Details
Brand
Reebok
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Breathable upper• Stitched overlays• ZStroke Pistons• CRTek rubber on outsole• Heel counter• Lateral and medial midfoot supports
Upper
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE upper uses a mesh material to offer a good amount of flexibility and keep the weight on the shoe lower. The upper also utilizes stitched overlays to create a side wall that holds the foot in place and provides security. The upper essentially wraps the foot providing support and stability, while also offering flexibility that the shoe is known for. There is also a heel counter that secures the heel and provides additional stability. The ankle collar is enhanced with some extra cushioning. Reviewers noted how lightweight the tongue was. The Reebok Zstrike Run SE upper is designed with flexibility and support in mind. The breathable mesh upper clearly lives up to expectations.
Midsole
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE midsole is simply designed. Reebok uses the standard EVA foam to cover the entire midsole. Reebok was able to keep this part of the shoe simple by building up the outsole and enhancing the cushioning. Reebok has still managed to provide an optimal amount of cushioning with a durable material. Reviewers felt that the cushioning was a little stiff. However, they had no other issues with the midsole.
Outsole
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE outsole uses CRTek rubber on areas of high wear to protect against abrasion. The outsole is highly durable and provides and adequate amount of traction. Most notable is the amount of flexibility the outsole offers, which is not typical for most running shoes. The large amount of vertical and horizontal flex grooves contribute to the overall flexibility of the shoe. The outsole even offers some cushioning, which is a trend Reebok has been moving towards lately. The outsole is designed to provide shock absorption during impact, and then use that energy during transition to toe-off. The outsole also has rubber pods, ZStrike Pistons, that work to improve the functionality of the midsole. Reviewers were impressed with the level of durability and amount of flexibility the Reebok Zstrike Run SE offers.
Breathability
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE uses a breathable mesh material to help keep the foot both cool and dry. The lightweight material is 4-way stretch mesh that helps wick away moisture. The mesh material also allows for air to flow through the upper into the shoe for even more breathability.
Comfort
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE has many features that contribute to the shoe’s overall comfort. Starting with the shoe’s upper that uses breathable mesh material and stitched overlays, the foot stays cool and dry. The outsole uses CRTek rubber and a system of flex grooves that make the shoe flexible and conformable. While the midsole is simple and uses EVA foam, the midsole on the Reebok Zstrike Run SE offers a good amount of cushioning that keep the feet comfortable. Reviewers were impressed with how comfortable the shoe is in general. One issue that came up with reviewers was the sizing, as some felt that the shoe ran a little smaller than other shoes.
Style
The Zstrike Run SE offers a sleek and simple design that comes in a variety of colors from bright to neutral. Combining the mesh upper with the stitched overlays creates an interesting look that is visually appealing. The white along the bottom of the shoe is not over-bearing like some other designs with more cushioning. This shoe is a stylish option for those looking for a running or lifestyle shoe.
Durability
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE is a high quality shoe that is very durable. While the shoe does not use the best of the best when it comes to Reebok’s technology, the features utilized are still quite durable. CRTek rubber is used on the outsole in areas that are high wear. This helps make the outsole durable while protecting the shoe from abrasive elements. The outsole also has various flex grooves that also contribute to the shoe’s durability. The midsole uses an EVA foam that is durable and can withstand elements often found when running on the road. The upper mesh material and stitched overlays are made with quality material that is durable. Reviewers felt that the shoe was highly durable and didn’t have any issues.
Protection
This shoe has several features that contribute to the shoe’s overall protection level. Starting with the outsole, the CRTek rubber combined with the flex grooves offer adequate protection from elements often encountered when running on the road. The midsole’s EVA foam cushioning offers its own element by protecting the foot during impact. The upper, made from breathable mesh material and stitched overlays, keep the foot safe and protected when abrasive elements often are kicked up onto the shoe. Reviewers had no issues with the protective elements on the Reebok Zstrike Run SE.
