Reebok is an underdog in the running world. Unlike Nike and Adidas, it doesn’t have a new, category-defining shoe technology to set it apart. It also hasn’t focused on a specific niche like Hoka’s maximalist, ultra-plush shoes or Altra’s zero-drop models. Tell someone you run in Reeboks, and they might scratch their head and wonder, “does the brand even make running shoes?”
As a matter of fact, it does. While it isn’t the flashiest brand, Reebok fills an important, low-key role for runners, with shoes that stand out for their affordability and versatility.
Reebok’s history stretches back to 1895, when Joseph William Foster started making shoes in his bedroom in Bolton, England. He developed some of the first running spikes, and his renowned “running pumps” helped British runners Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell nab gold medals at the 1924 Olympic Games.
The company’s modern incarnation began in 1958, when Joseph William Foster’s grandsons founded Reebok (named after an Afrikaans word for a type of antelope). The brand launched a few notable running models in the ensuing decades, including the Aztrek in the late ‘70s, which nabbed a five-star rating from Runner’s World, and the Trinity KFS in the early 2000s, which featured a new kind of flexible upper for an improved fit and better stability.
Today, Reebok has kept pace with bigger brands by offering capable, reliable running shoes at bargain prices. The brand’s performance running lineup is small, but the best Reebok running shoes include options for everyday training, Best Winter Running Shoes for Traction and Warmth, a durable road-to-trail model, and a max-cushion shoe that’s well-suited to long runs. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best Reebok shoes for every type of runner.
Best Reebok Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Floatride Energy 5
- Best for Cross Training: Nano X3
- Most Sustainable: Floatride Energy Century Grow
- Best Running Shoes 2025: Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
- CA Notice at Collection: Floatride Energy X
The Expert: I have tested running and outdoor gear for years, both as an editor at Runner’s World and as a freelance reviewer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other category, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Reebok. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I’ve updated it regularly as Reebok releases new shoes and running shoe tech.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Reebok Running Shoes
Reebok packs quite a bit of variety into a comparatively small lineup of running shoes. Everyday trainers like the Floatride Energy 5 and the Advertisement - Continue Reading Below form the core of that lineup, offering a comfortable ride and good durability for grinding through training routines.
The company also makes the Floatride Energy X, a well-cushioned premium racing shoe with an embedded carbon fiber plate for additional energy return, and even more niche models like the Nano X3, a hybrid shoe designed for short runs and gym workouts. Whether you’re lining up for a marathon or need a shoe that can handle pavement and trails, Reebok has a model that’ll work for you.
I’ve found that Reebok running shoes have a relatively firm ride, so consider a different brand if you like a plush or bouncy shoe. (I’d recommend looking at Hoka, Nike, or New Balance CA Notice at Collection.)
While each shoe below fits a different running niche, all of Reebok’s running shoes have one thing in common–Excellent value. Reebok shoes are consistently more affordable than those of other brands, which makes them great for beginners or experienced runners who are looking for a bargain.
How We Selected The Best Reebok Running Shoes
To select the best Reebok Running Shoes, I reviewed the brand’s shoe lineup and spoke with a brand rep to learn about its current models and the features they’re designed with. I also analyzed data and tester notes from Runner’s World reviews, considered RW editor feedback, and tried out several Reebok models on my own. These shoes showcase Reebok’s best running shoe features, like We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back, and they cover a variety of running disciplines, from daily training to racing.
Pros
- Relatively light
- Floatride Energy Symmetros 2
Cons
- Firm midsole cushioning
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.4 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Floatride Energy 5 is a hidden gem of a daily trainer that impressed RW testers with its versatility, support, and comfortable ride. It has even more We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back in the midsole than previous iterations, offering improved shock absorption.
The Floatride Energy 5 offers lots of support-oriented features to help keep your feet healthy. Reebok’s X-shaped torsion plate prevents lateral twisting and keeps your feet aligned in the shoe as you run. The upper also features Reebok’s Lateral Support System, a polyester strap that connects the footbed to the bottom outer lacing eyelet, which creates a close wrap around the foot to create a secure, supportive feel.
On my test runs, I really appreciated the Floatride Energy 5’s excellent fit. The upper felt comfortable, the toe box gave my feet plenty of room to splay, and my feet stayed secure within the shoe while running. The midsole cushioning felt firm, but the Energy 5 had good overall flexibility, promoting smooth transitions, and the torsion plate gave the shoe a stable, planted feel, even when cornering or traversing uneven ground. While it’s certainly comfortable enough for everyday training at any pace, I found the shoe really came alive when I increased my speed. They made me feel light on my feet, and the firm midsole created a solid base for propulsive toe-offs. For a do-it-all trainer, the Floatride Energy 5 is an excellent deal.
Reebok Nano X3
Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Cushioned and stable
Cons
- Too heavy and firm for long runs
Key Specs
| Weight | 12.4 oz (M), 9.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 7mm |
Reebok describes the Nano X3 as “a training shoe you can actually run in.” It’s designed to handle mixed workouts, like a gym session that includes some treadmill running.
Reebok developed a new “Lift and Run” chassis system in the heel to make the shoe suitable for both lifting weights and light running. A dome-shaped plastic piece located at the back of the midsole (under the heel) compresses and firms up under load to create a stable platform when lifting, but when you’re not carrying extra weight, it’s soft enough to absorb shocks and create smooth landings for running.
