Advertisement - Continue Reading Below FloatZig 1, From Runners World for Valencia Tourism ‘Reebok’. The brand has been making a comeback in the running market, after years of turning its focus elsewhere, and we wanted to find out all about its latest direction. One result the search engine immediately threw up was ‘Reebok is a good running brand’ – a salient reminder that this is a brand still seen by many athletes as one of the most iconic names in running.
While this stellar reputation may have been temporarily forgotten in certain corners of the sports world, the FloatZig 1 seems set to put that right with a strong return to form. To honour its new phase, Reebok has created an innovative running shoe, designed to offer an enjoyable, engaging running experience for both the casual jogger and dedicated marathon trainer. Building on its legacy as a sports brand dating back to the 1980s, and inspired by both products from the past and new technology, the FloatZig 1 seems to blend two eras and two worlds.
Reebok FloatZig 1: designed for everyday running
Before even trying out these shoes, it’s important to define exactly who they are for, and the innovations that have gone into making them so special.
From Runners World for GARMIN FloatZig 1 is a shoe designed for everyday runners: people who enjoy running and train regularly, without expecting to beat their PB on every outing. It’s versatile, fun and stylistically interesting, while offering a high level of technical performance.
Reebok FloatZig 1: the technology
At the core of the shoe is the award-winning Reebok Floatride Energy Foam midsole, made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), a feature already seen in several past Reebok models. This soft and responsive midsole is designed to cushion the impact of every step, providing a comfortable, springy feel that naturally propels you forward as you run. The result is a sturdy but lightweight midsole: around 277g (size 9) for the men’s model and 249g (size 8) for the women’s model.
Reebok FloatZig 1: the test
In short, the FloatZig 1 to the test with several running sessions on tarmac and simple dirt terrain (city parks) to get a better idea of its qualities and flaws.
The soft midsole really stands out when wearing the shoe. Its cosy, cushioned feel supports the shape of the foot well.
When you start running, the softness doesn’t turn into cushiony padding as it does with the Maxi shoes, for example. The running feel is firmer and the cushioning is just right, even for medium- to heavy-weight runners. The wide and enveloping shape of the midsole in the heel makes the initial contact very stable and secure. Transitioning from mid-stance to toe-off is very easy and fast, probably due to the ZigTech technology, which maximises the shoe’s flexibility and helps transmit energy to improve forward thrust. The shoe naturally provides support on the midfoot, thanks to a 6mm drop and a rocker shape that favours a smoother and faster foot motion.
The upper is very soft and comfortable, and also promises breathability for the summer months. That said, the fabric on the sides lacks special reinforcement points, making it ideal for neutral runners and somewhat less suitable for pronators. It seems this model is designed specifically for neutral runners, while heavy or more unstable runners have the FloatZig Symmetros, with its dual-density midsole and more structured upper. One important detail worth noting is that the front of the upper remains roomy and comfortable, even for those with wider feet.
The sole performs brilliantly on tarmac (including wet surfaces), as well as on dirt. Even more importantly, its considerable stack height promises good wear resistance.
Reebok FloatZig 1: our verdict
The FloatZig 1 is a good choice for neutral runners looking for a very comfortable and versatile shoe for everyday running. The medium-soft midsole provides good cushioning, also making it suitable for advanced runners looking for a fun, casual model for recovery days. The running feel is satisfying even when you push a little harder, but the midsole’s softness isn’t ideal for faster runs.
The shoe is suitable for neutral runners who do not overpronate, as the ‘unstructured’ midsole tends to accentuate this slightly. The same can be said for heavier runners weighing over 90 kilos, who may be inclined to lean more on the inside of the shoe.
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