Responsiveness
This trainer is designed to use energy from the shoe to make running more efficient. On this model, the outsole and the midsole work together, with a lot of the shoe’s cushioning and responsiveness coming from the outsole. The outsole has cushioning built into it that is meant to handle shock absorption during impact, and then utilize the energy to more efficiently transition. The outsole’s ZStrike Pistons improve the functionality between the midsole and outsole. Some reviewers felt that the shoe offered a responsive feel that provided a natural toe-off. While some other reviewers felt that the shoe was more sluggish. However, this may be due to the stability features that are built in.
Support
The Zstrike Run SE is designed to support the foot, and in particular the arch of the foot. The shoe’s upper uses a mesh material and stitched overlays to support the foot. The shoe has a heel counter that provides heel stability and support by locking the foot in place. The shoe also has built in arch support. The Reebok Zstrike Run SE utilizes lateral and medial midfoot supports as well. Reviewers felt that the shoe provides an adequate amount of support.
Terrain
This shoe is designed to be used for road running. The shoe’s outsole uses CRTek rubber that is made to prevent from the abrasive nature of the road. The shoe’s flex grooves and tread design contribute to the shoe’s grip, which reviewers thought was optimal. The grips along the outsole prevent slipping and work well when wet.
Price
This shoe retails at $80. However the shoe can be found at approximately $40 online. Given that all of the Reebok high quality technology is not utilized, this is an appropriate price. However, given that the shoe is versatile and still has many high quality elements, many people would be getting a steal by purchasing this shoe. The Reebok Zstrike Run SE can be used as an everyday trainer or for racing, and purchasers can feel comfortable that they are getting a great shoe.
Drop
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE has an 8 mm drop. This is a typical drop for running shoes as it has the cushioning spread throughout the shoe rather than just in the heel. A lot of stability shoes often have a higher drop, however the lower drop could add to the shoe’s overall efficiency and comfort.
Stability
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE is considered a stability shoe as it has some elements built into the design that help support and stabilize the foot. The Reebok Zstrike Run SE has a heel counter that is made to lock the foot in place. Contributing to this is the mesh upper that has stitched overlays that wrap the foot in place to provide additional stability. The shoe also has lateral and medial midfoot supports. Reviewers were impressed with the lightweight of the shoe, even being a stability shoe.
Flexibility
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE is designed to be flexible, as this is the trend that Reebok is going towards with its shoes. The outsole utilizes a lot of vertical and horizontal flex grooves that help with the shoe’s overall flexibility. The upper uses mesh material that is supportive, yet flexible. The only aspect of this shoe that might need a little improvement on the flexibility in the midsole that is a bit stiff.
Traction
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE has a good amount of traction. The shoe’s outsole has flex grooves and a solid tread design that works well when running on roads. Reviewers felt that the rubber grip on the outsole worked very well preventing slippage, especially in wet conditions.
Bottom Line
The Reebok Zstrike Run SE is an affordable option for those looking for a new shoe. The Reebok Zstrike Run SE is a versatile option that can work for high and low mileage runners, entry level runners, and gym goers. Reebok has managed to use some of its simpler technologies to create a durable, yet affordable shoe. The Reebok Zstrike Run SE uses a durable, high quality rubber, CRTek, to create an outsole that not only protects the foot, but cushions it as well. By combining the outsole with the midsole, Reebok has managed to create a responsive shoe. Reebok is also focused on flexibility, as many of the features contribute to how easily the foot can move naturally. The outsole’s flex grooves, the EVA foam cushioning, and the mesh upper all combine to create a flexible shoe. In addition, Reebok has managed to add in stability elements to support and stabilize the foot while running including the heel counter, arch support and lateral and medial midfoot supports. The upper also provides a strong amount of support with its mesh material and stitched overlays. Reviewers were impressed with the shoe’s durability, flexibility, comfort and support. The only minor issues that were noted had to do with the stiffness of the midsole and that some people thought the shoe felt sluggish. This would be a good option for those looking to start out or looking to add a second option to the shoe rotation. This stylish affordable shoe is one worth looking into.
