Reebok FloatZig 2 Review: A Shoe for Fun-Loving Runners
When was the last time you went running just for fun? Not because you had to tick off that training run for your upcoming marathon. Not because you needed the Vitality points. And, definitely not because you committed to doing 75-hard and you can’t admit to your Instagram followers that the wheels are coming off a mere 10 days into a 75-day challenge. I’m talking about going out for a run because you’re craving movement, want to feel the wind in your hair and the road beneath your well-cushioned feet.
Running is a big trend right now, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Every day my Strava feed is littered with friends sharing their latest ‘Best Efforts’ and hostile takeovers of segments in their area. We’re all logging our achievements but for many people the constant online competition just isn’t fun anymore. The truth is, running can sometimes feel like hard work and it’s easy to fall into the trap where every run feels like a race against the clock (or your over-achieving Strava friend Susan who never takes a rest day).
But Reebok wants to challenge all that with its latest running shoe launch; the Reebok FloatZig 2. It’s a running shoe that’s all about fun and the love of running, just because. Forget overly complicated training programmes, fueling strategies, and chasing PBs. With this shoe, Reebok is acknowledging that not all runs are performance or recovery sessions; sometimes, you just want to go out for the heck of it.
If your running journey is about the love of movement and hitting the streets with your running friends, then the Reebok FloatZig 2 might just be the shoe for you.
The FloatZig 2 isn’t the fastest shoe on the block. You won’t be breaking any records in this running shoe, but you’ll have a good time from start to finish. Following in the footsteps of the FloatZig 1, this new version of the shoe promises to be bouncier and more fun than its predecessor.
The FloatZig 2 features Reebok’s new lightweight, nitrogen-injected SuperFloat+ Foam combined with re-engineered Zig Tech technology in the midsole to help create an even springier, and more stable run. With premium cushioning, great shock absorption, and higher energy return than the previous model, the latest FloatZig is built for new runners, seasoned everyday athletes, and everyone in between. With a stack height of 33mm, it’s a great choice for slow runs, recovery runs, and fun 5km outings with your running crew.
This time around the FloatZig 2 offers runners a refined Zig Tech midsole shape with improved comfort and stability. The shoe has a wider midfoot, that is still soft and springy, to provide a more stable transition through every stride. This shoe has great stability, with its more conservative 6mm drop you don’t get that aggressive rocker feel underfoot like you do with many other shoes on the market. Many other brands lean towards a 7mm – 10mm drop for their everyday training shoes but this option leans more towards a neutral running shoe that’s easier on your knees.
If you have a history of injury or reoccurring pressure in certain areas, you’ll want to pay attention to the heel-to-toe drop of your running shoes. The shoe’s drop influences how your foot strikes the ground and how force from running is distributed through your lower body while running. Lower-drop shoes (up to 6mm) increase the load on the calves and Achilles, while higher-drop shoes shift more pressure to the knees and hips.
I struggle with my left knee and Achilles when running but I had no issues with either running in the FloatZig 2. My first outing in the FloatZig 2 was a short and easy 3km run. The shoe was very comfortable, but felt quite firm underfoot. The shoe did loosen up by my third test run in them and by then I started to appreciate the smooth ride you get from these. The shoe’s outsole also provides full coverage that is decently grippy on the roads and the treadmill, giving you the confidence to keep going no matter where the road takes you.
I was most impressed with the comfort of this shoe. The FloatZig 2 has an engineered mesh upper with gusseted support through the midfoot to give you that sock-like fit, without losing the traditional tongue construction that many runners prefer. The tongue and the heel collar both have added plush cushioning for a comfortable, no-rub fit. The supportive, robust upper gives you the impression the shoe will feel a little rigid on, but there’s padding everywhere on this thing so instead you get an ultra-plush feel on foot.
There’s no doubt, Reebok’s flagship daily trainer is a looker. The FloatZig 2 has a cool retro look to it, and as someone who loves a little flash on my feet when I’m running, these ticked all the boxes on the design front.
If you’re looking for a versatile running shoe with a more neutral profile, then you’ll enjoy heading out in the Reebok FloatZig 2. It’s a great pick for a casual runner who wants something that makes a statement while still offering plenty of comfort. If you’re more focused on running for coffee with your mates over breaking finish line tape then this newbie is worth a look.
The Reebok FloatZig 2 is now available in South Africa at a price of R 2,799.
