfitted the Zone CushRun 2.0’s outsole with a fair amount of traction pods and provide a good amount of traction on dry running surfaces. However, one consistent complaint of the CushRun 2.0 is that its traction is not what it should be, especially on slick surfaces. But if the main use for this trainer is for runs around the neighborhood on dry asphalt and concrete, most entry-level runners won’t find much fault in its traction.
Bottom Line
At this point, Reebok knows how to make a good shoe, and in the Reebok Zone CushRun 2.0, they also made an affordable shoe that both looks good and performs well. Its honeycomb mesh upper is designed for excellent breathability while the upper’s overlays keep the foot firmly in place and the plush padding of the upper keeps the foot snug through the whole ride. Meanwhile, its EVA midsole is lightweight, responsive, and provides a great level of comfort without feeling too soft. The CushRun 2.0’s carbon rubber outsole is outfitted with flex grooves on the forefoot to provide a good amount of flexibility while also outfitted with Reebok’s Stabilizing Frame technology for greater traction and stability.;Although there have been some complaints that this trainer’s traction is not the best, especially on wet surfaces, and the that the shoe is too heavy to be considered a “serious” trainer, entry-level runners will enjoy its extremely affordable pricing and overall quality. Its sharp design may also convince people looking for a comfortable everyday shoe to pick up a pair to wear around the house. Although not the most tenacious running shoe on the market, for its price and performance, the Zone CushRun 2.0 is yet another solid trainer from Reebok.