Supported by Floatride Energy foam for extra shock absorption, the sole is relatively wide, especially at the forefoot. Combined with the shoe’s mostly flat, full-coverage rubber outsole, it creates very stable footing for working out in the gym. The shoe’s firm ride overall isn’t a great fit for daily training or longer runs, but this is perfect for gym days when you’re lifting weights and running a quick mile or two on the treadmill.
Pros
- Made with natural materials
- Stylish upper
Cons
- Floatride Energy 5
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.7 oz (M/W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
With the Floatride Energy Century Grow, Reebok has tried to make a more sustainable shoe. Reebok used naturally derived alternatives to the typical materials used in running shoes. The midsole foam is made from castor beans, the upper uses a fabric produced from wood pulp, and the outsole is crafted from natural rubber. The result? A comfy, capable shoe that straddles the line between a running shoe and a casual everyday sneaker, with a reduced negative impact on the planet.
I’ve tried a pair, and overall I was impressed. While I wouldn’t choose the Century Grow for hardcore training, it’s a strong walking shoe, and can handle the occasional jog, too. The castor bean foam serves up a firm but comfortable ride, and the full-coverage rubber outsole generates plenty of grip. It also gets extra points for style: The simple white background with hints of purple and orange stitching give the Century Grow an eye-catching look.
Pros
- Health - Injuries
- Best Winter Running Shoes for Traction and Warmth
Cons
- Too heavy for speedwork
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
The Advertisement - Continue Reading Below serves up a plush, well-cushioned feel that’s ideal for long runs, when you need a shoe that’ll absorb impact forces and keep your feet comfortable. If you liked the original Symmetros, you’re in luck: Version 2.0 features the exact same midsole as its predecessor. It’s made with a generous layer of We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back for reliable shock absorption.
On the bottom, the Symmetros 2 features a full-coverage rubber outsole that’s studded with tiny lugs (cleat-like protrusions) from heel to toe. The rubber layer provides excellent durability, so these shoes can survive high-mileage training regimens, and the lugs offer increased traction for a sure-footed feel, even when running on mixed surfaces.
The three-layer mesh upper is another highlight on this shoe. At the heel, Reebok used a soft fabric with integrated padding for a comfortable feel, and all the layers work together to form a close wrap around your foot, so you get a secure fit. Bottom line: The Symmetros 2 makes an excellent trainer for distance runners, and anyone who prefers a bit more cushioning under their feet.
Before locking it in, keep in mind that Reebok recently soft-launched a new version of the shoe, the Symmetros 2.5. I’m holding off on recommending it for now, as the shoe isn’t widely available at retail yet. According to Reebok, there’s very little changing in the new model–it has some minor changes to the heel design on the upper. I’ll update this section when the testers and I have had more time to check the changes out for ourselves.
Pros
- Carbon fiber plate encourages snappy transitions
- Durable enough for training and racing
- Durable ripstop upper
Cons
- Firm ride
- Heavier than other brands’ premium racing shoes
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.1 oz (M/W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
The Floatride Energy X is Reebok’s take on a carbon fiber-equipped speed shoe. Unlike other brands’ offerings, however, it’s designed for both racing and training—and that versatility combined with a sub-$200 price point make it an especially good value.
The Energy X has a porous Flexweave upper, with a thick wedge of We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back in the midsole. At the forefoot, the midsole also has a layer of soft PEBA-based Floatride Foam and an embedded carbon fiber plate. The plate flexes at landing, then straightens out at toe-off to generate extra energy return for a peppy ride.
In RW testing, reviewers turned in mixed reactions to this shoe. Heavier runners appreciated the feel of the We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back, which felt cushioned yet stable despite the shoe’s tall stack height. Smaller runners, including me, found the shoe uncomfortably firm. I found that it created smooth transitions, but lacked the plush and bouncy underfoot feel of premium racers like the Nike Vaporfly or Saucony Endorphin Elite.
The Flexweave upper offered great breathability, but the ankle collar padding didn’t create a close enough fit around the foot for some female testers, causing instances of heel lift. As RW Test Editor Morgan Petruny said, the Energy X is “a solid baseline with more good to come.”
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure
Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Versatile
- Durable ripstop upper
Cons
- Firm ride
- Outsole lugs are too shallow for traction on mucky ground
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
The Floatride Energy 4 Adventure is Reebok’s go-anywhere model, a running shoe that’s ideal for mixed-terrain runs that take you from the pavement Other Hearst Subscriptions and back again. Essentially, it’s a Floatride Energy trainer that’s beefed up for all-terrain running. It features a We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back midsole for reliable shock absorption, but the upper and outsole are optimized for durability and grip.
The upper is made from ripstop fabric to protect your feet from close encounters with branches and rocks. It also has an integrated tongue and bootie design to block out dirt and create a secure fit. The full-coverage rubber outsole amps up the shoe’s durability, and it’s studded with small lugs to dig into the dirt and generate traction.
During a short test run, I found Energy 4 Adventure created a somewhat firm ride, and I could feel the lugs squishing a bit on the pavement (though it wasn’t uncomfortable enough to derail my run). I loved the roomy toe box, however, and the shoe created a snug fit at the midfoot and around my ankles. If you prefer a firmer ride and need a go-anywhere trainer, the Energy 4 Adventure is definitely worth a look.
Q+A With Running Shoe Expert Michael Charboneau
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
