Reebok’s reveal of the summer time is the second iteration of the FloatZig, its crowd-pleasing each day coaching shoe. With re-engineered “Zig Tech” expertise, the model says the FloatZig 2 provides a springier, bouncier, and extra steady run than its predecessor.
With nostalgic 90’s aesthetics and an reasonably priced value level, Reebok trainers have lengthy been favorites amongst informal runners. However the performance-focused lineup they’ve launched over the previous few years, together with the FloatZig 2, suggests the model could also be tapping into an viewers of extra severe athletes now as effectively.
I examined out this cushiony new mannequin on the street and on the path to see if it stacks as much as the hype.
- Broad Ft: Sure, the FloatZig 2 has a wider midfoot geometry than the earlier mannequin and a roomy sufficient toe field to accommodate wider ft. It solely is available in one width.
- Heavier Runners: The sturdy however versatile sole and improved cushion expertise make these nice for heavier runners.
- Lengthy Runs: I discovered these felt just a little laggy after 5 or 6 miles. However in case you have a tendency to love extra construction and cushion these would possibly give you the results you want on longer runs.
- Entrance of the Pack: Not the choose for pace. A softer midsole and relative heftiness in comparison with pace footwear make these higher for restoration runs and straightforward miles.
That is an reasonably priced working shoe with sufficient cushion to hold you thru half marathon coaching. It’s a firmer really feel than some footwear, however that’s not a nasty factor for shorter miles.
Reebok FloatZig 2 Overview
It was clear the second I put these on that the FloatZig 2 is designed to present you a cushty, fulfilling run. It’s obtained a average heel drop, a pure rocking really feel, and places lots of cushion between your foot and the bottom with out feeling such as you’re stepping on trampolines.
Our favourite factor although is seeing a model making an attempt to remain on the decrease finish of the value vary. It’s uncommon at this level.
That may very well be as a result of it’s only a 33mm stack top, which means they haven’t gone to the max cushion model and that’s going to assist price. We predict it’s useful to have a decrease much less tender shoe within the rotation, however do want this one felt higher for longer runs.
I first took these out on a hilly 5k loop that has downhill segments with free grime and a few sharp rocky bits for good measure. I didn’t have tremendous excessive hopes for slippage safety due to the shallow tread (and realizing it’s not designed for trails), however was pleasantly shocked by how stable I felt on my ft the entire time.
They undoubtedly fared higher grip-wise than my Hoka Cliftons on the identical path, and guarded the bottoms of my ft higher than my lugged however minimally cushioned Salomon Speedcross 6s. Yet one more factor to notice right here is that rocks and particles tended to sneak inside them simply.
On paved roads the FloatZig 2 completely follows via on its promise of a easy journey. The rocker form and durable outsole will carry you proper alongside at a straightforward impartial gait.
Reebok says in the event that they “needed to describe what Floatzig looks like in a single phrase, it will be ‘springy.’” I take challenge with this, as a result of I affiliate springiness tremendous gentle weight and a extra responsive midsole that provide you with that feeling of easy propulsion off the ball of your foot while you push ahead.
The FloatZig 2s have neither of these, however they’re additionally not going to weigh you down or really feel too mushy.
My on a regular basis footwear these days are the Hoka Mach 6 and Clifton 9, each of which have a 5mm heel drop. I additionally alternate in my zero drop Altras every now and then. You wouldn’t suppose a single millimeter would make a distinction, however particularly after I was first getting warmed up, I may actually really feel how the rock was giving me just a little further energy.
For my each day wants and the way my ft really feel after a long term I’ll nonetheless normally go for a decrease drop shoe. I may see these changing into a go-to for strolling and easy path mountaineering.
And for individuals who like a barely extra minimal shoe, it’s an excellent choice! Particularly with the rocker that helps your gait move extra easily.
Reebok Floatzig 2 Specs
- Weight: 8.8oz ladies’s, 10.4oz males’s
- Stack Peak: 33mm heel
- Heel to Toe Drop: 6mm
- Not accessible in broad sizes
- Out there in 5 colours
- Out there on Reebok web site for $120
Fast Take
- Good traction
- Roomy toebox
- Good rocker base
- Firmer cushion
- Not as springy as marketed
- Heat higher
I obtained these within the Chalk/Yellow/Aqua colorway which is a pleasant impartial palette with just a bit further coloration. I feel the chunky soles and general traditional retro Reebok look is enjoyable, and you’ll undoubtedly put on these with an informal outfit as simply as along with your working gear.
Reebok FloatZig 2 Match
Lengthwise we expect on the lads’s measurement it’s possible you’ll need to go up a 1/2 measurement based mostly on lots of suggestions. We discovered the ladies’s to look fairly on the nostril.
I actually appreciated how the width of the toe field felt. I’ve slender ft, so normally if a shoe particularly boasts a large toe field, it gained’t work as effectively for me via the midfoot and heel. However these gave my toes all of the room they want with out slipping and rubbing elsewhere.
That is very padded shoe when it comes to match, with a thick tongue and heel collar.
With the thick tongue and padding throughout, my ft obtained scorching too rapidly if I wore them on hotter days and by the tip of the longest runs I wore them for, they began to really feel restrictive round my arches.
For a shoe and not using a ton of cushion, it’s some how nonetheless pretty heavy. Now once more that is possible as a result of we aren’t paying for that prime finish foam. So it’s a commerce of of value for some pace.
We do suppose the general shoe will probably be sturdy, however in all probability greatest for these coaching for a half or shorter distance, except you actually love a firmer cushion.
Comparable Sneakers to the Reebok FloatZig 2
We’ve examined a couple of different trainers that really feel just like this reasonably cushioned shoe, however totally different based mostly on the model match:
71%
The FloatZig 2 is a firmer and barely heavy low drop coach, however we do love the lower cost level. It’s going to have a selected market of these coaching for shorter distances who don’t desire a softer cushion.
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